Air purification and sterilization unit

Abstract

An air purification device is disclosed having a housing for holding a photo catalytic oxidation (PCO) unit and a fan assembly. The device can also optionally include a filter compartment for holding a filter, such as a HEPA filter. The air purification device is configured to provide effective purification and sanitization of air in a target room environment, and in particular in a medical environment such as a hospital.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Conventional systems used to treat ambient air and remove airborne particulate matter include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems. These systems use filters that need to meet certain HEPA requirements, such as being able to remove 99.97% of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 μm from the air passing through the filter. While HEPA filtration systems can help remove airborne particulate matter, they are subject to all the limitations common to filtration systems, such as filter clogging over time and the need for continuous monitoring and replacement. Filter-based systems also cannot disable chemicals, remove unwanted gases, or remove smaller odor-producing molecules. Furthermore, while HEPA filtration systems can remove a variety of airborne contaminants, they cannot treat contaminants on nearby surfaces.

[0002] Other systems may use activated carbon filters or electrostatic filters. While these filters can be used to enhance the ability to capture contaminants and improve filtration effectiveness, they still suffer from the limitations common to filtration-based systems, such as filter replacement, filter performance degradation over time, and inability to handle surface contaminants.

[0003] Other air purification systems, often called "ion generators," are designed to release negative ions into the surrounding air. These ions attach to positively charged pollutants, such as pollen and dust. The pollutants are then depressed and are more likely to settle or be captured in the collection plate. However, because many pollutants simply move to the floor or wall rather than be destroyed or removed, they can re-enter the air after the negative ions dissipate or separate. If collection plates are used, they must be cleaned or replaced regularly, just like any filtration system.

[0004] Other air purification systems are designed to use ultraviolet (UV) radiation to inactivate and / or degrade airborne contaminants. These systems may be called UV germicidal irradiation or UVGI air purifiers. The UV light is typically tuned to short-wave UV light (UV-C light). In operation, air is directed through the system and through one or more UV lamps, with the aim of directly disinfecting the passing air using UV light. While UVGI systems are able to destroy some contaminants, rather than capturing / filtering all passing contaminants, they have limitations. For many bacterial and fungal contaminants, especially spores, brief exposure to UV light is insufficient to effectively destroy the contaminant. Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may also be resistant to UV energy, or worse, react with UV light in ways that make them more harmful to nearby individuals.

[0005] Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) air purifiers are somewhat similar to UV air purification systems because they also utilize UV ​​light. However, instead of using UV light to directly interact with passing pollutants, PCO systems direct the UV light onto a catalyst material. Water molecules in the ambient air then interact with the UV light and the catalyst to generate various oxidants, such as hydroxyl radicals. These oxidants can then attack organic molecular pollutants and degrade them into less harmful substances.

[0006] Therefore, PCO systems do not capture contaminants, but rather destroy and remove them from the treated environment. However, conventional PCO systems have some limitations. For example, the passing air must be brought close enough to the catalyst to mix with the generated oxidant and contact the airborne contaminants. Ideally, a portion of the generated oxidant should also continue through the catalyst and UV lamp, allowing the oxidant to reach nearby surfaces and also treat surface contaminants.

[0007] Therefore, several design decisions must be made to position the catalyst material and UV components relative to each other and relative to the airflow path. Insufficient contact between the passing air and the catalyst material, or insufficient irradiation of the catalyst material, will result in reduced oxidant generation, poor mixing of the oxidant with the air, or both, ultimately leading to suboptimal treatment of contaminants. On the other hand, excessive contact between the catalyst and the airflow path and / or between the UV components and the airflow path may unnecessarily restrict airflow, increasing the operating power requirements of the system and / or reducing the volumetric airflow through the system. Reduced airflow will hinder the system's treatment effectiveness, increase the time required for the system to clean the target environment, and / or impede the system's ability to discharge oxidant far beyond the catalyst—where the oxidant can treat surface contaminants.

[0008] Therefore, there is a continuous need for improvements to PCO-based air purification systems. An effective air purification unit should be able to easily treat and purify ambient air. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Various objects, features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, all of which form part of this specification. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to denote corresponding or similar portions in the various figures, and the various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 The illustration shows a perspective view of an exemplary air purification device;

[0011] Figure 2 The diagram shows Figure 1 An air purification device, with the entrance door in the open position to illustrate certain internal features of the device;

[0012] Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 2 An air purification device in which the internal panel has been removed to illustrate additional internal features of the device;

[0013] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the PCO unit and fan assembly of an air purification device;

[0014] Figure 5 The illustration shows a detailed view of the PCO unit; and

[0015] Figure 6 The PCO unit is further illustrated, with some parts removed to better show certain internal features of the PCO unit. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Introduction

[0017] Exemplary air purification devices are described herein. In one embodiment, the air purification device includes a housing for accommodating a PCO unit and a fan assembly. The device may also optionally include a filter compartment for holding a filter, such as a HEPA filter. As described in more detail below, the air purification device is configured to provide effective purification and hygienic treatment of air in a target indoor environment.

[0018] The air purification devices described herein may be particularly beneficial for purifying and disinfecting the air in medical environments such as wards, emergency rooms, operating rooms, doctors' offices, examination rooms, recovery rooms, and nurseries. Therefore, the air purification units described herein can beneficially reduce or prevent hospital-acquired infections. The combination of HEPA filtration and PCO activity is used to remove contaminants (via filtration) and destroy / kill any remaining contaminants / pathogens (via an oxidant generated by the PCO unit). Carbon filters and / or ion generators may also be selectively added to further enhance the effectiveness of air purification.

[0019] Positional descriptors such as "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "back," "forward," "backward," "vertical," "horizontal," and "lateral" are used to facilitate the description of the relative positions of different components of the air purification device described herein. However, it should be understood that the operation of the components of the device 100, including the PCO unit, is not necessarily dependent on orientation, and therefore in some applications, for example, the "down" side will not necessarily face the direction of gravity, and the longitudinal axis of the PCO unit does not necessarily need to be orthogonal to the ground.

[0020] The embodiments described herein can also provide enhanced overall performance compared to conventional systems or systems that do not have the same structural features and / or optimizations. As used herein, "enhanced overall performance" means, based on a power reference (e.g., per watt used by the device) and a volume reference (e.g., per cm² occupied by the device). 3 (or both) the ability to remove contaminants from a given room / environment.

[0021] Overview of air purification devices

[0022] Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary air purifier 100 is illustrated. The air purifier 100 shown includes a housing 102, in which other components, described in more detail below, are housed. The housing 102 provides protection for internal components of the device 100, such as moving parts (e.g., a fan) and components that emit ultraviolet light (e.g., from an internal PCO unit).

[0023] The housing 102 may include one or more handles 104 to allow the device 100 to be moved to a desired location. As shown, such handles 104 may extend along the upper side of the housing 102 and / or may be positioned along the side of the device 100 and / or at other suitable locations. The housing 102 may also include a set of wheels 110 (e.g., casters) to facilitate easier movement and positioning to the desired location.

[0024] The air purification device 100 may also include a user control 106, which may include indicator lights, fan speed controls, a timer, one or more power buttons, or combinations thereof. Outlet 108 allows air to flow outwards into the surrounding environment after being treated and purified within the device 100. Inlet 109 (see...) Figure 2 It can be positioned on the opposite side of unit 100 to receive air from the surrounding environment. Therefore, air flows through device 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 112.

[0025] Figure 2 The illustration shows an air purifier 100 in a partially open position. As shown, a portion of the housing 102 may be formed as a door panel 114, which can be selectively opened / closed by manipulating a door handle 116 to allow the door panel 114 to swing open / close. The door panel 114 can be opened to reveal the filter compartment 118 and the inner panel 122. The PCO unit 120 may extend partially through the inner panel 122 to allow access for maintenance and / or replacement.

[0026] The filter compartment 118 is configured in size and shape to accommodate one or more air filters, such as preferably HEPA filters. One or more other types of filters, such as carbon filters, may also be used alternatively. A grille 119 may be positioned to separate the filter compartment 118 from the remaining internal compartments of the unit 100. Thus, when the air filter is located within the filter compartment 118, it sits between the inlet 109 and other internal components of the device, including the PCO unit 120 and the fan. The filter can be easily inspected and / or replaced by opening the door panel 114 without further opening of the device 100 or exposing the user to other components of the internal compartment.

[0027] Therefore, device 100 can be operated to combine the functionality of HEPA filtration with PCO activity to more effectively purify the air in the target environment. By using filtration before the air is introduced into the PCO unit, relatively large pollutant particles can be filtered out, while unfilterable particles or particles that pass through the filter are subsequently exposed to the oxidant generated by the PCO unit. This effectively results in a relatively high concentration of oxidant for the pollutants and improves the overall purification capacity of device 100.

[0028] Figure 3 An air purification device is illustrated, wherein the inner panel 122 is removed to allow better visibility of some components in the internal compartment 124. The device 100 may include one or more safety switches 126 (e.g., proximity sensors, mechanical sensors, etc.) that prevent operation of internal components when the inner panel 122 is not in the proper position. The one or more safety switches 126 may be configured, for example, to prevent operation of the fan assembly 130 and / or one or more ultraviolet lamps of the PCO unit 120.

[0029] Fan assembly 130 is coupled to outlet 108 and configured to remove air from internal compartment 124 through outlet 108. Fan assembly 130 preferably includes a centrifugal fan that receives air near the fan's axis and moves the air in a direction substantially perpendicular to that axis. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, air from below (and / or above) fan assembly 130 enters along the fan's axis and moves outward through outlet 108.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the fan axis is vertically oriented, but other embodiments may position the axis horizontally or at some other suitable angle. The PCO unit 120 in... Figure 3 Not visible in the view, but preferably typically positioned upstream of the fan assembly 120, such as from the... Figure 4This will be evident in the relevant discussion. One or more other types of fans, such as axial or cross-flow fans, may be included, either additionally or alternatively.

[0031] Figure 4 The illustration shows a bottom perspective view of the PCO unit 120 and fan assembly 130, with other components of the device removed for better observation. Arrow 112 indicates the airflow path (however, some air may also enter the fan assembly 130 from the upper side). As described in more detail below, the PCO unit 120 operates to generate an oxidant that mixes with the passing air. This oxidant can then be used to destroy contaminants present in the passing air. At least some of the oxidant can also leave the device 100 to travel beyond the device 100 and enter the target environment. This oxidant can then contact surfaces within the target environment to provide disinfection on those surfaces.

[0032] Photocatalytic oxidation unit

[0033] Figure 5 This is a detailed view of the PCO unit 120. The PCO unit 120 is operatively coupled to a ballast 128. The ballast 128 may include electronic circuitry for controlling the power supply to one or more ultraviolet lamps in the PCO unit 120. The PCO unit 120 includes a frame 142 configured to provide a structure for supporting and orienting one or more ultraviolet lamps and one or more photocatalytic unit panels 140. The frame 142 may also include an attachment segment 143 connected to an access panel 144 extending beyond the internal compartment 124 to facilitate easier access to the PCO unit 120 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 ).

[0034] Figure 6 The illustration shows a view of a PCO unit 120, with one of the photocatalytic unit panels removed to better illustrate the internal components of the PCO unit 120. As shown, the PCO unit 120 preferably includes a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 150. The plurality of lamps 150 may be arranged in a vertically “stacked” manner, such that each lamp is arranged along a plane substantially parallel to the unit panel 140 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 160 of the unit. Each ultraviolet lamp 150 may extend horizontally along a line transverse to or substantially perpendicular to the airflow path (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the unit 120). Although two lamps 150 are shown here, other embodiments may include more than two lamps 150, such as three, four, five or more such lamps 150.

[0035] The PCO unit 120 also includes an intermediate reflector 146 disposed between the first and second ultraviolet lamps 150 and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, similar to the lamps 150. The intermediate reflector 146 is configured to reflect light from each of the ultraviolet lamps 150, such that the reflected light has a greater probability of impacting the photocatalytic surface of the unit panel 140. Even though the intermediate reflector 146 is disposed between the lamps 150 and thus prevents some light from each lamp 150 from reaching portions of the photocatalytic surface near the opposing lamp 150, it has been surprisingly found that the overall photocatalytic activity of the unit 120 is enhanced by using the intermediate reflector 146.

[0036] The intermediate reflector 146 also includes a base surface 145 and angled features 144 extending from the base surface 143 at an angle. For example, as shown, the base surface 145 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the angled features 144 include one or more angled surfaces, each extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. It has been found that providing such angled features 144 helps to diffuse and reflect ultraviolet light in a manner that provides better interaction with the photocatalytic surface of the unit panel 140, thereby further improving the overall photocatalytic activity of the device.

[0037] The angled feature 144 includes one or more peaks 148 (i.e., the portions extending furthest from the base surface 145). As shown, the peaks may extend in a direction transverse to (i.e., substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis 160. Therefore, the intermediate reflector 146 can be formed as a strip of metal or other suitable material shaped / folded to produce the angled feature 144. This configuration has been found to be easy to manufacture and functionally effective in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the device. The intermediate reflector 146 is also readily integrated into the frame 142 by insertion into the sidewall of the frame 142. Embodiments with more than two UV lamps 150 may include multiple intermediate reflectors (e.g., between each pair of lamps 150).

[0038] The PCO unit 120 may also include one or more external reflectors 162. The external reflectors 162 may be formed, for example, as part of the upper and / or lower sides of the frame 142. The external reflectors 162 may extend inward toward the internal compartment of the PCO unit 120 and toward the ultraviolet lamp 150. Similar to the intermediate reflector 146, the external reflectors 162 provide angled surfaces for reflecting ultraviolet light, thereby better guiding light to the photocatalytic surface of the unit panel 140. The external reflectors 162 may be formed by providing cutouts 164 in the frame 142, which allows the external reflectors 162 to be easily formed by folding into the desired angled shape.

[0039] In contrast to the intermediate reflector 146, the outer reflector 162 has a peak (i.e., the innermost portion) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 160. It has been found that the combination of at least one outer reflector 162 having a peak extending in a substantially longitudinal direction and an intermediate reflector 146 having one or more peaks extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 160 provides effective overall reflection of ultraviolet light within the internal chamber of the PCO unit 120, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity and efficiency of the PCO unit 120.

[0040] From the perspective of the upper ultraviolet lamp 150, for example, the outer reflector 162 near the upper side of the frame 142 includes angled surfaces that help reflect and guide light in the "forward" and "backward" directions, as well as "upward" and "downward," while the middle reflector 146 includes angled surfaces that help reflect and guide light in the "left" and "right" longitudinal directions, as well as "upward" and "downward." This combination of reflective surfaces provides an overall configuration that effectively helps guide light onto the photocatalytic surface to achieve efficient photocatalytic activity.

[0041] In operation, lamp 150 is energized and emits ultraviolet radiation toward the catalytic surface of unit panel 140, thereby generating an oxidant. The oxidant is then mixed with passing air to provide hygienic treatment of the passing air. Preferably, at least some of the oxidant leaves and passes over device 100 together with the passing air.

[0042] The unit panel 140 includes a photocatalyst coating. The photocatalyst coating is disposed at least on the inner surface of the unit panel 140 facing the ultraviolet lamp 150. Preferably, the photocatalyst coating also extends into the orifices of the unit panel 140 to coat the surfaces of the orifices. The photocatalyst coating may include metal oxides such as titanium dioxide, and may optionally include one or more transition metals and / or alloys of transition metals. Examples of other or alternative photocatalyst materials that may be used in the coating include graphene oxide, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), other semiconductor materials, quantum dots, tantalite, other oxides (e.g., zinc, copper, iron, cadmium, tin, zirconium, or gallium oxide), sulfides (e.g., zinc sulfide), silicon dioxide, and combinations thereof.

[0043] Oxidants generated during device operation may include, for example, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxides, free oxygen molecules, superoxide ions, and ozone. However, preferably, the PCO unit 120 is configured such that ozone production is limited or eliminated. Although ozone is a powerful oxidant, excessive ozone can cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. It has been found that by adjusting the PCO unit 120 to generate an effective level of oxidant while minimizing or eliminating ozone, effective purification performance can be maintained without the potential harmful effects associated with excessive ozone.

[0044] To provide these performance characteristics, the ultraviolet lamp 150 preferably emits light with a wavelength of about 185 nm to 254 nm. The rated power of the lamp 150 will typically be about 3 watts to 20 watts, or more preferably about 5 watts to 10 watts. It has been found that using a lamp 150 with a rated power within the aforementioned range can effectively balance the need to provide sufficient energy to achieve the desired photocatalytic activity without resulting in excessive power inefficiency and / or excessive space occupation.

[0045] The PCO unit 120 is structurally configured to provide effective photocatalytic activity, effective interaction between the airflow and the generated oxidant, and effective overall volumetric airflow within the size constraints of the air purification device 100. These functions interact with each other, and enhancing one of these functions may involve trade-offs with one or more of the other functions.

[0046] For example, photocatalytic activity can be enhanced by increasing the total surface area of ​​one or more UV lamps (e.g., using larger lamps) and / or by increasing the proportion of photocatalytic material within the airflow path. However, either of these changes may also increase the airflow resistance of the device, thereby reducing the volumetric airflow or requiring more power to maintain higher pressures on the device. Furthermore, since the size of the airflow path is determined by the overall size of the air purification device 100, and the overall size of the air purification device 100 is expected to remain within reasonable limits, the overall size of the airflow path cannot simply be increased without limitation. However, when the airflow through the PCO unit 120 is restricted, the airflow rate of the target environment decreases, which means that air purification takes longer and / or that air purification effectiveness is reduced.

[0047] Similarly, airflow can be increased by restricting the contact between air and the photocatalytic material, such as by simply passing air through the photocatalyst instead of through multiple orifices or by increasing the orifice size. However, this restricts the interaction between the air and the generated oxidant, thus limiting the mixing and distribution of the oxidant in the air. Therefore, for a given level of generated oxidant, these oxidants are unlikely to contact and treat pollutants. Likewise, airflow can be increased by increasing the spacing between the UV lamp 150 and the unit panel 140 and / or by reducing the total surface area of ​​the UV lamp 150, but this tends to reduce the total photocatalytic generation of oxidant.

[0048] Compared to larger orifices, smaller orifices tend to restrict airflow to a greater extent. However, because the coated inner surface of the orifice can provide a large portion of the device's photocatalytic activity, and because smaller orifices allow for a larger total area of ​​active photocatalytic surface, smaller orifices tend to provide greater photocatalytic activity.

[0049] It has been found that setting the average cross-sectional area of ​​each orifice to be greater than approximately 0.1 mm... 2 But less than about 10mm 2 Effective photocatalytic activity is provided without excessively restricting airflow. The orifice can be more preferably sized to approximately 0.2 mm. 2 Approximately 5mm 2 or approximately 0.3mm 2 Approximately 1mm 2 The average cross-sectional area. Too small an orifice tends to reduce the overall performance of the device by excessively restricting airflow, while too large an orifice tends to reduce the overall performance of the device by excessively restricting photocatalytic activity.

[0050] The number of openings included in the unit panel 140 can be varied. Preferably, a certain number of openings are provided such that approximately 25% to approximately 75% of the planar surface area of ​​the unit panel 140 is composed of openings, or more preferably approximately 35% to approximately 65%, or approximately 40% to approximately 60% of the planar surface area of ​​the unit panel 140 is composed of openings. "Planar surface area" refers to the two-dimensional surface area of ​​the upper surface of the unit panel 140 when it is laid flat and viewed from above.

[0051] The width of the unit panel 140 can also be varied. A wider unit panel provides a longer orifice with a larger total surface area, and thus provides greater photocatalytic activity, but also increases the length of air that must pass through the orifice, and thus increases airflow resistance.

[0052] The term "cell fraction" is defined herein as the combined width of the cell panels 140 divided by the total width between the cell panels 140 (from outer surface to outer surface). The PCO cell 120 may be configured to have a cell fraction of approximately 0.2 to approximately 0.7, more preferably approximately 0.3 to approximately 0.6, and even more preferably approximately 0.4 to approximately 0.5. It has been found that setting the cell fraction within the aforementioned range can provide improved overall performance of the PCO cell 120.

[0053] The distance between the lamp 150 and the inner surface of the unit panel 140 can also be changed by adjusting the diameter of the lamp 150 and / or by adjusting the distance between the unit panels 140. A larger distance between the lamp 150 and the unit panel 140 allows for a larger residence time of air through the PCO unit 120, but also reduces photocatalytic activity by increasing the distance between the lamp 150 and the unit panel 140.

[0054] "Light fraction" is defined herein as the width / diameter of one of the lamps 150 divided by the total distance between the inner surfaces of the opposing unit panels 140. The PCO unit 120 may be configured to have a light fraction of about 0.45 to about 0.7, or more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.6. It has been found that configuring the PCO unit 120 such that the light fraction is within the aforementioned range can provide improved overall performance.

[0055] The following description provides some additional dimensions of the exemplary PCO unit 120, which has been found to provide effective performance in a variety of applications, particularly those involving modular, portable room cleaning devices as described herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary dimensions are not necessarily limiting, and other implementations may be sized or scaled to meet specific application requirements.

[0056] In one embodiment, the PCO unit 120 may have an overall height of about 2 inches to 4.5 inches (about 5.1 cm to 114 cm), an overall width of about 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches (about 3.8 cm to 6.4 cm), and a length of about 4 inches to 8 inches (about 10 cm to 20 cm). The unit panel 140 may be sized accordingly to fit, and may have a width of about 5 mm to about 30 mm, or more preferably about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or even more preferably about 10 mm to about 15 mm. The ultraviolet lamp 150 may also be sized accordingly to fit within the overall size of the device 100, and may therefore have a length of about 3 inches to 7 inches (about 8 cm to 18 cm) and a diameter of about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches (about 0.6 cm to 2 cm).

[0057] Example

[0058] The air purification device is placed in an area of ​​approximately 1000 ft. 2 The air purifier was tested in a room of a certain size to assess its ability to reduce airborne pathogens. Levels of various airborne pathogens were initially measured to establish a baseline, and then the air purifier was started operating. The same airborne pathogen levels were measured again at 30 and 60 minutes after operation began. The reduction in airborne contaminants is summarized in Table 1.

[0059]

[0060] Table 1: Percentage reduction in airborne pathogens

[0061] The data summarized above indicate that air purifiers can reduce various types of airborne pathogens commonly found in medical settings by at least 1 or 2 log reductions, and more typically by at least 3 log reductions, or at least 4 log reductions, and up to 6 log reductions, within approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

[0062] Additional Implementation Methods

[0063] The embodiments described herein may include properties and features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in other embodiments described herein. Therefore, various features of a given embodiment may be combined with and / or incorporated into other embodiments of this disclosure. Consequently, the disclosure of certain features related to a particular embodiment of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application of or inclusion of those features in that particular embodiment. Rather, it should be understood that other embodiments may also include such features.

[0064] Embodiment 1: An air purification device, comprising: a frame having an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan assembly configured to move air into the inlet, through an airflow path within an internal compartment of the frame, and out of the outlet; and a photocatalytic oxidation unit at least partially disposed within the airflow path, the photocatalytic oxidation unit having a longitudinal axis transverse to the airflow path, and the photocatalytic oxidation unit comprising: at least one photocatalytic unit panel extending along the longitudinal axis, one or more ultraviolet lamps extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the at least one photocatalytic unit panel, and a reflector disposed within the photocatalytic oxidation unit.

[0065] Embodiment 2: According to the apparatus of Embodiment 1, the photocatalytic oxidation unit includes a first ultraviolet lamp and a second ultraviolet lamp, the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the at least one photocatalytic unit panel, and wherein the reflector is an intermediate reflector disposed between the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp.

[0066] Embodiment 3: The apparatus according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp are oriented such that they are placed along a plane substantially parallel to the at least one photocatalytic unit panel.

[0067] Implementation 4: The apparatus according to Implementation 2 or Implementation 3, wherein the photocatalytic oxidation unit includes a first photocatalytic unit panel and a second photocatalytic unit panel, the first photocatalytic unit panel and the second photocatalytic unit panel are disposed on both sides of the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp and each extends along the longitudinal axis.

[0068] Embodiment 5: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp are each positioned on a plane substantially parallel to the at least one photocatalytic unit panel.

[0069] Embodiment 6: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the intermediate reflector includes a base surface and an angled feature extending from the base surface at an angle.

[0070] Embodiment 7: The apparatus according to Embodiment 6, wherein the angled feature has one or more peaks extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0071] Embodiment 8: The apparatus according to Embodiment 7, wherein the one or more peaks of the angled feature extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0072] Embodiment 9: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the photocatalytic oxidation unit further includes a frame, the frame including a first external reflector positioned outside the first ultraviolet lamp and extending inward toward the first ultraviolet lamp.

[0073] Embodiment 10: The apparatus according to Embodiment 9, wherein the first external reflector includes a peak extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0074] Embodiment 11: The apparatus according to Embodiment 9 or Embodiment 10, wherein the frame further includes a second external reflector, the second external reflector being positioned outside the second ultraviolet lamp and extending inward toward the second ultraviolet lamp.

[0075] Embodiment 12: The apparatus according to Embodiment 11, wherein the second external reflector includes a peak extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0076] Embodiment 13: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the photocatalytic oxidation unit is arranged such that the longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the airflow path.

[0077] Embodiment 14: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the fan assembly includes a centrifugal fan.

[0078] Embodiment 15: The apparatus according to Embodiment 14, wherein the axis of the centrifugal fan is substantially perpendicular to the airflow path.

[0079] Embodiment 16: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the photocatalytic oxidation unit.

[0080] Embodiment 17: The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the frame further includes a filter compartment configured in terms of size and shape to receive a filter.

[0081] Embodiment 18: The apparatus according to Embodiment 17, wherein the filter compartment is disposed between the air inlet and the photocatalytic oxidation device.

[0082] in conclusion

[0083] Although certain embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., such descriptions are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

[0084] Furthermore, it should be understood that, for any given element of a component in the described embodiments, unless otherwise implied or explicitly stated, any of the possible alternatives listed for that element or component may generally be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0085] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, numerical values ​​used in the specification and claims to indicate quantities, components, distances, or other measurements should be understood as optionally modified by the term "about" or its synonyms. When the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc., are used in conjunction with the stated quantity, value, or condition, they can be considered to refer to a quantity, value, or condition that deviates from the stated quantity, value, or condition by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1%. At least, this is not an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, so each numerical parameter should be interpreted based on the reported significant figures and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0086] Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the specification or claims.

[0087] It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” do not exclude multiple indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referring to a single indicator (e.g., a “widget”) may also include two or more such indicators.

Claims

1. An air purification device comprising: a frame having an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan assembly configured to move air into the inlet, through an airflow path within an interior compartment of the frame, and out from the outlet; and a photocatalytic oxidation unit disposed at least partially within the airflow path, the photocatalytic oxidation unit having a longitudinal axis transverse to the airflow path, and the photocatalytic oxidation unit comprising: at least one photocatalytic unit panel extending along the longitudinal axis, one or more ultraviolet lamps extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the at least one photocatalytic unit panel, and an intermediate reflector disposed within the photocatalytic oxidation unit, wherein the intermediate reflector is formed from a strip of folded material and comprises a base surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and an angled feature comprising one or more angled surfaces each extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. the photocatalytic oxidation unit comprises a first ultraviolet lamp and a second ultraviolet lamp extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the at least one photocatalytic unit panel, and wherein the intermediate reflector is disposed between the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp are oriented so as to both lie along a plane substantially parallel to the at least one photocatalytic unit panel.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the photocatalytic oxidation unit comprises a first photocatalytic unit panel and a second photocatalytic unit panel disposed on either side of the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp and each extending along the longitudinal axis.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp are each positioned on a plane substantially parallel to the at least one photocatalytic unit panel.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the angled feature has one or more peaks extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the one or more peaks of the angled feature extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, the photocatalytic oxidation unit further comprises a frame comprising a first outer reflector positioned outward of the first ultraviolet lamp and extending inward toward the first ultraviolet lamp.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first outer reflector comprises a peak extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, the frame further comprises a second outer reflector positioned outward of the second ultraviolet lamp and extending inward toward the second ultraviolet lamp.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, the second outer reflector comprises a peak extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, the photocatalytic oxidation unit is disposed with the longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the airflow path.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly comprises a centrifugal fan.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, ​ 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The axis of the centrifugal fan is substantially perpendicular to the airflow path.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The fan assembly is disposed downstream of the photocatalytic oxidation unit.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The frame further comprises a filter compartment configured in size and shape for receiving a filter.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The filter compartment is disposed between the air inlet and the photocatalytic oxidation device.

18. An air purification device comprising: a frame having an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan assembly configured to move air into the inlet, through an airflow path within an interior compartment of the frame, and out of the outlet; and a photocatalytic oxidation unit, wherein the photocatalytic oxidation unit is at least partially disposed within the airflow path with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the airflow path, the photocatalytic oxidation unit has a longitudinal axis transverse to the airflow path, and the photocatalytic oxidation unit comprises: at least one photocatalytic unit panel extending along the longitudinal axis, a first ultraviolet lamp and a second ultraviolet lamp extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the at least one photocatalytic unit panel, an intermediate reflector disposed between the first ultraviolet lamp and the second ultraviolet lamp, wherein the intermediate reflector is formed of a strip of folded material and comprises a base surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and an angled feature comprising one or more angled surfaces each extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the intermediate reflector is inserted into a sidewall of the frame, and a first photocatalytic unit panel and a second photocatalytic unit panel disposed on either side of the first and second ultraviolet lamps and each extending along the longitudinal axis.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The angled feature has one or more peaks extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The angled feature has one or more peaks extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

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