Purification device with heated filter for killing biological species including COVID-19

Abstract

The invention provides a purification device with a heated filter for killing biological species including COVID-19. The device utilizes supplied power to treat an air stream of an air handling system of a facility. A frame has a plenum with an inlet and an outlet. The frame is configured to be positioned in the air stream of the air handling system for the air stream to pass therethrough. A filter is disposed in the plenum and is configured to filter the air stream passing therethrough up to a filtration threshold. A UV light source disposed in the plenum is connected in electrical communication with the supplied power and is configured to generate UV radiation in the plenum. A permeable metal barrier disposed in the plenum is configured to impede the air stream passing therethrough up to an impeding threshold. The barrier is connected in electrical communication to the supplied power and is heated to a surface temperature.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of patent application with application number 202010849987.X and titled "Purification device with heating filter for killing biological species including COVID-19" filed on August 21, 2020.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application numbers 63 / 018,442 and 63 / 018,448, both filed on April 30, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is filed concurrently with a patent application titled "Mobile purification device with heating filter for killing biological species including COVID-19", the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a purification device, and more particularly to a purification device with heating filter for killing biological species including COVID-19. BACKGROUND

[0005] Various infectious agents including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can cause illness in humans. As we know, the deadly human SARS-CoV-2 strain (COVID-19) infectious disease has affected the human condition globally at all levels of living. COVID-19 infection is continuously transmitted by circulating air as the primary mechanism for transmission. There are few proactive strategies to protect the public from COVID-19, and the current ones are widely debated, costly, and inefficient. Because the current filters and air purification technology cannot successfully kill the small size (0.05 to 0.2 microns) COVID-19 virus, there is a need for a passive approach to regulate and purify the circulating air in all environments to immediately combat the aerosolized COVID-19.

[0006] In general, air filtration is used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to remove dust, pollen, mold, particulates, and the like from the air that is moving through the facility by the system. Filters for filtration can be of various forms and can be configured to filter particles of a given size with a given efficiency.

[0007] For example, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are commonly used in clean rooms, operating rooms, pharmacies, homes, and the like. These filters can be made of different types of media such as fibreglass media, ePTFE media, and the like, and can have activated carbon-based materials. Generally, HEPA filters can filter more than 99% of particles having a given size (e.g., 0.3 microns or a certain size). Even with their efficiency, HEPA filters cannot impede very small sized pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and the like).

[0008] Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamps can impede pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. UV germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet radiation that can then destroy the genetic material of microorganisms. This destruction can either kill the pathogens or render them unable to reproduce. Long exposure to UV radiation can also break down pathogens that have settled on the irradiated surface.

[0009] One example of an ultraviolet system includes upper room air ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems. In UVGI systems, UV germicidal lamps are installed near the ceiling within an occupiable room. Air that is circulated by convection near the ceiling of the space is then irradiated within the active field of the UV germicidal lamps. UVGI systems can also be installed in the ductwork of an HVAC system and can irradiate small airborne particles containing microorganisms as the air flows through the ductwork.

[0010] Although existing systems for filtration and germicidal irradiation can be effective in removing particulates and destroying pathogens when treating air, there is still a need to purify air in densely populated environments such as facilities, homes, workplaces, hospitals, nursing homes, sports venues, and the like to further reduce the spread of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and mold.

[0011] In particular, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel virus with global health significance caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019. COVID-19 is believed to spread from person to person in close contact through respiratory droplets. Studies have shown that this virus can survive for hours at a time and can be carried by air currents for extended periods of time. For this reason, it is believed that because infection can simply be carried by air currents, a fixed 6-foot spacing is ineffective in situations where people are together indoors for extended periods of time.

[0012] For example, after a cough in the air, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can survive in droplets for up to three hours, and convection in the air is believed to be the main mechanism of infection transmission. Therefore, droplet ejection and convection can cause direct airborne infection, and social distancing can be ineffective for people staying together for a long time in a closed environment.

[0013] Since there is currently no treatment for COVID-19, environmental decontamination strategies can help slow the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, current systems for treating circulating air are expensive and primarily use UV germicidal lamps. These products require professional installation, are not easily accessible by the general public themselves, and have not been used to kill COVID-19. In addition, filtration in HVAC systems can be ineffective. COVID-19 is between 0.05 microns and 0.2 microns in size, but HEPA filters can filter particles greater than 0.3 microns, so additional protection is needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

[0014] For these reasons, the subject matter of the present disclosure aims to overcome or at least reduce the impact of one or more of the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[0015] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a decontamination device that filters air and attempts to destroy viruses, bacteria, mold, pollen, volatile organic compounds, allergens, and pollutants. The decontamination device aims to be reasonably priced, easy to install, and can be utilized and used in both residential and commercial environments. The decontamination device can be applied to real-world solutions to minimize viruses (e.g., COVID-19) and other pathogens in circulating air, and the decontamination device can be deployed as a dedicated heating filter for use in businesses, residences, public transportation, and public places.

[0016] For example and as discussed below, the decontamination device includes a barrier heater or heated filter that uses directional heat conduction of high-efficiency nickel foam / grid that is elevated to a temperature proven to kill pathogens such as coronaviruses (e.g., COVID-19). The decontamination device also includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source that uses UV-C light to destroy viruses. The UV light source and barrier heater are combined in a fire-retardant and fire-resistant filtration system that can then be integrated directly into the air return, furnace intake, and other parts of a facility’s air handling system or into a densely populated environment (e.g., airport terminal, church, hospital, factory, office space, residence, vehicle, school, hotel, cruise ship, entertainment venue, etc.). Since there is currently no treatment for COVID-19 and many other pathogens, environmental decontamination strategies can help slow the spread of the virus, and air purification provided by the disclosed devices can provide a primary defense against the spread.

[0017] In one configuration, a device utilizes supplied power to treat an air stream of an air handling system of a facility. The device includes a frame, a filter and a UV light source, and a heater. The frame has a plenum with an inlet and an outlet and is configured to be positioned in the air stream of the air handling system for the air stream to pass therethrough.

[0018] The filter is disposed across a surface area of the plenum and includes a first material, such as a metal. The filter is configured to filter the air stream passing therethrough up to a filtration threshold. The UV light source is disposed in the plenum. The UV light source is connected in electrical communication with the supplied power and is configured to generate an effective field of ultraviolet radiation in the plenum. The heater is disposed across the surface area of the plenum and includes a permeable barrier of a metallic material. The permeable barrier of the heater is configured to impede the air stream passing therethrough up to an impeding threshold. Further, the permeable barrier of the heater is connected in electrical communication to the supplied power and is heated to a surface temperature.

[0019] In another configuration, a device utilizes an air filter and supplied power to treat an air stream of an air handling system in a facility. The device includes a frame, a UV light source, and a heater similar to the heater disclosed above. The filter can be mounted adjacent to the frame or can be mounted separately in the air handling system.

[0020] In yet another configuration, a method is used to treat an air stream of an air treatment system in a facility. A frame is positioned in the air treatment system for the air stream to pass therethrough. The air stream is filtered up to a filtration threshold by a filter disposed between an inlet and an outlet across a surface area of a plenum of the frame. An active field of ultraviolet radiation is generated in the plenum by powering an ultraviolet light source disposed in the plenum. The air stream is impeded up to an impeding threshold by a permeable barrier of a heater having a metallic material disposed across a surface area of the plenum. The permeable barrier of the heater is heated to a surface temperature by supplying a voltage potential across the permeable barrier.

[0021] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize every potential implementation or aspect of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A facility is shown having an air treatment system with a decontamination apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2E Other arrangements of the disclosed decontamination apparatus are shown for use with various air treatment systems.

[0024] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Front, side, and end views of a decontamination apparatus of the present disclosure are shown.

[0025] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Side schematic views of arrangements of decontamination apparatuses and components thereof are shown.

[0026] Figure 4C A side schematic view of another decontamination apparatus and arrangement of components thereof is shown.

[0027] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C Graphs showing detailed features of barrier heaters of the disclosed decontamination apparatus are shown.

[0028] Figure 6A Another heating apparatus is shown having a plurality of electrical elements disposed in a plenum of a frame and connected to a power control.

[0029] Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6D Other configurations of the disclosed decontamination apparatus are shown.

[0030] Figure 7 A schematic arrangement of an air treatment system with multiple purification devices is shown.

[0031] Figure 8A A configuration with multiple purification devices subject to a master control unit is shown.

[0032] Figure 8B Another configuration with environmental components subject to a master environmental control and several purification devices is shown.

[0033] Figures 9A to 9B A side view of the permeable barrier of the disclosed heater in a flat configuration and a corrugated configuration is shown.

[0034] Figures 10A to 10B A chart of the barrier heater with a flat configuration is shown.

[0035] Figures 11A to 11B A chart of the barrier heater with a corrugated configuration is shown.

[0036] Figure 12 A chart of exposure time and temperature is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to a purification device for instant eradication of pathogens such as the COVID-19 virus from circulating air by filtering the pathogens and exposing the pathogens to high temperatures (200°C and above) (392°F and above). By doing so, the subject matter of the present disclosure can reduce the infectious spread of viruses and other biological species that can cause future infectious diseases while providing a sense of safety and comfort to the public to return to work, school, life, entertainment, and healthcare in the post-COVID-19 world.

[0038] The primary mechanism of action of the purification device is a dedicated heated filter or barrier heater that uses a low-energy, high-performance, targeted thermally conductive, high- resistant, porous metal foam encased in a fire-retardant frame. The disclosed heated filter or barrier heater can be combined with a high-efficiency HVAC filter. Additionally, ultraviolet light (UV-C) can be added to the system environment for additional kill effect. Studies have shown that heat and low-wavelength light have been proven to successfully inactivate COVID-19 for the duration of the exposure.

[0039] As disclosed below, the purification devices of the present disclosure can be incorporated into an air handling system of a facility, vehicle, or any other environment. Using the same technology, mobile / robotic COVID-19 purification devices can be deployed for use in public places, medical facilities, nursing homes, schools, airplanes, trains, cruise ships, performance venues, theaters, churches, grocery and retail stores, prisons, and the like. Details are provided in the patent application entitled "Mobile Purification Device with Heated Filter to Kill Biological Species Including COVID-19," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] As Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, a facility 10 (e.g., a home, hospital, office space, airport terminal, church, or other enclosed environment) has an air handling system 20. As shown here, the system 20 is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, but other air handling systems can be used. Generally, the HVAC system 20 includes a return 30, a slot 32, a return duct 34, etc. that direct return air drawn from the indoor space to a blower 22, a heat exchanger 24, and a cooling coil 26 of the system 20. In turn, the system 20 provides conditioned supply air to the space through a supply duct 36, a vent 38, etc. The heat exchanger 24 can include an electric or gas furnace for heating the air. The cooling coil 26 can be an evaporator that is connected in a cooling circuit to other conventional components outside the facility, such as a condenser, a compressor, an expansion valve, etc.

[0041] Integrated with or incorporated into the system 20, one or more purification devices 100 are used in the facility to purify the air stream. In one arrangement and as shown, the purification device 100 is used in the air return 30 of the HVAC system 20 through which return air is drawn to pass through the conditioning elements of the HVAC system 20. Each air return 30 in the facility can have such a purification device 100, so that during operation of the HVAC system 20, return air is drawn through the purification device 100. Because the HVAC system 20 uses many different filters of various sizes, the purification device 100 can have a size that fits the various filter sizes.

[0042] As discussed in greater detail later, the purification device 100 tends to heat the return air by flash heating. To this end, the device 100 is preferably disposed upstream of the return air of the cooling coil 26. This can allow some of the heat to dissipate in the air stream before being cooled by the cooling coil 26. When heating the room space, the purification device 100 can simply add to the heat provided by the system 20. It is even conceivable that the register 38 of the system 20 that distributes the air can have such a purification device 100. However, the device 100 can tend to diffuse the air stream, and it is less efficient to push the air stream through the filter, making it possible but less advantageous to use the device 100 in the register.

[0043] Studies of air flow in conference rooms and office spaces have shown that the convection pattern can continue to carry infection between chairs at a conference table and between cubicles in an open office space. This suggests that the reliance on spacing between people can be ineffective due to the convection of air.

[0044] The control of the purification device 100 can be entirely manipulated by the local controller 200, which independently determines whether to conduct the air flow through the device 100. Alternatively, the local controller 200 can be integrated with the system controller 50 for the HVAC system 20, which can signal the activation of the system 20 and indicate to the local controller 200 that the air flow is being conducted through the device 100. In another alternative, the purification device 100 can lack local control and can be centrally controlled by the system controller 50. It should be understood that these control devices can be used in any combination throughout the facility 10, multiple purification devices 100, conditioned zones, HVAC components, etc.

[0045] Although Figure 1 The purification device 100 is shown disposed at the return opening 30 of the plenum 32 for the air handling system 20, but other arrangements can be used. In general, the purification device 100 can be sized for typical furnace openings (14 to 20 inches by 25 inches) as used commercially. Then, multiple HVAC zones can be targeted by the purification device.

[0046] For example, Figure 2A The purification device 100 is shown disposed immediately upstream of the blower 22 and other components of the HVAC system 20, which has a horizontal furnace 24. Figure 2B The purification device 100 is shown disposed adjacent to the blower 22 and other components (e.g., horizontal furnace) of the system 20. Finally, Figure 2CA purification device 100 is shown positioned above a blower of a downflow furnace. These and other configurations can be used. As appropriate, the furnace can use a gas burner or electric heating elements, and other conditioning components can be further installed downstream.

[0047] Figure 2D An air handling system 80 in an airplane 70 with a purification device 100 of the present disclosure is shown. In the airplane 70, the air in the cabin 74 can change 20 to 30 times per hour, with about half of the air being recirculated through filters. Because the cabin 74 is pressurized, outside air enters the inlet 82 of the system 80 from the engine 72 at high temperature and pressure. The hot and compressed air reaches the air conditioning unit 84 of the airplane 70, where the air is substantially cooled. For heating, some of the incoming air can pass through the overhead outlet 75 into the cabin 74. For cooling, air from the conditioning unit 84 is passed to a mixing manifold 86a, where the cooled outside air is combined with the cabin air to produce a 50 / 50 mixture. The mixed air from the mixing manifold 86a can then be circulated through the cabin 74 via the overhead outlet 75. A portion of the air in the cabin 74 from the inlet 77 is then discharged from the outlet 79 in an amount equal to the outside air entering the cabin 74 to maintain balance, and another portion of the cabin air through a buffer manifold 86b is recirculated in the mixing chamber 86a. Because the outside air is fresh, the purification device 100 of the present disclosure is placed at the mixing manifold 86a and / or the buffer manifold 86b of the air handling system 80 to treat the recirculated cabin air.

[0048] Figure 2E An air handling system 90 used in a cruise ship with a purification device 100 of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the return / release air drawn in through the return duct 92a is diverted by a filter 94 by a blower 96a, which forces the air through a heat wheel 98. Another blower 96b then passes the air from the exhaust 93a to the atmosphere.

[0049] Meanwhile, the outside air entering the intake 92b passes through the filter 94 and the other end of the heat wheel 98 before being passed to the cooling and filtration elements. At the return duct 92a, the return / release air is also diverted to the cooling and filtration elements. For these elements, the air passes through the filter 94, a cooling coil 95, a UV light treatment 97, an additional filter 94, and a steam humidification treatment 99 before being passed out to the supply air duct 93b.

[0050] As Figure 2EAs shown, the purification device 100 can be used for return air from the return duct 92a, which is then recirculated back through system 90. Various components throughout the cruise ship, including duct heaters, axial fans, dampers, etc., are used to conduct air. Various self-contained unit heaters can also be used in different areas of the cruise ship. Because the cruise ship is much like a facility, the purification device can be integrated into various return vents, ducts, vents, and independent units used throughout the ship.

[0051] It should be understood that other vehicles and public transportation systems with air handling systems can benefit in a similar manner to airplanes and cruise ships. For example, buses, trains, and subways used in public transportation have air handling systems that typically use both outside air and recirculated air. The disclosed purification device 100 can be incorporated into these air handling systems in a manner similar to those discussed above.

[0052] Having understood how to use the purification device 100 and where it can be installed in a facility, the discussion now turns to the specific details of the disclosed purification device 100. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Front, side, and end views of an example purification device 100 of this disclosure are shown. Device 100 includes a frame 110 configured to be inserted into an existing air return port of a facility for complete replacement of an existing return port or for use at an air inlet of a furnace.

[0053] Overall, the frame 110 has four sidewalls that surround the gas collection chamber 116, which is exposed on opposing open surfaces (one for the inlet 112 and the other for the outlet 118). If necessary, the inlet 112 may include an edge 114, which will typically engage with the return port (30: Figure 1 Around the wall opening. Fasteners (not shown) can secure the edges to the surrounding structure. Although configured for a particular implementation, the typical dimensions of frame 110 can include an overall size of 20 inches wide × 30 inches high × 7 inches deep.

[0054] like Figure 3A As best shown, inlet 112 or edge 114 may form a port for retaining a filter (not shown) that filters the airflow entering into the air collection chamber 116. Inside the air collection chamber 116, frame 110 retains barrier heater 140. As briefly shown here, barrier heater 140 includes a permeable barrier 142 made of metal and comprising a mesh, foam, screen, or curved medium, supported by a surrounding housing 145 and disposed across the air collection chamber 116 to provide a permeable surface area for processing the airflow as described below.

[0055] Also within the plenum 116, a frame can hold UV light sources 130 along with the barrier heater 140 as additional treatment. (Other embodiments disclosed herein can not include UV light sources 130.) As briefly shown here, the UV light sources 130 include two UV-C light emitting diode (LED) strips placed across the plenum 116 to provide an effective field for treating the air stream as described below. More or fewer sources 130 can be used, and different types of sources 130 can be installed.

[0056] Turning to Figure 4A , a side view schematic of the purification device 100 is shown with its components arranged. As previously described, the purification device 100 can be used in a return air grille 30 of an air handling system. The wall opening of the return air grille 30 can typically have a return air grille 31 to protect the internal components. The frame 110 of the purification device 100 fits in the return air grille 30 and can be held by fasteners (not shown) such as bolts and screws. As described, the air filter 120 can fit into the socket of the frame 110. Typically, the filter 120 simply fits tightly in the socket, but fasteners can be used.

[0057] Preferably, the purification device 100 first filters the air stream through the filter 120 up to a filtration threshold. In this way, the filter 120 can prevent dust and other particulates from being drawn into the purification device 100 and further into the HVAC system (20: Figure 1 ).

[0058] As described herein, an effective field of ultraviolet radiation can be created in the plenum 116 of the device 100 by powering UV light sources 130 disposed in the plenum 116. In the plenum of the device 100, the air stream is impeded by a barrier heater 140 disposed in the plenum 116 up to an impeding threshold. The barrier heater 140 includes a permeable barrier 142 (e.g., mesh, foam, screen, tortuous media) of a metallic material such as nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, steel alloy, or other metallic material. The permeable barrier 142 can be flat, corrugated, curved, pleated, etc., and can be arranged in one or more layers. By supplying a voltage potential across the mesh / foam, the metallic mesh / foam 142 of the heater 140 is heated to a surface temperature. Preferably, the UV light sources 130 are disposed in the plenum 116 between the filter 120 and the barrier heater 140 so that irradiation from the sources 130 can treat the passing air stream and also treat the exposed surfaces of the filter 120 and the barrier heater 140.

[0059] Now turning to Figure 4B, a schematic view of another side of the purification device 100 is shown with the arrangement of its components. The frame 110 of the device 100 is shown holding the filter 120, the UV light source 130, and the barrier heater 140 in the plenum 116. The purification device 100 is utilized with a control circuit and supplied power. For example, the control circuit includes a controller 200 with appropriate power circuitry and processing circuitry for powering and controlling the purification device 100. The controller 200 can be connected to one or more power supplies 40 of one or more types, such as available AC power supplies of a facility, battery power, or other power sources. The power circuitry of the controller 200 can convert the supplied power as needed to produce DC power and voltage levels.

[0060] Looking at the frame 110, the filter 120 is disposed in the plenum 116 of the frame 110 and can be held in the socket 115 toward the inlet 112. The filter 120 is composed of a first material and is configured to filter an air stream passing therethrough up to a filtration threshold. Preferably, the filter 120 is a metal filter medium 122 composed of stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, engaged in one or more layers depending on the amount of air stream and the required level of filtration. The filter 120 has a housing 125 also composed of metal and framing the metal filter medium. In general, the metal filter 120 can be a 1-inch thick HVAC filter made of metal that is fire and flame resistant and has a high efficiency rating.

[0061] The barrier heater 140 is also disposed in the plenum 116 and can be positioned toward the outlet 118. An insulator 145 for both heat and electricity can separate the barrier heater 140 from the frame 110. The barrier heater 140 includes a mesh / foam of metal material and is configured to impede an air stream passing therethrough up to an impeding threshold.

[0062] The UV light source 130 can be disposed in the plenum 116 and, as previously mentioned, can preferably be located between the metal filter 120 and the barrier heater 140. The UV light source 130 produces an effective field of UV-C light in the plenum 116 to treat the passing air stream. As described herein, pathogenic agents such as viruses can be eliminated when exposed to a certain dosage of ultraviolet light. For example, a UVGI dosage of only about 611 μJ / cm 2 of sRNA coronaviruses up to 0.11 μm in size can be eliminated.

[0063] Both the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 are connected in electrical communication with the power supply 40 through the controller 200, which controls the illumination of the light source 130 and the heating of the barrier heater 140 in the plenum 116.

[0064] The UV light source 130 can include one or more UV-C lamps, a plurality of light emitting diodes, etc. disposed in the plenum 116. For example, the source 130 can use one or more ultraviolet germicidal lamps, such as mercury vapor lamps. The source 130 can also use light emitting diodes with semiconductors to emit UV-C radiation.

[0065] One or more structures can be provided in the frame 110 to support the UV light source 130. The structures used can depend on the type of source 130 used and can include fixtures for lamps and strips of UV-C LEDs. For example, the UV light source 130 can use several strips of UV-C light emitting diodes that extend through the plenum 116.

[0066] The effectiveness of the UVGI treatment in the air stream depends on many factors, including the target microorganism species, the intensity of the exposure, the time of the exposure, and the amount of humidity in the air. A sufficient dose will kill DNA-based microorganisms. Thus, the intensity of the UVGI treatment, the time of the exposure, and other factors can be configured and further controlled in the purification device 100 and the HVAC system to achieve the desired effectiveness.

[0067] The UVGI treatment provided by the purification device 100 can be effective to destroy pathogens such as COVID-19. UV-C or shortwave light generated by UV light sources in the wavelength range from 100 nanometers to 280 nanometers can have proven germicidal effects. In particular, 222 nanometer low far-UVC light effectively kills and inactivates aerosolized viruses within the duration of the exposure.

[0068] In contrast to the conventional use of UVGI in HVAC systems, the disclosed purification device 100 does not require high costs and does not require special installation in the air return or ductwork. Rather, the disclosed device 100 provides a practical installation and operation that can be seen as easy as changing the HVAC filter at home every 1 to 3 months.

[0069] As discussed in more detail below, the metal permeable barrier of the barrier heater 140 can include a nickel mesh / foam. The barrier heater 140 is configured to impede the flow of air therethrough up to a 20% impeding threshold if the porosity of the foam is at least 80%.

[0070] The purification device 100 can include an antimicrobial coating on one or more surfaces to eliminate live bacteria and viruses. For example, the filter 120 can have an antimicrobial coating to eliminate pathogens captured by the filter media. The interior walls of the plenum 116 of the frame can also have an antimicrobial coating. The mesh / foam of the barrier heater 140 can have an antimicrobial coating if feasible under the heating conditions.

[0071] As Figure 4B further shown in FIG. 1, a controller 200 disposed in electrical communication with the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 is configured to control: (i) the irradiation of the UV light source 130 powered by the power supply 40, and (ii) the heating of the barrier heater 140 by the power supply 40. The controller 200 can be a local controller that can include a communication interface 212 to communicate with other decontamination devices and with other components of the air handling system (20: Figure 1 ) in the facility, such as a system controller (50). The local controller 200 can receive a signal that the HVAC system (20) is in an on / off state that indicates air flow through the device 100. The controller 200 can then control the heating of the barrier heater 140 and the illumination of the UV light source 130 based on the received signal.

[0072] To this end, the controller 200 is disposed in electrical communication with a heater circuit 214 connected to the barrier heater 140. The controller 200 can control the heating of the barrier heater 140 using the heater circuit 214 powered by the power supply 40 at least for a period of time while air is passing through the device 100 (sucked in by the HVAC system). It is understood that the controller 200 and the heater circuit 214 include any necessary switches, relays, timers, power transformers, etc. to regulate and control the power supplied to the barrier heater 140.

[0073] The controller 200 heats the barrier heater 140 at least when signaled to the controller 200 that the HVAC system (20) is operating to indicate air flow through the device 100. Pre-heating before the HVAC system (20) sucks in the return air can occur before the air passing through the device 100 is sucked in so that the target temperature can be reached in advance. This can require an advance signal from the system controller (50) or can involve intermittent heating of the barrier heater 140 to maintain some baseline temperature. Post-heating after the HVAC system (20) is turned off can also be beneficial for a variety of reasons.

[0074] The controller 200 is also disposed in electrical communication with a drive circuit 213 connected to the UV light source 130. The controller 200 can control the illumination of the UV light source 130 using the drive circuit 213 powered by the power supply 40 at least for a period of time while air is passing through the device 100 (sucked in by the HVAC system). It is understood that the controller 200 and the drive circuit 213 include any necessary switches, relays, timers, power transformers, electronic ballasts, etc. to regulate and control the power supplied to the light source 130.

[0075] The controller 200 illuminates the light source 130 at least when signaled that the HVAC system (20) is operating to indicate air flow through the device 100. To achieve target illumination, some pre-illumination can be required of the lamp or the like of the UV light source 130 to achieve full illumination prior to air being drawn through the device 100. This can require an advance signal from the system controller (50). Post-illumination of the source 130 after the HVAC system (20) is shut off can also be beneficial for many reasons.

[0076] For monitoring and control, the controller 200 can include one or more sensors 216, 217, and 218. For example, the controller 200 can include a temperature sensor 216 disposed in the plenum 116 adjacent the barrier heater 140 and disposed in electrical communication with the controller 200. The temperature sensor 216 is configured to measure a temperature associated with heating of the barrier heater 140, so the controller 200 can achieve a target temperature. Depending on the implementation and the pathogen to be affected, the barrier heater 140 can heat to a surface temperature of about 54°C (130°F) or more. In fact, studies have shown that heat at about 56°C or above 56°C to 67°C (133°F to 152°F) can kill SARS coronaviruses, and 222 nanometer far-UVC light can effectively kill and inactivate aerosolized viruses.

[0077] The controller 200 can be connected to a light sensor 218, such as a photocell or other light sensing element, to monitor illumination, intensity, wavelength, operation, or the like of the UV light source 130. For example, the UV light source 130 can be configured to produce at least 611 μJ / cm2of UV radiation in the effective field in the plenum 116, and the measurements from the light sensor 218 can monitor this radiation. 2 The dose of ultraviolet germicidal irradiance is ultraviolet radiation, and the measurements from the light sensor 218 can monitor this radiation.

[0078] The controller 200 can be connected to a further sensor 217, such as a flow sensor, to sense the flow, velocity, etc. of air through the plenum 116. If not signaled remotely, the detected flow by the flow sensor 217 can be used by the controller 200 to initiate operation of the device 100. The velocity of the flow can be measured by the flow sensor 217 to coordinate a target flow rate through the device 100, and thus the heating of the air flow by the barrier heater 140 can be coordinated with the detected flow rate and a target heating level. If the device 100 is integrated with an HVAC system (20) that can operate at different flow levels, feedback from the flow sensor 217 can be used to control or can indicate the level of intake air through the device 100. The velocity of the flow can also be monitored to coordinate a target irradiance of the air flow by the UV light source 130, and thus an appropriate exposure level can be achieved.

[0079] As described herein, the purification device 100 combines heat energy with UV-C light and is constructed within a fire-resistant and fire-retardant filtration system. The device 100 can be placed in a return air grille behind an HVAC grille for return air. As disclosed herein, embodiments of the purification device 100 include the barrier heater 140, and thus can include various features of the controller 200, sensors, etc. discussed above for the barrier heater 140. Some embodiments can not include the UV light source 130, while other embodiments can include the UV light source 130 as well as various features of the controller 200, sensors, etc. discussed above for the UV light source 130. In particular, Figure 4C Another side view schematic of the purification device 100 is shown with its components arranged without the UV light source. Like components are provided with the same reference numerals as in other embodiments and are not repeated here.

[0080] As presented, the disclosed purification device 100 can eliminate pathogens, such as COVID-19, while filtering air to 99.97% (ASME, U.S. Department of Energy) particulate. As disclosed in the patent application incorporated herein, this configuration can be incorporated into a mobile housing for use in larger public spaces including airport terminals, churches, hospitals, and other enclosed areas to reduce infectious airborne particles.

[0081] Although the above purification device 100 has been described as including a frame 110 that houses an air filter in the frame 110. The device 100 can include a frame 110 that is mounted behind a conventional air return 30 that already houses a filter. Alternatively, the device 100 can include a frame 110 that is mounted at an air intake of a furnace downstream of a separately held air filter 120. The purification device 100 can be sized for a furnace opening used in commercial applications (e.g., 14 to 20 inches by 25 inches). Then, an HVAC zone can be targeted. In this type of arrangement, the purification device 100 can include a frame 110, a UV light source 130, and a barrier heater 140 as before, but the frame 110 does not necessarily hold or receive an air filter 120. Instead, a separate air filter can be installed elsewhere in the HVAC system (e.g., at the return).

[0082] The discussion now turns to details of the barrier heater 140 of the disclosed purification device 100. The metal mesh / foam of the barrier heater 140 can have one or more layers of material and can have a suitable thickness. As one example, the mesh / foam can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. A metal mesh / foam composed of nickel (Ni) can have a surface charge density (σ) of 1.43 x 10 7 C / m 2 The Ni mesh / foam is electrically conductive, and it is highly porous with random three-dimensional channels defined therethrough. The mesh / foam exhibits a resistance of about 0.178 Ω, and the resistivity of the example Ni foam is calculated to be about 1.51 x 10 -5 Ωm.

[0083] For example, Figure 5A A first graph 60A is shown that illustrates the temperature (°C) generated by an example Ni foam material for a barrier heater per unit of supplied power (W). A foam sample having dimensions of 1.65 mm x 195 mm x 10 mm was investigated. The temperature was measured after applying a voltage until the temperature became stable. As shown in graph 60A, the temperature is shown to generally rise linearly per unit of supplied power, such that about 7 Watts produces a temperature of about 120 °C (248 °F).

[0084] Figure 5BA second graph 60B showing measured temperatures of a gas (e.g., N2) after flowing through an exemplary Ni foam material for a barrier heater heated to a temperature is shown. The gas for the measurements originated from an upstream distance of about 3.5 cm from the heated Ni foam material at a room temperature of about 21.7 °C (71 °F). Temperature measurements were taken at different downstream distances relative to the exemplary Ni foam material heated to an initial temperature of about 115 °C (239 °F). It can be seen that for downstream distances varying from 1 cm to 4 cm from the exemplary Ni foam material, the measured temperature of the gas decreased from about 29 °C to 23 °C (84 °F to 73 °F). This indicates that the heating produced by the barrier heater 140 consisting of this exemplary Ni foam material provides a tortuous heating surface area that the air stream and any pathogens can impinge upon, but the heating is localized and dissipates in the downstream air stream.

[0085] Figure 5C A further graph 60C showing measured temperatures taken at different downstream distances relative to an exemplary Ni foam material at a further initial temperature is shown. Here, the Ni foam material was at an initial temperature of about 54 °C (129 °F). For distances varying from 1 cm to 4 cm from the exemplary Ni foam material, the measured temperature of the gas decreased from about 24.5 °C to 21.7 °C (76 °F to 71 °F).

[0086] As described herein, the barrier heater 140 can use nickel, but can also use nickel-based or iron-based alloys developed for applications at high service temperatures and in corrosive environments. Nickel is slowly oxidized by air at room temperature and is considered to be corrosion resistant. Nickel is a high performance metal that can be easily regulated to reach high temperatures and has minimal heat transfer to its surrounding environment or to air molecules passing through it. For example, when a voltage is passed through a nickel mesh / foam (1.43 x 10 7 σ), the metal conducts energy to a target temperature that is hot enough to kill pathogens including COVID-19 upon contact. The target temperature can be 56 °C to 66 °C or higher, even exceeding 93 °C (133 °F to 150 °F or higher, even exceeding 200 °F). In this way, the nickel mesh / foam (0.5 mm to 2.0 mm) provides a heated, electrified surface area for pathogens to impinge upon and be eliminated by the heated grid. At the same time, the porosity (80% to 90%) of the foam / mesh of the barrier heater 140 does not overly impede air flow and does not disadvantageously increase the energy required by the HVAC system.

[0087] As disclosed above, heating in the plenum 116 can be accomplished with a barrier heater 140 having a grid / foam that is heated to a target temperature and provides a tortuous path for the return air flow through the grid / foam. Other forms of heating can be used. As disclosed above, UV illumination in the plenum 116 can be accomplished with UV strip lamps. Other forms of UV illumination can be used.

[0088] For example, Figure 6A Another arrangement is shown with multiple electrical elements (UV light source 130 and barrier heater 140) disposed in the plenum 116 of the frame 110 and connected to the power controls 201. The plenum 116 includes carbon media 152 on one or more side walls for adsorption and purification purposes. The plenum 116 can also include a filter 120 disposed at the inlet.

[0089] As suggested above, the disclosed purification device 100 can be used alone or in combination with air handling systems and other purification devices 100. As one example, Figure 6B A configuration of a purification device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown that includes a UV light source 130 and a barrier heater 140 controlled by control / power circuitry 202. The UV light source 130 and barrier heater 140 can be similar to those disclosed herein and can be housed together in a housing or frame 110 to fit into an air stream of an air handling system. For example, the housing or frame 110 can be retrofitted or added to existing ductwork of an air handling system, can be disposed upstream of operable components of an air handling system, or can be configured at other locations in an air stream. Filtration can be accomplished at other locations in an air handling system. The control / power circuitry 202 can have the necessary components to control the UV light source 130 and barrier heater 140 as disclosed herein, as such.

[0090] As another example, Figure 6CAnother configuration of a decontamination device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown, including a barrier heater 140 controlled by a control / power circuit 203. This device 100 as shown can not include a UV light source, but such a source can be used in other environments or at other locations in a facility. The barrier heater 140 can be similar to those disclosed herein, and can be housed in a housing or frame 110 to fit into an air stream of an air handling system. For example, the housing or frame 110 can be retrofitted or added to an existing duct of an air handling system, can be positioned upstream of operable components of the air handling system, or can be configured at other locations in the air stream. Filtration can be implemented at other locations in the air handling system, or can be incorporated into the frame 110 using a filter (not shown) as disclosed elsewhere herein. The control / power circuit 203 can have the necessary components to control the barrier heater 140 as disclosed herein, as such.

[0091] As yet another example, Figure 6D Yet another configuration of a decontamination device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown, including a UV light source 130 controlled by a control / power circuit 204 and including a barrier heater 140 controlled by a control / power circuit 203. The UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 can be similar to those disclosed herein, and can be housed in separate housings or frames 110a-b to fit into an air stream of an air handling system. For example, the housings or frames 110a-b can be retrofitted or added to an existing duct of an air handling system, can be positioned upstream of operable components of the air handling system, or can be configured at other locations in the air stream. Filtration can be implemented at other locations in the air handling system, or can be incorporated into one or both of the frames 110a-b using a filter (not shown) as disclosed elsewhere herein. The control / power circuits 203, 204 can have the necessary components to control the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140, respectively, as disclosed herein, as such.

[0092] As suggested above, the disclosed decontamination devices 100 can be used alone or in combination with air handling systems and other decontamination devices 100. Figure 7 A schematic arrangement of an air handling system 20 with several decontamination devices 100a-n is shown. As noted above, more than one decontamination device 100a-n can be used in a facility, and these devices 100a-n can have control configurations for remote or local control.

[0093] For example, an air handling system 20 (e.g., an HVAC system) can include a system controller 50 thereof, and can have a user / communication interface 52. The system controller 50 includes a central processing unit and memory as typically found in an environmental controller. The user / communication interface 52 can include a graphical user interface, control panel, wired and wireless communications as typically found in an environmental controller, for example. As before, the HVAC system 20 includes components such as a blower 22, furnace 24, compressor 27, thermostat 29, and any other conventional components.

[0094] The system controller 50 can communicate with one or more standalone purification devices 100a and 100n disposed in the facility via wired or wireless communications. These standalone purification devices 100a and 100n have a local controller 210 and a user / communication interface 212. The local controller 210 includes a central processing unit and memory as typically found in an environmental controller. The user / communication interface 212 can include a graphical user interface, control panel, wired and wireless communications as typically found in an environmental controller, for example. As before, the standalone devices 100a and 100n include the disclosed purification components, such as a UV source driver 213, heater circuit 214, sensor 216, etc.

[0095] As further shown, the system controller 50 can likewise communicate with one or more integrated purification devices 100b disposed in the facility via wired or wireless communications. These integrated devices 110b have no local control, and can be directly controlled by the system controller 50. As before, the integrated devices 100b include the disclosed purification components, such as a UV source driver 213, heater circuit 214, sensor 216, etc.

[0096] Based on the above arrangement, it will be appreciated that a facility can be configured with multiple system components for different zones, rooms, areas, etc. of the facility. In brief summary, Figure 8A A master control unit 250 is shown having a central processing unit 252 and a communication interface 254 for communicating with a plurality of local controllers 200a-200n in different zones 104a-104n of the facility configuration 102 via wired and / or wireless communications 256. Each of the local controllers 200a-200n can control one or more of the purification devices 100a-100n in a given zone 104a-104n.

[0097] As another brief example, Figure 8BA master environmental control 50 is shown having a central processing unit and communication interfaces 52a-b for communicating with a plurality of system components in a facility configuration 102 via wired and / or wireless communications 56. The master environmental control 50 can communicate with local controllers 200a-n in different zones 104a-n of the facility configuration 102. Each of the local controllers 200a-n can control one or more of the purification devices 100a-n in a given zone 104a-n. Additionally, the master control 50 can communicate with local environmental systems 21a-n of the air handling system 20 of the facility. These local environmental systems 21a-n can be dedicated to different zones (e.g., floors, rooms, buildings, etc.) of the facility.

[0098] As previously mentioned, the permeable barrier 142 of the barrier heater 140 disclosed herein can have different layers and configurations. In Figure 9A , a portion of the barrier heater 140a is shown in which the permeable barrier 142 is flat and has a defined thickness T1. One or more such flat barriers 142 can be used in series adjacent to one another to impede and interact with the incoming air stream. To increase surface area and interaction, a portion of the barrier heater 140b is shown in Figure 9B with a crease, corrugation, or pleat 142 in the permeable barrier 142. The mesh material of the barrier 142 can have its original thickness T1, but the corrugated barrier heater 140b presents a thickness T2 to the incoming air stream. One or more such corrugated barriers 142 can be used in series adjacent to one another to impede and interact with the incoming air stream.

[0099] Given the flexibility of the Ni foam, the corrugated barrier heater 140b provides several advantages. First, by the bends 144, the electrical resistance of the Ni foam is much greater, which can help the barrier heater 140b when used with a residual voltage (110V). Second, as Figure 9B shown in, the bends 144 create an effective distance T2 that is much greater than the thickness T1 for interacting with the incoming air. The gaps between the bends 144 in the hot Ni foam create a high temperature that can effectively destroy pathogens. It should be noted that the number of bends, bend length, etc. can be easily controlled, and the longer the bend length, the higher the temperature that can be obtained. Third, compared to a flat Ni foam that has two major sides exposed to air, Figure 9B the corrugated Ni foam barrier 142 in has much less area exposed to the incoming and outgoing air, which will minimize heat loss, and therefore, the temperature of the barrier heater 140 can increase faster and can reach a much higher value at the same power consumption.

[0100] For example, Figure 10A A graph of input voltage versus current generated for barrier heater 140a having a flat Ni foam configuration is shown, and Figure 10B Another graph of current versus temperature level generated for barrier heater 140a having a flat Ni foam configuration is shown. At the same time, Figure 11A A graph of input voltage versus current generated for barrier heater 140b having a corrugated Ni foam configuration is shown, and Figure 11B Another graph of current versus temperature level generated for barrier heater 140b having a corrugated Ni foam configuration is shown. As can be seen in Figure 10B and Figure 11B At the same voltage of 1.0 V, the temperature of the corrugated barrier heater 140b can be more than twice that of the flat barrier heater 140a.

[0101] It should be understood that the disclosed decontamination device 100 and its various features of UV light source 130 and barrier heater 140 can be configured to meet a particular implementation and treat air for a particular pathogen. Testing with actual pathogens requires careful controls, which have been performed in a laboratory environment.

[0102] For UV light source 130, the intensity, effective field, wavelength, and other variables of the UV light from source 130 can be configured to treat air for a particular pathogen, and are best determined by testing directly with actual pathogens in a controlled laboratory environment.

[0103] For barrier heater 140, the thickness, material, effective surface area, permeability, corrugations, temperature, and other variables of permeable barrier 142 from barrier heater 140 can be configured to treat air for a particular pathogen, and are best determined by testing directly with actual pathogens in a controlled laboratory environment.

[0104] Previous studies on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have determined that coronaviruses can be inactivated by heat. See, e.g., Leclerca, 2014; Darnell, 2004; Pastorino, 2020. Results from preliminary studies conducted in a BSL3 facility indicated that SARS-CoV-2 has significant heat resistance for an enveloped RNA virus. A 10-minute experiment at 100°C (212°F) was required to completely inactivate the virus.

[0105] In particular, the heat resistance of the human SARS-CoV-2 strain (COVID-19) has been performed in a BSL3 facility. The experimental plan of this study included the use of water and saline at room temperature or at boiling temperature Figure 12 ). For the latter, 10 pL of SARS-CoV-2 was added to 90 pL of pre-heated water or saline at 100°C (212°F). While for the control group incubations performed at room temperature, these solutions were incubated at 100°C for 30 seconds or 10 minutes.

[0106] After incubation, 900 pL of room temperature media was added and titrated. The control groups incubated at room temperature for 10 minutes and 30 seconds were still ineffective in reducing viral load. In contrast, the experimental plan 100°C - 30 seconds described a trend, but the exposure time was apparently not long enough to effectively reduce viral load, but the viral load in water was relatively lower compared to saline. For water or saline, only the experimental plan 100°C - 10 minutes was able to completely inactivate the virus (greater than 5 Log 10 reduction).

[0107] The generated data confirmed that the virus has a clear heat resistance for enveloped RNA viruses. Other studies on heat inactivation can describe curves for variable temperatures (50°C, 100°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, and 300°C) and exposure durations (1 second, 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes), which can then be correlated to the expected heat destruction caused by, for example, a barrier heater as disclosed herein having a permeable Ni foam.

[0108] However, according to recent studies, the heated filter of the disclosed barrier heater 140 can be used safely at high temperatures [(200°C to 250°C) (392°F to 482°F)] to kill COVID-19. In particular, a study has been performed at the Galveston National Laboratory / NIAID Biological Defense Laboratory Network (Biological Safety Level 4) and the study included the findings of a control experiment. The study has found that COVID-19 is vaporized in atomized air when in contact with the dedicated heated filter system of the present disclosure (i.e., the disclosed barrier heater 140). The results indicate that the active virus is reduced by 100-fold and the kill rate of COVID-19 reaches 100% by the heated barrier heater 140. The study indicates how COVID-19 can be eliminated from the air.

[0109] The disclosed purification device 100 can effectively kill viruses and bacteria in circulating air at high temperatures of about 250°C (482°F). As disclosed herein, barrier heaters 140 such as nickel (Ni) foam are low cost, electrically conductive, highly porous with random channels, and mechanically strong with good flexibility, which act as good filters for sterilization and disinfection in HVAC systems or other environments. The curved Ni foam provides a structure with higher electrical resistance and lower voltage and increases the surface area for sterilization. Mechanical killing using high-performance metals with temperature and mechanical pressurization can be applied to COVID-19 environments.

[0110] Other related studies as disclosed herein have found that there is no significant temperature increase in air passing through the disclosed heated filters given their high performance and design. Preliminary studies of the filters and their electrical conductivity have been completed at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston. Research partners include Texas A&M University, the Department of Engineering and Engineering Experimental Station, and the University of Texas Medical Branch. As has been explained, the temperature of the barrier heaters 140 of Ni foam increases very quickly and can be heated to high temperatures with low wattage power. After passing through the heated Ni foam of the barrier heaters 140, the air temperature drops very quickly, even at temperatures over 100°C (212°F), the air temperature is only room temperature 4 cm away.

[0111] The foregoing description of the preferred and other embodiments is not intended to be limiting or restrictive in the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts contemplated by the Applicant. It will be appreciated that features described above in accordance with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter can be utilized alone or in combination with any other described features in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter, with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0112] In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicant expects to be granted all patent rights provided by the attached claims. Accordingly, the attached claims are intended to encompass to the fullest extent allowable by law all modifications and alterations of the subject matter disclosed herein, falling within the scope of the attached claims or their equivalents.

[0113] Inventive Concepts

[0114] The present invention provides the following inventive concepts:

[0115] 1. A device for treating an air stream of an air handling system with supplied electrical power, the device comprising:

[0116] a frame having a plenum with an inlet and an outlet, the frame configured to be positioned in the air stream of the air handling system for the air stream to pass therethrough;

[0117] a filter disposed across a surface area of the plenum and comprising a first material, the filter configured to filter the air flow therethrough up to a filtration threshold; and

[0118] a heater disposed across the surface area of the plenum and comprising a permeable barrier of a metallic material, the permeable barrier of the heater configured to impede the air flow therethrough up to an impeding threshold, the permeable barrier of the heater electrically communicatively connected to the supplied electrical power and heated to a surface temperature.

[0119] 2. The apparatus of inventive concept 1, wherein the permeable barrier of the heater comprises a mesh, a foam, a screen, or a tortuous medium.

[0120] 3. The apparatus of inventive concept 1 or 2, wherein the metallic material of the permeable barrier comprises nickel.

[0121] 4. The apparatus of inventive concept 1, 2, or 3, wherein the first material of the filter comprises a metallic material.

[0122] 5. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-4, further comprising an ultraviolet light source disposed in the plenum, the ultraviolet light source electrically communicatively connected to the supplied electrical power and configured to generate an effective field of ultraviolet radiation in the plenum.

[0123] 6. The apparatus of inventive concept 5, further comprising one or more structures disposed in the frame and supporting the ultraviolet light source.

[0124] 7. The apparatus of inventive concept 6, wherein the one or more structures comprise one or more bars or one or more fixtures.

[0125] 8. The apparatus of inventive concept 5, 6, or 7, wherein the ultraviolet light source comprises one or more UV-C lamps or a plurality of UV-C light emitting diodes disposed in the plenum.

[0126] 9. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 5-8, wherein the ultraviolet light source is configured to produce ultraviolet radiation of an ultraviolet germicidal irradiance having a dose of at least 611 μΐ / cm2.

[0127] 10. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 5-9, further comprising a controller disposed in electrical communication with the ultraviolet light source, the controller configured to control (i) heating of the permeable barrier by the supplied electrical power and (ii) radiation of the ultraviolet light source powered by the supplied electrical power.

[0128] 11. The apparatus of inventive concept 10, wherein the controller is disposed in electrical communication with a drive circuit connected to the ultraviolet light source, the controller configured to control ultraviolet radiation of the ultraviolet light source with the drive circuit powered by the supplied electrical power.

[0129] 12. The apparatus of inventive concept 10 or 11, further comprising a light sensor disposed adjacent the ultraviolet light source and in electrical communication with the controller, the light sensor configured to measure ultraviolet radiation associated with the ultraviolet light source.

[0130] 13. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-12, wherein the permeable barrier of the heater is configured to impede the flow of air therethrough up to an impeding threshold of 20% if the permeable barrier has a porosity of at least 80%.

[0131] 14. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-13, wherein the permeable barrier of the heater is heated to a surface temperature of at least greater than about 56°C, or 133°F.

[0132] 15. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-14, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of sidewalls that enclose the plenum between an open side of the inlet and an opposite open side of the outlet.

[0133] 16. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-15, further comprising an electrical insulator disposed between an edge of the permeable barrier and the frame.

[0134] 17. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-16, wherein the filter is disposed in the plenum toward the inlet, the permeable barrier is disposed in the plenum toward the outlet, and the ultraviolet light source is disposed between the filter and the barrier heater.

[0135] 18. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-17, further comprising a controller disposed in electrical communication with the permeable barrier and the ultraviolet light source, the controller configured to control heating of the permeable barrier by the supplied electrical power.

[0136] 19. The apparatus of inventive concept 18, wherein the controller is disposed in electrical communication with a heater circuit connected to the permeable barrier, the controller configured to control heating of the permeable barrier with the heater circuit powered by the supplied electrical power.

[0137] 20. The apparatus of inventive concept 19, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the permeable barrier and configured to be in electrical communication with the controller, the temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature associated with heating of the permeable barrier.

[0138] 21. The apparatus of inventive concept 18, 19, or 20, wherein the controller comprises a communication interface configured to be in communication with the air handling system and configured to receive a signal indicative of the air flow through the apparatus, the controller configured to configure the control based on the received signal.

[0139] 22. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 18-21, further comprising a flow sensor disposed adjacent to the plenum and configured to be in electrical communication with the controller, the flow sensor configured to measure an air flow through the plenum, the controller configured to configure the control based on the measured air flow.

[0140] 23. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 1-22, wherein the frame is configured to be positioned in at least one of:

[0141] a return of the air handling system in a facility;

[0142] an air intake of a furnace of the air handling system in a facility;

[0143] an outlet of the air handling system in a facility; and

[0144] a mixing chamber of the air handling system of a vehicle.

[0145] 24. An apparatus for treating an air flow of an air handling system with a supplied electrical power, the apparatus comprising:

[0146] a heater comprising a permeable barrier of a metallic material, the permeable barrier having a surface area exposed to the air flow and configured to impede the air flow therethrough up to an impeding threshold, the permeable barrier electrically communicatively connected to the supplied electrical power and heated to a surface temperature for the pathogen.

[0147] 25. The apparatus of inventive concept 24, further comprising a frame having a plenum disposed between an inlet and an outlet, the frame configured to be positioned in the air flow of the air handling system, the heater disposed in the plenum of the frame.

[0148] 26. The apparatus of inventive concept 24 or 25, further comprising:

[0149] an ultraviolet light source connected in electrical communication with the supplied electrical power and configured to generate an effective field of ultraviolet radiation in the air stream.

[0150] 27. The apparatus of inventive concept 26, further comprising a frame having a plenum disposed between an inlet and an outlet, the frame configured to be positioned in the air stream of the air handling system, the ultraviolet light source and the heater disposed in the plenum of the frame.

[0151] 28. The apparatus of any of inventive concepts 24-27, the pathogen being a virus, wherein the permeable barrier is heated to a surface temperature of at least greater than 200 °C against the virus.

[0152] 29. A method for treating an air stream of an air handling system for a pathogen, the method comprising:

[0153] positioning a frame in the air handling system for the air stream to pass therethrough;

[0154] filtering the air stream through a filter disposed between an inlet and an outlet across a surface area of a plenum of the frame up to a filtration threshold;

[0155] impeding the air stream through a permeable barrier of a heater having a metallic material disposed across the surface area of the plenum and between the inlet and the outlet up to an impeding threshold; and

[0156] heating the permeable barrier of the heater to a surface temperature against the pathogen by supplying a voltage potential across the permeable barrier.

[0157] 30. The method of inventive concept 29, further comprising generating an effective field of ultraviolet radiation in the plenum by supplying power to an ultraviolet light source disposed in the plenum.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating an air stream of an air handling system for a pathogen with supplied electrical power, the apparatus comprising: a frame having a plenum with an inlet and an outlet, the frame configured to be positioned in the air stream of the air handling system for the air stream to pass therethrough; a filter disposed across a surface area of the plenum and comprising a first material, the filter configured to filter the air stream passing therethrough up to a filtration threshold; and a heater disposed across the surface area of the plenum and comprising a permeable barrier of a metallic material, the permeable barrier of the heater having a porous mesh or foam defining random three-dimensional channels therethrough to impede the air stream passing through the permeable barrier up to an impeding threshold and to provide tortuous surfaces against which the pathogen can impinge, and the permeable barrier of the heater in electrical communication with supplied electrical power and heated to a surface temperature to at least destroy the pathogen.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the metallic material of the permeable barrier comprising nickel to provide a heated and electrified surface area against which the pathogen impinges and is destroyed.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first material of the filter comprising a metallic material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an ultraviolet light source disposed in the plenum, the ultraviolet light source connected in electrical communication with supplied electrical power and configured to generate an effective field of ultraviolet radiation in the plenum.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising one or more structures disposed in the frame and supporting the ultraviolet light source.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, the one or more structures comprising one or more bars or one or more fixtures.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 4-6, wherein, the ultraviolet light source comprising one or more UV-C lamps or a plurality of UV-C light emitting diodes disposed in the plenum.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The ultraviolet light source is configured to produce ultraviolet radiation having at least 611 μJ / cm 2 ultraviolet radiation of a dose of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a controller disposed in electrical communication with the ultraviolet light source, the controller configured to control heating of the permeable barrier by supplied electrical power and radiation of the ultraviolet light source powered by supplied electrical power.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The porous mesh or foam of the permeable barrier has a surface charge density of 1.43 x 10 7 C / m 2 .

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