AIR DECONTAMINATION DEVICE
The air decontamination device addresses the maintenance challenges of existing systems by using ultraviolet light and photocatalyst supports to effectively decontaminate air without filters, achieving efficient and stable operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2021008007
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing air decontamination devices in confined environments require frequent and costly maintenance due to filter cleaning and replacement, and can promote the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
An air decontamination device that uses ultraviolet light emission tubes to create turbulence and photocatalyst supports charged with titanium dioxide, positioned to ensure over 90% of air flow passes through both, effectively destroying pathogens and odorous compounds without the need for filters.
The device achieves effective air decontamination with reduced maintenance needs, as the photocatalytic process destroys pathogens and odors, and the ultraviolet light promotes a stable and uniform air flow.
Smart Images
Figure 00000010_0000 
Figure 00000010_0001 
Figure 00000010_0002
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: AIR DECONTAMINATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an air decontamination device. STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Decontamination of air in a confined environment is necessary and vital, particularly for environments receiving the public or professional collaborators. Known decontamination devices essentially use filters which aim to retain particles. These devices have the disadvantage of requiring significant and costly maintenance, particularly due to the cleaning and / or replacement of the filters. In addition, these filters can promote the development of pathogenic microorganisms and require their replacement and treatment by qualified personnel and strict procedures. Statement of the invention
[0003] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.
[0004] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an air decontamination device, which comprises, in a housing: - on a first face of the housing, an air outlet, - on a second face of the housing, different from the first face, an air inlet, the centers of the first face and the second face defining a general direction of the air flow in the housing, - at least one ultraviolet light emitting tube arranged transversely to the general direction of the air flow and configured to cause turbulence in the air flow and - opposite each light-emitting tube, at least one photocatalyst support loaded with titanium dioxide, positioned in such a way that more than 90% of the air flow passing through the housing passes between a light-emitting tube and a photocatalyst support.
[0005] Thanks to these arrangements, the air entering the housing is caught in turbulence caused by each light-emitting tube and reaches a photocatalyst support illuminated by such a tube, which releases ions. The carbon chains of viruses, bacteria, fungi, miscellia, mites and those of chemical compounds contributing to unpleasant odors are thus destroyed.
[0006] In embodiments, the first face of the housing is provided with at least one fan configured to suck in the air present inside the housing and discharge it to the outside of the housing, and the second face of the housing is provided with at least one passive fan, i.e. one which does not receive electrical energy, serving as an air flow stabilizer in the housing.
[0007] Thanks to these arrangements, the air flow passing through the housing is stabilized while being rotated as in a cyclone, which promotes uniform and efficient operation of the device over time.
[0008] In embodiments, at least one photocatalyst support comprises a fabric comprising at least 30% TiO2.
[0009] Thanks to these provisions, the efficiency of the device is improved.
[0010] In embodiments, the device which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one air impactor configured to separate, on the one hand, an air flow comprising particles of higher masses and direct it towards at least one photocatalyst support and, on the other hand, an air flow comprising a lower density of particles of higher masses and direct it towards the first face of the housing.
[0011] Thanks to these provisions, particles comprising heavier carbon chains are better subjected to decontamination resulting from photocatalysis.
[0012] In embodiments, the device which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one sensor of a physical quantity representative of the operation of the device and a means of remote transmission of information representative of a malfunction of the device when a physical quantity captured crosses a predetermined limit value.
[0013] Thanks to these provisions, curative maintenance, or even predictive maintenance, can be carried out.
[0014] In embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to measure the power consumption and / or light intensity of at least one light emitting tube.
[0015] Thanks to these provisions, if a light emitting tube is defective, a maintenance operator can replace it.
[0016] In embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to measure an airflow velocity in the housing.
[0017] Thanks to these provisions, if a fan is defective, a maintenance operator can replace it.
[0018] In embodiments, the photocatalyst support comprises a carbon fiber mesh.
[0019] Photocatalysis is thus more efficient.
[0020] In embodiments, the device which is the subject of the invention comprises a lighting panel on a face of the housing different from the first face and the second face.
[0021] Thanks to these provisions, the device can be installed in or against a false ceiling and illuminate the room.
[0022] In embodiments, the device that is the subject of the invention comprises at least one air deflector configured to deflect air and absorb light rays from a light emitting tube.
[0023] Thanks to these provisions, ultraviolet rays, in particular if they are UV-C rays, cannot reach elements external to the housing.
[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a ventilation duct comprising a device which is the subject of the invention.
[0025] This ventilation duct can be that of a building or that of a vehicle, in particular a bus or a coach. The device is thus integrated into an already existing duct.
[0026] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, which comprises a decontamination device according to the invention or a ventilation duct according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the air decontamination device which is the subject of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0028] [Fig. 1] represents, in side section, a first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention,
[0029] [Fig.2] represents, in side section, the device illustrated in [Fig.l] and the turbulence which develops there,
[0030] [Fig.3] represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in figures 1 and 2,
[0031] [Fig.4] represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in figures 1 and 2,
[0032] [Fig.5] represents, in top section, a second particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention,
[0033] [Fig.6] represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in [Fig.4], provided with a covering,
[0034] [Fig.7] represents, in perspective, a third embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention.
[0035] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.
[0037] It should be noted from now on that the figures are not to scale.
[0038] Throughout the description, the term "internal" refers to that which is close to the center of a housing and the term "external" refers to that which is far from this center or outside the housing. The term "upper" or "top" refers to that which is at the top in Figures 1 to 4 and 7 and the term "lower" or "bottom" refers to that which is at the bottom in these figures.
[0039] Figures 1 to 4 show an air decontamination device 20 which comprises a housing 21. The housing 21 is airtight apart from an air outlet 22, on a first face 23 of the housing 21 and an air inlet 24 on a second face 25 of the housing 21, different from the first face 23.
[0040] The centers of the first face 23 and the second face 25 define a general direction of the air flow, symbolized by arrows 26, in the housing 21.
[0041] At least one ultraviolet light emitting tube 27 is arranged transversely relative to the general direction of the air flow. This transverse arrangement, i.e. the main axes of the tubes 27 are not parallel to the general direction of the air flow. Preferably, the main axes of the tubes 27 are perpendicular to the general direction of the air flow. This transverse configuration causes turbulence 28 in the air flow, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the device comprises several tubes 27 arranged on two parallel planes comprising the general direction of the air flow. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the device which is the subject of the invention comprises only one tube 27.
[0042] Opposite each light-emitting tube 27, that is to say in the light flux emitted by this tube 27, there is at least one photocatalyst support 29 loaded with microparticle titanium dioxide. These supports 29 are positioned in such a way that more than 90% of the air flow passing through the housing 21 passes between a light-emitting tube 27 and a photocatalyst support 29. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the device comprises several supports 29 sandwiching the tubes 27: the tubes 27 are located between two supports 29. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the device which is the subject of the invention comprises only one support 29.
[0043] Thus, the air entering the housing 21 is caught in turbulence 28 caused by each light-emitting tube 27 and reaches a photocatalyst support 29 illuminated by such a tube 27. The carbon chains of viruses, bacteria, fungi, miscellia and those of chemical compounds contributing to unpleasant odors are thus destroyed.
[0044] Preferably, and as illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the first face 23 of the housing 21 is provided with at least one active fan 30 configured to suck in the air present inside the housing 21 and discharge it outside the housing 21. Preferably also, the second face 25 of the housing is provided with at least one passive fan 31, that is to say which does not receive electrical energy. Each fan 31 serves as an airflow stabilizer in the housing 21. The stabilization of the airflow inside the housing 21 promotes uniform operation, over time, of the device 20. In the first and third ([Fig.7]) embodiments, the device 20 comprises only one active fan 30 and one passive fan 31. In the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the device 40 comprises two active fans 30 and two passive fans 31. In other embodiments (not shown), the device which is the subject of the invention comprises more than two active fans 30 and / or more than two passive fans 31, it being noted that the number of active fans is independent of the number of passive fans, even if the equality of these numbers allows additional symmetry of the housing of the device.
[0045] Preferably, at least one photocatalyst support 29 comprises a fabric comprising at least 30% TiO2. In embodiments, the photocatalyst support comprises a mesh of carbon fibers, or epoxy-based fibers loaded with titanium dioxide. The efficiency of the device 20 is thus improved.
[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the device 40 comprises the same elements as the device 20, the numerical references designating the same components being incremented by 20. In this sectional view from above, the tubes 47 are not visible and only one of them is shown in broken lines.
[0047] The device 40 also comprises an electronic card 52 for controlling at least some of its components, in particular active fans 50 and tubes 27. The electronic card 52 does not necessarily power the tubes 27 and the active fans 50. The tubes are powered directly by ballasts 62, themselves powered by a filtered external source 53. The fans are directly powered by the filtered external power source 53. A switch with thermal protection is located at the input of the device 40. Alternatively, the active fans 50 are powered by the electronic card 52 so that this card 52 carries out a control for variation and regulation of the air flow. In this case, the card 52 modulates the input voltage of the active fans 50, to vary the power, therefore the air flow in the device 40.The electronic card 52 comprises a power supply 53 which supplies the fans 30 (a single electrical connection is shown in [Fig.5], for the sake of clarity) and the tubes 47 (a single electrical connection is shown in [Fig.5], for the sake of clarity). Preferably and as illustrated in [Fig.5], the device 40 comprises at least one sensor 55 and 56 of a physical quantity representative of the operation of the device 40, and a means 54 for remotely transmitting information representative of a malfunction of the device 40 when a physical quantity captured exceeds a predetermined limit value. Preferably, the means 54 also transmits information remotely, regularly, for example every day. representative of the values captured by sensors 55 and 56 and the operating time of device 40.
[0048] It is noted that the flux and light intensity sensors of the light sources 47 are positioned directly on the structure of the frame of the device 40, on the supports of the central photocatalyst support 29. The card 52 is protected from the UV radiation of the light sources 27, the connection with the sensors 55 and 56 being made by wires positioned on the internal sides of the device 40.
[0049] Curative maintenance, in the event of a malfunction, and predictive maintenance, based on the evolution of the captured values and on the actual operating time of the device 40, can be carried out. The remote transmission means 54 can use any type of wired or, preferably, wireless communication, for example a WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), SigFox (registered trademark) or LoRa (registered trademark) data transmission network or mobile telephony.
[0050] In [Fig. 5], a sensor 55 is configured to measure the electrical consumption and / or the light intensity of at least one light-emitting tube 47. If a light-emitting tube 47 is defective, its electrical consumption and its light intensity vary and a maintenance operator can replace it. It is noted that this sensor 55 can be common to several tubes 47, or even to all the tubes 47. It is also noted that this sensor 55 can be replaced or supplemented by a brightness sensor inside the housing 41, for example in the form of a phototransistor.
[0051] In [Fig. 5], a sensor 56 is configured to measure an air flow speed in the housing. For example, the sensor 56 captures the electrical consumption of an active fan 50. It is noted that this sensor 56 may be common to several active fans 50, or even to all the active fans 50. It is also noted that this sensor 56 may be replaced or supplemented by an anemometer inside the housing 41, for example in the form of a means for measuring the voltage or amperage at the terminals of at least one passive fan 51, acting as a wind turbine. Thus, if an active fan 50 is defective, a maintenance operator can replace it.
[0052] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the housing 41 may carry a shell 57 which hides this housing 41, on a face 58 of the housing, different from the first face 43 and the second face 45. In this embodiment, the housing carries, in addition to the shell 57, a lighting panel 59, for example with light-emitting diodes, on the face 58 of the housing 4L. This lighting panel 59 may be powered by the power supply 53 of the device 40 and be remotely controlled, in intensity and color, by a remote control (not shown). Of course, in embodiments, the housing 41 carries only one of these decorative elements 57 and lighting 59. Thus, the device 40 may be installed in or against a wall or a false ceiling and illuminate the piece.
[0053] In [Fig.6], the shell 57 is shown before positioning on the housing 41, arrows indicating the movement of placing the shell 57 on the housing 41. In [Fig.6], carbon plates are shown positioned on the plates of the catalyst media (between the catalyst media and the neons), unlike the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 4, which does not have a carbon plate. These carbon plates improve the photocatalysis process.
[0054] In embodiments (not shown), the device that is the subject of the invention comprises at least one air deflector, or baffle, configured to deflect air and absorb light rays from a light-emitting tube. Thus, ultraviolet rays, in particular if they are UV-C rays, cannot reach elements external to the housing.
[0055] In embodiments, the device which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one air impactor which separates: - on the one hand, an air flow comprising particles of higher masses and directs it towards at least one photo-catalyst support and - on the other hand, an air flow comprising a lower density of particles of higher masses and directs it towards the first face of the housing.
[0056] Thanks to these provisions, particles comprising heavier carbon chains are better subjected to decontamination resulting from photocatalysis.
[0057] In embodiments, the impactor or separator is located at the front of the device, just behind the air inlet fans. This impactor directs the heaviest loads into a central part of the device which is equipped with at least one ultraviolet light source and a photocatalyst in its light flux. In the case of a UV-C source, this is preferably positioned in a specific sheath in the middle and along the length of the device, for example in place of the central media-catalysts shown in Figures 1 to 4.
[0058] The decontamination device can be installed on a base, a wall, a ceiling with or without height positioning slings.
[0059] The present invention also relates to a ventilation duct comprising a device which is the subject of the invention. This on-board model, of tubular shape on the same photocatalysis process, operates at 12V, 24V or 48V for the internal decontamination of vehicles, with the possibility of adding a coupling connection allowing the models to be placed one after the other.
[0060] This ventilation duct can be that of a building or that of a vehicle, in particular a bus, a coach, a wagon, or a part of a ship. The device is thus integrated into an already existing duct or in addition to the main ventilation.
Claims
Claims
1. Device (20) for decontaminating air, which comprises, in a housing (21): - on a first face of the housing (23), an air outlet (22), - on a second face of the housing (25), different from the first face, an air inlet (24), the centers of the first face and of the second face defining a general direction of the air flow (26) in the housing;characterized in that it further comprises, in the housing: - at least one ultraviolet light emission tube (27) arranged transversely to the general direction of the air flow and configured to cause turbulence (28) in the air flow and - opposite each light emission tube, at least one photocatalyst support (29) loaded with titanium dioxide, positioned in such a way that more than 90% of the air flow passing through the housing passes between a light emission tube and a photocatalyst support, the first face of the housing (23) being provided with at least one fan (30) configured to suck in the air present inside the housing (21) and discharge it outside the housing so as to form an air flow and the second face of the housing (25) is provided with at least one passive fan (24), that is to say which does not receive electrical energy, serving as a stabilizer of airflow in the housing.;
2. A decontamination device (20) according to claim 1, wherein at least one photocatalyst support (29) comprises a fabric comprising at least 30% TiO2.
3. Decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 or 2, which comprises at least one air impactor configured to separate, on the one hand, an air flow comprising particles of higher masses and direct it towards at least one photocatalyst support and, on the other hand, an air flow comprising a lower density of particles of higher masses and direct it towards the first face of the housing.
4. Decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which comprises at least one sensor (55, 56) of a physical quantity representative of the operation of the device and a means for remote transmission of information representative of a malfunction of the device when a physical quantity captured crosses a predetermined limit value.
5. A decontamination device (20) according to claim 4, wherein at least one sensor (55) is configured to measure the electrical consumption and / or light intensity of at least one light emitting tube.
6. A decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein at least one sensor (56) is configured to measure an airflow speed in the housing.
7. Decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the photocatalyst support (29) comprises a mesh of carbon fibers.
8. Decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a lighting panel (59) on a face of the housing different from the first face and the second face.
9. Decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises at least one air deflector configured to deflect air and absorb light rays from a light emitting tube (27).
10. Ventilation duct, which comprises a decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9.
11. Vehicle, which comprises a decontamination device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or a ventilation duct according to claim 10.