Testing device and testing method for air cleaner

Abstract

To provide a testing device or the like capable of evaluating performance of an air cleaner in a pseudo ventilation state close to an actual use environment.SOLUTION: A testing device 2 evaluates performance of an air purifier 1 for removing fine particles floating in air. The test device 2 includes: a test chamber 3 that defines a sealed space 11 for installing the air purifier 1 to be tested; a fine particle supply unit 4 that supplies fine particles into the sealed space 11; a pseudo-ventilation unit 5 that generates a ventilation state in a pseudo manner by collecting fine particles contained in the air while forming a flow in the air inside the sealed space 11; and an air sampling unit 6 that can sample the air in the sealed space 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a testing device and a testing method for an air purifier. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Non-Patent Document 1 describes a test method for evaluating the airborne virus removal performance of an air purifier. In this test method, a test air purifier is placed in a test chamber, and then a virus suspension is sprayed into the test chamber. Air in the test chamber is then collected before and after the test product begins operating, and the virus removal performance of the test product is evaluated. Furthermore, the test chamber is an enclosed space to prevent viruses from leaking out during the test. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Test method for evaluating the removal performance of air purifiers against floating viruses," [online], July 4, 2011, Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association, [Retrieved January 24, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.jema-net.or.jp / Japanese / ha / kuusei / hyoukashiken / hyouka1.pdf> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, air purifiers used in homes and buildings are used in spaces that require ventilation. Therefore, it is desirable to conduct performance evaluations of this type of air purifier in a ventilated space according to the usage environment. However, such evaluations pose a risk of viruses and other contaminants leaking to the outside.

[0005] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to provide a testing device etc. that can evaluate the performance of an air purifier under simulated ventilation conditions that are close to the actual usage environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a testing device for evaluating the performance of an air purifier for removing particulate matter suspended in the air, comprising: a test chamber defining an enclosed space for installing the air purifier to be tested; a particulate matter supply section for supplying the particulate matter into the enclosed space; a pseudo-ventilation section for creating a pseudo-ventilation state by forming a flow in the air inside the enclosed space and collecting the particulate matter contained in the air; and an air sampling section capable of sampling the air in the enclosed space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By adopting the above-described configuration, the testing device of the present invention can evaluate the performance of an air purifier under simulated ventilation conditions that are close to the actual usage environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a testing device for an air purifier. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a method for testing an air purifier. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a sixth step. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the logarithm of virus infectivity and time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated representations and representations that differ from the dimensional ratios of actual structures in order to facilitate understanding of the contents of the invention. Furthermore, identical or common elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0010] [Air purifier test device (first embodiment)] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a testing device (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "testing device") 2 for an air purifier 1. The testing device 2 of this embodiment is used to evaluate the performance of the air purifier 1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an "air purifier") to be tested.

[0011] The air purifier 1 is for removing particulate matter (not shown) suspended in the air. There are no particular limitations on the air purifier 1 as long as it can remove particulate matter. Examples of air purifiers 1 include those that filter particulate matter, those that remove particulate matter by electrostatic charging, and those that remove particulate matter by ultraviolet light.

[0012] In general, the air purifier 1 is used in a space that requires ventilation in a building (not shown) such as a house or office building. The space may be, for example, an occupied or unoccupied room within the building. Such a space is ventilated at a predetermined ventilation rate (e.g., 0.5 times / h) by, for example, ventilation equipment (not shown) installed in the building.

[0013] The particulate matter is not particularly limited as long as it can be removed by the air purifier 1. The particulate matter in this embodiment includes at least one of viruses, bacteria, fine particulate matter (PM2.5, etc.), and pollen. When evaluating the removal performance of these particulate matter (especially viruses and bacteria), it is important to prevent these particulate matter from leaking out of the test device 2 and ensure the safety of the test.

[0014] In this embodiment, the virus removal performance of the air purifier 1 is evaluated. Examples of viruses include influenza viruses and novel coronaviruses. Note that the evaluation is not limited to virus removal performance, and the removal performance of bacteria, fine particulate matter, pollen, etc. may also be evaluated.

[0015] The test apparatus 2 of this embodiment is configured to include a test chamber 3, a particle supply unit 4, a pseudo-ventilation unit 5, and an air sampling unit 6. The test apparatus 2 of this embodiment further includes a stirring unit 7 and a control unit 8. Of these components, the components other than the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 and the control unit 8 may be the same as those described in Non-Patent Document 1 above.

[0016] [Test Chamber] The test chamber 3 defines an enclosed space 11 for installing the air purifier 1. The test chamber 3 of this embodiment includes a ceiling 3a, a floor 3b, and a wall 3c. The ceiling 3a, the floor 3b, and the wall 3c define the enclosed space 11. Openings such as doors and windows (not shown) may be provided in at least a portion of the ceiling 3a, the floor 3b, and the wall 3c.

[0017] The sealed space 11 of this embodiment, like the test chamber of Non-Patent Document 1, does not have any gaps that would allow the particles to escape to the outside when openings such as doors and windows (not shown) are closed (it is closed without any gaps). Note that if the escape of particles to the outside is permitted, the sealed space 11 may be substantially sealed. Here, "substantially sealed" means that the sealed space 11 allows the inflow and outflow of air at less than 5% of the above-mentioned ventilation rate (the pseudo ventilation rate described below).

[0018] The sealed space 11 of this embodiment includes a first sealed space 11A and a second sealed space 11B, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, it may include only one of the first sealed space 11A and the second sealed space 11B, or it may further include another sealed space (not shown). In this embodiment, a partition wall 3d is provided between the first sealed space 11A and the second sealed space 11B. The first sealed space 11A and the second sealed space 11B are each sealed, but air may be allowed to pass between them.

[0019] In this embodiment, of the first sealed space 11A and the second sealed space 11B, the air purifier 1 is installed in the first sealed space 11A. As a result, the air purifier 1 removes fine particles contained in the air A1 in the first sealed space 11A (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "first sealed air"), and the removed air A2 is supplied to the first sealed space 11A.

[0020] The size (air volume) of the enclosed space 11 (in this example, the first enclosed space 11A) in which the air purifier 1 is installed can be set as appropriate. It is preferable to set the size (air volume) of the first enclosed space 11A based on the viewpoint of forming an air flow inside the enclosed space 11 (first enclosed space 11A) and evaluating the performance of the air purifier 1 in a situation close to an actual usage environment. The size (air volume) of the first enclosed space 11A in this embodiment is 15 to 60 m 3 It is preferably set to

[0021] The sealed space 11 may be adjustable to a predetermined temperature and humidity, similar to a known test chamber. The temperature and humidity can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of evaluating the performance of the air purifier 1 under conditions close to the actual usage environment, the temperature can be set to 10 to 30°C (23°C in this example), and the relative humidity can be set to 20 to 80% RH (50% RH), for example.

[0022] [Particle supply section] The particle supply unit 4 is for supplying particles into the sealed space 11. In this embodiment, of the first sealed space 11A and the second sealed space 11B, the particles can be supplied to the first sealed space 11A in which the air purifier 1 is installed.

[0023] The particle supply unit 4 can be configured as appropriate as long as it can supply particles into the sealed space 11. The particle supply unit 4 of this embodiment includes a nebulizer 12. This nebulizer 12 is used to spray the test liquid 15 containing the particles. The nebulizer 12 of this embodiment is configured as a jet nebulizer (compressor nebulizer), but is not particularly limited thereto and may be, for example, a glass nebulizer or the like.

[0024] When nebulizer 12 is configured as a jet nebulizer as in this embodiment, particle supply unit 4 further includes compressor 13 that generates compressed air A3 and first air flow path 14 that guides compressed air A3 to nebulizer 12. In such particle supply unit 4, compressed air A3 from compressor 13 is supplied via first air flow path 14 to nebulizer 12 in which test liquid 15 is disposed, whereby test liquid 15 becomes atomized and particles can be supplied to enclosed space 11.

[0025] Nebulizer 12 of this embodiment is installed in first sealed space 11A. This allows fine particles to be supplied to first sealed space 11A in which air purifier 1 is installed. On the other hand, compressor 13 of this embodiment is installed in second sealed space 11B. This prevents the intake air and heat generated by compressor 13 from affecting air (first sealed air) A1 in first sealed space 11A, making it possible to evaluate the performance of air purifier 1 in a situation close to the actual usage environment.

[0026] [Pseudo ventilation section] The pseudo-ventilation unit 5 is used to create a pseudo-ventilation state. In a space that requires ventilation, such as a building, fine particles decrease over time due to the flow of air. Based on this perspective, the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 creates a flow in the air (first sealed air) A1 inside the sealed space 11, while collecting fine particles contained in the air, thereby reducing the fine particles over time and creating a pseudo-ventilation state in the sealed space 11.

[0027] The pseudo-ventilation unit 5 can be configured as appropriate as long as it can generate the pseudo-ventilation state described above. The pseudo-ventilation unit 5 of this embodiment includes a fan 16 and a filter 17. In this specification, a "fan" is a machine for pressurizing and feeding air. Therefore, the fan 16 and the stirring fan 7A of the stirring unit 7 described below are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of pressurizing and feeding air.

[0028] The fan 16 is for forming an air flow. The fan 16 of the present embodiment supplies air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space 11 to the filter 17 while forming an air flow in the sealed space 11.

[0029] Although the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 of this embodiment is configured to include one fan 16, this is not particularly limited. For example, depending on the size of the enclosed space 11, the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 may include two or more fans (not shown).

[0030] The fan 16 of this embodiment is configured as a constant air volume fan whose rotation speed is controlled to maintain a constant air volume. This enables the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 to maintain a constant air flow in the enclosed space 11. The air volume (rotation speed) of such fan 16 can be controlled by the control device 8, for example, based on a predetermined procedure (program).

[0031] The filter 17 is for capturing fine particles. The filter 17 in this embodiment is stored inside a filter box 18, but this is not particularly limited. The filter box 18 in this embodiment is formed in a box shape with a space inside. The space inside this filter box 18 is configured to allow air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space 11 to pass through between an inlet and an outlet (not shown). As a result, the first sealed air A1 is filtered by the filter 17 stored inside the filter box 18.

[0032] In the pseudo-ventilation unit 5, the air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space is supplied to the filter 17 by operating the fan 16, and the air (first sealed air) A1 can be filtered. This allows fine particles contained in the air to be captured. Furthermore, the air (first sealed air) A1 discharged from the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 contains fewer fine particles, and therefore can be considered as air that can ventilate the first sealed space 11A.

[0033] The filter 17 is not particularly limited as long as it can capture fine particles. The filter 17 of this embodiment is preferably configured to include at least one of a MEPA filter, a quasi-HEPA filter, a HEPA filter, and a ULPA filter. Although the filter 17 of this embodiment is configured as a HEPA filter, it may be configured as another filter, or may be configured as a combination of these filters.

[0034] In this way, the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 of this embodiment can capture fine particles contained in the air (first sealed air) A1 inside the sealed space 11 while forming a flow in the air. This can reduce the number of fine particles in the test chamber 3 over time, similar to normal ventilation in a space where the air purifier 1 is expected to be used (for example, a space provided in a building). Therefore, the test device 2 of this embodiment can simulate a state accompanied by ventilation in the sealed space 11.

[0035] [Air sampling section] The air sampling unit 6 is for sampling air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space 11. This air sampling unit 6 can be configured appropriately as long as it can sample air in the sealed space 11. The air sampling unit 6 of this embodiment is configured to include a suction pump 21, a second air flow path 22, and an impinger-type collector 23, similar to the test chamber of Non-Patent Document 1 above.

[0036] The suction pump 21 is for sucking air (first sealed air) A1 from the sealed space 11 through the second air flow path 22. The second air flow path 22 is for guiding the air from the sealed space 11 sucked by the suction pump 21 to the collector 23.

[0037] The collector 23 is for collecting fine particles contained in the air in the enclosed space 11. In this embodiment, a biosampler is used as the collector 23, but the present invention is not limited to this and a midget impinger or the like may also be used. A collection liquid 25 for collecting fine particles is disposed inside the collector 23. The collection liquid 25 is not particularly limited as long as it can collect fine particles. In this embodiment, a sodium thiosulfate solution is used as the collection liquid 25, as in Non-Patent Document 1, but pure water, a buffer solution, or the like may also be used.

[0038] One end (air inlet) of second air flow path 22 is disposed in first sealed space 11A. Meanwhile, the other end (air outlet) of second air flow path 22 is connected to the air intake port of collection device 23. The exhaust port of collection device 23 is connected to suction pump 21 via third air flow path 24.

[0039] In the air sampling unit 6 of this embodiment, when the suction pump 21 starts operating, air (first sealed air A1) in the first sealed space 11A is sucked from one end of the second air flow path 22, and the first sealed air A1 can be sampled. The sampled first sealed air A1 is supplied to the collection liquid 25 in the collection device 23. This allows the collection liquid 25 to capture fine particles contained in the first sealed air A1.

[0040] The air sampling unit 6 is not limited to an embodiment including the collection device 23. For example, instead of the collection device 23, a gelatin filter (not shown) may be used.

[0041] [Mixing section] The agitation unit 7 agitates the air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space 11 to make the concentration of fine particles in the sealed space 11 closer to uniform. The agitation unit 7 can be configured appropriately as long as it is capable of agitating air. The agitation unit 7 of this embodiment is configured as an agitation fan 7A, similar to the test chamber of Non-Patent Document 1 mentioned above.

[0042] The air volume of the agitating fan 7A can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the size of the enclosed space 11 (first enclosed space 11A) in which the air purifier 1 is installed, the amount of particulate matter supplied, etc. In order to make the concentration of particulate matter in the enclosed space 11 more uniform, the agitating fan 7A may be provided with a rotary air direction louver (not shown).

[0043] [Control device] The control device 8 is for controlling the air volume (rotation speed) of the fan 16 of the pseudo-ventilation unit 5. Note that the objects controlled by the control device 8 are not limited to the fan 16, and may include, for example, the compressor 13 of the particle supply unit 4 and the suction pump 21 of the air collection unit 6.

[0044] The control device 8 of this embodiment is configured as a computer and includes a calculation unit (not shown) consisting of a CPU (central processing unit), a storage unit (not shown) in which control procedures are pre-stored, and a working memory (not shown) for reading the control procedures from the storage unit. The fan 16 of the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 is connected to the control device 8. This allows the control device 8 to control the airflow (rotation speed) of the fan 16.

[0045] [Air purifier testing method] Next, a method for testing an air purifier (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "test method") will be described. In the test method of this embodiment, the performance of an air purifier 1 is evaluated. A test device 2 is used for this performance evaluation. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the method for testing an air purifier.

[0046] [Installing the air purifier in a closed space (Step 1)] In the testing method of this embodiment, first, the air purifier 1 to be tested is placed in a predetermined sealed space 11 (first step S1). As described above, the sealed space 11 is defined by the test chamber 3. When a plurality of sealed spaces 11 (in this example, a first sealed space 11A and a second sealed space 11B) are defined, as in the test chamber 3 of this embodiment, the air purifier 1 is placed in the sealed space 11 to which the fine particles are supplied (in this example, the first sealed space 11A).

[0047] The air purifier 1 can be installed as appropriate. In this embodiment, it is preferable to install the air purifier 1 in a location away from locations where the concentration of fine particles is likely to be locally high (locations where the agitator 7 and nebulizer 12 are installed). This allows the air purifier 1 to be operated in a location where the concentration of fine particles is nearly uniform, making it possible to appropriately evaluate the performance of the air purifier 1.

[0048] [Supplying particles into a sealed space (second step)] Next, in the testing method of this embodiment, fine particles are supplied into the sealed space 11 (second step S2). A fine particle supply unit 4 is used to supply the fine particles.

[0049] In the second step S2 of this embodiment, first, test liquid 15 containing fine particles is placed in nebulizer 12 included in fine particle supply unit 4. Next, compressor 13 is started to operate, and compressed air A3 is supplied to nebulizer 12. As a result, test liquid 15 placed in nebulizer 12 becomes atomized, and the fine particles contained in test liquid 15 can be supplied (sprayed) into sealed space 11 (first sealed space 11A).

[0050] In the second step S2 of this embodiment, it is preferable to start the operation of the agitator 7 (agitator fan 7A) in synchronization with the start of the supply of the fine particles. This agitates the air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space 11 to which the fine particles have been supplied, making it possible to make the concentration of the fine particles in the sealed space 11 (first sealed space 11A) closer to uniform.

[0051] In the second step S2, in order to make the concentration of the particles more uniform, it is preferable to agitate the first sealed air A1 for a predetermined time after the particles are supplied to the first sealed space 11A. The agitation time can be set appropriately depending on the size of the first sealed space 11A, the amount of particles supplied, etc. In this embodiment, the agitation time can be set to, for example, 1 to 10 minutes.

[0052] [Generating a simulated ventilation state (Step 3)] Next, in the testing method of this embodiment, a pseudo-ventilation state is generated (third step S3). In this third step S3, a flow is formed in the air (first sealed air) A1 inside the sealed space 11, and particles contained in the air are collected, thereby generating a pseudo-ventilation state in the first sealed space 11A. A pseudo-ventilation unit 5 including a fan 16 and a filter 17 is used to generate this pseudo-ventilation state.

[0053] In the third step S3 of this embodiment, first, the operation of the fan 16 of the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 is started. As a result, in the third step S3, the first sealed air A1 is supplied to the filter 17, and the fine particles contained in the air can be captured by the filter 17. Then, the first sealed air A1 from which the fine particles have been captured (reduced) by the filter 17 is supplied from the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 to the first sealed space 11A, and an air flow can be formed in the first sealed space 11A.

[0054] In this way, in the third step S3 of the present embodiment, a flow is formed in the air (first sealed air) A1 inside the sealed space 11, and particles contained in the air are collected, thereby reducing the number of particles in the first sealed space 11A over time, similar to normal ventilation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a state accompanied by ventilation in a space where the air purifier 1 is expected to be used (for example, a space provided in a building) is simulated in the first sealed space 11A. This allows for the reduction of particles such as viruses over time to be taken into account, similar to an actual usage environment.

[0055] The timing at which the third step S3 is performed can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the third step S3 be performed after the above-mentioned stirring time has elapsed since the particulate matter was supplied to the first enclosed space 11A in the second step S2. This allows the particulate matter contained in the air to be collected by the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 after the concentration of particulate matter in the enclosed space 11 has become nearly uniform. This makes it possible to make the pseudo-ventilation state generated in the third step S3 more similar to the ventilation state in a space in which the air purifier 1 is expected to be used (for example, a space provided in a building).

[0056] In the third step S3, the air volume of the fan 16 can be set appropriately. In order to make the pseudo ventilation state generated in the third step S3 closer to the ventilation state in a space where the air purifier 1 is expected to be used (for example, a space provided in a building), a predetermined pseudo ventilation volume V (m 3 Preferably, a simulated ventilation state is generated based on the airway pressure (p<0.01 / h).

[0057] Pseudo ventilation volume V (m 3 The pseudo ventilation volume V in this embodiment is calculated by multiplying the ventilation rate (for example, 0.5 times / h) in the space where the air purifier 1 is expected to be used by the air volume (m 3 ) is set to a value obtained by multiplying the pseudo ventilation volume V by the air containing particles. By generating air containing particles (air not containing particles) based on this pseudo ventilation volume V, a ventilation state based on the ventilation rate can be simulated.

[0058] If the filter 17 is unable to capture all of the particles passing through it, the first sealed air A1 discharged from the pseudo-ventilation section 5 will contain the uncaptured particles. Therefore, for example, if the fan 16 is operated at an air volume equal to the pseudo-ventilation volume V, it will be impossible to generate particle-free air equivalent to the pseudo-ventilation volume V, and therefore it will be impossible to generate a pseudo ventilation state based on the ventilation rate (pseudo-ventilation volume V). In such a case, it is important to operate the fan 16 at an air volume greater than the pseudo-ventilation volume V to generate particle-free air equivalent to the pseudo-ventilation volume V, thereby generating a pseudo ventilation state based on the ventilation rate. In the third step S3 of this embodiment, it is preferable to generate a pseudo ventilation state based on the pseudo-ventilation volume V using the fan air volume F calculated by the following formula: F=1 / η×V where: F: Fan airflow η: Filter capture efficiency V: Pseudo ventilation volume

[0059] In the above equation, the collection efficiency η of filter 17 is substituted with the collection efficiency of filter 17 for the particulate matter. Such collection efficiency is predetermined by the manufacturer of filter 17, etc. The air volume F of fan 16 is calculated by multiplying the reciprocal of this collection efficiency η, 1 / η, by the pseudo ventilation volume V. This air volume F is larger than the pseudo ventilation volume V and is the air volume required to generate air that does not contain particulate matter by the pseudo ventilation volume V. By operating fan 16 based on this air volume F, it is possible to generate a simulated ventilation state based on the pseudo ventilation volume V (the above-mentioned ventilation rate).

[0060] For example, if the ventilation rate in the space where the air purifier 1 is expected to be used is 0.5 times / h and the air volume of the first sealed space 11A is 24 m 3 If the pseudo ventilation volume V is 12 m 3 If the filter collection efficiency is 0.9, the air volume F of fan 16 is 13.3 m 3By operating the fan 16 based on the air volume F that is larger than the pseudo ventilation volume V, it becomes possible to create a pseudo ventilation state in the first sealed space 11A based on the pseudo ventilation volume V (the above-mentioned ventilation rate).

[0061] In this way, by operating the fan 16 based on the airflow rate F calculated by the above formula, it is possible to make the simulated ventilation state closer to the ventilation state in a space (e.g., a space inside a building) in which the air purifier 1 is expected to be used. The airflow rate F of the fan 16 can be controlled by, for example, the control device 8, but may also be controlled by an operator or the like.

[0062] Generally, the capture efficiency η of the filter 17 is determined based on a predetermined rated airflow rate. If air is supplied to the filter 17 at an airflow rate F greater than the rated airflow rate, the actual capture efficiency may decrease (become smaller than the capture efficiency η). For this reason, the capture efficiency η is preferably determined based on a rated airflow rate greater than the fan's airflow rate F. This allows the fan 16 to be operated based on an airflow rate F smaller than the rated airflow rate in the third step S3, thereby suppressing a decrease in the capture efficiency η. This makes it possible to make the simulated ventilation state more similar to the ventilation state in a space (e.g., a space provided within a building) in which the air purifier 1 is expected to be used.

[0063] Furthermore, the collection efficiency η of the filter 17 may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the air. For this reason, it is preferable that the collection efficiency η is determined under the same conditions as the temperature and humidity set in the first enclosed space 11A. This suppresses fluctuations in the collection efficiency η in the third step S3, making it possible to make the simulated ventilation state closer to the ventilation state in the space in which the air purifier 1 is expected to be used.

[0064] [Operate the air purifier (step 4)] Next, in the testing method of this embodiment, the air purifier 1 is operated (fourth step S4). In this embodiment, the operation of the air purifier 1 is started based on the actual usage conditions of the air purifier 1. This makes it possible to evaluate the performance of the air purifier 1 in the actual usage environment.

[0065] The timing at which the fourth step S4 is performed can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the fourth step S4 is performed after the above-mentioned stirring time has elapsed since the particulate matter was supplied from the particulate matter supply unit 4 in the second step S2. This allows the particulate matter contained in the air to be collected by the air purifier 1 after the particulate matter concentration in the enclosed space 11 has become nearly uniform. Furthermore, the fourth step S4 may be performed, for example, 10 to 30 minutes after the pseudo-ventilation state is generated in the third step S3. This allows the air purifier 1 to start operation after the pseudo-ventilation state has stabilized. Therefore, the performance of the air purifier 1 can be evaluated under conditions that are closer to the actual usage environment.

[0066] [Sampling air from the enclosed space (5th step)] Next, in the testing method of this embodiment, air (first sealed air) A1 in the sealed space 11 is sampled (fifth step S5). The fifth step S5 is performed after the first step S1 to the fourth step S4. The air sampling unit 6 is used to sample the air. The sampled air (first sealed air) A1 is used to evaluate the performance of the air purifier 1.

[0067] In the fifth step S5 of this embodiment, first, the suction pump 21 starts operating. As a result, the first sealed air A1 can be sucked (collected) from one end of the second air flow path 22. The collected first sealed air A1 is supplied to the collecting liquid of the collecting device 23. As a result, the fine particles contained in the first sealed air A1 can be collected by the collecting liquid 25.

[0068] The fifth step S5 of this embodiment can capture not only the pseudo ventilation state (attenuation of fine particles) created by the operation of the pseudo ventilation unit 5, but also fine particles remaining in the air even after the fine particles have been removed by the operation of the air purifier 1. By acquiring the amount of captured fine particles, the performance of the air purifier 1 can be evaluated in a pseudo ventilation state that is close to the actual usage environment.

[0069] The timing for performing the fifth step S5 can be set as appropriate, as long as it is after the first step S1 to the fourth step S4. In the fifth step S5, it is preferable that the first sealed air A1 is sampled after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 30 minutes) has elapsed since the start of operation of the air purifier 1 in the fourth step S4. This makes it possible to capture fine particles remaining in the air after the removal of fine particles by the operation of the air purifier 1 has stabilized, thereby enabling the performance of the air purifier 1 to be appropriately evaluated.

[0070] In the fifth step S5, the air in the first sealed space 11A may be sampled multiple times at predetermined time intervals (for example, 10 to 30 minutes). This makes it possible to identify particles that decrease over time due to attenuation of particles caused by operation of the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 or removal of particles caused by operation of the air purifier 1.

[0071] [Evaluate the performance of the air purifier (step 6)] Next, in the testing method of this embodiment, the performance of the air purifier 1 is evaluated (sixth step S6). To evaluate the performance of the air purifier 1, the air collected from the first sealed space 11A in the fifth step S5 is used.

[0072] Performance evaluation of the air purifier 1 is carried out as appropriate. When virus removal performance is evaluated, as in this embodiment, the infectivity titer of the viruses captured in the fifth step S5 is measured. The infectivity titer can be easily measured by inoculating and culturing cells with the virus collection solution 25 captured in the fifth step S5, based on a procedure similar to that of a known method (for example, the method described in Non-Patent Document 1), and identifying regions (plaques) where the cells have denatured. The amount of captured fine particles can be determined from this infectivity titer.

[0073] The performance evaluation of the air purifier 1 preferably involves comparing the amount of collected particles before and after operation of the air purifier 1. This allows the proportion of particles removed by operation of the air purifier 1 to be determined. Note that, in the case of particles such as viruses and bacteria, some particles become inactivated over time. In this case, it is desirable to evaluate the performance of the air purifier by excluding the attenuation due to inactivation from the collection effect of the air purifier. This allows the proportion of particles removed by operation of the air purifier 1 to be determined more accurately. Furthermore, the performance evaluation may be performed by the control device 8 or by an operator, etc. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the sixth step S6.

[0074] [Get the first collection amount before operating the air purifier] In the sixth step S6 of this embodiment, first, a first collection amount is obtained (step S61) before operation of the air purifier 1. The first collection amount is the collection amount (infectivity titer) of fine particles contained in the first sealed air A1 collected by collecting air (first sealed air A1) in the sealed space 11 before operation of the air purifier 1 (before the fourth step S4).

[0075] The air sampling and particle collection can be performed as appropriate before the air purifier 1 is operated. In step S61 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the air sampling and particle collection are performed after the above-mentioned stirring time has elapsed since the particles were supplied in the second step S2. This allows the air sampling and particle collection to be performed after the particle concentration in the first sealed space 11A has become closer to uniform. Furthermore, step S61 may be performed, for example, 10 to 30 minutes after the pseudo-ventilation state is generated in the third step S3. This allows the air sampling and particle collection to be performed after the generation of the pseudo-ventilation state has stabilized.

[0076] The sampling of air and the capture of fine particles can be performed using the air sampling unit 6 based on the same procedure as in the fifth step S5. Then, the amount of captured fine particles (infectivity titer) contained in the sampled first closed air A1 is measured.

[0077] [Get the second collection amount after the air purifier is running] Next, in a sixth step S6 of the present embodiment, a second collection amount is obtained (step S62) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation of the air purifier 1. The second collection amount is the collection amount (infectivity titer) of fine particles contained in the first sealed air A1, which is collected by collecting air (first sealed air A1) in the sealed space 11 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation of the air purifier 1.

[0078] The sampling of air and the capture of fine particles can be carried out as appropriate after the operation of the air purifier 1. In this embodiment, the amount of captured fine particles (infectivity titer) contained in the first closed air A1 sampled in the fifth step S5 can be measured.

[0079] [Evaluating air purifier performance] Next, in the sixth step S6 of this embodiment, the performance of the air purifier 1 is evaluated based on the ratio between the first and second collection amounts (step S63). The ratio between the first and second collection amounts (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "collection amount ratio") can be obtained as appropriate. In this embodiment, the collection amount ratio is obtained by dividing the second collection amount by the first collection amount. This collection amount ratio makes it possible to grasp the trend in particle reduction due to operation of the air purifier 1. The smaller the value of this replacement amount ratio, the higher the performance of the air purifier 1. As described above, when the particles are viruses or bacteria, some become inactivated over time. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain the collection amount ratio excluding the amount attenuated by inactivation. This makes it possible to more accurately grasp the trend in particle reduction due to operation of the air purifier 1.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, a state accompanied by ventilation is simulated in the enclosed space 11, so that it is possible to take into account the reduction of fine particles such as viruses over time, similar to the actual usage environment of the air purifier 1. Therefore, the test method (test device 2) of this embodiment makes it possible to evaluate the performance of the air purifier 1 in a simulated ventilation state that is close to the actual usage environment.

[0081] In the sixth step S6 of this embodiment, the performance of the air purifier 1 (for example, the capture amount ratio) may be evaluated based on a predetermined standard. This allows the performance of the air purifier 1 to be evaluated uniformly. The standard may be set appropriately depending on the performance required of the air purifier 1. Furthermore, if the performance of the air purifier 1 is evaluated as not satisfying the standard, the air purifier 1 may be redesigned and prototyped, and the first step S1 to the sixth step S6 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be performed again. This makes it possible to design and manufacture an air purifier 1 with desired performance.

[0082] [Air purifier test device (second embodiment)] As shown in FIG. 1, the testing apparatus 2 of the previous embodiments has been provided with an agitation unit 7 (agitation fan 7A), but this is not limited to this. For example, if the air (first enclosed air) A1 in the enclosed space can be agitated by the fan 16 of the pseudo-ventilation unit 5 alone to make the concentration of fine particles closer to uniform, the agitation unit 7 (agitation fan 7A) may be omitted. This simplifies the configuration of the testing apparatus 2 and reduces running costs and maintenance costs.

[0083] [Air purifier test device (third embodiment)] Although the pseudo-ventilation section 5 in the above-described embodiments has been configured to include the fan 16 and the filter 17, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the pseudo-ventilation section 5 may be configured with the stirring fan 7A of the stirring section 7 instead of the fan 16. This simplifies the configuration of the testing device 2 and reduces running costs and maintenance costs.

[0084] Although a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified and implemented in various ways. [Example]

[0085] The performance of the air purifier was evaluated (Examples 1 to 3) based on the procedure shown in Figures 2 and 3. In Examples 1 to 3, the test device shown in Figure 1 was used.

[0086] In Examples 1 to 3, a first step of installing the air purifier to be tested in a first sealed space and a second step of supplying fine particles into the first sealed space were carried out. In the second step, a fine particle supply unit was used to supply the fine particles. The first sealed air to which the fine particles had been supplied was agitated by an agitator.

[0087] Next, in Examples 1 to 3, a third step of creating a pseudo-ventilation state and a fourth step of operating the air purifier were carried out. In this third step, a pseudo-ventilation unit including a fan and a filter created a flow of air inside the first sealed space, and fine particles contained in the air were collected.

[0088] In the third step, the pseudo ventilation rate required to generate a simulated ventilation state at the ventilation rate was obtained using the ventilation rate and the air volume of the first enclosed space below. The pseudo ventilation rate and the filter capture efficiency were then substituted into the above formula to calculate the fan air volume. The fan was operated based on these air volumes to generate a simulated ventilation state based on the pseudo ventilation rate (ventilation rate). Ventilation rate in Example 1: 0.5 times / h Ventilation rate in Example 2: 2.0 times / h Ventilation rate in Example 3: 3.0 times / h

[0089] Next, in Examples 1 to 3, after Steps 1 to 4, Step 5 was carried out in which the air in the first sealed space was sampled, and the infectivity titer of the virus contained in the sampled air was measured. In Step 5, the air in the first sealed space was sampled every 15 minutes after the start of operation of the air purifier.

[0090] For comparison, among steps 1 to 5, step 3, which creates a pseudo-ventilation state, was omitted and the infectivity titer of the virus contained in the collected air was measured (Comparative Example). In this Comparative Example, omitting step 3 resulted in a ventilation rate (pseudo ventilation rate) of 0 times / h. The common specifications are as follows: Virus: Influenza A virus (H3N2) 1st closed space Volume: 24m 3 Temperature: 23±3℃ Humidity: 50±5%RH Filter: Type: HEPA filter Collection rate η:99.98% Mixing time: 2 minutes

[0091] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the logarithm of the virus infectivity titer and time. As a result of the test, Examples 1 to 3 had lower virus infectivity titers than the Comparative Example in which the third step was omitted. Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 3, the virus infectivity titer decreased as the ventilation rate increased, similar to a space with actual ventilation. Therefore, Examples 1 to 3 enabled evaluation of the performance of the air purifier under simulated ventilation conditions close to the actual usage environment.

[0092] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0093] [Invention 1] A test device for evaluating the performance of an air purifier for removing airborne particles, a test chamber defining an enclosed space for placing the air purifier to be tested; a particle supply unit that supplies the particles into the sealed space; a pseudo-ventilation unit that generates a pseudo-ventilation state by forming a flow in the air inside the sealed space and collecting the fine particles contained in the air; An air sampling unit capable of sampling air in the sealed space, Test equipment. [Invention 2] The test device according to aspect 1, wherein the simulated ventilation section includes a fan for forming the air flow and a filter capable of capturing the fine particles. [Invention 3] 3. The test device according to claim 2, wherein the filter comprises at least one of a MEPA filter, a quasi-HEPA filter, a HEPA filter, and a ULPA filter. [Invention 4] 4. The test device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the fine particles include at least one of viruses, bacteria, fine particulate matter, and pollen. [Invention 5] A test method for evaluating the performance of an air purifier to remove airborne particles, comprising: A first step of placing a test air purifier in a predetermined enclosed space; a second step of supplying the fine particles into the enclosed space; a third step of creating a pseudo-ventilation state by forming a flow in the air inside the sealed space and collecting the fine particles contained in the air; A fourth step of operating the air purifier; A fifth step of collecting air from the sealed space after the first step to the fourth step, Test method. [Invention 6] The testing method according to Invention 5, wherein the third step simulates the ventilation state using a fan for forming the air flow and a filter capable of capturing the fine particles. [Invention 7] The test method according to aspect 6, wherein in the third step, the simulated ventilation state is generated with a predetermined simulated ventilation volume by the air volume of the fan calculated by the following formula: F=1 / η×V where: F: Fan airflow η: Filter capture efficiency V: Pseudo ventilation volume [Invention 8] 8. The testing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the microparticles include at least one of viruses, bacteria, fine particulate matter, and pollen. [Invention 9] a sixth step of evaluating the performance; The sixth step comprises: a step of collecting air in the enclosed space before operating the air purifier and acquiring a first collection amount which is a collection amount of the particulate matter contained in the collected air; a step of collecting air from the enclosed space after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation of the air purifier, and acquiring a second collection amount which is the collection amount of the particulate matter contained in the collected air; 9. The testing method according to any one of aspects 5 to 8, further comprising a step of evaluating the performance based on the ratio between the first trapped amount and the second trapped amount. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Air purifier 2. Test equipment 3 Test Chamber 4 Particle supply section 5. Pseudo ventilation section 6 Air sampling section 11 Closed space

Claims

1. A test device for evaluating the performance of an air purifier for removing airborne particles, a test chamber defining an enclosed space for placing the air purifier to be tested; a particle supply unit that supplies the particles into the sealed space; a pseudo-ventilation unit that generates a pseudo-ventilation state by forming a flow in the air inside the sealed space and collecting the fine particles contained in the air; An air sampling unit capable of sampling air in the sealed space, Test equipment.

2. The testing device according to claim 1 , wherein the pseudo-ventilation section includes a fan for forming the air flow and a filter capable of capturing the particulate matter.

3. The test device of claim 2 , wherein the filter comprises at least one of a MEPA filter, a quasi-HEPA filter, a HEPA filter, and a ULPA filter.

4. The test device of claim 1 , wherein the particulates include at least one of viruses, bacteria, fine particulate matter, and pollen.

5. A test method for evaluating the performance of an air purifier to remove airborne particles, comprising: A first step of placing a test air purifier in a predetermined enclosed space; a second step of supplying the fine particles into the enclosed space; a third step of creating a pseudo-ventilation state by forming a flow in the air inside the sealed space and collecting the fine particles contained in the air; A fourth step of operating the air purifier; A fifth step of collecting air from the sealed space after the first step to the fourth step, Test method.

6. 6. The testing method according to claim 5, wherein the third step simulates the ventilation state by using a fan for forming the air flow and a filter capable of capturing the particulate matter.

7. 7. The testing method according to claim 6, wherein in the third step, the pseudo ventilation state is generated with a predetermined pseudo ventilation volume by using an air volume of the fan calculated by the following formula: F = 1 / η × V where: F: Fan air volume η: Filter collection efficiency V: simulated ventilation volume

8. The testing method according to claim 5 , wherein the particulate matter includes at least one of viruses, bacteria, fine particulate matter, and pollen.

9. a sixth step of evaluating the performance; The sixth step comprises: a step of collecting air in the enclosed space before operating the air purifier and acquiring a first collection amount which is a collection amount of the particulate matter contained in the collected air; a step of collecting air from the enclosed space after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation of the air purifier, and acquiring a second collection amount which is the collection amount of the particulate matter contained in the collected air; and evaluating the performance based on a ratio of the first trapped amount to the second trapped amount.

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