Inactivation system and inactivation method

Abstract

To provide a method that surely performs inactivation of a predetermined position of an indoor space by ozone corresponding to a measured environmental condition.SOLUTION: A virus inactivation system 10 includes: an ozone generator 1 that generates ozone; a measuring device 4 that measures an ozone concentration, a temperature, and a humidity at a plurality of measuring points in an indoor space 20; and a control device 5 that has a CT value calculation part for calculating a CT value that is a product of the ozone concentration measured by the measuring device 4 and an elapsed time from the start of the measurement of the ozone concentration, a memory part where a reference CT value required for inactivating bacterium or viruses to be a target of inactivation under a predetermined environmental condition is stored, a CT value determination part for correcting the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, the temperature and the humidity measured by the measuring device to determine a corrected value as a correction CT value, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure , non Activation system and Not This relates to an activation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Virus elimination measures are being implemented to prevent the transmission and epidemics of infectious diseases caused by viruses such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses. Different methods are used for virus elimination measures depending on the infection mechanism, such as aerosol infection or contact infection.

[0003] Aerosol infection is caused when people inhale tiny aerosols suspended in the air, so countermeasures include ventilation and removing viruses using high-efficiency air filters that are compatible with submicron particles (e.g. HEPA filters).

[0004] Contact infection occurs when a person touches something that an infected person has touched while the virus is still infectious. Measures to prevent contact infection include washing each person's hands and wiping areas that people touch with alcohol or other products.

[0005] In the following, inactivating viruses and killing bacteria will be collectively referred to as "inactivation." Note that Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology related to an ozone sterilizer that uses ozone to sterilize clothes and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-75711 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In large spaces such as sports facilities and exhibition halls, the above-mentioned countermeasures have to be implemented with great care, and human errors such as forgetting to wipe the surfaces can be expected. Therefore, sufficient infection control measures require a great deal of effort.

[0008] Conventionally, methods using ultraviolet light or ozone have been proposed to inactivate viruses. However, when ultraviolet light is used, the ultraviolet light is blocked, making it impossible to inactivate the parts that are not irradiated. In addition, when inactivating viruses attached to an object by contacting the object with ozone, it is necessary to spread the ozone together with the air throughout the space, but currently, no method has been considered for supplying ozone to required locations, especially in large-scale spaces.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and provides a method for reliably performing inactivation by ozone at required locations in an indoor space in response to measured environmental conditions. Unknown Activation system and Not The object of the present invention is to provide an activation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the inactivation system and inactivation method disclosed herein employ the following measures. That is, the inactivation system according to the present disclosure includes an ozone generating unit that generates ozone, a first supply unit that sends air containing ozone generated by the ozone generating unit to an indoor space, an ozone decomposition unit that decomposes ozone contained in the air in the indoor space, a second supply unit that sends air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit directly to the indoor space, a measurement unit that measures ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space, a CT value calculation unit that calculates a CT value that is the product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration, and a CT value calculation unit that calculates a CT value of bacteria or bacteria to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions. the ozone concentration control unit includes a memory unit in which a reference CT value required for inactivating a virus is recorded; a CT value determination unit that corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity measured by the measurement unit, and determines the corrected value as a corrected CT value; a determination unit that determines whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value; and an ozone concentration control unit that controls the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit and controls the ozone decomposition unit and / or the second supply unit based on the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, the ozone decomposition unit and the second supply unit are activated, and the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space. .

[0011] The inactivation method according to the present disclosure includes a step of generating ozone by an ozone generating unit, a step of sending air containing ozone generated by the ozone generating unit to an indoor space by a first supplying unit, a step of decomposing ozone contained in the air in the indoor space by an ozone decomposing unit, a step of sending air that has passed through the ozone decomposing unit directly to the indoor space by a second supplying unit, a step of measuring ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space, and a step of calculating a CT value which is a product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration. a step of correcting a reference CT value required for inactivating the bacteria or viruses to be inactivated under a predetermined environmental condition based on the measured ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity, and determining the corrected value as a corrected CT value; a step of determining whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value; and a step of controlling the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit and controlling the ozone decomposition unit and / or the second supply unit based on the measured ozone concentration so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, the ozone decomposition unit and the second supply unit are activated, and the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space. Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, inactivation by ozone can be reliably performed at required locations in an indoor space in accordance with the measured environmental conditions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a virus inactivation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the virus residual rate and the CT value. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an ozone generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an ozone generating section of the ozone generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a surface discharge electrode structure of an ozone generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a surface discharge electrode structure of an ozone generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an ozone decomposition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of a virus inactivation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A virus inactivation system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the virus inactivation system 10 of this embodiment measures the ozone concentration in a space, while distributing ozone to a required amount of measurement points in an indoor space 20, thereby reliably inactivating viruses or bacteria with ozone at required locations in the indoor space 20 in accordance with the measured environmental conditions.

[0015] The virus inactivation system 10 employs the CT value as an index of the effectiveness of inactivating viruses or bacteria by ozone. The CT value is a value (ppm·min) expressed as the product of the ozone concentration (ppm) and the contact time (min) of the object to be treated with that ozone concentration. A CT value of 60 indicates a condition in which the object is exposed to an ozone concentration of 1 ppm for 60 minutes. It is known that when comparing with the same CT value, the inactivation effect (virus survival rate or bacterial survival rate) varies depending on the type of virus or bacteria. In addition, through various research and experiments, data on the survival rate of viruses or bacteria at a certain CT value is accumulated and published for each type of virus or bacteria. Figure 2 shows an example of a graph showing the relationship between the virus survival rate and the CT value.

[0016] In this embodiment, at the measurement point with the smallest calculated CT value among the multiple measurement points, it is judged whether the calculated CT value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and the inactivation process using ozone is terminated when the judgment condition is satisfied. That is, when the calculated CT value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is assumed that a predetermined amount or more of ozone is exposed around the measurement point, and therefore the survival rate of viruses and bacteria around the measurement point is a predetermined value (for example, 1%) or less.

[0017] The predetermined threshold value is, for example, a corrected CT value. In this embodiment, a CT value known to have an inactivating effect on viruses or bacteria under certain environmental conditions is recorded as a reference CT value in the storage unit 41 (see FIG. 9). The reference CT value is recorded for each type of virus or bacteria to be inactivated. In this embodiment, the reference CT value recorded in advance is corrected to a CT value that has an inactivating effect under the actually measured environmental conditions. The corrected CT value, which is the CT value after correction, is used as the judgment criterion, and in this case, it is judged whether the calculated CT value exceeds the corrected CT value. Note that the reference CT value before correction recorded in the storage unit 41 may be used as the judgment criterion without correction, but there is a possibility that the inactivation process will end in a state where the CT value required under the actual environmental conditions is not satisfied.

[0018] 1, a virus inactivation system 10 includes an ozone generator 1, a humidifier 2, an ozone decomposition device 3, a measurement device 4, and a control device 5. In this embodiment, the ozone generator 1, the humidifier 2, the ozone decomposition device 3, and the measurement device 4 are configured as separate devices that can be handled individually.

[0019] The ozone generator 1 generates ozone and supplies the ozone to an indoor space 20 of a building. As shown in Fig. 3, the ozone generator 1 includes an ozone generating unit 11, a fan 12, a casing 13, a vehicle body unit 14, etc. The operation of the ozone generator 1, such as starting and stopping, is controlled by a control device 5.

[0020] As long as ozone can be generated electrically, any commonly used technology can be applied to the ozone generating unit 11. An example of the ozone generating unit 11 according to the present embodiment will be described later, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0021] The fan 12 supplies the ozone generated in the ozone generator 11 to the indoor space 20. The fan 12 is an example of a first supply unit.

[0022] The casing 13 is installed so as to cover the ozone generation unit 11 and the fan 12. The casing 13 has openings on the air suction side, which is the upstream side of the fan 12, and on the ozone-containing air blowing side, which is the downstream side of the ozone generation unit 11.

[0023] The vehicle body 14 has a base 15 on which the ozone generator 11, the fan 12, and the casing 13 are placed, and wheels 16 installed on the underside of the base 15. This allows the ozone generator 1 to be easily moved.

[0024] The ozone generating unit 11 has, for example, electrodes that generate plasma discharge or corona discharge. In the example of the ozone generating unit 11 shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, the ozone generating unit 11 has a surface discharge electrode structure 30.

[0025] 5, the ozone generator 11 includes a main power supply unit 17, an insulator 18, an internal electrode 19, and a surface electrode 21. The insulator 18, the internal electrode 19, and the surface electrode 21 configure a surface discharge electrode structure 30. The ozone generator 11 includes one or more surface discharge electrode structures 30.

[0026] The main power supply unit 17 is connected to the internal electrode 19, and the surface electrode 21 is grounded. The main power supply unit 17 applies a high-frequency high voltage to the internal electrode 19. When a voltage is applied to the internal electrode 19, a creeping discharge occurs on the boundary surface between the surface electrode 21 and the insulator 18. This generates plasma, which produces ozone and radicals. Note that the main power supply unit 17 may be connected to the surface electrode 21, and the internal electrode 19 may be grounded.

[0027] The insulator 18 is made of, for example, ceramics, has electrical insulation properties, and has a hollow cylindrical shape. The insulator 18 is installed with its axis direction perpendicular to the gas flow. By using a commercially available ceramic tube for the insulator 18, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. An internal electrode 19 is disposed parallel to the axis of the insulator 18 in a hollow portion passing through the axis of the insulator 18 and in close contact with the insulator 18. The internal electrode 19 is a solid or hollow rod-shaped metal member, metal fiber, iron powder, or the like. A surface electrode 21 is disposed on the surface of the insulator 18 without being constrained by the insulator 18 and in close contact with the insulator 18. The surface electrode 21 is disposed in the axial direction of one insulator 18.

[0028] The surface electrode 21 is formed in a linear shape parallel or oblique to the gas flow. The surface electrode 21 is formed in close contact with the surface of the insulator 18, for example, by winding a coil spring around the surface of the insulator 18, as shown in FIG.

[0029] In the ozone generating unit 11, the internal electrode 19 is provided inside the insulator 18 in close contact with the insulator 18, and the surface electrode 21 is provided in close contact with the surface of the insulator 18, so that the internal electrode 19 and the surface electrode 21 are securely insulated by the cylindrical insulator 18 and can generate a creeping discharge on the boundary surface between the surface electrode 21 and the insulator 18. The ozone generating unit 11 generates ozone by generating a creeping discharge.

[0030] The ozone generating section 11 is placed in the flow path of the ozone generator 1, which causes a pressure loss. However, the surface discharge electrode structure 30 having the above-mentioned configuration can efficiently generate ozone while reducing the area ratio of the electrode to the opening of the flow path. The opening ratio (void ratio) of the ozone generating section 11 is preferably, for example, 60% or more. In the example shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the axial direction of the insulator 18 in the surface discharge electrode structure 30 is arranged perpendicular to the gas flow, but the present invention is not limited to this example and the insulator may be arranged parallel to or oblique to the gas flow.

[0031] The humidifier 2 humidifies the air passing through it, for example, by evaporating fine water mist. As shown in Fig. 7, the humidifier 2 includes a humidifier section 22, a fan 23, and a vehicle body section 24. The operation of the humidifier 2, such as starting or stopping, is controlled by a control device 5.

[0032] The humidifier 22 can be any commonly used technology that can increase the moisture content in the air. Methods for humidifying air include, for example, a method of evaporating fine water mist, a method of using ultrasonic waves, or a method of blowing steam. The humidifier 22 has, for example, a water tank 25, a pump 26, and a nozzle 27. Water stored in the water tank 25 is pressurized by the pump 26. The water pressurized by the pump 26 is sprayed by the nozzle 27, for example, in the form of a mist.

[0033] The mist of water sprayed from the humidifier 22 reduces the temperature of the surrounding air by, for example, several degrees Celsius due to the latent heat of evaporation. It is desirable to arrange the humidifier 2 in the same direction as the ozone generator 1, and to install the outlet of the humidifier 2 so that the air blown out from the humidifier 2 is sprayed to the upper side of the ozone generator 1. By supplying the air cooled by the latent heat of evaporation by the humidifier 22 to the indoor space 20, the air containing ozone supplied from the ozone generator 1 to the indoor space 20 remains in the lower part of the space without diffusing upward in the space. By leaving air with a high ozone concentration at the lower part of the space, it is possible to inactivate viruses and bacteria in a focused manner from the area where people touch objects, that is, from the area close to the floor surface.

[0034] The fan 23 supplies the air humidified by the humidifying section 22 and having increased moisture to the indoor space 20. The fan 23 is 3 1 is an example of a supply unit.

[0035] The vehicle body 24 has a base 28 on which the humidifier 22 and the fan 23 are placed, and wheels 29 installed on the underside of the base 28. This allows the humidifier 2 to be easily moved.

[0036] A casing (not shown) may be provided so as to cover the humidifier 22 and the fan 23. The casing has openings on the air intake side, which is the upstream side of the fan 23, and on the humidified air blow-out side, which is the downstream side of the humidifier 22.

[0037] The ozone decomposition device 3 takes in air from the indoor space 20 and decomposes the ozone contained in the taken-in air. As shown in Fig. 8, the ozone decomposition device 3 has an ozone decomposition section 31, a fan 32, a casing 33, a vehicle body section 34, etc. The operation of the ozone decomposition device 3, such as starting and stopping, is controlled by a control device 5.

[0038] The ozone decomposition unit 31 decomposes ozone. Any commonly used technology can be applied to the ozone decomposition unit 31 as long as it can decompose ozone contained in the circulating air. An example of the ozone decomposition unit 31 according to this embodiment will be described later, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0039] The fan 32 supplies the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit 31 to the indoor space 20. 2 1 is an example of a supply unit.

[0040] The casing 33 is installed so as to cover the ozone decomposition section 31 and the fan 32. The casing 33 is provided with an opening on the air intake side, which is the upstream side of the ozone decomposition section 31, and on the air blowing side, which is the downstream side of the fan 32. The casing 33 is also provided with an air intake port in addition to the opening where the ozone decomposition section 31 is installed. The air intake port is provided with a door section 35 that can be opened and closed by a driving section (not shown) such as a motor. The driving section is controlled by, for example, a control section to open and close the door section 35. When the door section 35 is open, the fan 32 can suck in the air of the indoor space 20 through the air intake port without passing through the ozone decomposition section 31. Therefore, when circulating indoor air without decomposing ozone, the door section 35 is opened. On the other hand, when the door section 35 is closed, the fan 32 sucks in the air of the indoor space 20 by passing through the ozone decomposition section 31. Therefore, when the ozone contained in the indoor air is to be decomposed, the door portion 35 is closed.

[0041] The vehicle body 34 has a base 36 on which the ozone decomposition unit 31, the fan 32, and the casing 33 are placed, and wheels 37 installed on the underside of the base 36. This allows the ozone decomposition device 3 to be easily moved.

[0042] The ozone decomposition unit 31 has, for example, a filter carrying an ozone decomposition catalyst. When air passes through the filter, ozone contained in the air is decomposed. Alternatively, the ozone decomposition unit 31 may be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays. Ozone is decomposed by the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet lamp, and the ozone is removed from the air that passes near the ultraviolet lamp. When an ultraviolet lamp is used, the operation of the ozone decomposition can be switched by turning the power on and off, so there is no need to provide an air intake or door section 35 in the casing 33.

[0043] The measuring device 4 includes sensors capable of measuring at least the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity. The measurement of the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity may be performed by a single device, or each may be performed by a separate device.

[0044] Measurement points for the measuring device 4 are set at multiple points in the indoor space 20 where ozone concentration needs to be measured. The measuring device 4 measures the changes in ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at the multiple measurement points. An individual sensor may be installed at each measurement point, or multiple measurement points may be connected to one sensor and periodically switched between the multiple measurement points so that the air at the multiple measurement points is measured by one sensor.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 5 includes an ozone concentration control unit 38, a humidification control unit 39, a CT value calculation unit 40, a storage unit 41, a CT value determination unit 42, a judgment unit 43, and the like.

[0046] The ozone concentration control unit 38 controls the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposition device 3. The ozone concentration control unit 38 switches between an operating state and a stopped state of the ozone generation unit 11 and / or the fan 12 of the ozone generator 1, and the ozone decomposition unit 31 and / or the fan 32 of the ozone decomposition device 3. The ozone concentration control unit 38 transmits control signals to the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposition device 3, respectively, for controlling the start or stop of the operation of the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposition device 3. The ozone concentration control unit 38 also receives measurement results related to the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity from the measurement device 4.

[0047] The humidification control unit 39 controls the humidifier 2. The humidification control unit 39 switches between an operating state and a stopped state of the humidifier 22 and / or the fan 23 of the humidifier 2. The humidification control unit 39 transmits a control signal to the humidifier 2 for controlling the start or stop of the operation of the humidifier 2. In addition, the humidification control unit 39 receives measurement results related to humidity from the measurement device 4.

[0048] The CT value calculation unit 40 calculates a CT value, which is the product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement device 4 and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration.

[0049] The storage unit 41 is, for example, a memory, and a CT value required for inactivating a bacterium or virus to be inactivated under certain environmental conditions is recorded as a reference CT value in the storage unit 41. The reference CT value is associated with information on the environmental conditions, such as temperature or humidity, when the reference CT value is satisfied.

[0050] The CT value determination unit 42 corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity measured by the measurement device 4, and determines the corrected value as a corrected CT value.

[0051] The determination unit 43 determines whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

[0052] The control device 5 calculates the CT value at each measurement point based on the measured ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity. The control device 5 determines whether the inactivation process using ozone is completed based on the calculated CT value and the corrected CT value.

[0053] Hereinafter, the corrected CT value taking humidity into consideration will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the CT value that is the criterion for judgment is set based on the data on the inactivation of a certain virus. For example, when data on the relationship between the virus survival rate and the CT value is obtained under certain environmental conditions, the CT value at which the virus survival rate is 1% is set as the reference CT value. The data obtained is, for example, when the ozone concentration is constant at 0.25 ppm and the relative humidity is 80%, when the CT value is 60, the virus survival rate is 1% or less. It is known that the survival rate of viruses and bacteria is affected by humidity, and the survival rate of viruses and bacteria tends to increase as the relative humidity decreases. Ozone destroys the virus envelope and the cell membrane of bacteria, which are made of proteins, and in the presence of moisture, oxygen atoms generated by the decomposition power of ozone react to produce hydroxyl radicals ·OH, which inactivate viruses or bacteria with their strong oxidizing power. Therefore, in an environment where the air contains ozone, the higher the humidity, the easier it is to inactivate viruses and bacteria.

[0054] For example, when the relative humidity measured by the measuring device 4 is different from the environmental conditions of the acquired data, for example, low such as 60% or 30%, the CT value at which the virus survival rate is 1% or less will be higher than when it is 80%. Therefore, it is desirable to perform a correction to change the reference CT value used as the judgment criterion according to the measured relative humidity. The correction coefficient for correcting the reference CT value is set based on the experimental results, simulation results, etc.

[0055] Then, it is determined whether the CT value from the start of measurement to a certain point in time satisfies the corrected CT value corrected based on the relative humidity at the time of measurement. If the relative humidity is low at the start of measurement and increases during measurement, the corrected CT value will decrease during measurement. Since the CT value is an integrated value that is the product of the ozone concentration and time, it is sufficient to determine whether the measured CT value satisfies the corrected CT value based on the corrected CT value at a certain measurement point in time that decreases with the increase in relative humidity. As a result, when the corrected CT value is satisfied, as with data obtained in advance, it is estimated that the survival rate of viruses or bacteria is 1% or less due to exposure of the viruses or bacteria to a specified amount of ozone.

[0056] The control device 5 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions is stored in a storage medium or the like in the form of a program, for example, and the CPU reads the program into the RAM or the like and executes information processing and arithmetic processing to realize various functions. The program may be installed in a ROM or other storage medium in advance, may be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be distributed via a wired or wireless communication means. The computer-readable storage medium may be a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

[0057] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an inactivation method using ozone using the virus inactivation system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0058] When inactivating viruses or bacteria using ozone in a normal indoor space 20 , a virus inactivation system 10 is installed in the indoor space 20 .

[0059] First, the operation of the virus inactivation system 10 is started, which causes the operation of the ozone generator 1, the humidifier 2, the ozone decomposition device 3, and the measurement device 4 to start. The ozone generator 1 and the humidifier 2 may start operating at the same timing, or the humidifier 2 may start operating prior to the humidifier 2 in order to increase the humidity in the indoor space 20 in advance.

[0060] Measurement points for the measurement device 4 are installed at multiple locations in the indoor space 20. Measurement of the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity is started by the measurement device 4. In addition, the CT value of each measurement point is calculated and compared with a threshold value, for example, a corrected CT value, and it is determined whether the measured and calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

[0061] In the ozone generator 1, the ozone generating unit 11 and the fan 12 are started automatically or manually, and the ozone generator 1 generates ozone and supplies the ozone to the indoor space 20.

[0062] In the humidifier 2, the humidifying section 22 and the fan 23 are started manually or automatically, and the humidifier 2 humidifies the air and supplies the humidified air to the indoor space 20.

[0063] In the ozone decomposition device 3, when the decomposition of ozone is stopped or not functioning, only the fan 32 is automatically or manually started. When the ozone concentration increases, the ozone decomposition device 3 drives the fan 32 to thoroughly supply air containing ozone to the indoor space 20.

[0064] When the measured air humidity rises and meets a predetermined threshold, i.e., exceeds the reference humidity, the operation of the humidifier 2 is stopped to stop humidification. That is, when the air in the indoor space 20 reaches a predetermined humidity, the humidifier 2 is stopped. Based on the measured humidity, the humidifier 2 is restarted or stopped so that the predetermined humidity is maintained.

[0065] Since the humidity is measured at multiple measurement points, for example, based on the average value of multiple measured values, when the average value exceeds an upper threshold value (set value), the humidifier 2 is stopped, and when the average value falls below a lower threshold value (set value), the humidifier 2 is restarted. The upper and lower humidity threshold values ​​are set to a level that is appropriate for inactivating viruses or bacteria and does not adversely affect building materials of a building due to excessive humidity.

[0066] When the ozone concentration increases due to the supply of ozone by the ozone generator 1 and meets a predetermined threshold, i.e., exceeds a reference ozone concentration, the operation of the ozone generator 1 is stopped to stop the generation of ozone. That is, when the air in the indoor space 20 reaches a predetermined ozone concentration, the ozone generator 1 is stopped.

[0067] The upper threshold of the ozone concentration is set to a low concentration (e.g., 0.25 ppm) that does not adversely affect the human body. As a result, even if no one is present in the indoor space 20 during operation of the virus inactivation system 10, if a person does enter during that time period for a short period of time, there will be no adverse effects on the human body. Although there are concerns about the effects on the human body, setting the upper threshold of the ozone concentration high can shorten the time required for the inactivation process.

[0068] If the ozone concentration attenuates after the ozone generator 1 has reached a predetermined value and the ozone concentration has been stopped, the ozone generator 1 is restarted or stopped based on the measured ozone concentration so that the predetermined ozone concentration is maintained. This allows the ozone concentration in the indoor air to remain at the predetermined value.

[0069] After the ozone concentration reaches the corrected CT value, the ozone generating unit 11 and the fan 12 of the ozone generating device 1 are stopped, the humidifying unit 22 and the fan 23 of the humidifying device 2 are stopped, and the fan 32 of the ozone decomposing device 3 is stopped. Then, the indoor space 20 is filled with ozone for a period until the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

[0070] Since ozone concentrations are measured at multiple measurement points, it is determined whether the corrected CT value is satisfied based on the CT value of the measurement point that has the smallest CT value among the multiple measurements. This allows it to be assumed that the inactivation effect is achieved throughout the entire indoor space 20 by satisfying the conditions around the measurement point where the conditions are the strictest.

[0071] The corrected CT value is calculated by correcting the reference CT value based on the actually measured relative humidity for the pre-recorded CT value. If the relative humidity increases during measurement, the corrected CT value at each measurement point is changed one by one, and it is determined whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value based on the corrected corrected CT value.

[0072] When the CT value at the measurement point where the CT value is the smallest among the multiple measurement values ​​satisfies the corrected CT value, it can be determined that the inactivation process using ozone is completed, and in this case, for example, a process for removing ozone from the indoor space 20 is started. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is not satisfied, it is determined that the inactivation process using ozone needs to be continued.

[0073] When starting the process of removing ozone from the indoor space 20, the operation of the virus inactivation system 10 is resumed, and the operation of the ozone generator 1, the humidifier 2, and the ozone decomposer 3 are each started.

[0074] In the ozone generator 1 and the humidifier 2, only the fans 12 and 23 are started automatically or manually. When the ozone concentration is decreasing, the ozone generator 1 and the humidifier 2 drive the fan 32 so that the air containing ozone passes through the ozone decomposition device 3 efficiently without generating ozone or humidifying the air.

[0075] In the ozone decomposition device 3, the ozone decomposition unit 31 and the fan 32 are started manually or automatically, and the ozone decomposition device 3 decomposes ozone contained in the air while supplying the air from which ozone has been removed to the indoor space 20. This makes it possible to reduce the ozone concentration in the indoor space 20.

[0076] When the ozone concentration decreases due to the decomposition of ozone by the ozone decomposition device 3 and meets a predetermined threshold, i.e., falls below a reference ozone concentration, the operation of the ozone decomposition device 3 is stopped to stop the decomposition of ozone. That is, when the air in the indoor space 20 reaches a predetermined ozone concentration, the ozone decomposition device 3 is stopped.

[0077] After the ozone concentration reaches a predetermined value, the fan 12 of the ozone generator 1 is stopped, the fan 23 of the humidifier 2 is stopped, and the ozone decomposition section 31 and the fan 32 of the ozone decomposition device 3 are stopped.

[0078] Since the ozone concentration is measured at multiple measurement points, whether or not the threshold value is satisfied is determined based on the ozone concentration at the measurement point where the ozone concentration is maximum among the multiple measurements. This allows it to be inferred that the ozone concentration in the entire indoor space 20 has reached a value below the predetermined value due to the decrease in the ozone concentration around the measurement point where the ozone concentration is the highest.

[0079] This completes the ozone inactivation method using the virus inactivation system 10. According to this embodiment, ozone is generated in the indoor space 20, and the CT value is managed based on the measurement results at a plurality of measurement points. Considering the ingress and egress of people into the indoor space 20, it is desirable that the ozone concentration is low enough not to affect the human body. Even if the ozone concentration is low, it is possible to appropriately inactivate the target viruses and bacteria by managing the CT value.

[0080] In addition, since measurements are taken at multiple measurement points, even if there is a difference in the measured values ​​between the measurement points, by using the measurement point with the smallest measured CT value as the reference, the necessary CT value can be ensured throughout the entire indoor space 20. Therefore, inactivation by ozone becomes possible even in a large space.

[0081] Furthermore, because the relationship between the CT value and the survival rate of viruses and bacteria is affected by humidity, viruses and bacteria can be inactivated efficiently by humidifying the space. Under low humidity conditions, the required CT value is high, but a correction is made to change the standard CT value according to the measured relative humidity. This makes it possible to inactivate viruses and bacteria with ozone even under low humidity conditions, since it is determined whether the calculated CT value measured and calculated at the measurement point meets the corrected standard CT value.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the ozone generator 1, the humidifier 2, and the ozone decomposer 3 are separate devices in the virus inactivation system, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0083] The ozone virus inactivation system according to the present disclosure may include an integrated virus inactivation device in which an ozone generation section, a humidification section, and an ozone decomposition section are housed in a single casing.

[0084] The virus inactivation device contains a fan, and air that has passed through the virus inactivation device is supplied to the indoor space 20.

[0085] A flow path is formed inside the casing of the virus inactivation device, and the flow path is configured so that air flowing through the flow path can pass through the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the ozone decomposing unit. By activating the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the fan, ozone can be generated to humidify the air.

[0086] When ozone is generated, the ozone decomposition unit may be configured to supply air to a bypass flow path that bypasses the ozone decomposition unit or to move the ozone decomposition unit to a position outside the flow path so that the air containing ozone does not pass through the ozone decomposition unit. Alternatively, the ozone decomposition unit may be installed to be located upstream of the ozone generation unit, and air may flow through the ozone decomposition unit and then the ozone generation unit.

[0087] When decomposing ozone, the operation of the ozone generating section and the humidifying section is stopped, and the fan is started while air is circulated through the ozone decomposition section, so that the ozone contained in the air can be decomposed. When decomposing ozone, the supply of air to the bypass flow path of the ozone decomposition section is interrupted and air is supplied to pass through the ozone decomposition section, or the ozone decomposition section, which is located outside the flow path, is moved into the flow path so that the air containing ozone passes through the ozone decomposition section.

[0088] When using a virus inactivation device, the start and stop of the ozone generation unit, the humidification unit, and the ozone decomposition unit can be controlled in the same manner as in the virus inactivation system of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to increase the ozone concentration and humidity in the indoor space 20, and to decrease the ozone concentration in the indoor space 20.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the ozone decomposing unit are housed in a single casing, but two of the three may be housed in a single casing. For example, the ozone generating unit and the humidifying unit may be housed in a single casing without including the ozone decomposing unit.

[0090] In each of the above-described embodiments, Non Activation system and Not The activation method can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0091] A virus inactivation system (10) according to the present disclosure includes an ozone generation unit (11) that generates ozone, a first supply unit (12) that sends air containing ozone generated by the ozone generation unit to an indoor space (20), an ozone decomposition unit (31) that decomposes ozone contained in the air in the indoor space, a second supply unit (32) that sends the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit directly to the indoor space, a measurement unit (4) that measures ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at multiple measurement points in the indoor space, a CT value calculation unit (40) that calculates a CT value that is the product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration, and an inactivation target under predetermined environmental conditions. The apparatus includes a memory unit (41) in which a reference CT value required for inactivating a target bacterium or virus is recorded, a CT value determination unit (42) that corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity measured by the measurement unit, and determines the corrected value as a corrected CT value, a determination unit (43) that determines whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, and an ozone concentration control unit (38) that controls the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit and controls the ozone decomposition unit and / or the second supply unit based on the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, the ozone decomposition unit and the second supply unit are activated, and the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space. .

[0092] According to this configuration, ozone is generated by the ozone generating unit, and the air containing the generated ozone is sent to the indoor space by the first supply unit. In addition, the measurement unit measures the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at multiple measurement points in the indoor space. Then, a CT value is calculated, which is the product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of the measurement of the ozone concentration. The reference CT value is a CT value required to inactivate the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under a predetermined environmental condition, and the reference CT value is recorded in the storage unit. Based on the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity measured by the measurement unit, the reference CT value is corrected, and the corrected value is determined as the corrected CT value, and it is determined whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is satisfied, it can be determined that the inactivation process using ozone has been completed, and in this case, for example, a process of removing ozone from the indoor space is started. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is not satisfied, it is determined that the inactivation process using ozone needs to be continued. According to this configuration, ozone is decomposed by the ozone decomposition unit, and the ozone-free air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space. The measurement unit measures the ozone concentration, and the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit are controlled based on the measured ozone concentration so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold, and the ozone decomposition unit and / or the second supply unit are controlled.

[0093] Regarding this disclosure Not The revitalization system includes a humidification unit (22) that increases the moisture in the air, and a third unit (40) that delivers the humidified air to an indoor space. 3 A supply unit (23), and a humidifying unit and / or a humidifying unit (24) that adjusts the humidity at the measurement point so as to satisfy a predetermined threshold value based on the humidity measured by the measuring unit. 3 The device may further include a humidification control section (39) that controls the supply section.

[0094] According to this configuration, the moisture in the air is increased by the humidifying unit, and the humidified air is sent to the indoor space. Also, the measuring unit measures the humidity, and the humidifying unit and / or the first unit adjust the humidity at the measurement point based on the measured humidity so that the humidity satisfies a predetermined threshold value. 3 The supply is controlled.

[0099] Regarding this disclosure Not In the activation system, the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the ozone decomposing unit may be housed in a single casing.

[0100] According to this configuration, the ozone generating section, the humidifying section, and the ozone decomposing section, which are housed in a single casing, can be handled as a single unit.

[0101] Regarding this disclosure Not In the activation system, the ozone generating section, the humidifying section, and the ozone decomposing section may be configured as separate devices.

[0102] According to this configuration, the ozone generating section, the humidifying section, and the ozone decomposing section can be handled as separate devices.

[0103] Regarding this disclosure Not In the activation system, the ozone generating unit and the humidifying unit may be arranged in the same direction, and an outlet of the humidifying unit may be installed so that air blown out from the humidifying unit is ejected above the ozone generating unit.

[0104] According to this configuration, the mist of water sprayed from the humidifier unit reduces the temperature of the surrounding air by, for example, several degrees Celsius due to the latent heat of evaporation. Then, as the air cooled by the humidifier unit is supplied to the indoor space, the air containing ozone supplied from the ozone generator unit to the indoor space remains in the lower part of the space without diffusing upward in the space.

[0105] The inactivation method according to the present disclosure includes a step of generating ozone by an ozone generating unit, a step of sending air containing ozone generated by the ozone generating unit to an indoor space by a first supplying unit, a step of decomposing ozone contained in the air in the indoor space by an ozone decomposing unit, a step of sending air that has passed through the ozone decomposing unit directly to the indoor space by a second supplying unit, a step of measuring ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space, and a step of calculating a CT value which is a product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration. a step of correcting a reference CT value required for inactivating the bacteria or viruses to be inactivated under a predetermined environmental condition based on the measured ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity, and determining the corrected value as a corrected CT value; a step of determining whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value; and a step of controlling the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit and controlling the ozone decomposition unit and / or the second supply unit based on the measured ozone concentration so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, the ozone decomposition unit and the second supply unit are activated, and the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space. Equipped with.

[0106] According to this configuration, ozone is generated, and air containing the generated ozone is sent to an indoor space. In addition, ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity are measured at multiple measurement points in the indoor space, and a CT value, which is the product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of the measurement of the ozone concentration, is calculated. The reference CT value is a CT value required to inactivate the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under a specified environmental condition. Based on the measured ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity, the reference CT value is corrected, and the corrected value is determined as the corrected CT value, and it is determined whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is satisfied, it can be determined that the inactivation process using ozone is completed, and in this case, for example, a process of removing ozone from the indoor space is started. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is not satisfied, it is determined that the inactivation process using ozone needs to be continued. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1: Ozone generator 2: Humidifier 3: Ozone decomposition device 4: Measuring equipment 5: Control device 10: Virus inactivation system 11: Ozone generator 12: Fan (first supply section) 13: Casing 14: Body 15: Base 16 :Wheel 17: Main power supply section 18: Insulator 19: Internal electrode 20:Indoor space 21: Surface electrode 22: Humidification unit 23: Fan (Part 3 supply department) 24: Body 25: Water tank 26: Pump 27: Nozzle 28: Stand part 29:Wheel 30: Creeping discharge electrode structure 31: Ozone decomposition section 32: Fan (Part 2 supply department) 33: Casing 34: Body 35: Door section 36: Base 37 :Wheel 38: Ozone concentration control unit 39: Humidification control section 40: CT value calculation section 41: Storage section 42: CT value determination unit 43:Judgment Department

Claims

1. An ozone generating unit that generates ozone; A first supply unit that supplies air containing ozone generated in the ozone generating unit to an indoor space; an ozone decomposition unit that decomposes ozone contained in the air in the indoor space; A second supply unit that directly supplies the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit to an indoor space; A measurement unit for measuring an ozone concentration, a temperature, and a humidity at a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space; a CT value calculation unit that calculates a CT value that is a product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit and an elapsed time from a start of measurement of the ozone concentration; A memory unit in which a reference CT value required for inactivating a bacterium or virus to be inactivated under a specified environmental condition is recorded; a CT value determination unit that corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity measured by the measurement unit, and determines the corrected value as a corrected CT value; a determination unit that determines whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value; an ozone concentration control unit that controls the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit and controls the ozone decomposition unit and / or the second supply unit based on the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value; Equipped with When it is determined that the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, the ozone decomposition unit and the second supply unit are activated, and air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space.

2. A humidifying section that increases moisture in the air; A third supply unit that supplies the air humidified by the humidifying unit to an indoor space; a humidification control unit that controls the humidification unit and / or the third supply unit based on the humidity measured by the measurement unit so that the humidity at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value; The inactivation system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. 3. The inactivation system according to claim 2, wherein the ozone generating section, the humidifying section and the ozone decomposing section are housed in a single casing.

4. 3. The inactivation system according to claim 2, wherein the ozone generating section, the humidifying section, and the ozone decomposing section are each configured as separate devices.

5. The ozone generating unit and the humidifying unit are arranged in the same direction, 5. The inactivation system according to claim 3, wherein an outlet of the humidifier is disposed so that air blown out from the humidifier is ejected above the ozone generator.

6. An ozone generating unit generates ozone; A step in which a first supply unit sends air containing ozone generated in the ozone generation unit to an indoor space; An ozone decomposition unit decomposes ozone contained in the air in the indoor space; A second supply unit directly supplies the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit to an indoor space; measuring ozone concentration, temperature and humidity at a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space; Calculating a CT value which is a product of the measured ozone concentration and an elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration; A step of correcting a reference CT value required for inactivating a bacterium or virus to be inactivated under a predetermined environmental condition based on the measured ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity, and determining the corrected value as a corrected CT value; determining whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value; Based on the measured ozone concentration, controlling the ozone generating unit and / or the first supplying unit and controlling the ozone decomposing unit and / or the second supplying unit so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, the ozone decomposition unit and the second supply unit are activated, and the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit is sent to the indoor space. The inactivation method comprises:

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