System, apparatus, and method for purifying air

Abstract

A system, device, and method for disinfecting an airflow. The device for disinfecting an air-conditioned airflow in an enclosed space includes a modular housing and a disinfection chamber enclosed by the housing. The disinfection chamber includes a plurality of disinfection sheets, each of which includes a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources. The airflow is configured to be directed along a serpentine path within the housing to expose microorganisms in the airflow to far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for an optimal, prolonged duration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to air purification, and particularly to the elimination of harmful airborne organisms such as viruses and bacteria.

Background Art

[0002] The use of personal protective equipment such as masks and face shields is very important for protecting healthy people and controlling the spread rate of airborne viruses such as COVID-19. However, recent studies have shown that COVID-19 spreads not only through personal contact but also through the air. People in enclosed / confined spaces are constantly exposed to this deadly virus every time they inhale. To control the spread of COVID-19, new and innovative solutions are needed. The inventor believes that in addition to infecting people, COVID-19 "infects" or contaminates structures. Therefore, innovative solutions are necessary not only for protecting people but also for "removing the contamination" of buildings. The removal of building contamination and the protection of people can be achieved by continuously purifying the air inside structures such as buildings and airplanes and removing their contamination. This can reduce or eliminate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, making it possible for the government to lift lockdowns and restrictions on people's activities and gatherings in enclosed spaces such as restaurants.

[0003] The use of ultraviolet (UV) light as a disinfection means is well known in the art. Many UV light emitting devices are available on the market. These devices are used to "sterilize" operating rooms, airports, and other such spaces. However, since UV radiation can cause skin irritation, it should not be allowed for the UV light to approach the hand or other areas of the skin. UV light is radiation beyond the wavelength of violet light and thus beyond the spectrum visible to the human eye. UV light itself has a spectrum ranging from 100 nanometers to 400 nanometers. UV with a wavelength of 315 - 400 is called UV-A, UV with a wavelength of 280 - 315 is called UV-B, and UV with a wavelength of 200 - 280 is called UV-C. Far UV-C light has a spectrum ranging from 207 to 222 nanometers. The ozone layer blocks UV-C, but allows UV-A and UV-B to reach the ground. The shorter the wavelength, the less penetration into human skin. UV-A and UV-B can damage human skin and are related to sunburn skin cancer and an increased risk of cataracts. UV-C from sunlight usually cannot reach the ground due to the ozone filter. Far UV-C and UV-C light cannot penetrate deeply into the skin. Far UV-C light, in particular, can target the RNA / DNA of microorganisms and cause cell death or make reproduction impossible. For the purposes of this application, the terms "UV-C / UVC / far UV-C / far UVC" are used interchangeably herein.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and other such pathogens that cause diseases (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as "microorganisms") reproduce in closed areas / closed spaces. The use of UV radiation to destroy previous-generation viruses such as the coronavirus has been attempted heretofore. However, the results have not been conclusive. This is because UV must be powerful enough to destroy the virus, and such high-energy UV can damage normal human cells such as the skin, cornea, and other cells. In addition, the virus must be exposed to UV light for a sufficient duration until the virus can be neutralized.

[0005] Social distancing strategies and the use of personal protective equipment are recommended to control the spread of airborne viruses such as COVID-19. However, these measures may not be sufficient to contain the spread of airborne viruses, especially within closed spaces. Therefore, there is a need for reliable technologies that use UV-C radiation and modifications in HVAC systems to destroy airborne pathogens and control the spread of airborne pathogens within enclosed air-conditioned spaces.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The air quality inside an indoor (or enclosed) space is correlated with the type and performance of the introduced heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system (also interchangeably referred to as the "air conditioning (AC) system" in this specification). These systems typically recirculate the air within a closed indoor environment, control the indoor temperature, and conserve energy. Conventional air conditioning systems are configured to cool the air that already exists within a closed unit (or a heating system is configured to heat such air). The cold and dry air within the closed unit provides an ideal substrate for the virus to continue its activity.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for disinfecting air-conditioning air flow in a closed space comprises a modular housing and a disinfection chamber surrounded by the housing. A plurality of disinfection sheets are enclosed within the disinfection chamber. Each disinfection sheet comprises a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources. The air flow is configured to be sent along a serpentine passage within the housing in order to expose microorganisms in the air flow to far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for an optimal duration over a long period. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a substantially box-shaped structure having a top wall and a bottom wall, opposing front and rear walls, and lateral side walls. The box-shaped structure encloses an internal cavity or disinfection chamber. The disinfection sheets are disposed inside the disinfection chamber. The inner surface of each of the walls may be covered with a reflective material in order to reflect the irradiation light from the UV light sources into the disinfection chamber.

[0008] The disinfection sheet at least includes: (i) a first disinfection sheet, wherein the first end of the first disinfection sheet is removably attached to the inner surface of the first side wall, and the second end of the first disinfection sheet is configured such that although this second end is proximal to the inner surface of the second side wall, it does not make contact. The second side wall faces the first side wall, and a first air flow gap is formed in the opening between the second end of the first disinfection sheet and the inner surface of the second side wall; the first disinfection sheet; (ii) a second disinfection sheet, wherein the first end of the second disinfection sheet is removably attached to the inner surface of the second side wall, and the second end of the second disinfection sheet is configured such that although this second end is proximal to the inner surface of the first side wall, it does not make contact. A second air flow gap is formed in the opening between the second end of the second disinfection sheet and the inner surface of the first side wall; the second disinfection sheet; (iii) a third disinfection sheet, wherein the first end of the third disinfection sheet is removably attached to the inner surface of the first side wall, and the second end of the third disinfection sheet is configured such that although this second end is proximal to the inner surface of the second side wall, it does not make contact. A third air flow gap is formed in the opening between the second end of the third disinfection sheet and the inner surface of the second side wall; the third disinfection sheet. A meandering air flow path is configured around the first air flow gap, the second air flow gap, the third air flow gap, and subsequent air flow gaps. This arrangement can be continued in a number of layers as required to provide sufficient length and duration of contact between the organism and far UV-C light.

[0009] The device further includes a plurality of small-diameter tubes embedded in the bottom of the housing, and the small tubes are configured to prevent leakage of far UV-C light to the outside of the device and allow the passage of air flow. The small tubes may be substantially V-shaped.

[0010] The device further includes a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. The HEPA filter is located proximal to the bottom of the housing.

[0011] The device further comprises one or more fans, which are arranged between the bottom of the housing and the HEPA filter, and are configured to send air flow into the cavity or send air flow out of the cavity via small tubes.

[0012] In another embodiment, the disinfection sheet is substantially V-shaped, and the UV light sources are arranged either horizontally or vertically. The V-shaped disinfection sheet includes at least: (i) a first V-shaped disinfection sheet, where the first end and the second end of the first V-shaped disinfection sheet are removably attached to the front wall of the housing, and a first air flow gap is formed between the first V-shaped disinfection sheet and the rear wall of the housing; (ii) a second V-shaped disinfection sheet, where the first end and the second end of the second V-shaped disinfection sheet are removably attached to the rear wall of the housing, and a second air flow gap is formed between the second V-shaped disinfection sheet and the front wall of the housing; (iii) a third V-shaped disinfection sheet, where the first end and the second end of the third V-shaped disinfection layer are removably attached to the front wall of the housing, and a third air flow gap is formed between the third V-shaped disinfection sheet and the rear wall of the housing. A meandering air flow path is configured around the first air flow gap, the second air flow gap, the third air flow gap, and subsequent air flow gaps. This arrangement can be continued in multiple layers as needed to provide sufficient length and duration of contact between the organisms and the far UV-C light.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, each disinfection sheet further comprises a plurality of removable transparent connectors. The UV light sources in the disinfection sheet are connected to adjacent UV light sources by transparent connectors.

[0014] The UV light source can be tubular. However, other shapes and forms including planar mirror-like plates are also included within the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the housing comprises an outer cylindrical structure surrounding an internal disinfection chamber / cavity, and a first disinfection sheet is disposed around the inner surface of the housing. An inner cylindrical member is disposed inside the internal cavity, and a second disinfection sheet is disposed around the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member. The apparatus further comprises an air flow diverter. The air flow diverter is disposed in a helical or spiral line pattern in an opening formed between the first disinfection sheet and the second disinfection sheet. By the arrangement of the air flow diverter, a serpentine air flow passage is formed.

[0015] According to another embodiment, an apparatus for disinfecting an air-conditioning air flow comprises a modular box-shaped housing and a disinfection chamber within the housing. A disinfection layer is disposed within the disinfection chamber. The disinfection layer comprises a plurality of tubular UV light sources, and at least (i) a first UV light source is disposed along the inner surface of the top of the housing, (ii) a second UV light source is disposed along the inner surface of the bottom of the housing, (iii) a third UV light source is disposed along the inner surface of the top of the housing, and the air flow is configured to be sent along a serpentine passage formed between at least the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source such that microorganisms in the air flow are exposed to the far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for an optimal duration over a long period. Optional disinfection sheets can be subsequently disposed in a similar manner to the first disinfection sheet, the second disinfection sheet, and the third disinfection sheet to facilitate further disinfection of the air flow.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment, the personal air disinfection system includes a wearable device, and the wearable device comprises a housing that encloses a disinfection chamber. The disinfection chamber includes a plurality of disinfection sheets. Each disinfection sheet includes a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources that emit germicidal far UV-C light. A first conduit is configured to supply fresh air and oxygen from a source, such as an oxygen canister, to the wearable device. A first end of the first conduit is connected to the canister. A second end of the first conduit is connected to an inlet of the wearable device. The air is configured to traverse along a serpentine passage within the wearable device in order to expose microorganisms in the air to the far UV-C light for an optimal duration over a long period of time. The disinfected air is provided to the user via a second conduit connected to a filtering / protecting device, such as a medical grade mask or a face shield worn by the user. A first end of a third conduit is connected to the mask, while a second end of the third conduit is connected to the inlet of the wearable device. The third conduit is configured to send exhaled air from the mask to the inlet of the wearable disinfection, where the exhaled air is added to the air-oxygen mixture flowing in from the canister and sent again for disinfection in the disinfection chamber. The recirculation of the exhaled air makes the entire system a closed circuit, thereby eliminating the need for the user to inhale ambient air. The air from the first conduit and the third conduit is sent to the disinfection chamber via a filter (such as a HEPA filter). The air is pushed into the disinfection chamber by one or more fans located at the mouth of the disinfection chamber.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the process of recirculating air in a closed space is to provide an air duct, wherein the first end of the air duct is fluidly connected to a conventional attic-based HVAC system, and the second end of the air duct is connected to an air flow supply vent located on or near the floor of the closed space, to supply a flow of heated / cooled air into the closed space through the supply vent, and to send used air from the closed space to the HVAC system through a return vent disposed on or near the ceiling of the closed space. The supply vent is connected to a secondary air duct, the secondary air duct is disposed along the perimeter of the floor, and the secondary air duct comprises a plurality of secondary vents for supplying heated / cooled air.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the process for disinfecting an air flow recirculated in a closed space is to provide an apparatus for disinfecting an air conditioning air flow disclosed in one or more embodiments described herein, the apparatus being fluidly connected to a conventional HVAC system, and the air flow being treated with germicidal UV-C light inside the apparatus, to supply the flow of disinfected heated / cooled air into the closed space through a supply vent located on or near the floor of the closed space, and to send used air from the closed space to the HVAC system through a return vent disposed on or near the ceiling of the closed space. The supply vent is connected to a secondary air duct, the secondary air duct is disposed along the perimeter of the floor, and the secondary air duct comprises a plurality of secondary vents for supplying heated / cooled air. The return vent is configured to send substantially all of the used air into the atmosphere. Alternatively, the return vent is configured to send at least a portion of the used air back to the apparatus for disinfection.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the air inside the aircraft is purified either by (i) disinfecting the recirculated cabin air in the apparatus for disinfecting the air disclosed herein, or (ii) completely preventing the recirculation of the used cabin air. The air purification process includes connecting a two-way valve to the aircraft's air mixing unit. When the two-way valve is in the open position, the contaminated / used cabin air is continuously discarded outside the aircraft while fresh air is continuously drawn into the aircraft through the engine turbines of the aircraft. Under these conditions, the recirculation of the used cabin air is completely prevented and the air entering the cabin is completely fresh atmospheric air. Instead, the cabin air can be processed in an apparatus for disinfecting the air as disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the two-way valve is closed. The used cabin air is filtered by a HEPA filter and sent to the apparatus. The apparatus can destroy organisms that are not filtered. The filtered and disinfected mixture of fresh air and used cabin air can then be safely returned to the cabin. In certain embodiments, a certain amount of used cabin air can be discharged by exiting the two-way valve in at least a partially open state. By partially opening the two-way valve, the load on the apparatus can be reduced.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, a process for heating and cooling a closed space without using an HVAC system includes laying piping means for transferring heated or cooled water along regions of the side walls, floor, and ceiling in the seat track (trademark) of the closed space, the piping means comprising (i) a first large-diameter conduit for transferring heated or cooled water, (ii) a plurality of small-diameter conduits that carry the heated or cooled water transferred from the large-diameter conduit along regions of the side walls, floor, and ceiling of the closed space, and (iii) a second large-diameter return conduit for collecting water from the small-diameter conduits. This process further includes providing a controller for heating or cooling the water and pumping the water for circulation.

[0021] The various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] This specification describes systems, devices, and methods for disinfecting airflows from air conditioning systems to substantially kill COVID-19 and other similar airborne microorganisms. The air conditioning airflow is disinfected using a UV light source. Preferably, the UV light source is configured to emit germicidal far-UV-C or UV-C radiation. The UV light source can be either a linear tube or a tube bent into a smaller shape, and these tubes can be made transparent. Also, examples of the UV light source include, but are not limited to, UV lamps, UV lasers, UV LED lights, and other similar sources. In some embodiments, the UV light source can include a planar mirror-like plate. Far-UV-C / UVc light / radiation can be used to disinfect the airflow without harming the human body / eyes by enclosing them in a UV protection housing and / or keeping them away from the human living area. Thereby, far-UV-C / UVc light / radiation is suitable for one or more embodiments described in this specification.

[0025] The present invention can be used in any enclosed space. As used herein, the term "enclosed space" can include any sealed or indoor space. Examples of enclosed spaces include, but are not limited to, rooms, hotels, restaurants, homes, warehouses, nursing facilities, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, office buildings, buses, places of worship, malls, schools, theaters, arenas, airplanes, trains, subways, yachts, cruise ships, and other similar sealed spaces. The enclosed space can be equipped with one or more air conditioning systems. Therefore, one or more embodiments of the present invention are configured to disinfect the air conditioning airflow in an enclosed space.

[0026] In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention can be configured to be attached or incorporated as part of an existing air conditioning system, without requiring significant modification to these units. In a typical "split" HVAC system (one having an outdoor unit with a condenser and compressor and an indoor unit connected to an evaporator furnace and a blower), the present apparatus can be in fluid communication with the indoor blower. According to one or more embodiments, the blower / furnace is attic-mounted or located in a space just below the roof of an enclosed space. In a "package" air conditioning system, the blower is located near the compressor and outside the enclosed space. In a package system, the present apparatus can be configured to be in fluid communication with an external blower. In a multi-level enclosed space such as a building with multiple floors having blowers in individual rooms, the present apparatus can be incorporated into the individual blowers. In one or more embodiments, the present apparatus can also be scaled down to the size of a document case and attached to an air inlet or outlet of any enclosed space.

[0027] Multiple views of apparatus 100 for disinfecting an air conditioning air flow are shown in FIGS. 1A - 1D. As used herein, the term "disinfect" is used to mean sanitizing or treating an incoming (filtered or unfiltered) air flow such that it is substantially free of harmful microorganisms. In some embodiments, the apparatus is also configured to filter out and remove particulates.

[0028] Device 100 comprises a small modular housing 110. The housing 110 is provided in a stand-alone form for attachment to an exhaust window (i.e., an outlet) and / or a blower (i.e., an inlet), or can be incorporated according to a split air conditioning system (not shown). Similarly, a similar configuration can be incorporated into a packaged air conditioner. The housing 110 is composed of a box-shaped housing / structure having top and bottom panels 112, left and right opposing side walls / surfaces, and front and rear surfaces. The panel 112 can be made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, carbon, or any other suitable material that can completely block the UV light emitted from the device. The front panel is not shown in the attached drawings simply to show the internal components of the device 100. The panel 112 surrounds an internal cavity 140 or a disinfection chamber having various components for disinfecting the air conditioning air flow. The terms "air" and "air flow" are used interchangeably herein.

[0029] The housing 110 can be fixed or attached by brackets 120 to the inlet or outlet of the air conditioning system within a sealed space such as a room. The device 100 can further comprise a connecting conduit 130 that can be coupled to the inlet or outlet (not shown) of the air conditioning system. The device 100 can be disposed in a ceiling or wall, or can be located in an inaccessible attic space. The device 100 can be configured to allow an air entry path through the bottom surface of the housing 110 in an outlet unit, or vice versa in an inlet unit.

[0030] The cavity 140 houses a disinfection chamber. A plurality of tortuous / whirling passages 180 are formed within the disinfection chamber. These air passages are formed by the unique arrangement of a number of disinfection / processing sheets 155 within the cavity 140. The disinfection sheet 155 comprises a plurality of germicidal UV light sources 150 connected to each other by transparent bridge-shaped connectors. The panel 112 can be made impermeable to prevent UV leakage.

[0031] The first end of the first disinfection sheet 155A is configured to be removably attached to a channel 159 formed on the inner surface of the first side wall 110A. The second end of the first disinfection sheet 155A is proximal to but does not touch the inner surface of the opposite second side wall 110B. Thus, a small air flow gap 102A is formed in the space between the second end of the first disinfection sheet 155A and the side wall 110B. Similarly, the first end of the adjacent / second disinfection sheet 155B is configured to be slidably attached to a channel (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the second side wall 110B, leaving a small air flow gap 102B between the first side wall 110A facing the second end of the disinfection sheet 155B. The other disinfection sheets are arranged similarly, that is, the first end of the third disinfection sheet 155C slides into a channel formed on the first side wall 110A, and an air flow gap 102C can be left between the second end of the disinfection sheet 155C and the second side wall 110B, and so on. With this arrangement, sufficient length and duration of contact are obtained between the organism and the far UV-C light. The disinfection sheet 155 can be conveniently removed if necessary for maintenance or replacement. With this arrangement, an air flow passage that meanders around the air flow gaps 102A, 102B, 102C... is formed, and the air is forced to pass over each of the disinfection sheets before exiting the device 100. The air may contain harmful microorganisms.

[0032] The UV light source 150 is configured to emit germicidal far-UV-C light. The far-UV-C light can penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms and cause damage to cells or genes. Thus, the affected microorganisms are killed and / or unable to reproduce. Not only the intensity of the UV-C light, but also the exposure time of the microorganisms to the UV-C light is an important factor in determining how efficiently the microorganisms are inactivated. Advantageously, the meandering air flow path of the present invention ensures that the microorganisms are exposed to the UV-C light for a length of time sufficient to kill or inactivate the microorganisms. Thus, the air exiting the device is substantially disinfected, i.e., free of these harmful microorganisms. The device 100 can be connected to an electrical outlet and can be operated or stopped as needed.

[0033] The base panel 112A comprises a plate 114. A number of small-diameter, substantially V-shaped opaque hollow miniature tubes or small tubes 160 are embedded in the plate 114 in an inclined / diagonal arrangement. By configuring these opaque small tubes 160 in a V-shaped configuration, it is ensured that air enters or exits through the small tubes, while preventing the leakage / return of far-UV-C light. This can protect people near the device 100. In another embodiment (not shown), a flat plate can be attached to the outside of the unit 110 so as to block substantially any leakage of far-UV-C light.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1C, the small tubes feed / direct the untreated air into the cavity 140. The air flows in a meandering manner over the disinfection sheet 155, where the air is exposed to the far-UV-C light emitted by the light source 150. The disinfected / treated air exits through the combined conduit 130. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, the untreated air flows into the housing 110 through the combined conduit 130, flows in a meandering manner over the disinfection sheet 155, where the air is exposed to the far-UV-C light emitted by the light source 150. The disinfected / treated air exits through a number of small-diameter small tubes 160 embedded in the plate 114.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1E - 1F, each disinfection sheet 155 includes a plurality of UV light sources 150. In an embodiment, the UV light source 150 includes an outer casing having a channel / slot 159 for slidably receiving a bridge - shaped connector 157. This facilitates the convenient removal and replacement of a single UV light source 150. Also, the individual tubes of the light source 150 can be pulled out and replaced as shown in FIG. 1B. The connector 157 is configured to be transparent so that far - UV - C light can pass through subsequent layers of the disinfection sheet. This ensures optimal disinfection of the air flow as the air flow passes through the device. The connector 157 can be made of quartz, plastic, or another suitable transparent material.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1E - 1F, the device 100 includes a high - efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter 165. HEPA filters are known in the art. The HEPA filter 165 is configured to filter out particulate matter and microorganisms so that they do not enter the cavity housing the UV light source. This can extend the life of the device 100 and reduce the need to frequently clean the device. The filter 165 can be periodically checked and cleaned or replaced as needed.

[0037] When used at the outlet of an air - conditioning system, a plurality of small fans 170A or a single large fan 170B can be placed below the small tubes 160 and above the filter 165. The fans 170A, 170B can be configured to blow air into the cavity of the device 100. This will make the air movement in the closed space more efficient. In another embodiment, a reverse fan is used at the inlet of the air - conditioning system to blow air back into the room, facilitating a more powerful and complete exchange of the air in the closed space with clean air. In this embodiment, the air flowing into the room enters through the connecting conduit 130 and into the room through the small tubes 160. The fan behaves like a suction unit that sucks air out of the device 100 and pushes it into the closed space / room.

[0038] Figures 1G - 1H show another embodiment 100A, 100B of an apparatus for disinfecting conditioned airflows. The housings 110A, 110B comprise cavities 140A, 140B. Unlike the substantially flat and planar disinfection sheets 155, the disinfection sheets 155A’, 155B’ are substantially V-shaped. The ends 156A, 156AA and 156B, 156BB of the first V-shaped layer are slidably mounted in grooves formed in the front walls of the housings 105A, 105B respectively, while the other ends 156AAA and 156BBB do not touch the inner surfaces of the opposing rear walls 105AA, 105BB. The ends 157A, 157AA and 157B, 157BB of the adjacent second layer are slidably disposed in grooves formed in the rear walls 105AA, 105BB, while the other ends 157AAA, 157BBB are not connected to the inner surfaces of the front walls 105A, 105B. This arrangement can be continued in a number of layers as needed to provide sufficient length and duration of contact between the organisms and the far-UV-C light. A meandering air flow path is configured around the disinfection sheets 155A, 155B, …. Each disinfection sheet 155A’, 155B’ comprises a plurality of UV light sources 150A, 150B that emit germicidal far-UV-C light. As shown in Figure 1G, these UV light sources 150A are arranged horizontally (or in the same plane as the bottom of the housing). As shown in Figure 1H, these UV light sources 150B are arranged vertically (or perpendicular to the bottom of the housing). The UV light sources 150A, 150B may be fixed to a plate 175 made of quartz or another suitable material. The plate 175 is configured to prevent the air flow from rattling the tubes. Alternatively, the UV light sources 150A’, 150B’ can be cross-linked with transparent connectors (such as connector 157) that can conduct far-UV-C light.

[0039] Figure 1I shows another embodiment of an apparatus 100C for disinfecting conditioned air flow. As shown, the apparatus 100C comprises a substantially cylindrical outer housing 110C. The apparatus 100C further comprises a cylindrical inner housing 110CC centrally disposed within a cavity 140C formed within the outer housing 110C. The inner cylinder 110CC may be of a solid / rod-like structure and extend along the length of the outer housing 110C. A disinfection sheet 155A’’ with a plurality of UV light sources 150C is fixed around the outer surface of the inner cylinder 110CC, while another disinfection sheet 155A’’’ with a plurality of UV lights 150D is fixed to the inner surface of the outer housing 110C. The UV light sources 150C, 150D are configured to emit germicidal far UV-C light. An air flow diverter 185 is disposed in the space between the UV light source 150C and the UV light source 150D within the cavity 140C. The air flow diverter 185 is substantially helical or coiled wire-like. The air flow diverter 185 is configured to form a meandering air flow path for the incoming (untreated) air flow such that any microorganisms in the air are substantially exposed to the far UV-C light for an extended period of time. The length and diameter of the housing 110C, as well as the distance between each coil of the air flow diverter 185, can be increased or reduced to enhance or retard the passage of the air flow to be disinfected. The various embodiments of the apparatus for disinfecting conditioned air flow as shown in FIGS. 1A - 1I can be incorporated into existing air conditioning systems.

[0040] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an apparatus 200 for disinfecting an air stream includes a housing 210 that houses a disinfection chamber. A single air disinfection layer 255 is located within the disinfection chamber. The housing 210 has a substantially elongated box-like appearance. The air disinfection layer 255 includes a number of UV light sources 250 for emitting germicidal far UV-C light. Each light source 250 can be slidably disposed in a groove formed in the inner surface of the housing 210 using a connector 257. The connector 257 can be made of glass or another suitable transparent material. The UV light sources 250 can be arranged in an alternating pattern at the top and bottom of the inner side surface of the housing 210. This pattern forms a meandering air flow passage for the incoming air stream. The meandering air flow passage increases the exposure time of microorganisms in the air stream to the UV-C light.

[0041] The housing 210 can include fixing means such as a bracket 220 for attaching the apparatus 200 to a surface (such as the ceiling of a bus). The apparatus 200 can further include a HEPA filter 265 for filtering the incoming air. The apparatus 200 can further include a flap 275 for preventing the leakage of far UV-C light. The apparatus 200 can also be covered by an opaque shade (not shown) for preventing the leakage of UV light. The housing 210 can further include a support member 280 for keeping the top surface of the unit straight without bending. The support member 280 includes slits 285 that can be cut along the length of the unit 210. These slits 285 are configured to discharge / let out air from the housing 210.

[0042] The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown the risks faced by frontline workers, including healthcare workers. These workers often put their own lives and the lives of their families and friends at risk in order to care for patients infected with infectious viruses such as COVID-19 and other such viruses. Conventional personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks or face shields, cannot provide comprehensive protection for these workers. Also, when healthcare workers remove their PPE in the changing room, the virions attached to the PPE can be released and infect the healthcare workers. FIG. 7 shows a portable air disinfection system 700 for personal use / individual use. System 700 can be configured to provide a continuous source of disinfected air to individual users, such as healthcare workers or other users, who require additional protection, through a closed-loop system.

[0043] System 700 includes a wearable device for disinfecting the air stream 710. Device 710 can be conveniently worn as a backpack by a user, such as a healthcare worker. System 700 further includes an air / oxygen source, such as a canister, in fluid communication with device 710. The first end of the tube / conduit 720A is connected to the canister, while the second end of the tube / conduit 720A is connected to the wearable device 710. Air / oxygen / or a mixture thereof is drawn through the first tube / conduit 720A and sent to the inlet 765 of device 710. A HEPA filter 755 is disposed at the bottom of the portable device 700 to filter the incoming air stream. One or more miniature fans 760 are disposed at the mouth of the disinfection chamber 740. The fans 760 are configured to draw air into the disinfection chamber 740. Chamber 740 includes a number of air disinfection sheets 740. Each air disinfection sheet 740 includes a plurality of UV light sources 750 configured to emit far UV-C light. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the air disinfection sheets 740 are arranged such that a serpentine air flow path is formed for the incoming air / oxygen / mixture inside the disinfection chamber 740.

[0044] The wearable device 700 may have a unit 705 for holding or containing a power source. The unit 705 can receive one or more power sources, such as a battery, internally. The unit 705 is removable from the device 700 and may be replaceable. The walls of the portable device 700 can be made of a suitable material that can block the leakage of far UV-C light so as not to harm the wearer of the device.

[0045] Air is disinfected in the chamber 740, and the disinfected and filtered air is transferred to the user through the second conduit / tube 720B. The first end of the second conduit / tube 720B is connected to the wearable device, while the second end of the second conduit / tube 720B is mounted within the first opening of the close-fitting medical grade mask 770. Thus, the user can be provided with substantially pure / disinfected air for inhalation. Exhaled air is sent from the mask 770 to the device 710 by the third conduit / tube 720C. One end of the third conduit / tube 720C is mounted within the second opening of the mask 770, while the second end of the third conduit / tube 720C is connected to the inlet 765 of the device 710. The exhaled air is filtered and then mixed with an air / oxygen mixture in the disinfection chamber. The filtered and disinfected air is transferred back to the mask 770. For additional protection, the user wearing the portable device 700 can be air-washed to remove any residual surface contaminants before entering a changing room.

[0046] Thus, various embodiments of the device for disinfecting an air stream, as described herein, can kill or disable harmful microorganisms by utilizing far UV-C light of maximum intensity and HEPA filters, as well as by adjusting the device size and manipulating the number of air disinfection treatment sheets equipped with UV light sources.

[0047] It is well recognized that when a person sneezes or speaks more loudly, fine mists of droplets of mucus and saliva are expelled from the person's mouth. Depending on the size of the droplets, turbulence, temperature, and humidity, the cloud of droplets may remain suspended for several minutes. If that person is infected with a virus such as COVID-19, the droplets may also contain one or more viral particles. Larger droplets greater than 5 to 10 micrometers (microns) can rapidly fall to the ground or nearby surfaces. However, smaller droplets may travel a significant distance, sometimes even exceeding 6 feet. Under some conditions, the small droplets, called aerosols, can rapidly evaporate. The length of time until the aerosol evaporates depends on several conditions, including humidity and temperature. There is a possibility that a healthy person inhales the infectious droplets or the droplets adhere to the eyes, nose, and mouth of a healthy person. A person who inhales airborne microorganisms may be exposed to and infected by infectious aerosols without having face-to-face contact with or being in the same room as an infected person.

[0048] Studies have also shown that under normal air conditions, droplets that fall to the ground / floor can completely dry. The dried residue of the droplets may contain infectious microorganisms and is called a droplet nucleus. The light droplet nuclei can float and remain suspended in the air. These droplet nuclei can be transported a significant distance in the air by typical daily activities, such as as a result of a person walking around in a room. According to the inventor, the droplet nuclei are transported from the floor to the ceiling of an enclosed space by the movement of air, where the droplet nuclei then enter the "return vent" of the air conditioning duct. The return vent returns air to the duct system. These droplet nuclei are then recirculated into the enclosed unit through the "supply vent" of the air conditioning duct.

[0049] According to one or more embodiments, the present invention includes a system and process that ensure that "used" air returned via a return vent is substantially discharged to the external atmosphere. Means may also be provided for feeding substantially "fresh" air from the external air / atmospheric air to the air conditioning system such that the air supplied to the enclosed space via the supply vent is substantially free of recirculated air and airborne microorganisms and is "totally fresh air conditioning". Advantageously, in one or more embodiments, one or more supply vents are located at floor level (floor height) or substantially near floor level, while one or more return vents are located at the ceiling or substantially near the ceiling. The reverse is also possible (not shown). This is different from most conventional ventilation systems where both the supply and return vents are located at the ceiling.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the present invention includes treating heated or cooled air from a conventional air conditioning system by an embodiment of an apparatus for disinfecting an air stream as described above. The apparatus comprises a disinfection chamber containing a plurality of UV lights. The air stream flowing into the disinfection chamber is configured to be sent along a serpentine passage within the housing such that the microorganisms in the air stream are exposed for an optimal duration to generate neutralization of the microorganisms against the germicidal far UV-C light generated by the UV light source. The disinfected air is discharged into an AC duct and fed via supply vents located at floor level or substantially near floor level in each room.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, supply vents arranged in the ceiling or substantially near the ceiling are used as usual to supply cold / warm air. This air is then circulated within the room. The circulated air / used air exits the room via a return vent located similarly in the ceiling or substantially near the ceiling. Warm air rises, while cold air descends. The warm air in the room attempts to rise towards the ceiling. Thus, air circulation naturally becomes stronger near the ceiling and gradually weakens as it goes down towards the floor. As a result, cold and dry stagnant air is left in the lower half of the room where people usually move around. Unfortunately, cold and dry stagnant air is ideal for some microorganisms such as the coronavirus. This makes people more susceptible to infection and increases the likelihood of death.

[0052] In cold regions where heating appliances are used in the room, the situation deteriorates further. The warm air flowing into the room stays near the ceiling and escapes through the outflow return vent. In fact, there is resistance to the warm air descending towards the floor, leaving cold and stagnant dry air in the lower region of the room, so more energy is required to warm the room. This is an avoidable waste of energy.

[0053] According to another embodiment, a system 400A for sending a disinfected air stream within an enclosed space such as a room is shown in FIG. 4A. This process involves sending air flowing out from an evaporator coil, a furnace, a blower, or some similar component in an attic-type air conditioning system through an embodiment of apparatus 100 (described herein in connection with FIGS. 1A-1I) for disinfecting the conditioned air stream. The air stream is disinfected in apparatus 110 to substantially kill and inactivate all microorganisms. The disinfected air is sent to the room at ground level using air duct 410. A first end of air duct 410 can be connected to apparatus 110, while a second end of air duct 410 is located proximal to the ground level of the room. Air duct 410 can be configured to discharge the disinfected air through one or more supply vents disposed substantially at ground level. The supplied air will move throughout the height of the room before being sent through one or more return vents located at or near the ceiling. As the air traverses from the ground level to the return vents, air circulation is improved and it helps to more quickly and efficiently warm the lower portion of the room. The air moving upward towards the return vents further carries microorganisms out of the room before being recirculated back into the enclosed space through the supply vents, and these microorganisms are then processed by apparatus 110. By positioning the supply vents at floor level and the return vents at the ceiling, “automatic cleaning” of the recirculated air is promoted. In hot regions of the world, the influx of air at ground level provides the much-desired cold air directly and in full force to the lower regions of the room.

[0054] Supply duct 410 can be rigid, flexible, and configured to fit within the space between the struts for manufacturing convenience. In one or more embodiments, a secondary supply duct 420 can be configured to send disinfected air at the ceiling, while duct 410 can be configured to send air at ground level. This process improves the cooling / heating of the enclosed space but can also transfer and destroy microorganisms accumulated on the floor of the enclosed space.

[0055] According to another embodiment, a system 400B for sending a disinfected air stream within a closed space such as a room is shown in FIG. 4B. As shown, system 400B is used to supply fresh ambient air or disinfected recirculated air to the closed space. System 400B includes supply piping means 460 for sending "fresh" air from the atmosphere to the blower, furnace, evaporator coil, and other components of the air conditioning system. Supply piping 460 can include a HEPA filter 465 for filtering the ambient air. One or more fans 470 are provided proximal to filter 465 to draw air into supply piping 460. As described in connection with FIG. 4A, this air stream is supplied to the ground level of the closed space (and to the ceiling of the closed space through duct 420) through duct 410. The second end of duct 410 is coupled to duct 430. Duct 430 is arranged around the length and width / perimeter of the floor of the closed space. Duct 430 includes a plurality of vents / openings 440 for supplying air to the closed space. Since air is supplied at ground level, the air must travel the entire height of the closed space before being circulated through the closed space and sent through one or more return vents located at or near the ceiling.

[0056] System 400 further includes return piping means 450 for sending this recirculated air stream. Piping 450 includes a two-way valve 455. Valve 455 can be configured to be opened such that at least a portion of the returned air stream is discharged to the atmosphere. Alternatively, valve 455 can be fully opened such that the entire returned air stream is discharged to the atmosphere to create "complete outside air conditioning". The opening and closing of valve 455 can be controlled by a programmable logic controller (not shown) known in the art.

[0057] If only a portion of the returned air flow is discharged to the atmosphere, the remaining portion of the returned air flow is transferred to an embodiment of apparatus 100 (described herein in connection with FIGS. 1A-1I) for disinfecting the conditioned air flow. The two-way valve 455 can be opened so that a portion of the returned air flow is sent to apparatus 100. The air flow is disinfected in apparatus 100 to substantially kill and inactivate all microorganisms. The disinfected air can be supplied to the enclosed space using air duct 410 (or secondary supply duct 420). Air duct 410 is coupled to duct 430. Duct 430 has a plurality of vents / openings 440 for supplying disinfected air to the enclosed space. As described above, this air flow traverses the height of the enclosed space before being discharged through one or more return vents located in the ceiling. This process improves the cooling / heating of the enclosed space, but can also transfer and destroy microorganisms accumulated on the floor of the enclosed space.

[0058] FIG. 4C shows another embodiment 400C of the system described in connection with FIG. 4B. As shown, system 400C is used to supply fresh ambient air or disinfected recirculated air, using duct 410, to a plurality of enclosed spaces (e.g., a building having multiple floors / levels and rooms). The supplied air can be provided at each floor level of the room / enclosed space using duct 430. The air supplied to each of the enclosed spaces is returned to the ceiling using return duct 412 disposed along each ceiling of the enclosed space. This process includes the steps described in connection with FIG. 4B and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0059] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, a system 500A for delivering conditioned air flow is shown. This system includes a conventional attic split air conditioning system. The first end of the air duct 510 is fluidly connected to a conventional air conditioning system. The second end of the air duct 510 is connected to an air supply vent located at or near the ground level of the enclosed space. The supply vent discharges the heated / cooled air flow substantially at the ground level. The supplied air needs to move through the entire height of the room before being sent through a return vent located at or near the ceiling. Thus, by incorporating the duct 510, air from the attic can be sent to the ground level through the inside of the wall. This process improves the heating / cooling of the enclosed space but can also transfer floor - accumulated microorganisms to the return vent, where the microorganisms are filtered by a conventional HEPA filter (not shown) connected to the air conditioning system and subsequently the UV chamber can destroy / kill the remaining organisms.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, a system 500B for delivering conditioned air flow is shown. This system includes a conventional attic type split air conditioning system. The first end of the air duct 510 is fluidly connected to a conventional air conditioning system. The second end of the air duct 510 is coupled to a duct 520. The duct 520 is configured to extend around the floor of the enclosed space (similar to the duct 430 shown in FIG. 4B). The duct 520 includes a plurality of openings / vents 530. The conditioned air is supplied through the vents 530 located at or near the ground level of the enclosed space. The supply vents 530 discharge the heated / cooled air flow substantially at the ground level. The supplied air needs to move throughout the height of the room before being sent back through a return vent located at or near the ceiling. Thus, by incorporating the duct 510, air from the attic can be sent to the ground level through the inside of the wall. This process improves the cooling / heating of the enclosed space but can also transfer the microorganisms accumulated on the floor to the return vent, where the microorganisms are filtered by a conventional HEPA filter (not shown) connected to the air conditioning system, and subsequently, the remaining organisms can be destroyed / killed by a UV chamber.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a system 600 for heating and cooling a closed space / room 605 without using an air conditioning system is disclosed. The system includes laying piping means for transferring hot water / and or cold water along the side walls, bottom, and ceiling of the room 605 on the seat lock. The piping means is connected to a programmable logic controller 610 having a built-in pump that can be used to regulate the temperature of the water and pump the water. The piping means can comprise a plurality of small diameter pipes 620 through which the water flows. The small diameter pipes 620 are laid on the side walls, floor and ceiling of the room. This system 600 can be utilized to verify beneficial aspects of supplying air at ground level. The inventor hypothesized that these beneficial aspects can only be determined in a closed room having a set temperature without the benefit of an air conditioning air flow. This is done by circulating hot water / cold water through the thin pipes 620 laid on the seat lock (not shown) inside the room 605. The water needs to be treated with salt water or other compounds to produce extreme (low / high) temperatures. The water is heated or cooled to a desired temperature by the programmable logic controller 610 and circulated through the outflow large pipe 630A. The thin pipe 620A carries the water out and then relays it to the thin pipe 620B. The large return pipe 630B collects the water from the thin pipe 620B, from where the water is returned to the programmable logic controller 610, where the lost temperature is compensated and pumped out again through the pipe 630A. In a closed room as shown, by comparing the effects of the air flowing in from the ceiling and the air flowing in from the ground level, the temperature and air flow in the lower part of the room where people move around can be changed. This can also be used to compare the virus count at ground level with a conventional air conditioning system as compared to the systems shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. This important evaluation would not be possible with room temperature control by air conditioning.

[0062] Figures 8A - 8B show the air - conditioning airflow inside an aircraft such as a commercial airliner. External air / ambient air enters the aircraft through the engine turbine, is compressed in the engine turbine, and the air passes through cooling / heating packs located below the cabin. These packs regulate the temperature of the compressed air. The air then passes through an air mixing unit, is filtered through a HEPA filter, and is circulated inside the cabin. Air from the cabin also moves to the air mixing unit. The mixed air enters the cabin through overhead vents and descends in a circular pattern. A portion of this air is recirculated, but most of it exits the cabin through floor vents. Approximately half of the cabin air is discarded outside, but the remainder is sent back to the HEPA filter to be remixed with fresh external air.

[0063] According to another embodiment, a system 900 for discarding used / contaminated air inside an aircraft is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIGS. 9C - 9D show a system for disinfecting air so that cabin air can be recirculated according to an embodiment. FIG. 9E shows a two - way valve for sending airflow into or out of an aircraft according to an embodiment.

[0064] Conventionally, atmospheric air / external air continuously enters the aircraft through the engine turbine of the aircraft. The air is compressed and thereby heated. The air then passes through a cooling pack located below the cabin. The cooling pack regulates the temperature of the compressed air. The cooled air is injected through an air mixing unit and circulated inside the cabin. At the same time, air from the cabin ( "used air") passes through a HEPA filter and is injected through the air mixing unit. A mixture of used air and fresh external air enters the cabin through overhead vents. A portion of this air is recirculated, but the remainder exits the cabin through floor vents. To maintain the cabin pressure, typically only about half of the exiting cabin air is discarded outside the aircraft, but the remainder is sent back to the HEPA filter and mixed with fresh external air before being recirculated inside the cabin.

[0065] As shown, outside air is cooled / heated, passes through the air mixing unit where it is mixed with engine room air. This air then passes through a HEPA filter and then through device 100 (disclosed herein in connection with FIGS. 1A-1H) that is in fluid communication with the air mixing unit. Device 100 includes a disinfection chamber that contains a plurality of UV light sources capable of emitting germicidal far UV-C light. The air received from the air mixing unit is disinfected inside device 100 and fed into the engine room.

[0066] Air inside the aircraft is purified either (i) by disinfecting the recirculated engine room air in a device for disinfecting air disclosed herein or (ii) by completely preventing recirculation of the used engine room air. The air purification process includes connecting a two-way valve 910 to the aircraft's air mixing unit. When the two-way valve 910 is in the open position, contaminated / used engine room air is continuously discarded outside the aircraft while fresh air is continuously drawn into the aircraft through the aircraft's engine turbine. Under these conditions, recirculation of the used engine room air is completely prevented and the air entering the engine room is completely fresh ambient air.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9E, the two-way valve 910 can be set to one of an open state / closed state / partially open state. Typically, the two-way valve 910 is set to the "fully open" state when the aircraft does not have the device 100. This ensures that the used cabin air is constantly discarded to the outside. The two-way valve 910 can be set to a partially or fully closed state when the aircraft is provided with the device 100. The two-way valve 910 can also be provided with a mechanism for maintaining the cabin pressure when the used air is discarded or sent back to the air mixing unit. The two-way valve includes a door / aperture that opens only after the cabin pressure is maintained at a predetermined desired level. As described above, when the two-way valve 910 is fully open, the contaminated / used cabin air is completely discarded while maintaining the cabin pressure at the desired level. Since fresh air is constantly drawn in through the turbine, the air in the cabin is 100% fresh air. The fresh air is heated / cooled, filtered by the HEPA filter, and sent to the cabin as described above. Alternatively, the cabin air can be processed by the device 100 for disinfecting the air as disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the two-way valve 910 is closed. The used cabin air is filtered by the HEPA filter and sent to the device 100. The device 100 is configured to destroy microorganisms that are not filtered by the HEPA filter. The filtered and disinfected mixture of fresh air and used cabin air can then be safely sent back to the cabin. In certain embodiments, a certain amount of used cabin air can be discharged by exiting the two-way valve in at least a partially open state. By partially opening the two-way valve, the load on the device 100 can be reduced.

[0068] Therefore, the present invention is well suited for destroying airborne pathogens in a closed space with recirculated air. For example, the present invention can be used to contain the spread of COVID-19 (or similar viruses) in a closed space. The present invention can also be used to contain the spread of bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.

[0069] Systems and methods for disinfecting recirculated air are described in terms of "comprising", "containing", or "including" various components or steps, but these systems and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" various components and steps. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention that is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations recited in the claim for purposes of infringement. Depending on the context, any reference in this specification to an "invention" may, in some cases, refer only to a particular specific embodiment. In other cases, it will be recognized that a reference to an "invention" refers to the subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. As used throughout the description in this specification and in the claims that follow, the meanings of "a", "one", and "the" include references to the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description of this specification, "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0070] All of the methods described in this specification can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. Any and all examples or exemplary representations provided herein with respect to a particular embodiment (e.g., "such as") are merely intended to make the invention clearer and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as otherwise claimed. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0071] Various terms are used in this specification. Unless a term used in the claims is defined, such term should be given the broadest definition that the person of ordinary skill in the art has given to the term as reflected in publications printed or patents issued at the time of the application. Describe the technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiments and modified examples. (A) An apparatus for disinfecting air-conditioning air flow in a closed space, the apparatus comprising: a modular housing; and a disinfection chamber surrounded by the housing, the disinfection chamber comprising a plurality of disinfection sheets, each disinfection sheet comprising a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources, the air flow being configured to be sent along a meandering passage within the housing so as to expose microorganisms in the air flow to UV-C light or far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for a long-term optimal duration. (B) The apparatus according to (A), wherein the housing has a substantially box-shaped structure having opposing front and rear walls, top and bottom walls, and side walls on the sides, the box-shaped structure enclosing an internal cavity, and the disinfection sheets are disposed within the cavity. (C) The disinfection sheet comprises at least: (i) a first disinfection sheet, a first end of the first disinfection sheet being removably attached to an inner surface of a first side wall, a second end of the first disinfection sheet being configured such that the second end is proximal to but does not contact an inner surface of a second side wall, the second side wall being opposite to the first side wall, and a first air flow gap being formed in an opening between the second end of the first disinfection sheet and the inner surface of the second side wall; (ii) a second disinfection sheet, a first end of the second disinfection sheet being removably attached to an inner surface of the second side wall, a second end of the second disinfection sheet being configured such that the second end is proximal to but does not contact an inner surface of the first side wall, and a second air flow gap being formed in an opening between the second end of the second disinfection sheet and the inner surface of the first side wall. (iii) A third disinfection sheet, wherein a first end of the third disinfection sheet is removably attached to the inner surface of the first side wall, and a second end of the third disinfection sheet is configured such that the second end is proximal to but does not contact the inner surface of the second side wall, and a third air flow gap is formed in an opening between the second end of the third disinfection sheet and the inner surface of the second side wall. The device further includes a third disinfection sheet. Optional additional disinfection sheets are subsequently arranged in the same manner as the first disinfection sheet, the second disinfection sheet, and the third disinfection sheet. The device according to (a), wherein a meandering air flow path is configured around the first air flow gap, the second air flow gap, the third air flow gap, and subsequent air flow gaps. (e) The device according to (a), further comprising a plurality of small-diameter V-shaped small tubes embedded in the bottom of the housing, the small tubes being configured to prevent leakage of the far UV-C light / UV-C light and allow passage of the air flow. (o) The device according to (e), further comprising a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, the HEPA filter being located proximal to the bottom of the housing. (ka) The device according to (o), further comprising one or more fans, the one or more fans being arranged between the bottom of the housing and the HEPA filter, and the one or more fans being configured to send the air flow into the cavity or send the air flow out of the cavity through the small tubes. (ki) The device according to (a), wherein the disinfection sheet is substantially V-shaped, and the UV light source is arranged in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. (ku) The V-shaped disinfection sheet is at least (i) A first V-shaped disinfection sheet, wherein a first end and a second end of the first V-shaped disinfection sheet are removably attached to the front wall of the housing, and a first air flow gap is formed between the first V-shaped disinfection sheet and the rear wall of the housing. The device includes a first V-shaped disinfection sheet. (ii) A second V-shaped disinfection sheet, wherein a first end and a second end of the second V-shaped disinfection sheet are removably attached to the rear wall of the housing, and a second air flow gap is formed between the second V-shaped disinfection sheet and the front wall of the housing. The device includes a second V-shaped disinfection sheet. (iii) A third V-shaped disinfection sheet, wherein the first end and the second end of the third V-shaped disinfection layer are removably attached to the front wall of the housing, and a third air flow gap is formed between the third V-shaped disinfection sheet and the rear wall of the housing, further comprising a third V-shaped disinfection sheet, Any subsequent disinfection sheets are arranged in the same manner as the first disinfection sheet, the second disinfection sheet, and the third disinfection sheet, The device according to claim (k), wherein a meandering air flow path is configured around the first air flow gap, the second air flow gap, the third air flow gap, and subsequent air flow gaps. (e) Each disinfection sheet further comprises a plurality of removable connectors, and the UV light sources in the disinfection sheet are connected to adjacent UV light sources by transparent connectors, the device according to (a). (c) The UV light source is tubular, the device according to (a). (sa) The housing comprises an outer cylindrical structure surrounding an internal cavity, and a first disinfection sheet is arranged around the inner surface of the housing, the device according to (a). (shi) An inner cylindrical member is arranged inside the internal cavity, and a second disinfection sheet is arranged around the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member, the device according to (sa). (su) Further comprising an air flow diverter, the air flow diverter being arranged in a spiral or helical pattern in an opening formed between the first disinfection sheet and the second disinfection sheet, the device according to (shi). (se) By the arrangement of the air flow diverter, a meandering air flow path is formed, the device according to (su). (so) A device for disinfecting an air flow, the device comprising A modular box-shaped housing, A disinfection chamber surrounded by the housing, the disinfection chamber comprising a disinfection layer having a plurality of tubular UV light sources, at least (i) The first UV light source is arranged along the inner surface of the top of the housing, (ii) The second UV light source is arranged along the inner surface of the bottom of the housing, (iii) The third UV light source is arranged along the inner surface of the top of the housing, and the same arrangement continues. The airflow is such that microorganisms in the airflow are exposed to far UV-C light / UV-C light emitted by the UV light source for an optimal duration over a long period. The device is configured to be sent along a meandering passage formed between at least the first light source, the second light source, the third light source, and any optional additional light sources. (a) In a personal air disinfection system, the air disinfection system is a wearable device, and the wearable device is a wearable device comprising a housing enclosing a disinfection chamber, the disinfection chamber comprising a plurality of disinfection sheets, each disinfection sheet comprising a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources that emit germicidal far UV-C light / UV-C light, a first conduit for sending substantially purified air / oxygen to the disinfection chamber, an end of the first conduit being connected to an inlet of the wearable device, and the sent air / oxygen traversing along a meandering passage in the disinfection chamber, such that microorganisms in the air / oxygen are exposed to the far UV-C light / UV-C light in the disinfection chamber for an optimal duration over a long period, the first conduit, a second conduit, the second conduit being configured to send air from the wearable device to a mask worn by a user, the second conduit, a third conduit, the third conduit being configured to recirculate exhaled air from the mask to the inlet of the wearable device, a personal air disinfection system comprising the third conduit. (b) Another end of the first conduit is connected to a canister containing air / oxygen, the air disinfection system according to (a). (c) A process for recirculating air in a closed space, the process comprising providing an air duct, a first end of the air duct being fluidly connected to a conventional attic-type heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and a second end of the air duct being connected to an air flow supply vent located on or near the floor of the closed space, providing, supplying a flow of heated / cooled air to the closed space via the supply vent, sending used air from the closed space to the HVAC system via a return vent arranged on or near the ceiling of the closed space, the process. (Te) The supply vent is connected to the secondary air duct, the secondary air duct is arranged along the periphery of the floor, and the secondary air duct includes a plurality of secondary vents for supplying heated / cooled air, the process according to (Tsu). (To) A process for disinfecting an air flow recirculated in a closed space, the process comprising providing an apparatus for disinfecting an air-conditioning air flow according to claim 1, the apparatus being fluidly connected to a conventional heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, the air flow being treated by germicidal UV-C light / far-UV-C light inside the apparatus, supplying the flow of the disinfected heated / cooled air into the closed space through a supply vent located on or near the floor of the closed space, A process including sending used air out of the closed space through a return vent arranged on or near the ceiling of the closed space. (Na) The supply vent is connected to the secondary air duct, the secondary air duct is arranged along the periphery of the floor, and the secondary air duct includes a plurality of secondary vents for supplying the heated / cooled air, the process according to (To). (Ni) The return vent is configured to send substantially all of the used air into the atmosphere, the process according to (To). (Nu) The return vent includes a two-way valve for sending at least a portion of the used air back to the apparatus for disinfection, the process according to (Na). (Ne) A process for disinfecting an air flow inside an airplane, the process comprising moving cooled / heated ambient air and cabin air to an air mixing unit, sending the air from the air mixing unit to a HEPA filter for filtration, connecting an apparatus for disinfecting an air-conditioning air flow according to claim 1 to the air mixing unit, A process including guiding the filtered air to the apparatus for disinfecting the air-conditioning air flow, the filtered air being disinfected by far-UV-C light / UV-C light inside the apparatus. (No) The used cabin air is sent to a two-way valve, the process according to (Ne). (Ha) When the two-way valve is in an open state, all of the used cabin air is completely discharged outside the airplane, the process according to (No). (vi) The process according to (v), wherein when the two-way valve is in the closed state, the used engine room air is recirculated to the air mixing unit before being disinfected. (iv) A process for heating and cooling a closed space without using an HVAC system, the process comprising: (v) laying piping means for transferring heated or cooled water along regions of the side walls, floor and ceiling of the closed space, the piping means comprising: (i) a first large-diameter conduit for transferring heated or cooled water; (ii) a plurality of small-diameter conduits for carrying the heated or cooled water transferred from the large-diameter conduit along regions of the side walls, floor and ceiling of the closed space; and (iii) a second large-diameter return conduit for collecting water from the small-diameter conduits. (vii) The process according to (iv), further comprising providing a pump with a controller for heating or cooling the water.

Claims

1. An apparatus for disinfecting an air flow in an enclosed space, said apparatus comprising: a modular housing; and a disinfection chamber enclosed by said housing, said disinfection chamber comprising a plurality of disinfection sheets, each disinfection sheet comprising a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources; said air flow being configured to be sent along a serpentine passage within said housing in order to expose microorganisms in said air flow to UV-C light or far UV-C light emitted by said UV light sources for an optimal duration over a long period; said housing having a substantially box-shaped structure with opposing front and rear walls, top and bottom walls, and lateral side walls, said box-shaped structure surrounding an internal cavity, said disinfection sheets being disposed within said cavity; said disinfection sheets comprising at least: (i) a first disinfection sheet, a first end of said first disinfection sheet being removably attached to an inner surface of a first side wall, a second end of said first disinfection sheet being configured such that said second end is proximal to, but does not contact, an inner surface of a second side wall, said second side wall being opposite said first side wall, a first air flow gap being formed at an opening between said second end of said first disinfection sheet and said inner surface of said second side wall, said first disinfection sheet; (ii) a second disinfection sheet, a first end of said second disinfection sheet being removably attached to an inner surface of said second side wall, a second end of said second disinfection sheet being configured such that said second end is proximal to, but does not contact, an inner surface of said first side wall, a second air flow gap being formed at an opening between said second end of said second disinfection sheet and said inner surface of said first side wall, said second disinfection sheet; (iii) a third disinfection sheet, a first end of said third disinfection sheet being removably attached to an inner surface of said first side wall, a second end of said third disinfection sheet being configured such that said second end is proximal to, but does not contact, an inner surface of said second side wall, a third air flow gap being formed at an opening between said second end of said third disinfection sheet and said inner surface of said second side wall, said third disinfection sheet; and any optional additional disinfection sheets being subsequently arranged in a similar manner to said first disinfection sheet, said second disinfection sheet, and said third disinfection sheet. A meandering air flow path is configured around the first air flow gap, the second air flow gap, the third air flow gap, and subsequent air flow gaps. An apparatus, wherein each disinfection sheet further comprises a plurality of removable connectors, and the UV light sources in the disinfection sheet are connected to adjacent UV light sources by transparent connectors. Claim 2 The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the UV light source is tubular. Claim 3 A process for disinfecting an air flow recirculated in a closed space, the process comprising: providing an apparatus for disinfecting an air conditioning air flow according to claim 1, the apparatus being fluidly connected to a conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and the air flow being treated by germicidal UV-C light / far-UV-C light inside the apparatus; supplying the disinfected heated / cooled air flow into the closed space through a supply vent located on or near the floor of the closed space; sending used air out of the closed space through a return vent located on or near the ceiling of the closed space. Claim 4 The process according to claim 3, wherein the supply vent is connected to a secondary air duct, the secondary air duct is arranged along the perimeter of the floor, and the secondary air duct comprises a plurality of secondary vents for supplying the heated / cooled air. Claim 5 The process according to claim 3, wherein the return vent is configured to send substantially all of the used air into the atmosphere. Claim 6 The process according to claim 4, wherein the return vent comprises a two-way valve for sending at least a portion of the used air back to the apparatus for disinfection. Claim 7 A process for disinfecting an air flow inside an aircraft, the process comprising: moving cooled / heated ambient air and cabin air to an air mixing unit; sending the air from the air mixing unit to a HEPA filter for filtration; connecting an apparatus for disinfecting an air conditioning air flow according to claim 1 to the air mixing unit; guiding the filtered air to the apparatus for disinfecting the air conditioning air flow, and the filtered air being disinfected by far-UV-C light / UV-C light inside the apparatus. Claim 8 The process according to claim 7, wherein the used cabin air is sent to a two-way valve. Claim 9 The process according to claim 8, wherein when the two-way valve is in the open state, all of the used cabin air is completely discharged outside the aircraft.

10. The process according to claim 8, wherein when the two-way valve is in the closed state, the used cabin air is recirculated to the air mixing unit before being disinfected.

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