Air purification element that generates peroxides
The air purification element generates and activates peroxides to address the limitations of conventional methods, effectively sterilizing air by oxidizing pollutants, ensuring complete removal of pathogens and contaminants.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Conventional air sterilization methods, such as bactericides and HEPA filters, have limitations in completely removing pathogens and gaseous contaminants, and can become clogged over time.
An air purification element that generates peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide, using an electrode pair separated by an ion-conductive matrix and activated by an energy source, to oxidize pollutants in the air, combined with a peroxide activating catalyst to ensure complete contamination removal.
The system effectively destroys microorganisms, toxins, and chemical substances in the air by generating and activating peroxides, providing safe and efficient air purification.
Smart Images
Figure 0007862150000001 
Figure 0007862150000002 
Figure 0007862150000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to air purification, and more particularly to an air purification element that generates peroxides for treating an air stream entering a confined space.
Background Art
[0002] Air contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and / or toxins poses a significant risk to human health, and people who inhale such contaminants may become ill. Therefore, sterilizing the air can help reduce the impact of such contaminants on human health.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] However, conventional sterilization methods have limitations. For example, conventional bactericides may contain undesirable substances. Also, filters may become clogged over time and may only partially remove contaminants from the air.
[0004] Activated peroxides can destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, toxins produced by microorganisms, and numerous chemical substances, and are safe for human use.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] To address the above-mentioned problems, a system is provided herein according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In this aspect, the system comprises an air passage and an air purification element. The air passage is configured to restrict the flow of air and guide the air flow toward space. An air purification element is located within the air passage and is configured to generate peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage. The air purification element comprises a peroxide generating structure and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst that activates the generated peroxides. When activated by an energy source, the air purification element is configured to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage, and the matrix is configured so that pollutants can come into contact with peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst.
[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aircraft. In this aspect, the aircraft comprises a passenger cabin, an air passage, and an air purification element. The air passage is configured to restrict airflow and direct airflow toward the passenger cabin. An air purification element is located within the air passage and is configured to generate peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage. The air purification element comprises a peroxide generating structure and a matrix. The peroxide generating structure is configured to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage. The peroxide generating structure includes a first electrode separated from a second electrode by an ion-conductive matrix and configured to generate peroxides when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes. The matrix includes a peroxide activating catalyst for activating the generated peroxides and is arranged so that pollutants can come into contact with the peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst.
[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for oxidizing pollutants in air flowing through an air passage via an air purification element. In this aspect, the method includes the step of directing the airflow to pass through the air purification element. The method includes the step of activating a peroxide-generating structure of the air purification element to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage. The method further includes the step of activating at least a portion of the generated peroxides with a peroxide-activating catalyst and bringing the air flowing through the air passage into contact with the activated peroxides to oxidize pollutants.
[0008] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a replaceable air purification element. The replaceable air purification element comprises a housing, a peroxide generating structure, and a matrix. The housing is configured to be removablely inserted into an air passage that restricts airflow and directs airflow toward space. The peroxide generating structure is located within the housing and, when activated by an energy source, is configured to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage. The matrix includes a peroxide activating catalyst for activating the generated peroxides and is configured to allow contaminants in the airflow to come into contact with the peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst.
[0009] The described forms, functions, and advantages can be provided separately and independently in various embodiments, or combined in yet another embodiment, the other embodiments of which will be described in detail with reference to the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] This disclosure shows an exemplary aircraft diagram and the airflow from a duct into the passenger cabin. [Figure 2] This disclosure shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary airflow system for an aircraft, in which an air purification element is arranged in an air passage. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of an exemplary air purification element according to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] An exemplary air purification element having a layered structure according to this disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 5] This disclosure shows an exemplary air purification element including a peroxide generation structure configured as a rod. [Figure 6] This disclosure shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary peroxide generation structure configured as a rod. [Figure 7] This disclosure shows an exemplary air purification element composed of hollow fibers of a porous material. [Figure 8] This disclosure shows an exemplary air purification element configured as a hollow fiber having multiple holes. [Figure 9] This disclosure shows an air purification element configured as a curved airflow channel. [Figure 10] This disclosure shows an air purification element configured as an air channel having a texture. [Figure 11] This disclosure shows an air purification element configured as a channel for generating vortices. [Figure 12] This disclosure shows an air purification element within a personal respirator. [Figure 13] This disclosure shows an air purification element in a habitable fixed structure. [Figure 14] This disclosure illustrates an exemplary air purification element that uses ultraviolet light to activate a peroxide generation structure. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for oxidizing airborne pollutants using an air purification element according to the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] Herein, selected examples are described with reference to the drawings, and throughout the various drawings, similar reference numerals refer to corresponding or identical elements. The following description of the disclosed examples is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.
[0012] Figure 1 shows an aircraft 100, with an enlarged view of the cabin 10 and an air passage 12 that restricts the airflow 14 and directs it towards the cabin 10. In many aircraft, at least a portion of the airflow 14 in the air passage 12 entering the cabin 10 is recirculated from the cabin 10. High-performance particulate filters (HEPA) or the like may be placed in the air passage 12 to capture airborne pathogens, filtering out other particulates in the airflow 14 before recirculation. However, HEPA filtration is not complete sterilization, and this technology cannot kill pathogens. Also, HEPA filters can become clogged. Furthermore, HEPA filters do not filter out gaseous contaminants coming from the airflow 14. For this reason, activated peroxides are promising for decontaminating the air within the occupied space. However, there are difficult problems in developing effective and efficient systems and methods for using activated peroxides to treat airborne contaminants.
[0013] Therefore, examples of the use of air purification elements that generate peroxides to inactivate and destroy various airborne pollutants, including pathogens and chemical contaminants, are disclosed.
[0014] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an air passage 12 in an aircraft 100 having an air purification element 16 located in the air passage 12 according to the present disclosure. As will be described in more detail below, the air purification element 16 is configured to generate peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) to oxidize contaminants in the air 14 flowing through the air passage 12. The location of the air purification element 16 is arbitrary, and the location of a substitute or additional air purification element is indicated by reference numeral 16A.
[0015] Normally, the air in the passenger compartment 10 is a mixture of air from the external environment such as engine bleed air and air recirculated from the passenger compartment 10. As shown in the figure, the air flow 14A from the external environment is compressed, cooled and expanded by the air conditioning pack 18, passes through here, reaches the mixing manifold 20, where it is mixed with the air flow 14B recirculated from the passenger compartment 10. The air flow 14B recirculated from the passenger compartment 10 is extracted from the passenger compartment 10 and passes through the air purification element 16 and the HEPA filter 22. In addition to or instead of the air purification element 16, the air flow 14B may pass through an air purification element 16A disposed downstream of the HEPA filter 22. The filtered and purified air flow 14B from the passenger compartment 10 then enters the mixing manifold 20 and is mixed with the air flow 14A from the external environment, resulting in a mixed air flow 14C being induced into the passenger compartment 10, thereby supplying the passengers sitting in the passenger compartment 10 of the aircraft 100 with decontaminated air.
[0016] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the air purification element 16. The air purification element 16 comprises a peroxide generation structure 24 having a first electrode 26 spaced apart from a second electrode 28 by an ion-conductive matrix 30. The peroxide generation structure 24 is configured to generate peroxide from water vapor and oxygen in the air flow 14 in the air passage 12 when activated by an energy source. The air purification element 16 further comprises a matrix 32 (shown schematically in a diagonal lattice pattern) including a peroxide activation catalyst 34 (shown schematically as a star) configured to activate the generated peroxide by reducing the activation energy for the peroxide to react with contaminants in the air. In some embodiments, the air purification element 16 is constructed as a layer on a base substrate 36, and the matrix 32 including the peroxide activation catalyst 34 is the outermost layer from the substrate 36, so that contaminants can come into contact with the peroxide activated by the peroxide activation catalyst 34. However, it will be understood that the peroxide activation catalyst 34 may alternatively be distributed and disposed, for example, throughout the ion-conductive matrix 30.
[0017] In the example of FIG. 3, the air purification element 16 generates H2O2 by applying a voltage from the power source 38 across the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28. The first electrode 26 can be configured as an anode, and the second electrode 28 can be configured as a cathode. H2O2 can be generated at the anode by oxidizing the water vapor in the air 14 in the air passage 12 under a catalyst such as CaSnO3. In addition to this, or instead of this, H2O2 may be generated at the cathode by reducing the oxygen in the air 14. Next, the generated peroxide diffuses through the ion-conductive matrix 30 into the matrix 32 containing the peroxide-activating catalyst 34. The peroxide-activating catalyst 34 can include, for example, a complex of a metal such as iron and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), tetraamido macrocyclic ligand particles (TAML (registered trademark)), a complex with a metal such as iron, manganese gluconate, sodium hypochlorite, N-[4-(trimethylammonio methyl)benzoyl]-caprolactam chloride, nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, porphyrin, phthalocyanine, ruthenium dioxide, indium oxide, quinone, etc. The resulting activated peroxide then moves to the surface of the air purification element 16 and contacts and oxidizes the contaminants in the air passage 12. In some implementations, an electrode catalyst may be coupled to the cathode to catalyze the formation of hydrogen ions. If necessary, a hydrogen peroxide scavenger or peroxide remover such as ascorbic acid may be supplied to the air passage 12 downstream of the air purification element 16 to reduce or remove the peroxide from the air stream 14 before it is circulated and returned to the environment.
[0018] The air purification element can have any suitable configuration based on the desired end application. Embodiments of the air purification element 16 will be described later with reference to Figures 4 to 11. In some embodiments, the air purification element 16 can be configured as an integrated unit designed to be removablely placed within the air passage 12. In addition to or instead of this, the air purification element 16 can be placed in a housing configured to fit within the air passage 12. The air purification element 16 may also be configured to be replaceable (for example, as a consumable). The air purification element 16 can be configured in a variety of ways and is adaptable to use in a variety of environments, examples of which include aircraft, personal breathing apparatus, and habitable fixed structures (e.g., buildings such as hospitals, schools, offices, shopping centers, restaurants, public transport vehicles, air conditioning units, and laboratories).
[0019] In the example shown in Figure 4, the air purification element 16 is configured as an air purification element 416 having a plurality of channels 40 through which airflow can pass. The peroxide generation structure 24 is placed in each of the plurality of channels. In this embodiment, as described above with reference to Figure 3, each channel is formed by stacking individual layers of the peroxide generation structure 24 on a base substrate 36, so that the matrix 32 containing the peroxide activation catalyst 34 is exposed to the airflow in each channel 40. The channels 40 can be positioned horizontally, vertically, or obliquely, or in any other suitable orientation with respect to the air passage through which they are used, as shown in Figure 4. When the airflow 14 is guided to pass through the air passage 12, airborne pollutants come into contact with the activated peroxide on the surface of the air purification element 416 and are oxidized. Although the channels 40 are shown as having a rectangular cross-section, the channels 40 may have any other suitable shape, and the shape may be modified along the direction of the airflow. In some examples, the channels 40 are contained within a removable unit (e.g., a housing) located within another air passage. In such an example, the housing 46 may have electrical contacts (+, -) that are in complementary contact with the electrical contacts in the air passage. In another example, the housing may be configured to hold one or more batteries (not shown) as a power source.
[0020] Figures 5 and 6 show an air purification element 16 configured as an exemplary air purification element 516, where the peroxide generation structure 24 is configured as a rod-shaped structure 42 and an airfoil-shaped structure 44. In this configuration, as shown in the cross-sectional view of the rod-shaped structure 42 in Figure 6, the first electrode 26 is at least partially surrounded by the second electrode 28. An ion-conductive matrix 30 is placed between the electrodes, and a matrix 32 containing a peroxide-activating catalyst 34 is placed on the outer surface (S3) of the second electrode 28. Multiple rod-shaped structures 42 and / or airfoil-shaped structures 44 may be placed in a housing 46 configured to be removably inserted into the air passage 12. When the airflow 14 is guided to pass through the air passage 12, airborne pollutants come into contact with the activated peroxide on the surface of the air purification element 16 and are destroyed by oxidation. The housing 46 may include a battery compartment and / or electrical contacts for connection to a power source, as described above with respect to Figure 4.
[0021] Figure 7 shows an air purification element 16 configured as an air purification element 716. In this example, the air purification element 716 includes hollow fibers 48 of a porous material 50. A first electrode 26 is positioned on the first surface S1 (shown here as the inner surface) of the hollow fiber 48, and a second electrode 28 is positioned on the second surface S2 of the hollow fiber 48. An ion-conductive matrix 30 is positioned within the porous material 50 between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28. A matrix 32 containing a peroxide-activated catalyst 34 is positioned on the outer surface (S3) of the second electrode 28 so as to be exposed to the airflow 14 in the air passage 12. One or more hollow fibers 48 can be positioned in the air passage 12 so that pollutants in the air 14 flowing through the air passage 12 come into contact with the activated peroxide on the surface of the air purification element 716 and are oxidized. In this configuration, the purified air 52 flows out from the center of the hollow fibers 48, as shown in Figure 7.
[0022] In Figure 8, the air purification element 16 is configured as an air purification element 816 comprising hollow fibers 54 of a porous material 55 having a plurality of holes 56. As schematically shown in the enlarged view of Figure 8, in each of one or more of the plurality of holes 56, the peroxide generation structure 24 has a layered structure provided on the substrate 36, and the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28 are separated by an ion-conductive matrix 30. The matrix 32 containing the peroxide activation catalyst 34 is located on the outer surface (S3) of the second electrode 28. Similar to the implementation of the hollow fibers 48 described above with reference to Figure 7, one or more hollow fibers 54 can be placed in the air passage 12 so that pollutants in the air 14 flowing through the air passage 12 can come into contact with the activated peroxide on the surface of the air purification element 816 and be oxidized. The purified air 52 flows out from the center of the hollow fibers 54.
[0023] In some implementations, the flow channels within the air purification element may have a configuration that facilitates turbulence, resulting in the air in the center of the channel flowing toward the surface of the channel and being exposed to activated peroxides. Figures 9 to 11 show examples of such structures. First, Figure 9 shows an air purification element 16 configured as an air purification element 916 with a curved air channel 58 to generate vortices. Figure 10 shows an air purification element 16 configured as an air purification element 1016 with a textured surface 60 to generate vortices. The flow channels 58 and surface 60 can be used, for example, in the layered air purification element of Figure 4. In Figure 11, the air purification element 16 is configured as an air purification element 1116 with a flow channel 62 having a tapered end 64 that generates vortices in the airflow through the flow channel 62. As shown in the curved air channel 58 in Figure 9, the textured surface 60 in Figure 10, and the enlarged view of the channel 62 in Figure 11, the peroxide generation structure 24 is formed on the substrate 36, and a matrix 32 containing a peroxide activation catalyst 34 is stacked on top of it, so that contaminants in the airflow 14 come into contact with the activated oxide and are oxidized.
[0024] In some use cases, such as medical or military applications, where the user may be exposed to airborne pathogens and / or toxins, it may be desirable to equip personal protective equipment (PPE) with an air purification element, such as a mask, to supply the user with decontaminated air. Figure 12 shows an air purification element 16 configured as an exemplary air purification element 1216 within a personal respirator 1200. In this embodiment, the air purification element 1216 may be sealed within a housing configured to be coupled with the personal respirator 1200. The personal respirator 1200 may be reusable or disposable. When the personal respirator 1200 is designed for disposability, the air purification element 1216 preferably includes a battery 66. When implemented as a battery 66, the first electrode 26 may be configured as an anode containing sacrificial zinc or silver to be oxidized, and the second electrode 28 may be configured as a carbon cathode that reduces oxygen to produce peroxides.
[0025] Although the personal respirator 1200 is illustrated as a half-face respirator, it should be understood that the personal respirator 1200 can be configured as, for example, a full-face respirator, a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), a supplied-air respirator (SAR), a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), a gas mask, or any other appropriate type of personal respirator. In addition to or instead of this, the air purification element 16 can be inserted into a cartridge or canister used in conjunction with the personal respirator.
[0026] In emergencies, it may be necessary to rapidly deploy semi-permanent medical or military structures under potentially hazardous conditions, or to convert existing permanent structures for emergency use. Such situations include, for example, the handling of biological hazard events, the containment of infectious disease outbreaks, the isolation and treatment of persons infected with highly infectious pathogens, and military facilities in areas where biological weapons agents may be used. Accordingly, Figure 13 shows an air purification element 16 configured as an air purification element 1316 designed for use with a habitable fixed structure 1300. In this implementation, the air purification element 1316 may be sealed within an air conditioning unit 68 located outside the habitable fixed structure 1300 and may be configured to deliver decontaminated and conditioned air to the habitable fixed structure 1300. The air purification element 1316 may be sealed in a housing and have electrical contacts that engage with a power supply included in the air conditioning unit. Although the habitable fixed structure 1300 in Figure 13 is illustrated as a tent, it should be understood that the habitable fixed structure 1300 can be configured as a hangar, trailer, barracks, school, office building, hospital, community center, entertainment facility, or any other suitable structure.
[0027] In other examples, a photochemical peroxide generator mechanism may be used instead of an electrochemical peroxide generator. For example, a heterogeneous photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron oxide (Fe2O3), or zinc oxide (ZnO) can be photochemically oxidized using ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of water and oxygen to produce H2O2. For this purpose, Figure 14 shows an air purification element 16 configured as an exemplary air purification element 1416, where the peroxide generation structure 24 is configured as a peroxide generation structure 1424 equipped with a photochemical peroxide generator. When the peroxide generation structure 1424 is irradiated with UV light in the presence of water vapor and oxygen in the air passage 12, H2O2 is produced. Similar to the air purification element 16 described above with reference to Figure 3, the photochemical air purification element 1416 may include a matrix 32 containing a peroxide activating catalyst 34 configured to activate peroxides. In some examples, the peroxide activating catalyst 34 includes TAML®. In other examples, the peroxide activation catalyst 34 may include any other suitable complex or compound, such as those described above with reference to Figure 3.
[0028] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1500 for oxidizing pollutants in the air flowing through an air passage. Method 1500 is an effective and efficient method for purifying polluted air by oxidation. Method 1500 is described below with reference to the air purification element 16 described above and shown in Figure 3, and exemplary embodiments are shown in Figures 4 to 11. It will be understood that Method 1500 can also be carried out in other situations using other suitable components.
[0029] Referring to Figure 15, in step 1502, method 1500 includes the step of directing airflow through an air purification element. In step 1504, method 1500 includes the step of activating a peroxide generation structure of the air purification element to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage. In some examples, the peroxide generation structure can be activated by an applied potential, and in other examples, the peroxide generation structure can be activated by incident light. In step 1506, method 1500 includes the step of activating at least a portion of the generated peroxides with a peroxide activation catalyst. In step 1508, method 1500 includes the step of bringing air flowing through the air passage into contact with the activated peroxides to oxidize pollutants.
[0030] The following paragraphs further supplement the claims of the present application. One embodiment provides a system comprising an air passage and an air purification element disposed within the air passage. The air passage is configured to restrict the flow of air and guide the air flow toward space, and the air purification element is configured to generate peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage. The air purification element comprises a peroxide generating structure and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst. The peroxide generating structure is configured to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage when activated by an energy source, and the matrix containing the peroxide activating catalyst is configured to activate the generated peroxides so that pollutants can come into contact with the peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst. In this embodiment, in addition or in lieu thereof, the peroxide generating structure comprises an electrode pair separated by an ion-conductive matrix and an electrode catalyst. In this embodiment, in addition or in lieu thereof, the peroxide generating structure comprises titanium dioxide. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the system includes an aircraft, and the air passage in which the air purification element is located is configured to supply air to the aircraft's passenger cabin. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the system includes personal breathing apparatus. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the system includes a habitable fixed structure. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes an integrated unit that is removablely located within the air passage. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes a plurality of airflow channels, and a peroxide generating structure and a peroxide activating catalyst are located in each of the plurality of channels. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element has a textured surface for generating vortices. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element has a curved airflow channel for generating vortices.In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes hollow fibers of a porous material, and the peroxide generation structure comprises a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the hollow fiber, a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the hollow fiber, and an ion-conductive matrix disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode within the porous material, wherein the matrix containing the peroxide activation catalyst is disposed on the surface of the second electrode. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes hollow fibers of a porous material having a plurality of holes, and the peroxide generation structure comprises a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart by an ion-conductive matrix in one or more of the plurality of holes. The matrix containing the peroxide activation catalyst is disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes a channel that generates vortices in the airflow passing through it. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead of the above, the peroxide generation structure includes one or more rod-shaped structures and airfoil-shaped structures, having a first electrode at least partially surrounded by a second electrode, with an ion-conductive matrix disposed between the electrodes, wherein the matrix containing the peroxide activating catalyst is disposed on the surface of the second electrode.
[0031] Another embodiment provides an aircraft comprising a passenger cabin, an air passage, and an air purification element disposed within the air passage. The air passage is configured to restrict airflow and guide the airflow into space, and the air purification element is configured to generate peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage. The air purification element comprises a peroxide generating structure and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst. The peroxide generating structure is configured to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage. The peroxide generating structure comprises a first electrode separated from a second electrode by an ion-conductive matrix and configured to generate peroxides when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes. The matrix containing the peroxide activating catalyst is configured to activate the generated peroxides and is arranged so that pollutants can come into contact with the peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst.
[0032] Another embodiment provides a method for oxidizing pollutants in air flowing through an air passage via an air purification element. This method includes the steps of: inducing airflow through an air purification element; activating a peroxide generation structure of the air purification element to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage; activating at least a portion of the generated peroxides via a peroxide activation catalyst; and contacting air flowing through the air passage with the activated peroxides to oxidize pollutants. In this embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the step of activating the peroxide generation structure includes applying a voltage to an electrode pair and generating peroxides via an electrode catalyst. In this embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the step of activating the peroxide generation structure includes irradiating the peroxide generation structure with ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the step of inducing airflow to pass through the air purification element includes generating vortices in the air flowing through the air passage. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead of the above, the step of guiding the airflow through the air purification element includes passing air through a plurality of air passages within the air purification element. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead of the above, the step of guiding the airflow through the air purification element includes passing air through one or more hollow porous fibers.
[0033] In another embodiment, a replaceable air purification element is provided. The replaceable air purification element comprises a housing, a peroxide generating structure, and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst. The housing is configured to be removablely inserted into an air passage that restricts airflow and directs airflow toward space. The peroxide generating structure is located within the housing and, when activated by an energy source, is configured to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage. The matrix containing the peroxide activating catalyst is configured to activate the generated peroxides and to allow contaminants in the airflow to come into contact with the peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst. In this embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the peroxide generating structure comprises an electrode pair separated by an ion-conductive matrix and an electrode catalyst, and the replaceable air purification element further comprises electrical contacts. In this embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the peroxide generating structure contains titanium dioxide. In this embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the housing is configured to fit within an aircraft air passage. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the housing is configured to be coupled with a personal respirator. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes a plurality of airflow channels, and a peroxide generation structure and a peroxide activation catalyst are disposed in each of the plurality of channels. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element has a textured surface for generating vortices. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes a curved airflow channel for generating vortices. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes hollow fibers of a porous material. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the air purification element includes a channel having a tapered end for generating vortices in the airflow through which it passes. In this embodiment, in addition to or instead thereof, the peroxide generation structure includes one or more rod-shaped structures and airfoil-shaped structures, having a first electrode at least partially surrounded by a second electrode, with an ion-conductive matrix disposed between the electrodes.In this embodiment, the peroxide generation structure includes, in addition to or instead of, a battery.
[0034] Furthermore, this disclosure includes examples based on the following sections. Item 1. A system comprising an air passage for restricting airflow and directing airflow toward space, and an air purification element disposed in the air passage and generating peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage, wherein the air purification element comprises a peroxide generating structure which, when activated by an energy source, generates peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage, and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst for activating the generated peroxides, wherein the matrix is configured so that pollutants can come into contact with peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst. Item 2. The system according to Item 1, wherein the peroxide generation structure comprises an electrode pair separated by an ion-conductive matrix and an electrode catalyst. Item 3. The system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the peroxide-forming structure comprises titanium dioxide. Item 4. The system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the system includes an aircraft, and an air passage in which an air purification element is located is configured to supply air to the cabin of the aircraft. Item 5. A system described in any one of items 1 to 3, which includes a personal respirator. Item 6. A system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the system includes a habitable fixed structure. Item 7. The system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the air purification element includes an integrated unit that is removablely disposed within an air passage. Item 8. The system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the air purification element includes a plurality of airflow channels, and a peroxide generation structure and a peroxide activation catalyst are arranged in each of the plurality of channels. Item 9. The system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the air purification element comprises a surface having a texture for generating a vortex. Item 10. The system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the air purification element comprises a curved air channel for generating a vortex. Item 11. The system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the air purification element includes hollow fibers of a porous material, and the peroxide generation structure comprises a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the hollow fiber, a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the hollow fiber, and an ion-conductive matrix disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode within the porous material, and a matrix containing a peroxide activation catalyst disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode. Item 12. The system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the air purification element comprises hollow fibers of a porous material having a plurality of holes, and the peroxide generating structure comprises a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart by an ion-conductive matrix in each of one or more of the plurality of holes, and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst is disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode. Item 13. The system according to any one of items 1 to 7 and 9, wherein the air purification element comprises a channel that generates vortices in the airflow passing through the channel. Item 14. The system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the peroxide generating structure includes one or more rod-shaped structures and airfoil-shaped structures, having a first electrode at least partially surrounded by a second electrode, with an ion-conductive matrix disposed between the electrodes, and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode. Item 15. An aircraft comprising a passenger cabin, an air passage for restricting airflow and directing airflow toward the passenger cabin, and an air purification element disposed in the air passage and generating peroxides for oxidizing pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage, the air purification element comprising a peroxide generating structure for generating the peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage, the peroxide generating structure comprising a first electrode separated from a second electrode by an ion conductive matrix, and configured to generate peroxides by applying a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode, and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst for activating the generated peroxides, the matrix containing the peroxide activating catalyst being arranged such that pollutants come into contact with peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst. Item 16. A method for oxidizing airborne pollutants flowing through an air passage via an air purification element, the method comprising: inducing an airflow to pass through an air purification element; activating a peroxide generation structure of the air purification element to generate peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage; activating at least a portion of the generated peroxides via a peroxide activating catalyst; and contacting air flowing through the air passage with the activated peroxides to oxidize the pollutants. Item 17. The method according to item 16, wherein the step of activating the peroxide generation structure includes applying a voltage to the electrode pair and generating a peroxide by an electrode catalyst. Item 18. The method according to item 16, wherein the step of activating the peroxide-forming structure includes irradiating the peroxide-forming structure with ultraviolet light. Item 19. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the step of directing the airflow to pass through an air purification element includes generating vortices in the air flowing through the air passage. Item 20. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the step of directing the airflow to pass through an air purification element includes passing air through a plurality of air passages within the air purification element. Item 21. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the step of directing airflow to pass through an air purification element includes passing air through one or more hollow porous fibers. Item 22. A replaceable air purification element comprising: a housing, which is removably inserted into an air passage that restricts airflow and directs airflow toward space; a peroxide generating structure disposed within the housing, which, when activated by an energy source, generates peroxides from water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage; and a matrix containing a peroxide activating catalyst for activating the generated peroxides, the matrix containing the peroxide activating catalyst being configured to allow pollutants in the airflow to come into contact with peroxides activated by the peroxide activating catalyst. Item 23. The replaceable air purification element according to Item 22, wherein the peroxide generation structure comprises an electrode pair separated by an ion-conductive matrix and an electrode catalyst, and the replaceable air purification element further comprises an electrical contact. Item 24. A replaceable air purification element according to item 22 or 23, wherein the peroxide-forming structure comprises titanium dioxide. Item 25. A replaceable air purification element as described in any one of items 22 to 24, wherein the housing is configured to fit into an air passage of an aircraft. Item 26. A replaceable air purification element according to any one of items 22 to 24, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled with a personal respirator. Item 27. A replaceable air purification element according to any one of items 22 to 26, wherein the air purification element includes a plurality of airflow channels, and a peroxide generation structure and a peroxide activation catalyst are arranged in each of the plurality of channels. Item 28. A replaceable air purifying element according to any one of items 22 to 27, wherein the air purifying element comprises a surface having a texture for generating a vortex. Item 29. A replaceable air purification element according to any one of items 22 to 28, wherein the air purification element comprises a curved air passage for generating a vortex. Item 30. A replaceable air purifying element according to any one of items 22 to 26, wherein the air purifying element comprises hollow fibers of a porous material. Item 31. A replaceable air purification element according to any one of items 22 to 26 and 28, wherein the air purification element comprises a channel having a tapered end that generates vortices in the airflow passing through the channel. Item 32. A replaceable air purification element according to any one of items 22 to 26, wherein the peroxide generating structure includes one or more rod-shaped structures and airfoil-shaped structures, having a first electrode at least partially surrounded by a second electrode, with an ion-conductive matrix disposed between the electrodes. Item 33. A replaceable air purification element according to any one of items 22 to 32, wherein the peroxide generating structure includes a battery.
[0035] The configurations and / or methods described herein are essentially illustrative and are subject to many variations; therefore, it should be understood that these particular embodiments or examples should not be considered restrictive. The specific procedures or methods described herein may represent one or more of many approaches. Thus, the various actions illustrated and / or described may be performed in the order illustrated and / or described, in other orders, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the steps described above may be changed.
[0036] The subject matter of this disclosure includes all new, non-trivial, and partial combinations of the various processes, systems, configurations, and other features, functions, actions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]
[0037] 10 guest rooms 12 Air passage 14 Airflow 16 Air purification element 18 Air Conditioning Pack 20 Mixing Manifold 22 HEPA filters 24 Peroxide generation structure 26 First electrode 28 Second electrode 30 Ion-conductive matrix 32 Matrix 34 Peroxide activated catalyst 36 Base board 38 Power supply 40 flow channels 42 Rod-shaped structure 44. Airfoil-shaped structure 46 Housing 48 Hollow Fibers 50 Porous materials 52. Purified air 54 Hollow Fibers 55 Porous materials 56 holes 58. Curved airflow channel Surface with 60 textures 62 channels 64 Tapered end 66 batteries 68 Air conditioning units 100 aircraft 416, 516, 716, 816, 916, 1016, 1116, 1216, 1316, 1416 Air purification element 1200 Personal breathing apparatus 1300 Habitable Fixed Structure 1424 Peroxide generation structure S1 First surface S2 Second surface S3 exterior
Claims
1. An air passage (12) restricts the airflow (14) and guides the airflow (14) toward space, An air purification element (16) is placed in the air passage (12) and generates peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage (12), the air purification element (16) having a layered structure, When energy is supplied by an energy source, the peroxide is generated from the water vapor and oxygen in the air within the air passage (12), and the peroxide generation structure (24) has a first electrode (26), a second electrode (28), and an ion-conductive matrix (30) disposed between them. A matrix (32) comprising a peroxide activating catalyst (34) for activating the generated peroxide, wherein the matrix (32) is positioned as the outermost layer of the air purification element (16), and the matrix allows the pollutants to come into contact with the peroxide activated by the peroxide activating catalyst (34). including, Air purification element (16) and Equipped with, The peroxide is generated by applying a voltage between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (28). The system comprises an air purification element (16) with a plurality of airflow channels (40), and the matrix (32) including the peroxide generation structure (24) and the peroxide activation catalyst (34) is arranged in each of the plurality of channels (40).
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the peroxide generation structure (24) includes an electrode catalyst.
3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the system includes an aircraft (100), and the air passage (12) in which the air purification element (16) is located is configured to supply air to the passenger cabin (10), personal breathing apparatus (1200), and / or habitable fixed structure (1300) of the aircraft (100).
4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air purification element (16) includes an integrated unit that is removablely disposed within the air passage (12).
5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air purification element (16) comprises a surface (60) having a texture for generating vortices, and / or the air purification element (16) comprises a curved air channel (58) for generating vortices.
6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air purification element (16) comprises a channel (62) that generates vortices in the airflow passing through the channel (62).
7. An aircraft (100), Guest rooms (10) and An air passage (12) restricts the airflow (14) and guides the airflow (14) toward the passenger compartment (10), An air purification element (16) is arranged in the air passage (12) and generates peroxides to oxidize pollutants in the air flowing through the air passage (12), wherein the air purification element (16) A peroxide generation structure (24) that generates the peroxide from water vapor and oxygen in the air passage (12), wherein the peroxide generation structure (24) comprises a first electrode (26) separated from a second electrode (28) by an ion conductive matrix (30), and is configured to generate the peroxide by applying a voltage across the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (28), A matrix (32) comprising a peroxide activating catalyst (34) for activating the generated peroxide, wherein the matrix (32) comprising the peroxide activating catalyst (34) is arranged as the outermost layer of the air purification element (16), and the matrix (32) and the peroxide activated by the peroxide activating catalyst (34) including, Air purification element (16) and Equipped with, An aircraft (100) wherein the air purification element (16) comprises a plurality of airflow channels (40), and the matrix (32) including the peroxide generation structure (24) and the peroxide activation catalyst (34) is arranged in each of the plurality of airflow channels (40).