Plasma filter and method for capturing and sterilizing airborne pathogens

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plasma filter for purifying contaminated air in the atmosphere, comprising a housing having a fluid flow path formed in the direction of air flow, a charging section disposed at the inlet side of the fluid flow path, a dust collection section including at least one dust collection electrode disposed spaced apart from the charging section and extending to the outlet side of the housing while being disposed in a direction parallel to the fluid flow path, and at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source, wherein pathogens are charged in the charging section, a DC high voltage is applied to at least one collecting electrode to induce the charged pathogens to the surface dielectric barrier discharge source or the surface of the collecting electrode, an AC or pulse voltage is applied to the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source to generate a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma, and pathogens are disinfected by the generated plasma and / or active oxygen species or active nitrogen species generated by the plasma.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasma filter capable of capturing and disinfecting airborne pathogens in an airflow and a method for the same. Specifically, the invention relates to a plasma filter and a method for the same in which air is passed through an electrostatic precipitator structure of a plasma device to capture pathogens, and the captured pathogens are disinfected by exposing them to plasma and active species by a surface dielectric barrier discharge source. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, the transmission of airborne pathogens has posed a significant threat to public health, social stability, and economic activity. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, clearly highlighted this issue; while personal protective measures such as mask-wearing effectively blocked pathogen transmission in outdoor environments, their effectiveness was limited in indoor environments. Indoor spaces often lack technical solutions to prevent pathogen transmission due to difficulties in ventilation and inconsistent mask-wearing. Consequently, there is a growing need for more effective and sustainable technologies capable of removing and disinfecting airborne pathogens not only in everyday indoor spaces like commercial facilities and offices but also in specialized environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and negative pressure rooms.

[0003] Currently, HEPA filter-based air purification technology is highly effective at removing fine particles. While HEPA filters can capture over 99.95% of particles larger than 0.3 micrometers, they present several challenges due to structural limitations. First, the filter's dense structure causes significant pressure loss in airflow, increasing energy consumption in ventilation systems. This not only leads to higher economic costs but also has a negative impact on the environment. Second, HEPA filters require regular replacement, posing a risk that captured pathogens could be released into the external environment during the process. This carries the potential to become a new pathway for infection transmission. Third, HEPA filters lack self-disinfection capabilities and therefore cannot inactivate captured pathogens. Although UV disinfection technology has been partially introduced to address this, it can cause adverse effects, such as the decomposition of filter materials and the release of harmful gases. Therefore, a new technological approach is required to maintain indoor air quality and prevent the spread of pathogens. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a plasma filter and a method capable of efficiently capturing and disinfecting pathogens suspended in an airflow.

[0005] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a plasma filter device capable of effectively preventing environmental problems caused by filter replacement and pressure loss by removing parts that require replacement or cause pressure loss in the airflow.

[0006] However, the technical problem that this embodiment aims to solve is not limited to the technical problem described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0007] A plasma filter according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing having a fluid flow path formed in the direction of air flow, a charging section disposed at the inlet side of the fluid flow path, a dust collection section including at least one dust collection electrode disposed spaced apart from the charging section and extending to the outlet side of the housing and disposed in a direction parallel to the fluid flow path, and at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source, wherein pathogens are charged in the charging section, a DC high voltage is applied to at least one collecting electrode to induce the charged pathogens to the surface dielectric barrier discharge source or the surface of the collecting electrode, an AC or pulse voltage is applied to the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source to generate a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma, and pathogens can be disinfected by the generated plasma and / or active oxygen species or active nitrogen species generated by the plasma.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the charging section includes a plurality of charging wires and a plurality of charging plates, and the plurality of charging wires and the plurality of charging plates may be arranged alternately.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a plurality of charged wires and a plurality of charged plates may be composed of an electrical conductor material.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a DC high voltage can be applied to a plurality of charged wires and a plurality of charged plates.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the charging section includes a plurality of needle / brush charging bodies and a plurality of charging plates, and the plurality of needle / brush charging bodies and the plurality of charging plates may be arranged alternately.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the charging section may include a plurality of charging grids.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the charging section may include at least one X-ray tube.

[0014] According to one embodiment, at least one dust collection electrode and at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source may be arranged alternately.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source may be disposed between at least one collecting electrode.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one dust collecting electrode may be made of an electrical conductor material having a predetermined thickness.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source may be constructed using a dielectric having a predetermined thickness.

[0018] According to one embodiment, at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source is composed of a dielectric, a pattern electrode, and a surface electrode, and the dielectric is disposed between the pattern electrode and the surface electrode, and at least two surface dielectric barrier discharge sources can be brought into contact so that their surface electrodes touch each other to form a single surface dielectric barrier discharge source.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a catalyst can be coated on the patterned electrode surface of at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source.

[0020] A method for purifying contaminated air in the atmosphere by a plasma filter according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: introducing contaminated air through a housing having a fluid flow path formed to guide the air in a flow direction; charging pathogens in the contaminated air at a charging unit disposed at the inlet side of the fluid flow path of the housing; guiding the charged pathogens to a dust collection unit and capturing the pathogens through at least one dust collection electrode and at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source included in the dust collection unit; applying an alternating current or pulse voltage to at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source to generate a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma; and disinfecting the pathogens by the generated plasma and / or active oxygen species or active nitrogen species generated by the plasma. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, an environmentally friendly device and method can be provided that can be used semi-permanently with only periodic cleaning of the dust collecting electrode and the surface dielectric barrier discharge source without periodic replacement of parts, and which is energy efficient by minimizing pressure loss.

[0022] In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and method that effectively capture airborne pathogens through electrostatic precipitation and disinfect the captured pathogens through surface dielectric barrier discharge, thereby not only removing airborne pathogens but also preventing the risk of pathogens being re-released during the maintenance process of the apparatus. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a surface dielectric barrier discharge source. Figure 2 is a drawing showing an actual fabricated example of a surface dielectric barrier discharge source. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the voltage application method of a surface dielectric barrier power source. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an actual fabricated example of a surface dielectric barrier discharge. Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of a plasma filter. Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing the internal components of a plasma filter. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the process of capturing pathogens and disinfecting them in a plasma filter. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the electrostatic precipitation and disinfection modes of a plasma filter. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the electrostatic precipitation standalone mode of a plasma filter. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter utilizing a catalyst. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter having a charging section using a needle / brush type charging body. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter using a grid collision type charging section. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter in which the charged portion is formed using an X-ray ionization method. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter using an active species diffusion disinfection method. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. Since the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0025] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted from the drawings, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals. Furthermore, while describing with reference to the drawings, even components indicated by the same name may have different drawing numbers depending on the drawing, and drawing numbers are provided merely for the convenience of explanation; the concept, feature, function, or effect of each component is not to be interpreted restrictively by the corresponding drawing number.

[0026] Similar reference numerals are used for similar components when describing each drawing. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0028] Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected" but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them. Furthermore, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but rather allows for the inclusion of additional components; it should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] In this specification, the term "part" or "unit" includes a unit realized by hardware or software, or a unit realized using both; a single unit may be realized using two or more pieces of hardware, or two or more units may be realized by a single piece of hardware.

[0031] Hereinafter, a plasma filter capable of capturing airborne pathogens and disinfecting according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a surface dielectric barrier discharge source, and Figure 2 is a drawing showing an actual fabricated example of a surface dielectric barrier discharge source.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) is composed of a dielectric (133), a pattern electrode (134), and a surface electrode (135), with the dielectric (133) positioned between the pattern electrode (134) and the surface electrode (135). The dielectric (133) may be a dielectric with a thickness of tens to hundreds of micrometers to reduce power consumption and minimize pressure loss in the plasma filter. In one embodiment, a Kapton film with a thickness of about 125 μm may be used as the dielectric, but is not limited thereto. PTFE (Teflon), alumina (Al₂O₃), silica (SiO₂) or quartz, borosilicate glass, silicone polymer, barium titanate (BaTiO₃), mica, polyester, polycarbonate, etc., may be selected depending on the operating conditions of the plasma filter, cost efficiency, equipment design requirements, etc.

[0034] The pattern electrode (134) can be fabricated using technologies such as metal foil cutting, electronic ink printing, metal deposition, laser etching, photolithography, screen printing, roll-to-roll printing, 3D printing, electroplating, inkjet printing, and microcontact printing, but the pattern can also be formed in various other ways depending on the purpose. The pattern can have a grid shape such as a square or a hexagon, and the surface electrode (135) can be designed to have a larger area than the pattern electrode. The surface electrode (135) can be fabricated using technologies such as metal foil cutting, electronic ink printing, metal deposition, laser etching, photolithography, screen printing, roll-to-roll printing, 3D printing, electroplating, inkjet printing, and microcontact printing, and it is desirable to have an area similar to or slightly larger than the pattern electrode area.

[0035] In addition, the drawing presented in FIG. 2 shows an example of actually implementing the structure of FIG. 1. It shows the arrangement of a grid-shaped pattern electrode, a surface electrode located underneath it, and a dielectric separating them. This design can be used to implement an energy-efficient system by ensuring the uniformity of plasma generation, increasing discharge efficiency, and minimizing power consumption.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the voltage application method of a surface dielectric barrier power source, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing an actual fabricated example of a surface dielectric barrier discharge.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, alternating current or pulsed power may be applied to the pattern electrode (134) of a surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) placed in a gas including air, and the surface electrode (135) may be grounded, or conversely, power may be applied to the surface electrode (135) and the pattern electrode (134) may be grounded. This method of applying voltage forms an electric field between the two electrodes, and this electric field can form plasma on the dielectric surface. Plasma is mainly generated in the area where the pattern electrode and the surface electrode overlap, and in particular, may be generated along the inner and outer edges of the pattern electrode.

[0038] It is desirable for the alternating current or pulsed power used in this process to have a frequency ranging from hundreds of Hz to millions of Hz. Such high-frequency voltages can increase the efficiency of the discharge and promote plasma generation and the formation of active species. Additionally, as the voltage amplitude increases, the discharge intensity and plasma emission light become stronger, which can lead to more vigorous plasma reactions and active species generation reactions. However, since high voltage and frequency increase power consumption, it is desirable to set optimal power conditions by considering the balance between plasma generation efficiency and energy consumption.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma that actually occurred. The plasma emits blue light in the discharge region, which indirectly indicates the discharge intensity and the density of the generated active species. The grid pattern shown in Figure 4 corresponds to the structure of the patterned electrode, and the uniformity of the discharge and the effect of the designed electrode can be confirmed.

[0040] FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of a plasma filter, FIG. 5(b) is a drawing showing the internal components of a plasma filter, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5(a), FIGS. 5(b), and FIGS. 6, a plasma filter (10) is a device for purifying contaminated air in the atmosphere and may include a housing (110), a charging unit (120), and a dust collection unit (130).

[0042] The housing (110) of the plasma filter forms an air flow path, and contaminated air can be introduced from the inlet (20), pass through the charging section (120) and the dust collection section (130), and be purified and discharged through the outlet (30). The housing (110) can stably maintain the direction of air flow and protect internal components.

[0043] In some embodiments, the housing (110) may have a cross-section of various shapes and sizes. The cross-section of the housing (110) may be designed in various shapes, such as a square, as well as a circular or hexagonal shape, and the arrangement of internal components and the method of electrode connection may also be adjusted as needed.

[0044] The charging section (120) includes a charging plate (122) and a charging wire (121) and can charge pathogens in the air. In some embodiments, the charging wire (121) and the charging plate (122) may be arranged alternately. The charging section (120) is subjected to a DC high voltage (160), for example, between 3 kV and 20 kV, to generate a corona discharge, thereby electrostatically charging pathogens and guiding them to the dust collection section (130).

[0045] In this embodiment, the charging section (120) is composed of a conductive material charging wire (121) and a conductive material charging plate (122), but any structure capable of electrostatically charging pathogens passing through the charging section (120) can be adopted without being limited to this. Additionally, a DC high-voltage power supply (160) is applied to the charging wire (121) of the charging section (120), but any power supply device capable of electrostatically charging pathogens passing through the charging section (120) can be adopted without being limited to this.

[0046] The dust collection unit (130) is composed of a dust collection electrode (131) and a surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) and can collect and disinfect charged pathogens. The dust collection electrode (131) acts as an electrical surface for collecting charged pathogens and may be made of an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may be composed of, for example, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, silver, conductive ink, or other highly conductive metals, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] The surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) may include a dielectric (133) having a thickness of several hundred micrometers, a pattern electrode (134), and a surface electrode (135), and the dielectric (133) may be placed between the pattern electrode (134) and the surface electrode (134). When an alternating current or pulse voltage (170) is applied to the pattern electrode (134) and / or the surface electrode (134), plasma is generated in the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132), and the generated plasma and / or active oxygen species or active nitrogen species can disinfect pathogens.

[0048] In some embodiments, the same DC high voltage may be applied to the charging wire (121) of the charging unit (120) and the collecting electrode (131) of the collecting unit (130) to charge pathogens and guide them to the collecting unit (130). However, the method of applying voltage to the charging unit (120) and the collecting unit (130) is not limited to this, and various methods may be employed to guide pathogens to the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) or the surface of the collecting electrode (131). For example, it is possible to increase the dust collection efficiency by applying AC high voltage or pulse voltage instead of DC voltage, or to implement a dust collection process optimized for specific conditions by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the voltage.

[0049] Additionally, in some embodiments, an operating switch (180) is designed to control whether the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) is operated, so that the operating state of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) can be controlled manually or automatically by opening and closing the operating switch (180). The operating switch (180) enables selective operation of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) as needed, thereby reducing energy consumption or increasing efficiency in a specific operating mode. However, a method of controlling whether the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) is operated may also be applied by utilizing an automated control system or a sensor-based control method to control the operation of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) in real time.

[0050] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the process of capturing and disinfecting pathogens in a plasma filter, illustrating the principle in which contaminated air flows into the inlet of the plasma filter, undergoes charging, capturing, and disinfection processes, and is discharged as clean air.

[0051] Contaminated air is introduced into the interior through the inlet of the plasma filter and first passes through the charging section (120). The charging section (120) may be composed of a plurality of charging plates (122) and a plurality of charging wires (121) disposed between the plurality of charging plates (122). Corona discharge occurs in the charging section (120) to electrostatically charge pathogens. Corona discharge causes electron emission and air ionization phenomena around the charging wires (121) to which high voltage is applied, and can charge pathogens with negative or positive charges to induce them to the next stage. In this embodiment, the pathogens were charged using corona discharge in the charging section (120), but the method of electrostatically charging pathogens in the charging section (120) is not limited to corona discharge, and various methods may be applied.

[0052] Charged pathogens can be guided to the surface of the collecting electrode (131) or the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) by an electric field formed between the collecting electrode (131) and the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) in the collecting unit (130) and removed from the airflow. Afterward, the pathogens can be disinfected or inactivated by exposure to the surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma or active species generated from the surface dielectric barrier discharge. The surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma generates chemically highly reactive species such as high-energy electrons, ions, and active oxygen species, and these active species can destroy the cell walls of the pathogens or cause the pathogens to lose their function through reactions with proteins.

[0053] This embodiment shows a structure in which pathogens are collected on the surface of a surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132). When pathogens are captured on the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132), the chemical and physical interactions between the plasma and the active species occur closely, allowing the disinfection and inactivation processes to proceed more effectively. However, depending on specific environmental conditions or design requirements, it may be more suitable to collect pathogens on the surface of a collecting electrode (131) rather than the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132). The collecting electrode (131) may be designed to provide a larger surface area or to possess specific physical and electrical properties. In such cases, a method may be adopted in which pathogens are guided to the surface of the collecting electrode (131) and then inactivated through a separate disinfection mechanism. For example, methods such as inactivating pathogens by coating a catalyst on the surface of the collecting electrode (131), or additionally utilizing heat treatment or an ultraviolet disinfection device, fall under this category.

[0054] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the electrostatic precipitation and disinfection modes of a plasma filter, and Figure 9 is a diagram showing the electrostatic precipitation only mode of a plasma filter.

[0055] The electrostatic precipitation and disinfection mode illustrated in FIG. 8 is an operating method in which power is supplied to the dust collection structure of the charging section (120) and the dust collection section (130), and the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132), by closing the surface dielectric barrier discharge source operating switch (180). In the electrostatic precipitation and disinfection mode, pathogens are electrostatically charged in the charging section (120), and pathogens introduced into the dust collection section (130) can be captured on the surface of the dust collection electrode or the surface dielectric barrier discharge source. At the same time, surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma is generated to inactivate or disinfect the pathogens. Through this, the plasma filter provides a dual effect of capturing pathogens and disinfecting, and can be effectively utilized in environments with high pathogen contamination.

[0056] The electrostatic precipitation standalone mode illustrated in FIG. 9 is an operating method in which power is supplied only to the dust collection structures of the charging section (120) and the dust collection section (130) by opening the surface dielectric barrier discharge source operating switch (180). In this case, pathogens are charged in the charging section (120) and captured on the dust collection electrode of the dust collection section (130) or on the surface dielectric barrier discharge source, but the disinfection process is not performed. This mode has the advantage of allowing the plasma filter to be operated while minimizing energy consumption in an environment with low pathogen contamination. The pathogens captured in the dust collection section can be processed by periodically adding a disinfection process.

[0057] The selection of these operating modes can be determined based on environmental conditions and the level of pathogen contamination in the air. When pathogen contamination is high, it is desirable to continuously use the electrostatic precipitation and disinfection modes to treat the contamination immediately. On the other hand, in situations where contamination is low or energy efficiency is required, the electrostatic precipitation-only mode may be operated as the primary mode, while periodically switching to the disinfection mode to treat pathogens accumulated in the collection unit.

[0058] In this embodiment, a switch is utilized to control the operation of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source; however, this is an optional design element and is not a core aspect of the technical concept of the plasma filter. The design can be expanded without using a switch by adding an automated control system to switch operating modes based on pathogen concentration and energy consumption.

[0059] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter utilizing a catalyst.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, in order to increase the disinfection performance of pathogens in the dust collection section (130) of the plasma filter, a method of coating a catalyst (136) on the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) or the surface of the dust collection electrode may be applied. The catalyst (136) contributes to effectively inactivating pathogens or increasing disinfection efficiency, and is preferably a material capable of providing a photocatalytic effect or an antibacterial effect.

[0061] In some embodiments, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is characterized by generating reactive oxygen species upon exposure to ultraviolet light, thereby damaging the cell walls of pathogens, while zinc oxide (ZnO) can generate reactive oxygen species and exhibit antimicrobial properties even under ultraviolet and visible light. Additionally, silver nanoparticles (Ag nanoparticles) possess excellent antimicrobial properties and can rapidly induce inactivation by destroying the cell membrane upon contact with pathogens. Oxide catalysts such as copper oxide (CuO) and manganese oxide (MnO₂) can enhance pathogen disinfection performance through chemical stability and strong antimicrobial properties. These catalysts can be uniformly coated on the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) or the collecting electrode (131) and can enhance the disinfection effect by interacting with the reactive species generated during plasma discharge.

[0062] The selection of the catalyst may vary depending on the operating environment and design purpose of the plasma filter. For example, metal oxide catalysts may be more effective in high humidity environments, and TiO₂ or ZnO, which have excellent photocatalytic performance, are suitable when using ultraviolet light sources such as the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) itself or an ultraviolet light source such as a lamp. In addition, the physical properties (particle size, surface area, etc.) and chemical properties of the catalyst can be optimized according to the plasma discharge conditions, the characteristics of the pathogen, and the design requirements of the dust collection unit (130).

[0063] In this embodiment, the plasma filter is designed to collect pathogens onto the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132), so the catalyst is coated only on the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132). However, depending on the need, a method of coating the catalyst on both the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) and the surface of the collecting electrode (131), or coating the catalyst only on the surface of the collecting electrode (131), may be applied. Additionally, under specific conditions, it is also possible to choose not to coat the catalyst on both the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) and the surface of the collecting electrode (131).

[0064] When a catalyst is coated on both the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) and the surface of the dust collector electrode (131), the catalyst coated on both surfaces does not necessarily have to be the same. For example, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), which can generate active oxygen species through a photocatalytic reaction, can be coated on the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132), and silver nanoparticles (Ag nanoparticles), which have excellent antibacterial properties, can be coated on the surface of the dust collector electrode (131) to expect a mutually complementary disinfection effect. This choice can be adjusted according to the type of pathogen, the operating conditions of the plasma filter, and the chemical and physical properties of the catalyst.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter having a charging section using a needle / brush type charging body.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the charging unit (120) may be composed of a charging plate (122) and a needle / brush-shaped charging body (123). The needle / brush charging body (123) is placed between the charging plates (122), and a DC high-voltage power source (160) is applied to generate a corona discharge in the direction of the charging plates. The needle / brush charging body (123) may be manufactured in various shapes and materials, and its size and arrangement may be adjusted according to the design requirements of the filter. In some embodiments, the needle / brush charging body (123) may be made of metal, alloy, or other materials with high electrical conductivity. Additionally, the arrangement of the charging body may be flexibly adjusted, allowing it to adapt to various types of airflow and pathogen removal situations within the plasma filter.

[0067] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter using a grid collision type charging section.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the charging unit (120) includes a plurality of charging grids (124), and the charging grids can electrostatically charge pathogens through direct contact or collision with pathogens while air containing pathogens passes through a filter. The charging grids (124) are arranged in a specific pattern, and each grid is evenly distributed between the charging plates.

[0069] In some embodiments, the charging grid (124) can be made of various shapes (e.g., square, circular, hexagonal, etc.) and materials (e.g., metal, conductive polymer, etc.) and can be designed inside the plasma filter according to requirements. In this embodiment, the grid is arranged to increase the charging efficiency of pathogens, but the size and arrangement method of the grid can be adjusted depending on the filter structure and the usage environment. The grid collision method induces electrostatic charging due to collisions between pathogens and the grid, thereby effectively guiding pathogens to the dust collection unit.

[0070] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter in which the charged portion is formed using an X-ray ionization method.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a method of electrostatically charging pathogens by irradiating X-rays into the charging unit (120) can be applied. The X-ray irradiation method is a technique that uses high-energy X-rays to ionize molecules in the air and pathogens, thereby giving charge to the pathogens and inducing them to the dust collection unit (130).

[0072] The X-ray tube (125) can be designed in various shapes and materials. For example, a straight or cylindrical X-ray tube can be designed to fit the internal space of the plasma filter and can be optimized to emit X-rays of a specific wavelength or energy. This design can be flexibly changed depending on the spatial structure and operating conditions of the plasma filter.

[0073] In some embodiments, the X-ray tube can be stably mounted on the charging portion (120) of the plasma filter and can effectively provide ionization for charging pathogens. The design and placement of such an X-ray tube are not limited to the method presented in FIG. 13 and can be optimized according to various application conditions and design requirements.

[0074] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a plasma filter using an active species diffusion disinfection method.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 14, in this embodiment, a method of collecting pathogens on the surface of a surface dielectric barrier discharge source (132) is presented as an example of implementation, but under specific conditions, a method of collecting pathogens on the surface of a collecting electrode (131) may be used. In this case, the pathogens are not directly exposed to the plasma reaction generated in the surface dielectric barrier discharge; instead, active species generated in the surface dielectric barrier discharge diffuse to the collecting electrode (131) to disinfect the pathogens. Additionally, if a catalyst is coated on the surface of the collecting electrode (131), the pathogens can be effectively deactivated by the disinfecting action of the catalyst. A plasma filter with this structure may be named a plasma filter with an active species diffusion disinfection method.

[0076] The plasma filter with an active species diffusion disinfection method captures pathogens on the surface of the collecting electrode (131) and performs disinfection indirectly through active species generated in the plasma or catalytic action. The design and operation of the plasma filter are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 14, and various applications are possible depending on the design purpose.

[0077] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0078] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0079] 10: Plasma device 20: Entrance 30: Exit 40: Daejeon section, Daejeon wire connection section 50: Dust collector electrode connection part 60: Dust collector surface dielectric barrier discharge source connection 110: Housing 120: Daejeonbu 121: Daejeon Wire 122: Daejeon Panel 123: Needle / Brush Charge 124: Battle Grid 125: X-ray tube 130: Dust collector 131: Dust collecting electrode 132: Surface dielectric barrier discharge source 133: Genome 134: Pattern electrode 135: Surface electrode 136: Catalyst 160: DC high-voltage power supply 170: AC or pulsed power 180: Activation switch

Claims

Claim 1 A plasma filter comprising: a housing having a fluid flow path formed in the direction of air flow; a charging member disposed at the inlet side of the fluid flow path; and a dust collection member spaced apart from the charging member and extending to the outlet side of the housing, and comprising at least one dust collection electrode and at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source disposed in a direction parallel to the fluid flow path, wherein the charging member charges pathogens, a DC high voltage is applied to the at least one collecting electrode to induce the charged pathogens to the surface dielectric barrier discharge source or the surface of the collecting electrode, an AC or pulse voltage is applied to the surface of the surface dielectric barrier discharge source to generate a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma, and the pathogens are disinfected by the generated plasma and / or active oxygen species or active nitrogen species generated by the plasma. Claim 2 A plasma filter according to claim 1, wherein the charging portion comprises a plurality of charging wires and a plurality of charging plates, and the plurality of charging wires and the plurality of charging plates are arranged alternately. Claim 3 A plasma filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of charged wires and the plurality of charged plates are composed of an electrical conductor material. Claim 4 A plasma filter according to claim 2, characterized in that a DC high voltage is applied to the plurality of charged wires and the plurality of charged plates. Claim 5 A plasma filter according to claim 1, wherein the charging portion comprises a plurality of needle / brush charging bodies and a plurality of charging plates, and the plurality of needle / brush charging bodies and the plurality of charging plates are arranged alternately. Claim 6 A plasma filter according to claim 1, wherein the charging portion comprises a plurality of charging grids. Claim 7 A plasma filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging portion comprises at least one X-ray tube. Claim 8 A plasma filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one dust collecting electrode and the at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source are arranged alternately. Claim 9 A plasma filter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source is disposed between at least one collecting electrode. Claim 10 A plasma filter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one collecting electrode is made of an electrical conductor material having a predetermined thickness. Claim 11 A plasma filter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source is configured using a dielectric having a predetermined thickness. Claim 12 A plasma filter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source comprises a dielectric, a pattern electrode, and a surface electrode, the dielectric is disposed between the pattern electrode and the surface electrode, and the at least two surface dielectric barrier discharge sources are brought into contact so that their surface electrodes touch each other to form a single surface dielectric barrier discharge source. Claim 13 A plasma filter according to claim 1, characterized by coating a catalyst on the patterned electrode surface of at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source. Claim 14 A method for disinfecting contaminated air in the atmosphere by means of a plasma filter, comprising: introducing contaminated air through a housing in which a fluid flow path is formed to guide the air in a flow direction; charging pathogens in the contaminated air at a charging unit disposed at the inlet side of the fluid flow path of the housing; guiding the charged pathogens to a dust collection unit to collect the pathogens through at least one dust collection electrode and at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source included in the dust collection unit; applying an alternating current or pulse voltage to at least one surface dielectric barrier discharge source of the dust collection unit to generate a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma; and disinfecting the pathogens by the generated plasma and / or active oxygen species or active nitrogen species generated by the plasma.

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