Air purifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air purification device that purifies air by removing pollutants from the air. The air purification device according to the present invention can improve air purification efficiency by allowing the air to form a vortex within a photocatalytic filter and remain there for a long time, based on a sufficient reaction time with photocatalytic beads.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purification device that purifies air by removing pollutants from the air. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as the severity of fine dust has emerged, there has been an increasing number of attempts to improve indoor environments where modern people spend long periods of time. Furthermore, as the demand for removing air pollutants and improving air quality is gradually increasing—whether to obtain accurate and reliable research results in research institutes and pharmaceutical companies, or to eliminate microorganisms that can cause hospital infections in facilities such as hospitals—the development and utilization of air purification technologies are steadily increasing. Most conventional air purification technologies rely on air purification filters, such as HEPA filters, which focus on adsorbing particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, these filters have the disadvantage of causing secondary pollution problems due to adsorbed particles or gaseous substances, and there have been issues of increased costs, such as replacement expenses, because the filters must be replaced periodically.

[0003] To address the problems associated with the aforementioned conventional air purification filters, gas filter technology utilizing photocatalysts to remove air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols has been proposed. However, in the case of such photocatalytic filter layers, the surface area and contact time of the photocatalyst in contact with the gas are closely related to photodecomposition efficiency. Consequently, air purification performance is significantly affected by the structural design of the photocatalytic filter, leading to problems where the photodecomposition reaction is not fully carried out due to uneven ultraviolet radiation irradiated onto the photocatalytic beads or insufficient gas contact time.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for technological development of an air purification device equipped with a photocatalytic filter having a structure that can maintain a high photodecomposition reaction while reducing the replacement cost of the air purification filter. Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Document 1. Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2506208 The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention is devised to solve the problems described above and aims to provide an air purification device comprising: a filter layer formed with a multilayer structure of at least two layers and including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter; a first LED that irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter; and a second LED that irradiates light of a wavelength different from that of the first LED onto the photocatalytic filter; wherein the photocatalytic filter comprises: a first plate divided into a zone A in which a plurality of holes are formed and a zone B in which no holes are formed; a second plate in which a plurality of holes are formed; and photocatalytic beads provided on one or more of the faces facing the first plate and the second plate; and wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. means of solving the problem

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides an air purification device comprising: a filter layer formed with a multilayer structure of at least two layers and including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter; a first LED that irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter; and a second LED that irradiates light of a wavelength different from that of the first LED onto the photocatalytic filter; wherein the photocatalytic filter comprises: a first plate divided into a zone A in which a plurality of holes are formed and a zone B in which no holes are formed; a second plate in which a plurality of holes are formed; and photocatalytic beads provided on one or more of the faces facing the first plate and the second plate; and wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0008] The above second plate may be divided into zone C, where a plurality of holes are formed, and zone D, where no holes are formed.

[0009] The above particle capture filter may be one or more selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabric filters, medium filters, ULPA filters, activated carbon filters, and HEPA filters.

[0010] The diameter of the holes formed in the first plate or the second plate may be the same or different from each other and each independently 2 to 5 mm, and the spacing of the holes may be the same or different from each other and each independently 1 to 5 mm.

[0011] The above predetermined interval may be 1 to 30 mm.

[0012] The ratio of the total area of ​​the first plate to the area of ​​zone A may be 100:33 to 66.

[0013] The ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate and the overlapping area of ​​the holes formed in the second plate and the holes formed in the first plate may be 100:10 to 20.

[0014] The ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the first plate and the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate may be 100:110 to 200.

[0015] The above photocatalytic beads may contain titanium dioxide and silica in a weight ratio of 100:0.005 to 0.1.

[0016] The size of the photocatalytic beads may be 2 to 7 mm.

[0017] The photocatalytic beads are 20 to 50 g / cm² based on the area of ​​either the first plate or the second plate. 2 It may be included in the weight.

[0018] The above photocatalytic beads may be prepared by heat-treating a mixture of titanium dioxide and silica at 400 to 550 ℃ for 0.5 to 2 hours.

[0019] The photocatalytic beads contain titanium dioxide and silica in a weight ratio of 100:0.008 to 0.012, the size of the photocatalytic beads is 3.5 to 4.2 mm, and the photocatalytic beads have a concentration of 23 to 27 g / cm² based on the area of ​​either the first plate or the second plate. 2 It is included by weight, and the photocatalytic beads may be prepared by heat-treating a mixture of titanium dioxide and silica at 450 to 470 ℃ for 0.9 to 1.1 hours.

[0020] The first LED may irradiate UVA with a wavelength range of 315 to 400 nm onto the photocatalytic filter.

[0021] The second LED may irradiate UVC in the wavelength range of 200 to 280 nm onto the photocatalytic filter. Effects of the invention

[0022] The air purification device according to the present invention can improve air purification efficiency by allowing air to form a vortex within the photocatalytic filter and remain there for a long time, based on sufficient reaction time with photocatalytic beads.

[0023] In addition, the air purification device according to the present invention utilizes both a first LED and a second LED that irradiate light of different wavelengths onto the photocatalytic filter, thereby inducing a photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalytic beads to purify the air and simultaneously regenerating the photocatalytic filter when it is contaminated or its catalytic activity is reduced.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. It should be understood that the effects of the present invention include all effects that can be inferred from the following description. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an air purification device according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first plate and the second plate of a photocatalytic filter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing (a) when the first plate is located at the top and the second plate is located at the bottom of a photocatalytic filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, (b) when the first plate is located at the top and the second plate, which is divided into zone C and zone D, is located at the bottom, and (c) when the second plate is located at the top and the first plate is located at the bottom. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating (a) when the first plate is positioned at the top and the second plate is positioned at the bottom of a photocatalytic filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, (b) when the first plate is positioned at the top and the second plate, which is divided into zone C and zone D, is positioned at the bottom, and (c) when the second plate is positioned at the top and the first plate is positioned at the bottom. FIG. 5 shows a method for manufacturing photocatalytic beads according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an actual photographic image of an LED and an LED control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a simplified drawing of an air purification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows the formaldehyde and acetic acid removal efficiency of an air purification device according to Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 shows the ammonia and acetaldehyde removal efficiency of an air purification device according to Example 1 of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0027] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Furthermore, terms such as "include" or "has" are intended to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as excluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. Additionally, when a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it is included in the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0028] The present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0029] One aspect of the present invention provides an air purification device comprising: a filter layer formed with a multilayer structure of at least two layers and including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter; a first LED that irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter; and a second LED that irradiates light of a wavelength different from that of the first LED onto the photocatalytic filter; wherein the photocatalytic filter comprises: a first plate divided into a zone A in which a plurality of holes are formed and a zone B in which no holes are formed; a second plate in which a plurality of holes are formed; and photocatalytic beads provided on one or more of the faces facing the first plate and the second plate; and wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an air purification device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, the air purification device of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the above-mentioned FIG. 1.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 above, an air purification device according to one embodiment of the present invention may have air introduced from the bottom of the air purification device and purified air discharged from the top.

[0033] The air purification device of the present invention may further include a first fan that sucks in air for purification and provides it to a filter layer.

[0034] The filter layer is formed as a multilayer structure of at least two layers and includes a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter.

[0035] The filter layer may include a plurality of particle capture filters or a plurality of photocatalytic filters.

[0036] The filter layer described above is composed of a multilayer structure of two or more layers including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter, thereby effectively removing not only fine particles but also air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols. In addition, since particle capture and air pollutant removal are performed separately in separate filters, contamination of the filter is prevented and the filter replacement cycle is extended, thereby increasing the lifespan of the filter.

[0037] In the filter layer above, the particle capture filter and the photocatalytic filter may be positioned so that the supplied air moves in the order of the particle capture filter and the photocatalytic filter, or so that the supplied air moves in the order of the photocatalytic filter and the particle capture filter. In this case, positioning the air so that it moves in the order of the particle capture filter and the photocatalytic filter is more preferable in that it can extend the lifespan of the photocatalytic filter by primarily filtering particulate matter and fine dust from the incoming air.

[0038] The above particle capture filter removes foreign substances and fine dust from the air and may be one or more types selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabric filters, medium filters, ULPA filters, activated carbon filters, and HEPA filters.

[0039] Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols in the air are removed in the above photocatalytic filter.

[0040] The above photocatalytic filter may be positioned such that a first plate divided into zone A, in which a plurality of holes are formed, and zone B, in which no holes are formed; and a second plate in which a plurality of holes are formed are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0041] In the photocatalytic filter above, the first plate and the second plate may be positioned so that the supplied air moves from the first plate to the second plate, or the first plate and the second plate may be positioned so that the supplied air moves from the second plate to the first plate.

[0042] The first plate and the second plate may be made of a material through which light emitted from the first LED and the second LED can pass, and more specifically, may be an acrylic material.

[0043] The diameter of the hole formed in the first plate and the diameter of the hole formed in the second plate may be the same or different from each other, and each may independently be 2 to 5 mm, preferably 2.3 to 4.7 mm, more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 mm, and most preferably 2.8 to 4.2 mm.

[0044] If the diameter of the hole formed in the first plate or the second plate is less than the lower limit, the amount of air moving per total filter area is small, which may reduce the air purification capacity, and if it exceeds the upper limit, the air movement speed increases, which may reduce the time for the air to react with the photocatalyst in the photocatalytic filter and thus reduce the air purification efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable for the diameter of the hole formed in the first plate and the diameter of the hole formed in the second plate to satisfy the specified range, in order to achieve optimal air purification efficiency.

[0045] The spacing of the holes formed in the first plate and the spacing of the holes formed in the second plate may be the same or different from each other, and each may independently be 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 to 4.5 mm, more preferably 1.8 to 4 mm, and most preferably 1.9 to 3.2 mm.

[0046] If the spacing of the holes formed in the first plate and the second plate is less than the lower limit, the air movement speed increases, so the contact time with the catalyst is short and the air purification speed may decrease, and if it exceeds the upper limit, the amount of air moving per total filter area is small and the air purification capacity may decrease, so it is desirable for the spacing of the holes formed to satisfy the specified range in order to achieve optimal air purification efficiency.

[0047] The above photocatalytic filter is formed such that the first plate and the second plate are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that when air comes into contact with area B where no holes are formed in the first plate, it forms a temporary vortex, and when it passes through the holes, it forms a flow path, thereby enabling the securing of photocatalytic reaction time and improvement of air purification efficiency.

[0048] The above predetermined spacing may be 1 to 30 mm, preferably 1 to 25 mm, more preferably 3 to 20 mm, and most preferably 5 to 15 mm. If the above predetermined spacing is less than the lower limit, it may be difficult to secure the distance for creating the air movement path, and if it exceeds the upper limit, the air movement distance may increase, thereby reducing the photocatalytic reaction time; therefore, it is preferable to configure it within the specified range of predetermined spacing so that the formation of the air movement path and the securing of the photocatalytic reaction time are possible.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first plate and the second plate of a photocatalytic filter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2 above, the first plate is divided into zone A, where a plurality of holes are formed, and zone B, where no holes are formed.

[0051] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 above, the second plate may have only a zone where a plurality of holes are formed, or it may be divided into zone C where a plurality of holes are formed and zone D where no holes are formed.

[0052] In the present invention, zone A or zone C may mean a square or circle of minimum area that includes all of a plurality of holes located at intervals less than or equal to the diameter of the largest hole among the holes formed in the first plate or the second plate.

[0053] The area of ​​the above zone A may be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the first plate.

[0054] The area of ​​the above zone C may be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the above second plate.

[0055] In the present invention, Zone B may refer to a part of the first plate that is not Zone A, and Zone D may refer to a part of the second plate that is not Zone C.

[0056] The area of ​​the above-mentioned zone B may occupy the area excluding zone A from the cross-sectional area of ​​the above-mentioned first plate, and the area of ​​the above-mentioned zone D may occupy the area excluding zone C from the cross-sectional area of ​​the above-mentioned second plate.

[0057] Due to the structural feature of the photocatalytic filter, in which a first plate divided into zone A and zone B is positioned so as to be spaced apart from a second plate by a predetermined distance, air strikes zone B to form a vortex. Due to the generation of this vortex, the air remains inside the photocatalytic filter for a longer period of time, allowing it to react for a longer period with photocatalytic beads provided on one or more of the surfaces facing the first plate and the second plate.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing (a) when the first plate is located at the top and the second plate is located at the bottom of a photocatalytic filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, (b) when the first plate is located at the top and the second plate, which is divided into zone C and zone D, is located at the bottom, and (c) when the second plate is located at the top and the first plate is located at the bottom.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating (a) when the first plate is positioned at the top and the second plate is positioned at the bottom of a photocatalytic filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, (b) when the first plate is positioned at the top and the second plate, which is divided into zone C and zone D, is positioned at the bottom, and (c) when the second plate is positioned at the top and the first plate is positioned at the bottom.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 above, the photocatalytic filter in the air purification device of the present invention may have a first plate placed on top and a second plate placed on the bottom at a predetermined distance from it (Figs. 3 (ab) and 4 (ab)), or conversely, may have a second plate placed on top and a first plate placed on the bottom at a predetermined distance from it (Figs. 3 (c) and 4 (c)).

[0061] Additionally, the second plate may consist only of a zone where holes are formed (Figs. 3 (a, c) and Figs. 4 (a, c)), or it may be divided into zone C where multiple holes are formed and zone D where no holes are formed (Figs. 3 (b) and Figs. 4 (b)). In particular, when the second plate is divided into zone C where multiple holes are formed and zone D where no holes are formed, it is preferable to position the first plate and the second plate so that the overlapping area between zone A and zone C is minimized.

[0062] In addition, the air purification device of the present invention may have a plurality of first plates and a plurality of second plates arranged in various configurations. For example, it may be configured to introduce air into a filter arranged as in FIG. 3 (a), pass it through a plurality of filters arranged as in FIG. 3 (b), and discharge it through a filter arranged as in FIG. 3 (c).

[0063] The ratio of the total area of ​​the first plate to the area of ​​zone A may be 100:33 to 66, preferably 100:38 to 65, more preferably 100:43 to 63, and most preferably 100:45 to 60. If the ratio of the total area of ​​the first plate to the area of ​​zone A is less than 100:33, the air purification speed may be drastically reduced, and conversely, if it exceeds 100:66, vortex formation may not occur sufficiently, making it difficult to expect the effect of increasing the photocatalytic reaction time.

[0064] The ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate and the overlapping area of ​​the holes formed in the second plate and the holes formed in the first plate is 100:10 to 20 , Preferably, it may be 100:11 to 18, more preferably 100:12 to 17, and most preferably 100:13 to 16. If the overlapping area between the holes formed in the second plate and the holes formed in the first plate is less than the lower limit, the proportion of air passing through the second plate that strikes zone B of the first plate to form a vortex becomes excessively high, which may reduce the gas processing speed; conversely, if it exceeds the upper limit, the proportion of air passing through the second plate that does not strike zone B of the first plate to form a vortex but passes directly through the holes in zone A becomes excessively high, which may make it difficult to secure the residence time.

[0065] The ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the first plate to the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate may be 100:110 to 200, preferably 100:120 to 180, more preferably 100:130 to 170, and most preferably 100:150 to 160. If the ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the first plate to the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate is less than the lower limit, gas movement may be difficult, and conversely, if it exceeds the upper limit, gas adsorption and decomposition reactions may not occur sufficiently.

[0066] The above photocatalytic beads receive light to generate active oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, and can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols from the air through their strong oxidation and reduction actions.

[0067] The above photocatalytic beads may include titanium dioxide and silica, and it is desirable that the photocatalytic beads include both titanium dioxide and silica, as this not only increases air purification performance but also improves the shape stability of the particles.

[0068] The above photocatalytic beads may contain titanium dioxide and silica in a weight ratio of 100:0.005 to 0.1, preferably 100:0.006 to 0.08, more preferably 100:0.007 to 0.04, and most preferably 100:0.008 to 0.012. If the silica content is below the lower limit relative to 100 parts by weight of titanium dioxide, the physical stability of the particles may decrease and the photocatalytic beads may aggregate with each other; conversely, if the silica content exceeds the upper limit, the photocatalytic efficiency may decrease.

[0069] The size of the photocatalytic beads may be 2 to 7 mm, preferably 2.5 to 5 mm, more preferably 3 to 4.5 mm, and most preferably 3.5 to 4.2 mm. If the size of the photocatalytic beads is less than the lower limit, the physical stability of the photocatalytic beads may be rapidly reduced, and conversely, if it exceeds the upper limit, the specific surface area may decrease, thereby reducing the efficiency of removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols from the air.

[0070] The photocatalytic beads are 20 to 50 g / cm² based on the area of ​​either the first plate or the second plate. 2 , preferably 21 to 40 g / cm² 2 , more preferably 22 to 30 g / cm² 2 , most preferably 23 to 27 g / cm² 2 It may be included in the weight. If the photocatalytic beads are included in a weight less than the lower limit, the photocatalytic reaction may not occur sufficiently, and conversely, if they are included in a weight exceeding the upper limit, the photocatalytic beads may aggregate with each other, reducing the surface area and causing the photocatalytic reaction efficiency to drop sharply.

[0071] FIG. 5 shows a method for manufacturing photocatalytic beads according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5 above, the photocatalytic beads may be manufactured by a method comprising: a first step of mixing titanium dioxide and silica; a second step of adding water to the mixture and kneading it; a third step of molding the kneaded mixture; and a fourth step of heat-treating the molded mixture.

[0073] In particular, the photocatalytic beads may be prepared by heat-treating a mixture of titanium dioxide and silica at 400 to 550°C for 0.5 to 2 hours, preferably at 415 to 525°C for 0.5 to 1.7 hours, more preferably at 430 to 500°C for 0.7 to 1.5 hours, and most preferably at 450 to 470°C for 0.9 to 1.1 hours. If either of the heat treatment temperature and time is below the lower limit, the photocatalytic beads may not be fixed with sufficient stability and may be lost after long-term air purification, while conversely, if it exceeds the upper limit, aggregation may occur between the photocatalytic beads.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, (1) the photocatalytic beads comprise titanium dioxide and silica in a weight ratio of 100:0.008 to 0.012, (2) the size of the photocatalytic beads is 3.5 to 4.2 mm, and (3) the photocatalytic beads have a g / cm² ratio of 23 to 27 g / cm² based on the area of ​​either the first plate or the second plate. 2 (4) The photocatalytic beads may be prepared by heat-treating a mixture of titanium dioxide and silica at 450 to 470°C for 0.9 to 1.1 hours. When the air purification device of the present invention satisfies all of the conditions (1) to (4) of the preferred embodiment, it was confirmed that the air purification device is particularly superior, as the air purification efficiency does not decrease at all compared to the initial state even after operating the air purification device for more than one week, and no damage such as surface cracking of the photocatalytic beads occurs. On the other hand, when any of the conditions (1) to (4) are not satisfied, it was confirmed that damage such as surface cracking of the photocatalytic beads occurs after 5 days.

[0075] The first LED irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter. When the first LED irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter, photodecomposition and photocatalytic reactions of gaseous organic compounds adsorbed on the photocatalytic beads are induced, thereby removing air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols from the air.

[0076] The second LED irradiates light of a different wavelength from the first LED onto the photocatalytic filter. When the second LED irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter, it removes contaminants and pathogens adsorbed inside the photocatalytic filter, thereby sterilizing the photocatalytic filter and regenerating catalytic activity by removing byproducts and pathogens.

[0077] The air purification device of the present invention includes both a first LED and a second LED that irradiate light of different wavelengths onto the photocatalytic filter, thereby inducing a photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalytic beads to purify the air, and can regenerate the photocatalytic filter when it becomes contaminated or its catalytic activity decreases.

[0078] The first LED may irradiate UVA with a wavelength range of 315 to 400 nm onto the photocatalytic filter. If the wavelength of the first LED falls outside this range, the photocatalytic reaction efficiency may be reduced.

[0079] The second LED can irradiate UVC in a wavelength range of 200 to 280 nm onto the photocatalytic filter. If the wavelength of the second LED falls outside this range, the regeneration efficiency of the photocatalytic filter may decrease.

[0080] The first LED and the second LED may be located on both sides of the filter layer.

[0081] The first LED and the second LED may each have a plurality of holes formed therein through which air can flow.

[0082] The air purification device of the present invention may further include a second fan that discharges air purified by passing through the filter layer to the outside.

[0083] The air purification device of the present invention may further include a fan control unit that controls the on / off and power of one or more of the first fan and the second fan. The fan control unit may adjust the power intensity of the first fan and the second fan, respectively, according to the size of the space where the air purification device is operated, the condition of the air, and the environment.

[0084] The air purification device of the present invention may further include an LED control unit that controls the on / off and power of one or more light sources among the first LED and the second LED. The LED control unit can control the efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction by controlling the power of the first LED and the second LED light sources according to the size of the space where the air purification device is operated, the condition of the air, and the environment. An actual image of the LED and the LED control unit according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. 6.

[0085] The air purification device of the present invention may further include a remote control that controls the fan control unit and the LED control unit via wired or wireless means.

[0086] The air purification device according to the present invention can be used for buildings, residential use, public facilities, commercial facilities, medical use, research facilities, automobiles, or the interior of transportation vehicles.

[0087] Another aspect of the present invention provides an air purification method using an air purification device comprising: a filter layer formed in a multilayer structure of at least two layers and including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter; a first LED; and a second LED; wherein the method comprises: a first purification step of supplying air to a particle capture filter; a second purification step of irradiating light to the photocatalytic filter with the first LED and supplying air to the photocatalytic filter; and a photocatalytic filter regeneration step of irradiating light of a wavelength different from that of the first LED with the second LED to the photocatalytic filter to sterilize and regenerate the photocatalytic filter; wherein the photocatalytic filter comprises: a first plate divided into a zone A in which a plurality of holes are formed and a zone B in which no holes are formed; a second plate in which a plurality of holes are formed; and photocatalytic beads provided on one or more of the faces facing the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0088] In the specific description of the air purification device used in the air purification method of the present invention, detailed descriptions have been omitted in cases where it is determined that the content is identical to the air purification device described above.

[0089] The above particle capture filter may be one or more selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabric filters, medium filters, ULPA filters, activated carbon filters, and HEPA filters.

[0090] The diameter of the hole formed in the first plate and the diameter of the hole formed in the second plate may be the same or different from each other, and each may independently be 2 to 5 mm, preferably 2.3 to 4.7 mm, more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 mm, and most preferably 2.8 to 4.2 mm.

[0091] The spacing of the holes formed in the first plate and the spacing of the holes formed in the second plate may be the same or different from each other, and each may independently be 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 to 4.5 mm, more preferably 1.8 to 4 mm, and most preferably 1.9 to 3.2 mm.

[0092] Due to a structural feature in which the photocatalytic filter is positioned such that a first plate, which is divided into a zone A where a plurality of holes are formed and a zone B where no holes are formed, and a second plate, which is formed with a plurality of holes, are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, in the second purification step, a portion of the air passing through the plurality of holes of the second plate is immediately discharged through the holes of zone A, while another portion of the air passing through the plurality of holes of the second plate strikes zone B to form a vortex. Due to the generation of this vortex, the air remains inside the photocatalytic filter for a longer period of time, allowing it to react for a longer period with photocatalytic beads provided on one or more of the facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate.

[0093] The arrangement of the above zones A and B can be implemented in various ways.

[0094] The above second plate may be divided into zone C, where a plurality of holes are formed, and zone D, where no holes are formed.

[0095] The area of ​​the above zone A may be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the first plate.

[0096] The area of ​​the above zone C may be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the above second plate.

[0097] The ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate and the overlapping area of ​​the holes formed in the second plate and the holes formed in the first plate is 100:10 to 20 ,Preferably, it can be 100:11 to 18, more preferably 100:12 to 17, and most preferably 100:13 to 16.

[0098] The ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the first plate to the total area of ​​the plurality of holes formed in the second plate may be 100:110 to 200, preferably 100:120 to 180, more preferably 100:130 to 170, and most preferably 100:150 to 160.

[0099] The above photocatalytic beads may include titanium dioxide and silica.

[0100] The above photocatalytic beads may contain titanium dioxide and silica in a weight ratio of 100:0.005 to 0.1, preferably 100:0.006 to 0.08, more preferably 100:0.007 to 0.04, and most preferably 100:0.008 to 0.012.

[0101] The size of the photocatalytic beads may be 2 to 7 mm, preferably 2.5 to 5 mm, more preferably 3 to 4.5 mm, and most preferably 3.5 to 4.2 mm.

[0102] The photocatalytic beads are 20 to 50 g / cm² based on the area of ​​either the first plate or the second plate. 2 , preferably 21 to 40 g / cm² 2 , more preferably 22 to 30 g / cm² 2 , most preferably 23 to 27 g / cm² 2 It may be included as weight.

[0103] The above photocatalytic beads may be prepared by applying a mixture of titanium dioxide and silica to one or more of the facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate, and heat-treating at 400 to 550 ℃ for 0.5 to 2 hours, preferably at 415 to 525 ℃ for 0.5 to 1.7 hours, more preferably at 430 to 500 ℃ for 0.7 to 1.5 hours, and most preferably at 450 to 470 ℃ for 0.9 to 1.1 hours.

[0104] It may further include an air intake step prior to the above purification step, wherein air for purification is drawn in by a first fan and provided to the filter layer.

[0105] The first purification step is a step of supplying air to a particle capture filter, and fine particles and foreign substances in the air are removed in the second purification step.

[0106] The second purification step described above is a step of irradiating light onto the photocatalytic filter with a first LED and supplying air to the photocatalytic filter, wherein the step is performed by irradiating light onto the photocatalytic filter with the first LED, and when light is irradiated onto the photocatalytic filter, the photocatalytic beads receive the light and generate active oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, which can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols from the air through their strong oxidation and reduction actions.

[0107] The first LED may irradiate UVA with a wavelength range of 315 to 400 nm onto the photocatalytic filter.

[0108] The first purification step and the second purification step may be performed in the order of the first purification step and the second purification step, or in the order of the second purification step and the first purification step; however, performing them in the order of the first purification step and the second purification step is more preferable in that it extends the lifespan of the photocatalytic filter.

[0109] The air purification method of the present invention performs a first purification step for removing fine particles and foreign substances from the air by purifying air using an air purification device comprising a filter layer including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter, and a second purification step for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bio-aerosols from the air, respectively, thereby preventing contamination of the filter and extending the filter replacement cycle, thereby extending the lifespan of the filter.

[0110] The above regeneration step is a step of sterilizing and regenerating the photocatalytic filter by irradiating the photocatalytic filter with light of a wavelength different from that of the first LED using a second LED.

[0111] In the above regeneration step, when the second LED irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter, it can sterilize the photocatalytic filter by removing contaminants and pathogens adsorbed inside the photocatalytic filter, and regenerate the catalytic activity by removing byproducts and pathogens.

[0112] The second LED above may preferably irradiate the photocatalytic filter with UVC in a wavelength range of 200 to 280 nm.

[0113] The first LED and the second LED may be located on both sides of the filter layer.

[0114] The first LED and the second LED may each have a plurality of holes formed therein through which air can flow.

[0115] The air purification method of the present invention may further include an air discharge step of discharging purified air to the outside by passing it through the filter layer with a second fan.

[0116] The air purification method of the present invention may further include a fan control step in which the on / off and power of one or more of the first fan and the second fan are controlled by a fan control unit according to the size of the space to be purified and the condition of the air. Through the fan control step, the power intensity of the first fan and the second fan can be adjusted respectively according to the size of the space to be purified, the condition of the air, and the environment.

[0117] The air purification method of the present invention may further include an LED control step of controlling the on / off and power of one or more light sources among the first LED and the second LED using an LED control unit. Through the LED control step, the power of the first LED and the second LED light sources can be controlled according to the size of the space to be purified, the condition of the air, and the environment, thereby controlling the efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction.

[0118] The air purification method of the present invention may further include a control step of controlling the fan control unit and the LED control unit via wired or wireless means using a remote control.

[0119] The present invention is to be explained in more detail below through examples, etc.; however, the scope and content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being narrowed or limited by the examples, etc. below.

[0120] Example 1

[0121] Manufacturing of photocatalytic filter frames

[0122] Acrylic plate with a width of 100 mm and a height of 150 mm (total area is 15,000 mm 2Holes with a diameter of 3 mm were perforated in Zone A at 2 mm intervals, while Zone B was not perforated; a first surface (top surface) containing Zones A and B and a second surface (bottom surface) containing only Zone A were arranged side by side and assembled at 10 mm intervals to manufacture a photocatalytic filter frame. At this time, the area of ​​Zone A of the first plate was 7,500 mm² 2 And, the total area of ​​the holes perforated in the first plate is 2,268 m² 2 ...and the total area of ​​the holes punched in the second plate was 3,528 mm 2 It was. In addition, the area of ​​the portion of the holes punched in the second plate that overlap with the holes punched in the first plate is 504 mm² 2 It was

[0123] Photocatalytic bead manufacturing

[0124] Titanium dioxide (TiO2, P25 nano powder, 21 nm particle size, Degussa) and fumed silica (silica, fumed, Sigma Aldrich) powder were mixed in a weight ratio of 100:0.01, and DI H2O (1 mL per 1 g of powder) was added to knead the mixture; the resulting photocatalytic paste was first molded into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 4 mm. Subsequently, the first-molded photocatalytic paste was secondarily molded into bead-like shapes of a uniform size with a diameter of 4 mm using a pill-making machine, and after hardening at room temperature for 30 minutes, 25 g / cm² based on the area of ​​the first plate was applied to one side of the first plate facing the second plate. 2 A photocatalytic filter was manufactured by applying an amount of [amount] and heat-treating it at 450°C for 1 hour to fix its shape.

[0125] Air purification

[0126] FIG. 7 is a simplified drawing of an air purification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] After manufacturing the exterior of the air purification device as shown in Figure 7 above, the first LED, HEPA filter, and the manufactured photocatalytic filter were stacked inside in that order.

[0128] Next, air was drawn in using the first fan, passed through the HEPA filter and photocatalytic filter in sequence, and then purified air was discharged using the second fan.

[0129] Experimental Example

[0130] After performing an SPS-KACA 002-0132;2021 indoor air purifier harmful gas removal efficiency test on the harmful gas of Example 1 above, the results are shown in FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9.

[0131] Figure 8 shows the formaldehyde and acetic acid removal efficiency of an air purification device according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0132] Figure 9 shows the ammonia and acetaldehyde removal efficiency of an air purification device according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 above, it can be confirmed that the air purification device of Example 1 of the present invention has excellent air purification performance, showing removal rates of 92%, 91%, 84%, and 76% for acetic acid, formaldehyde, ammonia, and acetaldehyde, respectively, during the CA deodorization efficiency standard removal test.

Claims

Claim 1 A filter layer formed with a multilayer structure of at least two layers and including a particle capture filter and a photocatalytic filter; a first LED that irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter; and a second LED that irradiates light of a wavelength different from that of the first LED onto the photocatalytic filter, wherein the photocatalytic filter comprises: a first plate divided into a zone A in which a plurality of holes are formed and a zone B in which no holes are formed; and a second plate disposed below the first plate and having a plurality of holes formed therein. An air purification device comprising photocatalytic beads applied to one or more of the facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are spaced apart from each other by 5 to 15 mm, and the ratio of the total area of ​​a plurality of holes formed in the second plate to the overlapping area of ​​the holes formed in the second plate and the holes formed in the first plate is 100:13 to 16, wherein the photocatalytic beads comprise titanium dioxide and silica in a weight ratio of 100:0.008 to 0.

012. Claim 2 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second plate is divided into zone C, where a plurality of holes are formed, and zone D, where no holes are formed. Claim 3 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the particle capture filter is one or more types selected from the group consisting of a non-woven fabric filter, a medium filter, a ULPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. Claim 4 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the holes formed in the first plate or the second plate is the same or different from each other and is independently 2 to 5 mm, and the spacing of the holes is the same or different from each other and is independently 1 to 5 mm. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the total area of ​​the first plate to the area of ​​zone A is 100:33 to 66. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the total area of ​​a plurality of holes formed in the first plate to the total area of ​​a plurality of holes formed in the second plate is 100:110 to 200. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the size of the photocatalytic beads is 3.5 to 4.2 mm. Claim 11 In claim 1, the photocatalytic beads are 23 to 27 g / cm² based on the area of ​​either the first plate or the second plate. 2 An air purification device characterized by being included by weight. Claim 12 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the photocatalytic beads are manufactured by heat-treating a mixture of titanium dioxide and silica at 450 to 470 ℃ for 0.9 to 1.1 hours. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first LED irradiates UVA in a wavelength range of 315 to 400 nm onto the photocatalytic filter. Claim 15 An air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second LED irradiates UVC in a wavelength range of 200 to 280 nm onto the photocatalytic filter.

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