UV reactor and method for monitoring a UV reactor

Abstract

A UV reactor (10) for irradiating a medium (105) comprises an arrangement of LEDs (102), which are arranged on an outer wall (107) or in the interior of the UV reactor (10) and are each designed to irradiate the medium (105) to be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 390 nm. The UV reactor (10) further comprises a camera (111), which is arranged on an opposite or spaced outer wall (107) of the UV reactor (10) and is designed to detect electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 380 nm. The camera (111) is also designed to transmit a recorded image (122) of the arrangement of LEDs (102) to an evaluation device (112).

Description

[0001] UV reactor and method for monitoring a UV reactor

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] UV reactors for irradiating media, such as water or air, typically feature LEDs (light-emitting diodes) capable of generating electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, particularly in the UV-C range. Generally, concepts are being sought that allow the LEDs to be monitored.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved UV reactor and an improved method for monitoring a UV reactor.

[0005] According to embodiments, the problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments are defined in the dependent patent claims.

[0006] According to embodiments, a UV reactor for irradiating a medium comprises an array of LEDs that are arranged on an outer wall or inside the UV reactor and are each configured to irradiate the medium to be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 390 nm. The UV reactor further comprises a camera or a similar imaging device that is arranged on an opposite or spaced-off outer wall of the UV reactor and is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 380 nm. The camera is configured to transmit a recorded image of the array of LEDs to an evaluation device.The feature "opposite or spaced external wall" is intended to mean that the camera does not necessarily have to be located directly opposite the array of LEDs, but that it can be located at any position on the external wall of the UV reactor, provided that it is possible for the camera to capture an image of the array of LEDs. For example, the external wall may have the shape of a cylinder, and the camera is positioned at an angle greater than 45°, for example approximately 90°, with respect to the position of the array of LEDs. If the external wall has the shape of a cylinder, the camera may be positioned on the same external wall as the array of LEDs but at a different angular position.

[0007] For example, the evaluation device can be part of the UV reactor.

[0008] According to embodiments, the evaluation device can be configured to determine a brightness and position of images of the individual LEDs.

[0009] For example, the evaluation device can include a display device. The brightness of images from the individual LEDs can be determined visually by a user.

[0010] The UV reactor may further comprise an optical element, wherein a lateral extent of the camera is smaller than a lateral extent of the array of LEDs.

[0011] According to embodiments, the UV reactor further comprises a UV sensor configured to monitor the radiant power of the LEDs in the UV range.

[0012] For example, the camera and the UV sensor can be components of a combined sensor. A method for monitoring a UV reactor as described above includes capturing an image of the array of LEDs and evaluating the captured image.

[0013] For example, the method may include evaluating a brightness of images of the individual LEDs.

[0014] The accompanying drawings provide an understanding of embodiments of the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the same. Further embodiments and many of the intended advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description. The elements and structures shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding elements and structures.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a UV reactor according to embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a UV reactor according to further embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a UV reactor according to further embodiments.

[0018] Fig. 4A shows an example of an arrangement of modules.

[0019] Fig. 4B shows an example of an image of an arrangement of modules.

[0020] Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a UV reactor according to embodiments. Fig. 5B illustrates an example of a UV reactor with a combined sensor.

[0021] Fig. 5C shows a perspective view of a UV reactor according to further embodiments.

[0022] Fig. 6 summarizes a method for monitoring a UV reactor.

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the disclosure, and in which specific embodiments are shown for purposes of illustration. In this context, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "over," "on," "in front of," "behind," "fore," "rear," etc., refers to the orientation of the figures just described. Since the components of the embodiments can be positioned in different orientations, the directional terminology is for the purpose of explanation only and is in no way limiting.

[0024] The description of the embodiments is not limiting, as other embodiments exist and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope defined by the claims. In particular, elements of embodiments described below may be combined with elements of other described embodiments, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a UV reactor 10 according to embodiments. The UV reactor 10 comprises an array of LEDs 102 which are arranged on an outer wall 107 of the UV reactor 10. The LEDs 102 are each configured to irradiate a medium 105 to be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 390 nm. The LEDs 102 are thus suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, in particular in the UV-C range. The UV reactor 10 further comprises a camera 111 which is arranged on an opposite or spaced-apart outer wall 107 of the UV reactor 10 and is suitable for detecting wavelengths greater than 380 nm. For example, the camera 111 can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range.Furthermore, the UV reactor 10 can have an evaluation device 112 that is suitable for evaluating an image of the array of LEDs 102 captured by the camera 111. The camera.

[0026] 111 may be suitable for exchanging data with the evaluation device 112, so that the evaluation device 112 is suitable for evaluating an image taken by the camera 111. The evaluation device 112 may be a component of the UV reactor 10. According to further embodiments, the evaluation device may also be arranged at any location outside the UV reactor 10 and be suitable for receiving data from the camera 111. For example, the evaluation device 112 may be part of a computer for controlling the UV reactor. According to embodiments, the evaluation device 112 may comprise a display device 125, for example a display. For example, the evaluation device

[0027] 112 be set up to evaluate the brightness and position of a captured image.

[0028] A medium 105 to be irradiated can flow through the reactor chamber 100. For example, the medium to be irradiated can be water or gas, for example ambient air. As shown in Fig. 1, the medium 105 to be irradiated can, for example, be introduced into the reactor chamber 100 through an inlet and can leave the reactor chamber via the outlet 104.

[0029] 100 left .

[0030] In Fig. 1, the flow direction of the medium 105 to be irradiated is also indicated. The reactor chamber 100 can, for example, have a longitudinal axis 108, i.e., the direction of the longest extent of the reactor chamber 100 can correspond to the longitudinal axis 108. For example, the direction of the medium 105 flowing through can correspond to the longitudinal axis 108. The longitudinal axis 108 can, for example, correspond to the x-direction.

[0031] A module 110 may, for example, comprise an array of LEDs 102 arranged on a common carrier 101. The common carrier 101 may, for example, be a PCB (printed circuit board) containing contact regions and lines for contacting the LEDs 102 as well as dielectric layer regions for insulating the individual LEDs 102. For example, a module may comprise a matrix-like array of LEDs 102.

[0032] The camera 111 is arranged on an opposite or spaced-apart outer wall 107 of the UV reactor 10. For example, the camera 111 can be configured to detect visible light. The LEDs 102 are configured to generate UV radiation. A certain proportion of visible radiation, i.e., electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths greater than 380 nm, is also emitted. Because the camera is configured to detect wavelengths in this wavelength range, a non-functional LED 109 can be easily detected with the camera.

[0033] The camera 111 can, for example, be designed such that each individual emitter, i.e., each individual LED 102, is assigned its own detector element. A lateral extent of the camera 111 in the horizontal direction can, for example, correspond to the lateral extent in the horizontal direction of the arrangement of LEDs 102. According to further embodiments, the lateral extent of the camera 111 can also be smaller than the lateral extent of the arrangement of LEDs 102. For example, an optical element 113, such as a fisheye lens, can be provided, through which an image of the arrangement of the individual LEDs 102 is projected onto a camera 111 with a smaller lateral extent.

[0034] For example, the LEDs 102 can be configured to disinfect or clean the medium 105 to be irradiated. By evaluating the image captured by the camera 111, it is possible to detect non-functional LEDs 109. In this way, it can be ensured that non-functional LEDs 109 can be detected quickly and reliably. In particular, non-functional LEDs 109 can be localized. Depending on the number of non-functional LEDs 109, these can, for example, be replaced by functional LEDs 102. As a result, a leak path for the medium 105 to be irradiated can be avoided or reduced, whereby, for example, the cleaning or disinfection result to be achieved can be improved. Furthermore, maintenance costs for the UV reactor 10 can be reduced.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a UV reactor 10 according to further embodiments. As shown, for example, several modules 110 can be arranged along the outer wall 107 of the reactor 10. The camera 111 can be realized, for example, as a CMOS camera having an array of detecting photodiodes 116, which can be arranged, for example, on a detector substrate 115. For example, filter elements 117 can be arranged over the individual detecting photodiodes 116, so that the photodiodes 116 each detect electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined wavelength range, for example with a wavelength greater than 380 nm.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, the lateral extent of the array of detecting photodiodes 116 can approximately correspond to the lateral extent of the individual modules 110. According to further embodiments, when using an optical element, for example, it is also possible for the lateral extent of the detecting photodiodes 116 to be smaller than the lateral extent of the modules 110.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an example of a UV reactor in which the array of LEDs 102 is arranged inside the UV reactor 10. The other components of the UV reactor 10 are similar to those described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. For example, the LEDs 102 can be spaced from the medium 105 to be irradiated by a separating element 118 that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation 16 emitted by the LEDs 102. For example, the separating element 118 can be formed from quartz glass. The separating element 118 can, for example, surround the array of LEDs 102 in a cylindrical shape. The LEDs 102 can, for example, be contacted via electrical connections 121 that are arranged on the side wall of the reactor 10. An outlet 104 can, for example, be arranged on an outer wall 107 of the reactor chamber 100.In this way, part of the flow of the flowing medium 105 can take place in a direction that intersects the longitudinal axis 108 of the reactor chamber 100.

[0038] Fig. 4A shows an example of an arrangement of modules 110, each having an array of LEDs 102. These modules 110 can be arranged, for example, on the outer wall of the reactor 10. For example, each module can have several LED strings. The individual LEDs 102 can be contacted via terminals 121.

[0039] Fig. 4B shows an image 122 of an array of LEDs 102, wherein the image was recorded in the visible range. As can be seen, the image 122 has an array of images 123 of LEDs as well as images 124 of non-functional LEDs 109. More precisely, in areas where a non-functional LED 109 is present, there is a dark area instead of a bright area. Accordingly, by evaluating the brightness of the images 123 and the associated position of the individual LEDs, it is possible to identify the locations where a non-functional LED 109 is present.

[0040] Fig. 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a UV reactor 10 having a plurality of cameras 111, each of which is located opposite a module 110 with an array of LEDs 102. The cameras 111 can, for example, be connected to an evaluation device 112 or exchange data. The cameras 111 are each configured to detect electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength greater than 380 nm and to transmit a recorded image of the array of LEDs 102 to the evaluation device 112.

[0041] Typically, a UV reactor 10 additionally has a UV sensor for monitoring a radiation output of the LEDs 102 in the UV range. As shown in Fig. 5B, the UV reactor 10 can, for example, have a combined sensor 114 which contains both the camera 111 and a UV sensor 119. The UV sensor is suitable for detecting the radiation output of the arrangement of LEDs 102 in the UV range, i.e. in a wavelength range less than 390 nm. Fig. 5C shows a perspective view of a UV reactor 10, in which the cameras 111 and the UV sensors 119 can each be designed separately. The camera 111 can, for example, be suitable for receiving the electromagnetic radiation of several modules 110. For example, this can be achieved using an optical element such as a fisheye lens or another lens.

[0042] Fig. 6 summarizes a method according to embodiments. A method for monitoring a UV reactor as described above comprises capturing (S 100) an image of the array of LEDs and evaluating (S 110) the captured image. For example, evaluating the captured image may include evaluating the brightness of images of the individual LEDs.

[0043] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the invention is limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0044] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0045] 10 UV reactor

[0046] 16 emitted radiation

[0047] 100 reactor chamber

[0048] 101 carriers

[0049] 102 LED

[0050] 103 Entrance

[0051] 104 Outlet

[0052] 105 medium to be irradiated

[0053] 107 Exterior wall

[0054] 108 Longitudinal axis

[0055] 109 non-functional LEDs

[0056] 110 Module

[0057] 111 Camera

[0058] 112 Evaluation device

[0059] 113 optical element

[0060] 114 combined sensor

[0061] 115 Detector substrate

[0062] 116 detecting photodiodes

[0063] 117 Filter element

[0064] 118 Separator

[0065] 119 UV sensor

[0066] 121 electrical connection

[0067] 122 Image of the arrangement

[0068] 123 Image of an LED

[0069] 124 Image of a non-functional LED

[0070] 125 Display device

Claims

CLAIMS 1. UV reactor (10) for irradiating a medium (105), comprising: an array of LEDs (102) which are arranged on an outer wall (107) or in the interior of the UV reactor (10) and are each configured to irradiate the medium (105) to be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 390 nm, a camera (111) which is arranged on an opposite or spaced-off outer wall (107) of the UV reactor (10) and is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 380 nm, wherein the camera (111) is configured to transmit a recorded image (122) of the array of LEDs (102) to an evaluation device (112).

2. UV reactor (10) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation device (112) is a component of the UV reactor (10).

3. UV reactor (10) according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation device (112) is configured to determine a brightness and position of images (123) of the individual LEDs (102).

4. UV reactor (10) according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation device (112) comprises a display device (125).

5. UV reactor (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an optical element (113), wherein a lateral extent of the camera (111) is smaller than a lateral extent of the array of LEDs (102).

6. UV reactor (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a UV sensor (119) arranged is to monitor a radiation output of the LEDs (102) in the UV range.

7. UV reactor (10) according to claim 6, wherein the camera (111) and the UV sensor (119) are components of a combined sensor (114).

8. A method for monitoring a UV reactor (10) comprising: an array of LEDs (102) which are arranged on an outer wall (107) or in the interior of the UV reactor (10) and are each configured to irradiate a medium (105) to be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 390 nm, a camera (111) which is arranged on an opposite or spaced-off outer wall (107) of the UV reactor (10) and is configured to detect wavelengths greater than 380 nm, the method comprising recording an image (122) of the array of LEDs (102) and evaluating the recorded image (122).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises evaluating a brightness and position of images (123) of the individual LEDs (102).

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