A device for reducing pollutants in a gaseous mixture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air filtration devices for reducing pollutants in closed environments rely on ultraviolet-activated titanium dioxide photocatalytic filters, which are inefficient, energy-intensive, and have short lifespans, making them costly to operate and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A device using a photocatalytic filter with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles activated by visible light LEDs, which enhances photocatalytic efficiency across a broader spectrum, reducing energy consumption and increasing durability, and includes a recirculation circuit and oxidizing agents for enhanced pollutant degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultraviolet-activated titanium dioxide photocatalytic filters are used, then pollutant reduction capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant reduction capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the band gap parameter of titanium dioxide by doping it with nitrogen, allowing the photocatalyst to be activated by visible light instead of requiring ultraviolet light. This parameter change enables the use of lower-energy visible light sources while maintaining pollutant degradation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces ultraviolet light sources with visible light LED sources. This substitution uses a different type of light source that consumes less energy and has longer lifespan, while still achieving the required photocatalytic activation through the modified titanium dioxide material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ultraviolet light sources are used to activate titanium dioxide, then photocatalytic activity is achieved, but device lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotocatalytic activityVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultraviolet light sources with visible light LED sources. LEDs are known for their extended operational lifespan and durability, solving the problem of short device lifespan associated with traditional ultraviolet lamps while maintaining continuous photocatalytic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple ultraviolet light sources are installed to achieve good performance, then pollutant reduction efficiency improves, but purchase cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant reduction efficiencyVSAvoidpurchase cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive ultraviolet light sources with more economical visible light LED sources. LEDs generally have lower purchase costs and do not require the same level of infrastructure (such as cooling systems) as ultraviolet lamps, reducing overall system cost while maintaining or improving performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the light activation wavelength from ultraviolet to visible spectrum through nitrogen doping of titanium dioxide, the system can use cheaper LED light sources instead of expensive ultraviolet lamps, reducing the overall purchase cost of the air treatment device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves high-efficiency pollutant reduction with lower energy costs and longer device lifespan, suitable for both indoor and industrial applications, while ensuring safety and efficiency in treating gaseous emissions.

Implementation Method 1

the titanium dioxide has photocatalytic properties which can be activated when irradiated with a light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a first light source (6a) and a second light source (6b) both with a wavelength in the visible spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

in the presence of oxygen and water, to efficiently degrade and oxidise the above-mentioned pollutant compounds present in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3679229B1A device for reducing pollutants in a gaseous mixture

Publication Date: 2021.07.28 CONSORZIO COLTECH

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AI summary

Described is a device (1) for reducing pollutants in a gaseous mixture comprising: • a containment body (2) having an inlet portion (3) for the gaseous mixture and an outlet portion (4) for the gaseous mixture, the containment body (2) imposing on the gaseous mixture a fixed direction of flow (D), • at least one filtering unit (10) comprising a photocatalytic filter (7) interposed, along the fixed direction of flow (D), between a first light source (6a) and a second light source (6b), both having a wavelength in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm), the photocatalytic filter (7) comprising a photocatalytic nanoparticle coating and the nanoparticle coating comprising titanium dioxide doped with a nitrogen doping agent. • a unit (5) for straightening the flow before the filtering unit (10).