Adaptive Air Filtration System with Dynamic Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filtration systems face challenges in efficiently filtering small particles, such as viruses, without increasing energy costs or generating harmful ozone, and fail to adapt to changing environmental conditions like smoke presence, leading to suboptimal performance in various settings like buildings and hospitals.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive air filtration system that uses sensor data to dynamically adjust operational settings, including airflow rate and high-voltage charging of particles, utilizing a disinfecting filtration system with an entry and rear control grid to capture ultrafine particles effectively while preventing ozone emission, and incorporates pre-filters for maintenance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If smaller hole sizes are used in filters to filter very small particles like viruses, then filtration efficiency is improved, but air resistance increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple stages: a pre-filter stage that removes larger particles first, followed by a HEPA filter stage that captures smaller particles. This segmentation allows each filter to operate at optimal efficiency without excessive resistance, as the pre-filter reduces the load on the HEPA filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the HEPA filter based on real-time air quality sensor data. When particle concentrations are low, the HEPA filter operates at reduced capacity or is bypassed, minimizing energy consumption during periods when fine filtration is less critical.
2Manufacturing precision
If ionizing air purifiers are used to charge and capture particles, then filtration capability is improved, but ozone is generated which causes health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful ionizing step is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using high-voltage ionization to charge particles, the patent relies solely on passive HEPA filtration that physically traps particles without generating ozone or requiring high voltages.
3Device complexity
If conventional air filters are used with fixed operational settings, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Air quality sensors continuously monitor particle concentrations and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the HEPA filter operation - increasing filtration capacity when particle levels are high and reducing or bypassing it when levels are low, enabling adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If high-power blowers are used to maintain airflow through dense filters, then filtration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and operating cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the filtration process into two stages with different filter densities. The pre-filter uses a less dense material that offers lower resistance, while the HEPA filter uses a denser material for high-efficiency particle capture. This segmentation allows the use of a smaller, less expensive blower compared to using a single dense filter throughout.
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 system achieves high particulate efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and maintains air quality by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions, ensuring effective filtration of small particles without ozone generation, thus improving operational efficiency and safety in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
A pre-filter may be used to capture or remove larger particles from an air flow
Implementation Method 2
a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter that captures or removes smaller particles from the air flow
Implementation Method 3
charge particles in an air flow using a high electric voltage and then capture the charged particles on a surface that has a different or opposite charge
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus of the present disclosure monitor and change operation of an air filtering system or apparatus dynamically over time. Changes to the air filtering apparatus may be associated with a type of facility and air purity requirements associated with the type of facility. Examples of different types of facilities include an office building, a clean room, and a hospital. Apparatus of the present disclosure may include conventional air filters and may include disinfecting air filter sub-assemblies that use a high voltage to charge particles in the air such that those particles may conglomerate and be captured more easily in an air. Methods consistent with the present disclosure may change an air flow rate or may change the voltage used to charge the air particles as conditions associated with the air of a facility change over time.