Adaptive UV Irradiance Control for Air and Water Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for air and water quality management are inflexible, often fixed to specific wavelengths and use scenarios, failing to adapt to varying environmental conditions, leading to inefficient power usage and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous environmental quality system with tunable output irradiance, utilizing decoupled and independent UV light sources across a wide spectrum, controlled by sensors and machine learning models to adjust irradiance based on real-time environmental data, optimizing power consumption and extending system lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use fixed wavelength UV light sources, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is segmented into multiple independent wavelength components (e.g., 254nm, 365nm, 222nm). Each wavelength can be independently controlled to address different air quality conditions, enabling adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple UV wavelength sources that can serve different functions: 254nm for general disinfection, 365nm for VOC degradation, and 222nm for upper air disinfection. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle various environmental conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional systems operate continuously at fixed power settings, then the disinfection effectiveness is maintained, but the power consumption increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the intensity and wavelength composition of UV light based on real-time environmental sensor data (air quality, occupancy, pathogen levels). This dynamic control allows the system to maintain disinfection effectiveness while consuming only the necessary power, extending component lifespan through reduced operational stress
Solution Approach 2:
Environmental sensors continuously monitor air quality parameters and provide feedback to the control system. The controller adjusts UV irradiance settings based on this feedback, ensuring adequate disinfection only when and where needed, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing wear on UV components
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are designed for specific use scenarios, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility across different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multiple UV wavelength sources and adjustable irradiance settings that can be configured for different applications: residential air purification, commercial disinfection, water treatment, and surface sterilization. This universal design enables one system to serve multiple purposes without requiring application-specific hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters (wavelength selection, irradiance intensity, duty cycle) based on the specific application requirements. For example, lower intensity for occupied spaces, higher intensity for unoccupied areas, different wavelength combinations for different contaminants, allowing versatile deployment across various scenarios without increasing physical device complexity
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 provides adaptive and efficient air and water purification by dynamically adjusting UV irradiance, reducing power costs and extending the lifespan of UV light sources, while maintaining effective disinfection and purification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing decoupled and independent UV light sources across a wide spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The system provides adaptive and efficient air and water purification by dynamically adjusting UV irradiance
Data Source
AI summary
A system including groups of illuminators configured to provide adaptive irradiance within the ultraviolet spectrum to remove pathogens, particles, and anthropogenic activity from an air mass of a physical environment based on a detection of a presence of and amount of pathogens, particles, and anthropogenic activity in the air mass.