Air purification device for large spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification devices are inefficient for large volumes, suffer from ozone leaks and high energy consumption, and lack flexibility and ease of maintenance, with decreasing effectiveness over time and potential health hazards from byproducts.
Innovation Solution
An air purification device with a photocatalysis module optimizing contact time and area distribution, supplemented by a separate photolysis module and activated carbon filtration, featuring configurable fan speeds, independent operation of purification stages, and integrated sensors for malfunction alerts and remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C radiation with ozone creation is used to improve purifying power, then the oxidizing properties are enhanced, but ozone leaks and high energy consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the purification process into distinct modules: a photocatalysis module with multiple cylindrical cartridges containing catalyst layers, a separate photolysis module with UV-C lamps, and an activated carbon filtration module. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently without generating harmful byproducts like ozone, while maintaining high purifying power through coordinated operation of all modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using UV-C radiation at 185 nm to create ozone for oxidation (which causes harmful ozone leaks), the invention converts this approach by using photocatalysis with UV-A or visible light activated catalysts. This converts the harmful ozone-creation pathway into a beneficial photocatalytic oxidation process that eliminates pollutants without generating harmful byproducts.
2Productivity
If high flow rate purification is implemented for large spaces, then air renewal capacity is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device handles large air flows by segmenting the photocatalysis function into multiple independent cylindrical cartridges arranged in parallel. Each cartridge can be independently configured and replaced, allowing the system to scale capacity for large spaces without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The modular design enables flexible configuration to match specific air flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a fan with variable speed control to dynamically adjust air flow rates according to space requirements and air quality conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between energy consumption and air renewal capacity, handling large flows when needed while reducing energy use during lower demand periods.
3Reliability
If photocatalysis and photolysis are combined in a single chamber, then purification efficiency is improved, but maintenance difficulty and operational reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates photocatalysis and photolysis into distinct modules with separate air flow paths. The photocatalysis module contains replaceable cylindrical cartridges, while the photolysis module contains UV-C lamps. This segmentation allows independent maintenance of each module - cartridges can be replaced without affecting UV lamps, and UV lamps can be serviced without disturbing the photocatalysis system - thereby maintaining high purification efficiency while significantly improving ease of repair and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as the exit for purified air from the photocatalysis module, contains the photolysis UV-C lamps for additional purification, and houses the activated carbon filtration module. This multi-functionality consolidates several purification stages into a single location, improving space utilization while maintaining the benefits of separate module operation for ease of maintenance.
4Volume of stationary object
If filtration cartridges are integrated inside the reactor, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for maintenance and monitoring is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The photocatalysis filtration cartridges are designed as separate, self-contained cylindrical modules that can be independently removed from the reactor through access ports. This segmentation allows the cartridges to be integrated within the reactor volume for efficient space utilization while maintaining easy accessibility for maintenance - operators can remove and replace cartridges without disassembling the entire reactor, thereby achieving both compact integration and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors and monitoring systems that enable self-diagnosis and alert operators when maintenance is needed. The modular cartridge design allows users to easily remove and replace cartridges themselves without requiring specialized service, combining intelligent monitoring with user-friendly maintenance that addresses both space efficiency and operational ease.
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 device effectively purifies large air volumes with reduced energy consumption, extended filter lifespan, and easy maintenance, ensuring continuous operation and improved indoor air quality while minimizing health risks.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalysis module designed to work at high flow rate
Implementation Method 2
a photolysis module and/or an activated carbon filtration module
Implementation Method 3
an activated carbon filtration module
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an air purification device comprising a vertical chamber having lateral air inlets provided with a filtration cell, an air purification reactor comprising a photocatalysis module having photocatalytic cylinders and, inside it, at least one UV light source, a fan with a motor, and a purified-air outlet, characterized in that: - the photocatalytic cylinders are disposed vertically and opposite the lateral air inlets and have walls which are permeable to air and lined with a photocatalytic medium; - the air enters the chamber near the photocatalysis module along an axis that is substantially transverse to the walls of the photocatalytic cylinders, and is then drawn inside the cylinders before exiting again near the upper, transverse portions of the photocatalytic cylinders.