Ceiling Plenum Electrostatic Filtration for Retrofit Air Purification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air purification systems are inadequate for residential applications, as they often fail to capture particles in the micron and sub-micron range, and existing solutions are not easily retrofittable, simple to install, or cost-effective for ceiling grid systems.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted air treatment system with a plenum, grid array, and electronic generator that generates electric fields to agglomerate particles, integrated with a fan and air filter system, designed for easy installation and retrofitting onto existing ceiling grid systems, using insulators to manage electrical components and enhance particle collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional air filtration systems are used, then they are simple to install and cost-effective, but they fail to capture particles in the micron and sub-micron range
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic precipitation system is nested within the existing HVAC air handler unit. The precipitation chamber with grid arrays is installed inside the air handler, utilizing the existing air flow path. This allows the advanced particle capture technology to be integrated without requiring a completely separate system, thereby improving particle capture capability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary precipitation chamber is introduced between the air intake and the existing filtration system. This chamber contains grid arrays that generate electric fields to charge and collect particles. The intermediary component handles the complex electrostatic precipitation process separately, allowing the main HVAC system to remain relatively simple while achieving enhanced particle capture in the micron and sub-micron range.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic precipitation systems are added to enhance particle removal, then particle capture in micron and sub-micron range is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic precipitation system is segmented into modular components: a precipitation chamber, grid arrays, and electrical connections. The chamber is designed as a separate unit that can be installed within the air handler, and the grid arrays are pre-assembled components. This segmentation allows for easier transportation, handling, and installation compared to a monolithic system, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining particle capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The precipitation chamber is designed to be compatible with standard HVAC air handler units, making it a universal component that can be installed in various residential and commercial systems. The chamber utilizes existing air flow paths and can be integrated with different filtration systems, reducing the need for custom installation procedures and improving ease of operation across different applications.
3Use of energy by moving object
If recirculated air is used to reduce energy costs, then energy consumption is reduced, but particle accumulation in the recirculated air increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculated air, which previously carried accumulated particles back into the space, is redirected through the electrostatic precipitation chamber. The harmful particle-laden recirculated air becomes beneficial by passing through the electric fields that charge and remove particles. The precipitation chamber converts the harmful recirculated air flow into an opportunity for particle removal, allowing energy-efficient recirculation while preventing particle accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic precipitation system operates continuously as part of the recirculated air flow path, constantly charging and removing particles from the air that cycles through the system. This continuous action ensures that particles are removed throughout the recirculation process rather than allowing accumulation, maintaining both energy efficiency and air quality over extended periods.
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 effectively captures particles across various sizes, improving indoor air quality while being simple to install and cost-effective, addressing the limitations of existing technologies for residential use.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic generator is connected to the grid array for treating the flow of air through the grid array
Implementation Method 2
generates electric fields to agglomerate particles
Data Source
AI summary
An improved ceiling mounted air treatment system is disclosed for installation upon a ceiling grid system having a plurality of ceiling panels within a room. The improved ceiling mounted air treatment system comprises a ceiling plenum defining a plurality of side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The plurality of side walls are dimensioned for replacing a ceiling panel of the ceiling grid system. An air input and an air output are defined in the bottom wall. A grid array is disposed within the plenum and located between the air input and the air output. An electronic generator is connected to the grid array for treating the flow of air through the grid array. A fan is interposed between the air input and the air output for establishing the flow of air from the room into the air input to exit from the air output into the room.