Climate system, and building, vehicle or cooking facility provided therewith, and method for filtering air

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional climate systems are complex and inefficient in removing air contaminants, such as smoke particles, odors, and humidity, often requiring multiple components and interactions with other systems, and lack effective filtration of airborne pathogens.

Innovation Solution

A climate system incorporating an electrostatic filter and a plasma filter, controlled by sensors and a controller, which generates ozone and radicals to effectively clean the air, combined with a carbon filter to capture excess ozone and a glass fiber filter for enhanced filtration, allowing for autonomous operation and optimal air quality management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional climate systems use multiple components and interactions with other systems, then air conditioning function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair conditioning functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the air conditioning function and air filtration function into a single integrated device. The climate system includes a housing with a fan that draws in air, passes it through an electrostatic filter and plasma filter within the same device, and discharges the conditioned air. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable air conditioning operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If conventional climate systems use simple filtration, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination removal efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration systemVSAvoidcontamination removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite filtration system combining two different filtration mechanisms: an electrostatic filter that uses electric fields to attract and capture particles, and a plasma filter that generates ozone and radicals to chemically react with and decompose contaminants. This composite approach significantly improves contamination removal efficiency for particles, odors, and pathogens while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If plasma filter operates continuously at high power, then air cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the plasma filter power based on actual air quality conditions. Sensors detect contamination levels in the air, and the controller adjusts the plasma filter power accordingly - increasing power when contamination is high and reducing or turning off the plasma filter when air quality is good. This dynamic adjustment maintains high air cleaning effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption during periods of low contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If electrostatic filter operates at high voltage, then particle capture efficiency is improved, but ozone generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle capture efficiencyVSAvoidozone generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a carbon filter as an intermediary component positioned after the electrostatic filter and plasma filter. This carbon filter serves dual functions: it captures excess ozone generated by the plasma filter through adsorption, and it also captures particulate matter. By placing this intermediary carbon filter in the air flow path, the system effectively removes the harmful ozone byproduct while maintaining high particle capture efficiency from the electrostatic filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effective air cleaning, reduces energy consumption by adjusting treatment based on air quality, extends filter lifespan, and minimizes maintenance needs, offering improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The electrostatic filter preferably realizes a direct voltage of for instance 5 kV which is transmitted to a screen. A type of potential filter is hereby realized with which an electrostatic field is created.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The plasma filter generates ozone and/or radicals that react with contaminations, such as odours, in the indrawn air.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

Providing a plasma filter, with the plasma filter being capable of functioning as an ozone generator, achieves an additional air cleaning.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 4

Providing a carbon filter or carbon mat achieves that excess ozone is captured.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3088808B1Climate system, and building, vehicle or cooking facility provided therewith, and method for filtering air
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 PLASMAMADE BV
  • EP3088808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3088808B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3088808B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a climate system, and building, vehicle or extractor hood provided therewith, and a method for filtering air. The climate system according to the invention comprises: - a housing; - a suction opening that is provided in the housing; - a fan operatively connected to the suction opening for drawing in air through the suction opening; - a drive that is operatively connected to the fan for driving the fan; - an electrostatic filter configured for electrostatic filtering of the indrawn air; - a plasma filter configured for generating ozone and providing the ozone to the indrawn air; - a sensor for measuring characteristics of the indrawn airflow; and - control means operatively connected to the sensor and configured for controlling the electrostatic and plasma filters on the basis of the measured characteristics of the indrawn airflow.