Condensate Pan Ionization Using Airflow Energy to Suppress Microbes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional air-handling unit condensation drain systems are prone to clogging and corrosion due to microbial contamination, such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and biofilms, leading to maintenance issues and health risks.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a turbine and an electrode assembly with an anode, which captures wind energy to produce silver or copper ions that reduce microbial contamination in the condensate pan, preventing corrosion and clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a condensation drain system is used to prevent water damage, then water damage is prevented, but microbial contamination buildup causes clogging and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of water damageVSAvoidmicrobial contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful microbial contamination into a beneficial process by using the accumulated organic matter in the condensate pan as fuel for combustion. The burn device ignites and burns the microbial contamination, transforming it from a harmful clogging agent into a useful disinfection mechanism that eliminates pathogens and prevents future buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs combustion (a form of accelerated oxidation) to destroy microbial contamination. The burn device creates high-temperature oxidation conditions that rapidly decompose organic matter, kill bacteria and pathogens, and prevent biofilm formation in the condensate pan and drain lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Productivity

If traditional condensation drain systems are used, then condensation is collected and drained, but maintenance is required due to clogging and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation drainage functionVSAvoidmaintenance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous or periodic automatic combustion treatment within the condensate pan to prevent microbial buildup before it causes clogging. The burn device operates on a timed cycle or when triggered by sensors, continuously eliminating organic matter and maintaining clear drain lines without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-maintenance by automatically burning off microbial contamination and debris that accumulate in the condensate pan. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for manual cleaning and repair interventions, allowing the drain system to maintain itself autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If condensation is collected in a pan, then water damage is prevented, but bacteria and biofilm buildup creates health risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from water damageVSAvoidhealth risks from microbial buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the health hazard of microbial buildup into a beneficial disinfection process. By intentionally igniting and burning the accumulated organic matter and microbes in the condensate pan, the system converts harmful pathogens into harmless ash and gases, effectively sterilizing the drainage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Combustion provides intense oxidative conditions that completely decompose organic matter and kill all microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. This high-temperature oxidation process ensures thorough sanitization of the condensate pan and surrounding drainage components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 apparatus effectively reduces microbial growth and corrosion in air-handling units, ensuring continuous operation and improved sanitation by using self-generated energy to release ions that inhibit bacteria, viruses, mold, and biofilms without requiring additional power or direct wiring.

Implementation Method 1

a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The anode may be comprised of silver and configured to release silver ions when energized. The anode may be comprised of copper and configured to release copper ions when energized.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon release: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS8795590B1Apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination in an air-handling unit
Publication Date: 2014.08.05 RGF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP INC
  • US8795590B1 patent drawing
  • US8795590B1 patent drawing
  • US8795590B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination, such as bacteria, virus, mold and biofilms, in an air-handling unit. The apparatus includes a mounting member configured to couple with a housing of an air-handling unit and a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly including an anode configured to be placed in a condensate pan and receive energy from the turbine. The anode produces agents that reduce the growth of microbial contamination when energized.