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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Productivity
If traditional condensation drain systems are used, then condensation is collected and drained, but maintenance is required due to clogging and corrosion
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.
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.
3Reliability
If condensation is collected in a pan, then water damage is prevented, but bacteria and biofilm buildup creates health risks
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.
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.
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
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.
Data Source
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.


