Disinfection Fan Modulation for Droplet Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydrogen peroxide fogging systems for disinfecting spaces often result in incomplete disinfection due to static air distribution patterns, leading to areas of poor fogging coverage and incomplete disinfection, known as spatial differentiation.
Innovation Solution
Modulating the operation of an electric fan in a substantially random sequence to create a turbulent airflow, adjusting the fan's duty cycle or speed using a pseudo-random sequence, which enhances the distribution of disinfecting liquid droplets throughout the space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regular electric fan operates in a closed space with no external ventilation, then safety is maintained, but spatial differentiation occurs leading to incomplete disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by modulating the fan speed in a substantially random sequence rather than operating at a constant speed. The control system varies the fan speed between different operational levels according to a random pattern, which dynamically changes the airflow characteristics. This dynamic operation prevents the formation of static air distribution patterns and eliminates spatial differentiation, ensuring uniform disinfectant distribution throughout the space while maintaining safety through controlled ventilation.
2Productivity
If fan speed is increased to improve droplet distribution, then coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the modulated fan operation sequence. The control system cycles the fan through different speed levels in a random pattern, creating periodic variations in airflow. This periodic action ensures that droplets are distributed effectively throughout the space over time, achieving high disinfection efficacy without requiring the fan to operate continuously at maximum speed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
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
This approach improves the efficacy of disinfection by ensuring even and thorough distribution of disinfecting liquid, reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces, and promoting micro-condensation, thereby enhancing the decontamination process.
Implementation Method 1
vaporization of a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution using a high frequency ultrasound (typically 1.6-2 MHz) droplet generator in an atomization chamber
Implementation Method 2
Airflow from an electric fan then carries these droplets as a mist from the chamber via a venturi into the space to be treated
Implementation Method 3
a venturi injector into which atomized droplets are introduced as a secondary airflow and the electric fan is arranged to provide a primary flow of entraining air through the venturi
Implementation Method 4
A combination of the fan's airflow and natural convection currents in the room carry these droplets until they contact surfaces where they are deposited and operate to destroy any organisms present
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus for disinfection of spaces using a disinfecting liquid droplet spray atomization are described, in which an electric fan 107 is used to dispense the atomization from an atomization chamber 104 via venture outlets 106 into the space to be disinfected. The operation of the electric fan 107 is modulated in a cycle having a first phase in which the fan is operated at full speed and a second phase at which the fan is operated at a randomly selected speed to vary the rate of dispensing into the space in order to improve the dispersal of the atomized droplets in the space and hence the efficacy of disinfection.