Electrochemical Ozone Generator System for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ozone production systems, such as those using corona discharge, are inefficient and produce undesirable byproducts like NOx and nitric acid, and lack the ability to control oxygen and humidity levels effectively in enclosures.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical ozone generator system utilizing a membrane electrode assembly with an anode, cathode, and proton conducting layer, which produces ozone without a feed gas and hazardous byproducts, and can independently control oxygen and humidity levels within enclosures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If corona discharge is used for ozone production, then ozone can be generated, but energy efficiency is poor with 90% energy lost as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical corona discharge system with an electrochemical system using a membrane electrode assembly. The electrochemical cell uses electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode to generate ozone, eliminating the need for high voltage discharge and the associated heat generation. This substitution of the fundamental mechanism resolves the energy efficiency contradiction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If corona discharge is used for ozone production, then ozone can be generated, but hazardous byproducts such as NOx and nitric acid are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental reaction parameters from high voltage electrical discharge to electrochemical reactions occurring at specific potentials across the membrane electrode assembly. This parameter change transforms the reaction pathway to produce ozone without generating nitrogen oxides or nitric acid, as the electrochemical process operates under conditions that prevent these harmful byproducts from forming.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane electrode assembly acts as an intermediary structure that enables ozone generation through electrochemical reactions. The membrane separates the anode and cathode compartments while allowing ion transport, facilitating the electrochemical production of ozone without the need for corona discharge. This intermediary structure enables clean ozone production by mediating the reaction process to exclude harmful byproduct formation.
3Quantity of substance
If electrolysis mode is used to reduce oxygen, then oxygen reduction is achieved, but humidity increases which is not desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enclosure environment control into two independent functions: oxygen control through the electrochemical cell and humidity control through separate dehumidification systems. The electrochemical cell is configured to reduce oxygen without being the primary humidity control mechanism, allowing independent optimization of both parameters. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the two control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical cell with membrane electrode assembly serves multiple functions: it generates ozone for disinfection, reduces oxygen concentration, and can be integrated with humidity control systems. By designing the system to perform multiple functions, the patent resolves the contradiction between oxygen reduction and humidity control, as the cell can be operated in conjunction with other components to achieve both goals simultaneously.
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 electrochemical ozone generator system is energy-efficient, durable, quiet, and effective, capable of producing ozone directly from air and humidity, while maintaining precise control over oxygen and humidity levels, making it suitable for disinfection and sterilization applications without contaminating the environment.
Implementation Method 1
Water molecules on the anode side are reacted to form ozone as well as protons and electrons
Implementation Method 2
Protons travel through the membrane and recombine with oxygen on the cathode
Implementation Method 3
voltage is applied to an electrode or across a pair of electrodes to excited oxygen molecules and produce ozone
Data Source
AI summary
An ozone generator system utilizes an electrochemical cell to produce and control ozone concentrations within an enclosure or to supply ozone to a flow conduit. The enclosure may he coupled with a flow conduit that carries the produced ozone to a desired location. An enclosure may be a sterilization chamber and the concentration of ozone produced by the ozone generating system may be sufficient to sterilize articles within the enclosure. An oxygen control electrolyzer cell and/or humidity control electrolyzer cell may be coupled with the enclosure to further control the environment of the enclosure. A humidity control electrolyzer cell may be fluidly coupled with the ozone generator to supply humidity for reaction on the anode of the ozone generator.