Electrostatic Aerosol Removal Using Charged Droplets and Ion Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification technologies are inefficient in removing small, biologically hazardous aerosols such as viruses and bacteria due to limitations in charging and collection, and pose health risks from ozone and nitrogen oxides production, while wet scrubbers face high operational costs and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus combining corona discharge for aerosol charging, a multi-electrode electrostatic collector, and electro-spraying with positively charged droplets to efficiently capture aerosols, using a hygroscopic salt solution to maintain optimal humidity and deactivate pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sub-micron particle filters (e.g., N95 technology) are used to catch particles starting from about 300nm, then aerosol removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with an electrostatic field-based system. Corona discharge electrodes charge aerosol particles, and electrostatic precipitator plates collect them through electrostatic attraction, eliminating the need for mechanical filters and their associated maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and properties of aerosol particles by charging them through corona discharge. This parameter change (from neutral to charged) enables collection via electrostatic forces rather than mechanical filtration
2Productivity
If high volume air flow is used to purify large volumes of air, then productivity is improved, but pressure drop increases resulting in high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure-driven filtration with an electrostatic field-based collection system. The electrostatic precipitator uses electric fields to capture charged particles, allowing high air flow rates without the pressure drop penalties of mechanical filters
3Reliability
If corona discharge is used to produce air ions for de-activation, then pathogen de-activation is improved, but harmful factors (ozone and nitrogen oxides) are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the harmful byproducts (ozone and nitrogen oxides) from the useful function (pathogen de-activation). The electrostatic collection system physically removes charged particles including harmful gases from the air stream, preventing their release while maintaining the de-activation benefit
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
Effectively removes a wide range of aerosols, including viruses, with minimal health risks and reduced operational costs, by synergistically utilizing electrostatic collection and controlled droplet scavenging, ensuring safe and efficient air purification.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter electrode (10) for charging a stream of air containing aerosols by the effect of corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
Air ions are small molecular clusters with the sizes of about few nanometers and 1-2 electronic charges
Implementation Method 3
The produced air ions with the sign of the active electrode of HVDC are repulsed and drift from the emitter electrode, attaching to and thus electrically charging aerosol particles in the air
Implementation Method 4
a spraying nozzle (14) for producing a stream of droplets by electro-spraying and directed counter to the air stream
Implementation Method 5
The direction of droplet ejection by nozzles is opposite to the direction of process air
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3
AI summary
It is disclosed an apparatus for electrostatic de-activation and removal of hazardous biological and other aerosols from air, said apparatus located in a housing (42) made of non-electrically conductive material, comprising an ionization zone (2) for charging aerosols contained in a stream of supplied air, a spraying zone (6) for absorbing said negatively charged aerosols with positively charged droplets, and a collector zone (4) for removing negative air ions and said negatively charged aerosols from said stream of supplied air and said positively charged droplets, wherein said collector zone (4) is located between said ionization zone (2) and said spraying zone (6) and comprises an electrostatic collector, wherein said ionization zone (2) comprises at least one air inlet (8) for guiding said stream of supplied air to an emitter electrode of corona discharge (10), wherein said emitter electrode (10) is connected to a high-voltage direct current source (12), wherein said spraying zone (6) comprises at least one electro-spraying nozzle (14) for ejecting droplets opposite to an air flow direction (40) in said collector zone (4) and at least one charging electrode (16) arranged adjacent to said at least one electro-spraying nozzle (14) for electrically charging said droplets, said charging electrode (16) being connected to a high-voltage direct current source (18) having the same polarity as said high-voltage direct current source (12). The apparatus is suitable for cleaning of closed rooms, for open places and especially for locations having virus loaded air components.