Excimer Lamp Power Waveform Control for Stable Far-UVC Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection procedures for aircraft cabins are time-consuming and lack effective tracking and verification methods, making it difficult to ensure the safety and health of passengers and crew members by eliminating pathogens from surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization apparatus comprising an excimer lamp powered by a converter with a controller that adjusts the output voltage waveform based on impedance, temperature, and current measurements to optimize the electric field distribution and stability of the excimer lamp, using Far-UVC light for effective disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disinfection procedures are used, then disinfection can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and reduces operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching between different voltage waveform parameters (sine waveform at 60 Hz for startup, then nanosecond pulse waveforms at higher frequencies for operation) to optimize both disinfection effectiveness and operational efficiency. This allows the system to achieve reliable lamp ignition while minimizing startup time and energy consumption during actual disinfection operations.
2Device complexity
If simple power supply is used, then device complexity is reduced, but impedance variations and temperature changes cause unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring lamp impedance and temperature, then adjusting the power converter output waveform accordingly. The controller modifies waveform parameters based on real-time impedance measurements to maintain stable gas discharge conditions despite changes in lamp state during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed 60 Hz sine waveform during startup to variable frequency nanosecond pulse waveforms during operation. The waveform parameters are dynamically adjusted based on lamp conditions, allowing the power supply to adapt to changing impedance and temperature characteristics while maintaining stable operation.
3Loss of time
If higher power is used to reduce startup time, then operational efficiency improves, but lamp lifespan may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a 60 Hz sine waveform specifically for the startup phase to gently ignite the lamp before switching to high-power nanosecond pulse waveforms. This preliminary low-stress ignition process prevents thermal shock and extends lamp life while still achieving relatively quick startup times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by implementing duty cycle control with the nanosecond pulse waveforms, where the lamp is powered in periodic bursts rather than continuous high power. This allows the lamp to cool between pulses, reducing cumulative thermal stress and extending lifespan while maintaining effective disinfection during active pulses.
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 solution increases the lifespan and efficiency of Far-UVC excimer lamps, reduces startup time, and provides a stable gas discharge, ensuring effective disinfection of aircraft surfaces while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an excimer lamp, a power converter configured to power the excimer lamp... The excimer lamp is configured to emit Far-UVC light
Implementation Method 2
the excimer lamp is configured to emit Far-UVC light
Implementation Method 3
a controller configured to monitor an impedance of the excimer lamp and vary an output voltage waveform of the power converter based upon the impedance
Implementation Method 4
provides a stable gas discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitization apparatus includes an excimer lamp, a power converter configured to power the excimer lamp and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor an impedance of the excimer lamp and vary an output voltage waveform of the power converter based upon the impedance.