Systems and methods for feedback control of disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building systems lack effective and adaptive methods for real-time disinfection of pathogens in indoor environments, failing to optimize disinfection procedures based on pathogen type, prevalence, and environmental conditions, which can lead to inefficient use of resources and potential health risks.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection system that includes a controller configured to detect pathogens and adjust disinfection procedures in real-time by modifying operational parameters such as UV-C irradiance, disinfectant spray dosing, and airflow, using adaptive modulation models and predictive maintenance to optimize efficacy and energy efficiency, and integrating with HVAC systems to maintain indoor air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disinfection procedures are intensified to improve pathogen deactivation, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts disinfection operational parameters (intensity, duration, airflow rate) based on real-time pathogen detection data and environmental conditions, transitioning from static to adaptive operation to optimize the balance between disinfection effectiveness and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring pathogen levels and disinfection effectiveness, then adjusting operational parameters accordingly to maintain optimal disinfection performance while minimizing energy waste through closed-loop control
2Reliability
If disinfection procedures are extended in duration to improve pathogen deactivation, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines disinfection duration based on real-time pathogen load assessment and deactivation rate monitoring, adjusting treatment time to the minimum necessary effective duration rather than using fixed extended cycles, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disinfection procedures are applied simultaneously to address different pathogen types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional disinfection capabilities that can address multiple pathogen types through integrated UV-C, chemical, and filtration mechanisms controlled by a unified adaptive control system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters (wavelength, chemical concentration, flow rate) to optimize disinfection for different pathogen types rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each pathogen, achieving adaptability through parameter modulation rather than structural complexity
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 system effectively deactivates pathogens by optimizing disinfection procedures based on real-time data, improving indoor air quality, reducing health risks, and minimizing energy consumption through adaptive and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a UV-C lighting system configured to activate ultraviolet radiation lighting
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection system for controlling an indoor environment of a building. The disinfection system includes a disinfection device configured to detect pathogens in the indoor environment and performing disinfection procedures on the air and surfaces. The disinfection system further includes a controller configured to receive, from a treated space in the indoor environment, sensor data from the disinfection device or a sensor indicating an amount of a deactivated pathogen. The controller further configured to determine the amount of the deactivated pathogen corresponds to a deactivation ratio or deactivation percentage of active to deactivated pathogens in the treated space. The controller further configured to adjust the one or more disinfection procedures based on the deactivation ratio or the deactivation percentage of the amount of the deactivated pathogen and a pathogen type, wherein adjusting the one or more disinfection procedures comprises adjusting an operational parameter of the disinfection device.