System and method for air sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack effective and efficient methods for air sanitization within indoor spaces, often relying on standalone sanitization devices that do not coordinate with air circulation, leading to suboptimal performance and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated air sanitization system within HVAC ductwork, controlled by an indoor air quality controller, that coordinates the operation of an air sanitization unit with an air circulation unit to optimize sanitization parameters based on various inputs, including user commands and sensor data, using UV-C lights, LEDs, and other sanitization technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standalone air sanitization devices are used without coordination with air circulation, then air sanitization can be performed, but sanitization effectiveness and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air sanitization unit with the HVAC air circulation system, integrating both functions into a single coordinated system. The controller synchronizes sanitization operation with air circulation patterns, ensuring that sanitization occurs when air is being moved through the system, thereby improving effectiveness while avoiding redundant energy consumption from separate standalone devices operating independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sanitization operation based on real-time air circulation conditions and occupancy detection. The controller modulates sanitization intensity and timing according to actual system needs, rather than operating at fixed levels, thereby optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining adequate sanitization effectiveness under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If air sanitization operates continuously at high intensity, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic sanitization cycles rather than continuous operation. The controller activates the sanitization unit at intervals synchronized with air circulation cycles, allowing sanitization to occur in bursts when most effective, followed by rest periods that reduce energy consumption while maintaining overall sanitization effectiveness through repeated cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on detected conditions, including occupancy levels and air quality measurements. When occupancy is low or air quality is already good, the controller reduces sanitization intensity or extends intervals between cycles, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate effectiveness. When conditions deteriorate, parameters are adjusted to increase effectiveness.
3Reliability
If air circulation rate is increased to improve sanitization coverage, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but system energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts air circulation rates based on sanitization needs and occupancy conditions. Rather than maintaining constantly high circulation rates, the system increases airflow only when and where sanitization is required, then reduces it during periods of low demand, thereby achieving adequate coverage while minimizing energy consumption from the circulation system.
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
Enhances air sanitization effectiveness and efficiency, maximizes energy savings, and extends the lifespan of system components by optimizing air sanitization operations based on real-time conditions and occupancy, while ensuring thorough air quality control.
Implementation Method 1
using UV-C lights, LEDs, and other sanitization technologies
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling air quality within an indoor space are disclosed. An example system includes an air circulation unit that moves air through ductwork of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an air sanitization unit within the ductwork of the HVAC system that sanitizes air passing through the ductwork of the HVAC system. The system further includes an indoor air quality controller that controls a rate at which the air circulation unit moves the air through the ductwork of the HVAC system responsive to inputs received at the indoor air quality controller and controls an operational status of the air sanitization unit responsive to the inputs received at the indoor air quality controller.