HVAC Hydroxyl Radical Generator for Pathogen Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering ultraviolet light for sanitation in human occupied spaces, such as mass transit vehicles and buildings, are limited as they do not effectively penetrate crevices and are compromised by breathable air, failing to neutralize pathogens and VOCs in closed HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A harmonic bio-mimicry nonchemical process using medical grade pure quartz UV optics to generate atmospheric hydroxyl radicals within a polygonal reaction chamber, which can occupy dark crevices and react with air impurities, utilizing ambient water vapor to produce 2.6 million hydroxyls per cubic centimeter, similar to natural rates, thereby neutralizing pathogens and VOCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet light is delivered for sanitation in human occupied spaces, then germicidal effect is achieved, but penetration into crevices and effectiveness in closed HVAC systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydroxyl radicals as an intermediary substance that is generated by UV irradiation of water vapor. These radicals serve as the active germicidal agent instead of direct UV light exposure, allowing sanitation to occur through chemical reaction rather than direct line-of-sight illumination, thereby enabling penetration into crevices and effectiveness in closed HVAC systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/direct illumination approach of UV light with a chemical reaction mechanism. Instead of relying on UV photons to directly inactivate pathogens through line-of-sight exposure, the system uses photochemical generation of hydroxyl radicals that can diffuse and react with contaminants throughout the air volume, including in shadowed and creviced areas
2Reliability
If ultraviolet light is used for air sanitation, then pathogen neutralization is achieved, but compromise of fabrics and materials occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydroxyl radicals as an intermediary that performs the pathogen neutralization function. These short-lived radicals react quickly with microbial contaminants through oxidation reactions, achieving sanitization without requiring sustained UV light exposure that would degrade fabrics and materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the short lifetime and high reactivity of hydroxyl radicals to rush through the sanitization process quickly. The radicals react almost immediately with pathogens upon contact, neutralizing them before the radicals can cause significant damage to surrounding materials, thus achieving effective sanitation with minimal material compromise
3Reliability
If photo catalytic oxidation process is used to generate hydroxyls, then air purification is achieved, but minimal air flow requirements limit HVAC system compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the photo catalytic oxidation process to function effectively at higher air flow rates typical of HVAC systems. By optimizing the UV irradiation intensity, catalyst surface area, and reaction chamber design, the system maintains sufficient hydroxyl generation even when air passes through quickly, thereby achieving air purification compatibility with standard HVAC productivity requirements
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 process effectively neutralizes pathogens and VOCs in closed HVAC systems and human occupied spaces by generating reactive hydroxyl radicals that can penetrate crevices and react with air impurities, providing a safe and natural air purification method.
Implementation Method 1
The optics are designed to emit/irradiate Ultraviolet irradiation in the nanometer wavelength/Ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers, thereby producing the hydroxyls
Implementation Method 2
They can occupy dark crevices that ultraviolet line of sight cannot get access to... react with air impurities... neutralizing pathogens and VOCs
Data Source
AI summary
A system for decontaminating/neutralizing breathable air and surfaces in an occupied enclosed space, i.e., hydroponic greenhouses, aircraft, rail and road vehicles, in building ducts, or rooms, includes mounting an atmospheric hydroxyl radical generator along an inside surface of an occupied space having respective air inlets and air outlets. The hydroxyl radical generator includes a polygonal housing supporting a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV optics medical grade pure quartz, which emit/irradiate ultraviolet in the nanometer wavelength/ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers for deactivating and neutralizing atmospheric chemicals and pathogens in breathable air and surfaces. The hydroxyl radicals contact the walls of the reaction chamber housing. The hydroxyl radicals become created and excited to react quickly with impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi, rendering them inactivated and neutral. The breathable air passes through the polygonal housing and is decontaminated and neutralized of impurities before entering the occupied enclosed space.