Hybrid Germicidal Irradiation with Multi-Band Dose Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems face challenges in achieving efficient disinfection due to factors such as exposure time, intensity, wavelength, and protection of microorganisms, with mercury-vapor lamps being less efficient and chemical cleaning agents posing health risks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid germicidal irradiation apparatus using a combination of UV-C and near-UV emitters, controlled by a sensor and controller, adjusts wavelength and intensity to optimize disinfection, incorporating air gap compensation and occupant safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C radiation intensity is increased to improve disinfection effectiveness, then microorganism deactivation increases, but energy consumption and material degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from conventional 254nm UV-C to 265nm UV-C, which is closer to the optimal germicidal wavelength. This parameter change increases disinfection effectiveness per unit of energy consumed, resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and energy consumption by improving the efficiency of energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines UV-C LEDs with 265nm wavelength optimization and integrates them into a hybrid germicidal irradiation system that includes both UV-C and near-UV emitters. This composite approach maximizes microbial deactivation while managing energy consumption and reducing ozone production through the specific wavelength selection.
2Reliability
If exposure time is extended to achieve adequate UV dose, then disinfection effectiveness improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the wavelength parameter to 265nm, which is closer to the maximal germicidal wavelength, the system achieves higher microbial deactivation per unit of exposure time. This allows for reduced exposure times while maintaining or improving disinfection effectiveness, thereby resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and disinfection speed.
3Reliability
If UV-C radiation is used for surface disinfection, then microbial deactivation increases, but material degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wavelength to 265nm, which is closer to the peak germicidal effectiveness at 265nm. This precise wavelength tuning maximizes microbial deactivation while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing the intensity required, thereby reducing material degradation from excessive radiation exposure.
4Area of stationary object
If mercury-vapor lamps are used for UV-C generation, then disinfection coverage is achieved, but energy efficiency and ozone production become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mercury-vapor lamps with UV-C LEDs that emit at 265nm. This replacement eliminates the inefficiencies of mercury-vapor technology, including excessive energy consumption and ozone production, while maintaining or improving disinfection coverage through the optimized wavelength and LED efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from mercury-vapor lamp wavelength (254nm) to UV-C LED wavelength (265nm), the system achieves better energy efficiency and reduced ozone production while maintaining effective disinfection coverage. The parameter change in wavelength combined with the LED technology substitution resolves the contradiction between disinfection coverage and energy efficiency.
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 hybrid system enhances disinfection efficiency by reducing exposure time and energy consumption while ensuring safety in occupied environments, providing effective disinfection of surfaces and air using UV-C and near-UV radiation.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms. One mechanism by which UV-C deactivates microorganisms is by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA
Implementation Method 2
Near-UV (violet-blue) light, particularly 405 nm light, has significant antimicrobial properties against a wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid germicidal irradiation apparatus, method, and system for multi-band germicidal irradiation. A first emitter, a second emitter and a third emitter may be coupled to a housing configured to be coupled to a ceiling of an interior room. The first emitter, the second emitter and the third emitter may respectively be operable to emit UV-C radiation at a wavelength of about 265 nanometers, near-UV radiation at a wavelength of about 405 nanometers and visible light at a wavelength greater than 405 nanometers. One or more radiation sensors may be configured to measure the amount of UV-C light, near UV-C light and/or visible light reflected from a target surface. A controller may be communicably engaged with the radiation sensors to calculate an amount of UV-C radiation, near-UV radiation and/or visible light delivered to a target surface or interior space.