Hydroxyl Radical Generator for Air Decontamination
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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 only effectively sanitize surfaces with direct line of sight and do not penetrate crevices, and traditional hydroxyl radical production methods like NASA's PCO process are ineffective in fast air flows common in HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A harmonic bio-mimicry nonchemical photonic process that generates atmospheric hydroxyl radicals by exposing ambient water vapor to UV optics made of medical grade pure quartz, emitting UV irradiation between 100 and 400 nanometers, within a polygonal reaction chamber, allowing hydroxyls to be produced and distributed throughout breathable air volumes, including crevices, to neutralize pathogens and VOCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet light is used for sanitation of surfaces and air, then germicidal effect is achieved, but penetration into crevices and access to dark areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydroxyl radicals as an intermediary substance that is generated by UV light interacting with water vapor. These radicals can penetrate into crevices and dark areas where direct UV light cannot reach, while still maintaining the germicidal sanitation effect. The hydroxyl radicals act as mediators that carry the sanitization function into regions inaccessible to direct UV illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical/physical action of UV light sanitation with a chemical mechanism involving hydroxyl radicals. Instead of relying solely on UV photons to directly inactivate pathogens (which requires line-of-sight), the system uses photochemical reactions to generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals that can diffuse into and sanitize crevices, effectively substituting a chemical field approach for the physical light field approach.
2Reliability
If NASA PCO process is used to produce hydroxyl radicals, then decontamination is achieved, but effectiveness is lost in fast air flows typical of HVAC systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the PCO process by using different UV wavelengths (254nm and 185nm) simultaneously and optimizing the water vapor concentration in the air stream. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain effective hydroxyl radical generation even at higher air flow rates typical of HVAC systems, resolving the contradiction between decontamination effectiveness and air flow speed.
3Quantity of substance
If TiO2 plating is used in PCO process, then hydroxyl radicals are produced at interface, but radicals do not exit airstream and no downstream interaction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the hydroxyl radical generation from a surface-bound process (at the TiO2 interface only) to a volumetric process by introducing water vapor into the air stream and using UV irradiation to generate radicals throughout the three-dimensional space of the air flow. This dimensional change allows radicals to be produced throughout the airstream volume rather than confined to a two-dimensional surface, enabling downstream interaction and decontamination.
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
This process effectively neutralizes pathogens and VOCs by producing 2.6 million hydroxyls per cubic centimeter, similar to natural rates, ensuring comprehensive air and surface sanitation in closed systems, including aircraft, buildings, and vehicles, without the limitations of direct UV exposure and air flow constraints.
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... to neutralize toxic chemicals and pathogens in breathable air/surfaces
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.