Device for generating hydroxyl radicals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air and surface sterilization technologies are inadequate due to limited effectiveness, generation of harmful by-products, high energy consumption, and inability to continuously operate safely in indoor environments, particularly failing to efficiently generate and utilize hydroxyl radicals for broad pollutant removal.
Innovation Solution
A device that generates hydroxyl radicals and other radicals by recirculating the mixture of ozone and a reactant through a conversion unit and mixing vessel, ensuring complete reaction and minimizing ozone and reactant release, with independent and replaceable components for adaptability and low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If filtration systems are used to remove pollutants, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but the system has high cost and limited effectiveness on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter from physical filtration to chemical oxidation by generating hydroxyl radicals through ozone decomposition. This allows the system to treat both air and surfaces simultaneously without the limitations of filter pore sizes or replacement costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical filtration system with a chemical reaction system that generates hydroxyl radicals. Instead of physically trapping particles, the system uses reactive oxygen species to decompose and neutralize pollutants, including those on surfaces that filters cannot reach
2Quantity of substance
If ion generators are used to increase ion charge in air, then air treatment is provided, but harmful by-products like ozone are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful ozone by-product into a beneficial intermediate that decomposes to generate hydroxyl radicals. The ozone is not released as a pollutant but is used as a reactant that decomposes under UV irradiation or catalysis to produce the desired hydroxyl radicals for pollutant degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical parameter by controlling ozone concentration and decomposition conditions to favor hydroxyl radical generation over ozone accumulation. Through controlled UV irradiation or catalytic decomposition, the system transforms ozone from a harmful by-product into a precursor for beneficial hydroxyl radicals
3Quantity of substance
If photocatalysis oxidation is used to generate hydroxyl radicals, then radical generation is achieved, but very low quantities are produced with high dependence on humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces ozone as an intermediary substance that enhances hydroxyl radical generation. The ozone acts as a mediator that, when decomposed under UV irradiation or catalysis, produces hydroxyl radicals more efficiently than direct photocatalysis alone, reducing dependence on ambient humidity conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical environment by introducing ozone and controlling its decomposition through UV irradiation or catalysis. This creates a more controlled and efficient hydroxyl radical generation process that is less dependent on ambient humidity compared to conventional photocatalysis
4Reliability
If conventional sterilization systems are used, then some pollutants are removed, but energy consumption is high and continuous operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous operation by using a sustainable cycle where ozone is generated, decomposed to produce hydroxyl radicals, and the process continues without interruption. The system can operate continuously to maintain indoor air quality without the energy-intensive interruptions of conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameter by using low-energy UV LEDs or ambient light to drive ozone decomposition rather than high-energy conventional sterilization methods. This allows continuous operation at low energy consumption while maintaining effective hydroxyl radical generation for pollutant removal
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 device effectively reduces microbiological and chemical pollutants with minimal ozone and reactant emission, providing superior air and surface sterilization with low energy consumption and adaptability to various applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conversion unit, suitable for generating said hydroxyl radicals from said substance
Implementation Method 2
the generation of hydroxyl radicals produced by such equipment is inefficient... from the ozonolysis of hydrogen peroxide and terpenes
Implementation Method 3
the air inlet and outlet duct of the device comprises a mixing vessel before the air outlet of the device
Implementation Method 4
do not take the amount of time into account to make a complete mixture of both substances, reactant and oxidant
Implementation Method 5
a base comprising a power supply, a fan, an air inlet and outlet duct of the device
Implementation Method 6
The device, for generating hydroxyl radicals of the present invention also allows the generation of other radicals, such as the hydroperoxyl radical (•HO 2 ), and of negative and/or positive ions
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
This invention refers to a device for generating hydroxyl radicals comprising: a) at least one container suitable for containing a substance from which hydroxyl radicals are generated; b) at least one conversion unit suitable for generating hydroxyl radicals from that substance; c)_a fluid conduction system that allows air to be recirculated inside the device in such a way that part of the air with a mixture of radicals circulates several times before going outside and d) a base comprising a power supply, a fan, an air inlet and outlet duct from the device, means for electrically supplying the various components of the device and a controller; in which the air inlet and air outlet duct include a mixing vessel before the air outlet of the device, characterised in that these vessel and conversion unit are independent of each other and can be independently removed from the base.