Hydroxyl Radical Generator with Recirculation to Reduce Ozone Release
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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 without harming health, particularly in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A device that generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and other radicals, such as hydroperoxyl radicals (•HO2), and ions, utilizing a recirculation system with a mixing vessel to ensure complete reaction of ozone and reactants, reducing ozone and reactant release into the air, and allowing independent replacement of components for cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filtration systems are used to remove pollutants, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but the system cannot effectively treat surfaces and has high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter from physical filtration to chemical oxidation by generating hydroxyl radicals through UV irradiation of hydrogen peroxide. This allows the system to treat both airborne particles and surface contaminants uniformly through oxidation reactions, overcoming the limitation of filtration systems that cannot effectively treat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical filtration system with a photochemical system that generates hydroxyl radicals. Instead of physically trapping particles, the system uses chemical oxidation to degrade contaminants, enabling treatment of both air and surfaces without the limitations of mechanical filters.
2Productivity
If ion generators are used to charge particles, then air treatment is achieved, but harmful by-products such as ozone and allergens are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses UV light, which can be harmful in high doses, but applies it at controlled wavelengths (254 nm) to specifically generate hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide. This converts the potentially harmful UV radiation into a beneficial chemical oxidant that destroys contaminants without generating harmful by-products like ozone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from electrical charging (ion generation) to photochemical oxidation. By using UV irradiation of hydrogen peroxide, the system generates hydroxyl radicals that oxidize contaminants without producing harmful by-products, eliminating the ozone generation problem associated with ion generators.
3Reliability
If photocatalysis oxidation is used on TiO2 surfaces, then surface sterilization is achieved, but the system requires all air to pass through the device and has limited effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal treatment system where hydroxyl radicals generated in the air can treat both airborne contaminants and surface contaminants. The radicals diffuse to surfaces and continue oxidizing contaminants, eliminating the need for specialized surface treatment and simplifying the air flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces hydrogen peroxide as an intermediary substance that, when irradiated by UV light, generates hydroxyl radicals. These radicals act as intermediaries that can treat both air and surfaces, bridging the gap between air treatment and surface sterilization functions.
4Productivity
If conventional sterilization systems are used, then contaminant removal is achieved, but energy consumption is high and continuous operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a self-sustaining system where hydroxyl radicals are continuously generated from hydrogen peroxide and UV light. The system operates passively once set up, with the chemical reaction continuously producing oxidants without requiring additional energy input, enabling indefinite continuous operation at low energy consumption.
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 sterilizes both air and surfaces with low energy consumption, minimizing ozone and reactant release, and achieving higher contaminant removal efficiency compared to existing methods, as demonstrated by reduced microbiological and chemical pollutant loads in tests.
Implementation Method 1
The conversion unit is suitable for generating said hydroxyl radicals from said substance... The conversion unit may be an ozone generator, a generator of positive and/or negative ions, an ultraviolet light generator or an ultrasound generator
Implementation Method 2
The air inlet and outlet duct of the device comprises a mixing vessel before the air outlet of the device... suitable to allow air with the mixture of hydroxyl radicals to recirculate at least once inside the device
Implementation Method 3
The at least one container is suitable for containing a substance from which the hydroxyl radicals are generated... The conversion unit is suitable for generating said hydroxyl radicals from said substance
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating hydroxyl radicals having: 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 having 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, these vessel and conversion unit are independent of each other and can be independently removed from the base.