Modular Hydroxyl Radical Generation for Safe Ozone Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection systems for air and water treatment lack flexibility, safety features, and smart control technologies, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly in dynamic and occupied environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular ozone-based disinfection system that generates hydroxyl radicals using a high-temperature catalyst module, incorporates a titanium dioxide-coated surface for ozone reduction, and uses a replaceable water cartridge with a controller for intelligent operation and safety interlocks, enabling adaptable and safe disinfection across various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional disinfection systems are designed as closed non-modular units with fixed configurations, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to varying installation environments and operational requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules including an air handling module, water purification module, electrolytic ozone generation module, hydroxyl radical conversion module, oxidant conditioning module, and safety interlock module. Each module can be independently configured, installed, and maintained, allowing the system to adapt to various installation environments while maintaining stable operation of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables a single system platform to serve multiple functions across different environments. The same core modules can be configured for air treatment, refrigerated space disinfection, water purification, or combination applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and providing universal adaptability.
2Productivity
If ozone is generated continuously in refrigerated spaces, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety for human exposure deteriorates due to accumulation of ozone to unsafe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic disinfection cycles where ozone generation is activated during unoccupied periods to achieve effective disinfection, followed by purification cycles that reduce ozone levels before reentry. This periodic operation pattern maintains disinfection effectiveness while ensuring human safety during occupied periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydroxyl radical catalyst module acts as an intermediary that converts accumulated ozone into hydroxyl radicals and other breakdown products. This intermediate conversion process reduces ozone concentrations to safe levels while maintaining the disinfection benefits through hydroxyl radical activity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized devices are installed to achieve comprehensive sanitation coverage, then disinfection coverage is improved, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple disinfection functions (air treatment, water purification, surface disinfection) are merged into a single integrated modular system. The modules work together synergistically, with the ozone generation module serving multiple purposes and the hydroxyl radical conversion module enhancing disinfection across different media, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system provides universal sanitation coverage through configurable module combinations. The same core modules can be arranged to treat air, water, or both simultaneously, providing comprehensive sanitation coverage while maintaining a single unified system rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Ease of operation
If conventional systems operate without dynamic control mechanisms, then operational simplicity is improved, but safety and regulatory compliance deteriorate due to inability to transition between high-ozone and low-ozone modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that automatically transition between high-ozone disinfection mode and low-ozone purification mode based on operational requirements and safety parameters. The modular architecture allows flexible configuration of control logic that responds to environmental conditions, occupancy sensors, and timing parameters to maintain both simplicity and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through safety interlocks and sensors that monitor ozone levels, operational status, and environmental conditions. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts system operation to maintain safety compliance while preserving ease of use through automated decision-making rather than requiring complex manual control.
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 system provides safe, efficient, and adaptable ozone-based disinfection by converting ozone into hydroxyl radicals, ensuring safe oxidant levels and reducing residual ozone to comply with human exposure limits, while supporting modular deployment and intelligent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
heat ozone-containing air to a temperature sufficient to dissociate ozone and water vapor into reactive species
Implementation Method 2
high-temperature catalyst module is positioned along the airflow path to heat ozone-containing air
Implementation Method 3
titanium dioxide-coated surface for ozone reduction
Implementation Method 4
electrolytic ozone generator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to modular ozone-based disinfection systems that generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH) from ozone and water vapor using a high-temperature catalyst module. The system includes a purification configuration with an air inlet, air circulation subsystem, airflow path, and air outlet, along with a water supply configuration feeding purified water to an electrolytic ozone generator. A catalyst module, such as a PTC heating element, heats ozone-containing air to a hydroxyl radical generation temperature, while a downstream hydroxyl augmentation and ozone reduction module converts residual ozone and conditions the airflow for safe discharge. Embodiments may include a replaceable water cartridge, resin tank, multiple water source options, humidity and purity sensors, and a safety interlock connected to a controller. The modular design supports portable, fixed, or refrigerated installations, enabling on-demand hydroxyl radical production with integrated control, safety, and discharge verification for advanced air and surface disinfection.