In-Duct Reactive Oxygen Air Sanitization With Ozone Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems contribute to the spread of pathogens due to increased micro-organisms in air, and existing ozone-based air purification methods either fail to efficiently sanitize air or increase oxygen levels, which can be detrimental to perishable products.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus mounted in an air duct generates reactive oxygen species from ambient air using a reaction unit, which includes a power supply for corona discharge and an ultraviolet light source to control ozone levels, ensuring effective sanitization while maintaining stable oxygen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ozone is generated from concentrated oxygen source, then bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effect is achieved, but oxygen levels in the enclosure increase which is detrimental to perishable products
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the source parameter of oxygen generation from concentrated external oxygen to ambient air oxygen, thereby maintaining sanitization effectiveness through ozone generation while preventing oxygen level accumulation that harms perishable products
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses oxygen already present in the enclosed space's ambient air for ozone generation, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding the need for external oxygen supply that would increase oxygen levels and harm perishable products
2Reliability
If high initial levels of ozone are applied, then desired bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal effect is produced, but harmful effects occur to products being treated or to humans in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies ozone in periodic cycles with high initial levels for sanitization followed by reduction to safe levels, achieving effective bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effects while minimizing harmful impacts on products and human health
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors ozone levels and adjusts generation accordingly, reducing ozone output when safe levels are achieved to prevent harmful effects on products and humans while maintaining sanitization effectiveness
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 apparatus efficiently sanitizes air by generating reactive oxygen species that neutralize contaminants without increasing oxygen levels, providing a bacteriostatic and fungicidal effect while preserving perishable products and maintaining a healthy environment.
Implementation Method 1
a first unit (260) configured to generate reactive oxygen species from oxygen in air received through the intake port (12)
Implementation Method 2
a second unit (270) configured to generate reactive oxygen species from oxygen in air received through the intake port (12)
Implementation Method 3
The oxidative character of the ozone has a bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect in the short term, followed by a bacteriocidal and fungicidal effect
Data Source
AI summary
An in-duct apparatus for sanitizing air includes a reaction unit, configured to be mounted in an air duct, for generating reactive oxygen species from oxygen in air received in the reaction unit to be sanitized. Airborne contaminants in the received air are substantially neutralized by the generated reactive oxygen species before the air is discharged from the reaction unit.