Modular Air Conduit UV Treatment for Flexible Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems face inefficiencies in airflow management and sterilization due to fixed configurations, leading to suboptimal UV radiation exposure and energy consumption, as well as limitations in adapting to varying requirements and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular auxiliary device with adjustable air conditioning modules and control means that allow for individual module activation or deactivation, enabling flexible airflow management and UV radiation optimization, including the use of UV treatment chambers with adjustable airspeed and UV intensity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration air conditioning system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying requirements and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system is divided into multiple independent air conditioning modules that can be individually controlled. Each module can be activated or deactivated based on varying requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different conditions without requiring complete system redesign. The modules are connected in parallel within the air conduit, enabling flexible configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic configuration where air conditioning modules can be individually activated or deactivated. The control means enables real-time adjustment of module operation states, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to changing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If all air conditioning modules are always active, then the airflow coverage is maximized, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping all air conditioning modules active continuously, the system activates only the necessary number of modules based on current requirements. The control means determines the optimal subset of modules to operate, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient airflow coverage. This partial action approach avoids the excess energy consumption of full system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means periodically assesses system requirements and adjusts the activation state of air conditioning modules accordingly. Modules are activated or deactivated in response to changing conditions, creating a periodic adjustment pattern that optimizes the balance between airflow coverage and energy consumption rather than maintaining a static all-on or all-off state.
3Reliability
If the airflow speed through UV treatment chamber is increased, then the sterilization efficiency is improved, but the UV lamp lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates only enough air conditioning modules to provide adequate sterilization efficiency without excessively increasing airflow speed through the UV treatment chamber. The control means calculates the minimum necessary module activation to achieve required sterilization while avoiding excessive airflow that would reduce UV lamp lifespan. This partial action maintains effective sterilization without the harmful excessive effects on lamp durability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air conditioning modules are used, then the adaptability and control flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air conditioning modules are designed with identical or similar functionalities, allowing them to be controlled uniformly through a single control means. This universal design approach provides control flexibility and adaptability while avoiding the complexity that would arise from managing diverse, non-uniform modules. Each module serves the same air conditioning function, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 modular approach ensures efficient airflow control, extended UV lamp lifespan, reduced energy consumption, and effective sterilization across varying conditions, while allowing for easy adaptation to changing requirements and easy integration into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a UV treatment chamber which is received in this housing and through which the whole partial flow flows, in which UV treatment chamber a UV radiation source is accommodated for the purpose of exposing the partial flow to UV radiation in order to kill micro-organisms present in this partial flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An auxiliary device is intended and adapted to be accommodated in an air conduit forming part of an air conditioning device, to which air conduit first flow means, such as a fan, are connected for the purpose of bringing about a main airflow through the air conduit such that the whole main airflow flows through the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device has an arrangement of a number of air conditioning modules which in an active state of the relevant air conditioning module, each allow passage of a partial flow of the airflow and together allow passage of the whole main flow. Control means adjust each of the air conditioning modules between an active state, in which passage of the relevant partial flow is allowed, and a passive state in which the partial flow substantially amounts to zero or flows in opposite direction.