Modular Green Wall with Micro-Bubble Ventilation for VOC Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air pollution control systems fail to effectively eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor environments, posing health risks and fire hazards, and existing green wall structures do not provide adequate air purification.
Innovation Solution
A modular, self-supporting green wall system incorporating modules with substrates enriched with aerobic bacteria and fungi, which digest VOCs through a dual symbiosis process, utilizing micro-bubble ventilation to enhance pollutant degradation and minimize substrate exposure, while allowing for adjustable and aesthetic installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microorganisms are used in substrate to digest VOCs, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but substrate exposure to outside increases risk of contamination and pathogen spread
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is configured with controlled porosity to allow air circulation for VOC degradation while restricting pathogen escape. The porous structure enables selective permeability where gases can pass through but larger biological contaminants are retained within the substrate matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective barrier layer is introduced between the substrate and external environment. This intermediary layer allows air exchange for microbial activity while preventing direct contact between substrate microorganisms and external contaminants, thus mediating between purification needs and contamination risks.
2Ease of manufacture
If green wall structure is used for air purification, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but air circulation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The green wall is divided into modular segments with integrated ventilation channels. Each module contains internal air circulation pathways that maintain aesthetic appearance from external view while ensuring efficient air flow through the substrate for VOC degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
Air circulation is optimized by creating three-dimensional flow pathways within the wall structure rather than relying on surface-level ventilation. Internal channels and cavities are designed to maximize air contact with substrate microorganisms while maintaining the external aesthetic appearance of the green wall.
3Productivity
If substrate is enriched with organic compounds, then microorganism activity is improved, but fire hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate composition is modified by using treated or processed organic materials with reduced flammability. Physical or chemical treatment parameters are changed to maintain nutritional value for microorganisms while reducing combustible properties, thus lowering fire hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
Fire-resistant alternative substrates or additives are introduced that may have shorter operational lifespan but provide enhanced safety. These materials are designed to resist ignition and combustion, sacrificing long-term durability for immediate fire safety protection.
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 efficiently recycles VOCs into organic matter for plant growth, providing a flexible, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective solution for large-scale air purification, reducing health risks and fire hazards while minimizing water consumption and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
substrates enriched with organic compounds, ventilated by air polluted with VOCs
Implementation Method 2
substrates enriched with organic compounds, ventilated by air polluted with VOCs
Implementation Method 3
a hose configured to generate micro-bubbles of moist polluted air so as to ventilate the ventilated area
Implementation Method 4
The system efficiently recycles VOCs into organic matter for plant growth
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention proposes an air pollution control device, comprising: - at least one module (10) for growing plants, each module comprising at least one wall (1) adapted to be fixed to a vertical wall (50), and an internal cavity (36), - a circuit for irrigating the substrate (9) suitable for conveying water into the internal cavity (36) of the module (10), - a ventilation circuit (29) for the substrate suitable for taking polluted air from a source of polluted air and for conveying the polluted air into the internal cavity (36) of the module (10), and - a supply duct (3) extending into the cavity (36) of a module (10) by opening into said cavity through at least one orifice, defining around said orifice a so-called ventilated zone (V) while the rest of the cavity is a so-called neutral zone (N), said supply conduit being common to the irrigation circuit and to the ventilation circuit. The supply duct (3) of the air pollution control device is also configured to generate micro-bubbles of polluted air so as to ventilate the ventilated zone.