Electrolytic Ozone Disinfection for Refrigerated Spaces With Safe Reentry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ozone-based disinfection systems for refrigerated environments lack flexibility, safety controls, and modular adaptability, leading to ineffective sanitation, unsafe ozone levels, and cumbersome maintenance, particularly in intermittently occupied spaces and environments without plumbed water access.
Innovation Solution
A modular ozone-based disinfection system with an electrolytic ozone generator, air circulation subsystem, and titanium dioxide-coated surfaces for ozone neutralization, enabling dynamic operation modes and comprehensive hygiene through gaseous and aqueous ozone delivery, integrated with sensor-controlled airflow and replaceable water cartridges for safe, adaptable disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ozone-based disinfection systems are used in refrigerated environments, then disinfection function is provided, but safety controls are insufficient and ozone levels may exceed safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
A catalytic converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the ozone generator and the refrigerated space. This converter uses platinum or palladium catalysts to convert excess ozone into oxygen, ensuring that only safe ozone levels enter the storage space while maintaining effective disinfection
Solution Approach 2:
Ozone sensors are installed to continuously monitor ozone levels in the refrigerated space and provide feedback to the control system. When ozone levels approach safety limits, the system automatically reduces generator output or activates the catalytic converter to maintain safe operating levels
2Reliability
If conventional ozone systems are used in intermittently occupied spaces, then disinfection is provided, but safety controls for reentry are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Ozone sensors continuously monitor the space and provide real-time feedback to the control system. The system automatically adjusts ozone generation based on occupancy status, reducing or stopping ozone production when the space is unoccupied to ensure safe reentry conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic converter is pre-installed and ready to immediately convert excess ozone into oxygen when the space becomes unoccupied, providing preliminary safety preparation before human reentry occurs
3Reliability
If conventional ozone systems are used without plumbed water access, then air disinfection is provided, but waterline disinfection cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both air and water disinfection. It includes a portable water reservoir and pumping system that can be deployed in locations without plumbed water access, enabling comprehensive disinfection of both air and waterlines through a single integrated system
4Reliability
If conventional closed non-modular ozone systems are used, then air treatment is provided, but flexibility and adaptability to different environments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modular components including a portable ozone generator, catalytic converter, water reservoir, and sensor array. These modules can be independently configured and positioned to suit different installation environments, providing flexibility while maintaining reliable air treatment function
5Reliability
If conventional ozone systems operate continuously, then disinfection is maintained, but residual ozone accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The ozone generator activates during designated disinfection periods, then pauses or reduces output during reentry periods. The catalytic converter continuously operates during reentry phases to rapidly convert any residual ozone into oxygen, preventing accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic converter acts as a continuous intermediary that processes residual ozone throughout operation, converting it to oxygen during both disinfection and reentry phases to prevent harmful accumulation while maintaining sanitation 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 system ensures safe, comprehensive disinfection and purification in refrigerated spaces by maintaining ozone levels within safety limits, supporting intermittent occupancy, and facilitating easy maintenance and deployment across various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolytic ozone generator configured to produce gaseous ozone from water
Implementation Method 2
a titanium dioxide-coated surface to reduce residual ozone concentration to levels compliant with human exposure safety limits
Implementation Method 3
an air circulation subsystem to deliver oxidizing airflow within a refrigerated space
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for treating air and water in refrigerated spaces using ozone-based disinfection. The system includes an electrolytic ozone generator configured to produce gaseous ozone from water and an air circulation subsystem to create an oxidizing airflow within a housing. The airflow is directed across a titanium dioxide-coated surface to reduce ozone concentration before reentry into the refrigerated space. A controller manages disinfection and purification modes, enabling safe air treatment in environments such as ice machines, walk-in refrigerators, and consumer appliances. In some embodiments, aqueous ozone is also routed to ice makers or water dispensers for waterline disinfection. Optional features include manganese dioxide treatment modules for hydroxyl radical generation, automated door locking during disinfection, and ozone sensors for safety compliance. The invention enables programmable, sensor-driven, and safe disinfection cycles without requiring external ozone emission, supporting food safety and occupant protection.