Photocatalyst filter and air conditioner including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers using photocatalyst materials struggle to balance air purification efficiency with energy consumption, as they require multiple light sources to enhance photocatalyst reactions, leading to increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A photocatalyst filter with light reflecting structures, including a base with permeable internal spaces and photocatalyst beads coated with reflective materials, enhances light efficiency by reflecting light within the filter, reducing the need for multiple light sources and minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple light sources are increased to enhance photocatalyst reactions, then air purification effect is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light-reflective resin layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the light source and photocatalyst beads. This reflective layer redirects and concentrates light onto the photocatalyst surface, enhancing reaction efficiency without requiring additional light sources, thereby maintaining air purification performance while reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the filter structure by incorporating materials with specific light-reflective properties. The light-reflective resin layer modifies light distribution patterns, increasing light intensity on photocatalyst surfaces and improving reaction efficiency without increasing energy input
2Productivity
If photocatalyst materials are used for deodorization and sterilization, then air purification function is improved, but filter durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials combining photocatalyst particles (titanium dioxide) with a light-reflective resin matrix. This composite structure protects the photocatalyst particles from degradation while maintaining their photoactivity, thereby improving filter durability without compromising air purification, deodorization, and sterilization functions
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 photocatalyst filter achieves improved air purification while reducing energy consumption by increasing light efficiency through reflective structures, allowing for effective sterilization and odor removal with optimized light utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a light-reflective resin layer is formed on the inner surface of the filter element
Implementation Method 2
titanium dioxide generates radicals when irradiated with infrared light, and may thereby sterilize microorganisms and decompose odor-causing particles by the strong oxidizing power of such radicals
Implementation Method 3
titanium dioxide generates radicals when irradiated with infrared light, and may thereby sterilize microorganisms and decompose odor-causing particles by the strong oxidizing power of such radicals
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of photocatalyst beads may include photocatalyst materials and adsorbents. The adsorbent may be at least one of activated carbon and zeolite
Data Source
AI summary
A photocatalyst filter is provided. The photocatalyst filter includes: a base in which an internal space is formed. The internal space is permeable to fluid, and a plurality of photocatalyst beads are provided in the internal space, wherein a surface of the internal space is reflective.