Plasma Coil Electrostatic Precipitator for Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment technologies are inadequate for effectively removing airborne pathogens and pollutants from indoor environments, as they either require evacuation, clog air flow, or do not adequately inactivate pathogens captured by filter media.
Innovation Solution
A plasma coil electrostatic precipitator assembly that combines an electrostatic precipitator with a plasma generator to create an inactivation zone, where charged airborne particles are directed to be exposed to a low-power plasma discharge, effectively inactivating pathogens and pollutants without clogging or requiring evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical inactivation systems (ozone or hydrogen peroxide vaporizers) are used, then pathogen inactivation effectiveness is improved, but the system requires evacuation of indoor space and is disruptive to normal living circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical inactivation systems with a plasma-based system that uses electrical discharge to generate reactive species. The plasma generator creates a plasma field that inactivates pathogens without requiring chemical vaporization, thereby eliminating the need for space evacuation while maintaining inactivation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of the treatment medium from chemical vapors to plasma. By operating at atmospheric pressure with controlled power density (0.1-1.0 W/cm²), the system achieves pathogen inactivation through plasma-generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species without the disruptive effects of chemical systems
2Reliability
If UV radiation systems are used, then pathogen inactivation is achieved, but the system requires direct line-of-sight exposure and may not effectively treat all airborne pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma system generates highly reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that act as strong oxidants, similar to or exceeding the effectiveness of UV radiation. These reactive species can penetrate and inactivate pathogens regardless of line-of-sight constraints, as they are carried by air currents and can treat pathogens in shadowed or obscured areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium that carries plasma-generated reactive species throughout the treatment space. This allows indirect treatment of pathogens without requiring direct exposure to the plasma generator, enhancing coverage versatility while maintaining inactivation effectiveness
3Reliability
If filter media is used to capture pathogens, then particle removal is achieved, but the filter may act as an infection reservoir and affect air flow when clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the captured pathogens on the electrostatic precipitator surface from a harmful infection reservoir into a beneficial treatment target. The plasma discharge is directed at the precipitator surface to inactivate accumulated pathogens, transforming the potential hazard into an opportunity for enhanced pathogen destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the electrostatic precipitator particle capture function with plasma inactivation in a single integrated system. The electrostatic precipitator captures charged particles while the plasma generator simultaneously or subsequently inactivates the captured pathogens, eliminating the need for separate filtration and inactivation systems
4Reliability
If plasma discharge power density is increased, then pathogen inactivation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and potential harmful by-products increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using moderate power density (0.1-1.0 W/cm²) rather than excessive power levels. This optimized range provides sufficient reactive species generation for effective pathogen inactivation while avoiding the energy waste and harmful by-product formation associated with higher power densities
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control to monitor and adjust plasma discharge parameters. By detecting pathogen load and treatment effectiveness, the system optimizes power density in real-time, maintaining effective inactivation while minimizing energy consumption and harmful emissions
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 combination of electrostatic charging and plasma discharge efficiently traps and destroys airborne pathogens and pollutants, improving indoor air quality by ensuring prolonged exposure to the inactivation zone without disrupting air flow or requiring space evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic precipitator configured to charge airborne particles in the vicinity of the electrostatic precipitator to provide charged airborne particles
Implementation Method 2
a plasma generator configured to create an inactivation zone in the region of the plasma generator... expose the charged airborne particles to plasma in the inactivation zone
Implementation Method 3
a voltage applied between the electrostatic precipitator and the plasma generator such that the air treatment device is adapted to generate charged airborne particles and, at the same time, to direct the generated charged particles, by attracting said charged airborne particles towards the plasma generator, into the inactivation zone
Data Source
AI summary
Air treatment device comprising aplasma coil electrostatic precipitator assembly. The present invention relates to an air treatment device comprisinga plasma generatorelectrostatic precipitator assemblycomprising: an electrostatic precipitator configured to charge airborne particles in the vicinity of theelectrostaticprecipitatorto provide charged airborne particles; and a plasma generatorpositionedin proximity to the electrostatic precipitator and configured for cooperation with the electrostatic precipitator, the plasma generatorconfigured todischarge plasma and provide an inactivation zone in the region of the plasma generator operable to inactivatethe airborne particles; and wherein the air treatment device comprises means for directing the charged airborne particles generated by the electrostatic percipitator into the inactivation zone such that the air treatment device is adapted to generate charged airborne particles and then immediately, todirect the charged airborne particles into the inactivation zone so as to expose the charged airborne particles to plasmain the inactivation zone. (Figure 13)