Plasma Air Purifier Ozone Management via MnO2-CuO Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma air purifying apparatuses face challenges in maintaining effective air purification due to performance degradation of plasma discharge electrodes and limited removal of ozone (O3), a harmful gas generated during plasma discharge.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a plasma reaction unit with multiple plasma discharge modules, a catalytic filter unit with a manganese dioxide (MnO2) and copper oxide (CuO) compound catalytic agent, and an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation unit to promote ozone decomposition, along with a control unit to manage power supply and ensure continuous plasma generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If strong energy is continuously applied to the plasma discharge electrode to enhance air purification, then the sterilizing power and decomposition efficiency are improved, but the discharge electrode deteriorates and disappears causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternately operating multiple plasma discharge modules (first module ON while second module OFF, then switching). This allows the electrode to rest and recover during the OFF period, preventing continuous deterioration while maintaining continuous plasma generation through module switching, thus resolving the contradiction between high productivity and electrode reliability
2Productivity
If strong energy is applied to generate plasma for killing bacteria and viruses, then the sterilizing power is enhanced, but ozone (O3) is generated as a harmful side effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ozone generated by plasma discharge into beneficial oxygen through a catalytic converter containing manganese dioxide and copper oxide. The catalyst decomposes ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2), transforming the harmful side effect into a beneficial outcome, thus maintaining high sterilizing power while eliminating ozone harm
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic converter acts as an intermediary between the plasma discharge module and the discharged air. It intercepts and processes the harmful ozone generated by plasma, converting it to safe oxygen before release, thus resolving the contradiction between sterilizing effectiveness and harmful ozone generation
3Object-generated harmful factors
If activated carbon adsorbents are used to remove generated ozone, then some ozone removal is achieved, but the removal effect is limited and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the ozone removal mechanism from physical adsorption (activated carbon) to catalytic decomposition (manganese dioxide and copper oxide compound catalyst). This parameter change enables much higher ozone decomposition efficiency, completely resolving the limitation of activated carbon's weak removal effect
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 configuration extends the life of plasma discharge modules, enhances air purification performance, and effectively reduces ozone (O3) levels, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the air purifying process.
Implementation Method 1
when high energy is applied to oxygen, water vapor, and other molecules present in the air, they become in a plasma state where they are separated into a positive ion and a negative ion
Implementation Method 2
they become in a plasma state where they are separated into a positive ion and a negative ion
Implementation Method 3
The hydroxyl radical (OH radical) and active oxygen generated in this process combine with hydrogen ions (H+), which are the main components of bacteria and viruses, to destroy cell membranes
Implementation Method 4
a catalytic filter unit that communicates therewith to remove ozone (O3) inside
Implementation Method 5
an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation unit that rapidly promotes the ozone (O3) decomposition reaction of the catalytic filter unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for purifying indoor air using plasma. More specifically, the plasma air purifying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plasma discharge module that generates plasma to remove microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses and various harmful substances contained in the sucked air, a catalytic filter unit that removes residual ozone (O3) remaining after a chemical reaction by plasma, an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation unit that rapidly promotes the ozone (O3) decomposition reaction of the catalytic filter unit, an ozone sensor unit that detects the concentration of ozone (O3) generated by plasma, a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the plasma discharge module, and a control unit that controls the power supply of the power supply unit.