Plasma and VHP Combined Sterilizer for Sealed Space Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection methods, including UV lamps, disinfectant spraying, and plasma technology, face limitations in effectively disinfecting indoor air and surfaces, particularly around COVID-19 patients, with UV lamps having limited air disinfection, spraying methods using large particles unsuitable for indoor use, and plasma disinfection requiring complex designs and short ion state reductions.
Innovation Solution
A fusion sterilizer using plasma and VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) that includes a housing with a discharge unit for generating plasma ions and controlling hydrogen peroxide vaporization, supported by filters and multiple plasma modules, allowing for dual disinfection modes and efficient air and surface disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV lamps are used for air disinfection, then air circulation disinfection is achieved, but disinfection effect is very limited in sealed indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines VHP (vaporized hydrogen peroxide) technology with plasma technology to create a hybrid disinfection system. The VHP component provides effective surface and air disinfection in sealed environments, while the plasma component generates reactive ions for comprehensive pathogen elimination, together overcoming the limitations of UV-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the disinfection mechanism from UV light-based air circulation to a dual-mode system using VHP vapor concentration and plasma ion generation. The control unit adjusts operational parameters to switch between VHP-dominated and plasma-dominated modes based on environmental conditions, achieving reliable disinfection in sealed spaces.
2Reliability
If disinfectant is sprayed for indoor air disinfection, then air and surface disinfection is achieved, but particles are too large to spread effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses VHP (vaporized hydrogen peroxide) which transitions hydrogen peroxide from liquid to vapor phase, creating fine aerosol particles that can effectively disperse in air and deposit on surfaces. This phase transition produces particles of optimal size for both air suspension and surface coverage without the wetting problems of liquid spray.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical spray systems with a vaporization-based delivery system. Instead of using pressurized spray nozzles that create large droplets, the system uses controlled heating to vaporize hydrogen peroxide, which then condenses into fine, evenly distributed particles that achieve better dispersion and coverage.
3Reliability
If plasma disinfection is used, then ion generation for disinfection is achieved, but complex design requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to manage multiple functions including VHP vaporization control, plasma generation control, humidity sensing, and operational mode switching. This centralized control architecture allows the system to perform both VHP disinfection and plasma disinfection, as well as hybrid operation, without requiring separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time humidity measurements from the humidity sensor. When humidity is low, the system prioritizes VHP vaporization; when humidity is high, it switches to or enhances plasma generation. This dynamic adaptation simplifies design by using environmental feedback to automatically optimize the disinfection approach.
4Reliability
If VHP is used for disinfection, then thorough disinfection is achieved, but residual disinfectant removal requires ventilation and time
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma component generates highly reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals and ozone that rapidly oxidize and decompose residual hydrogen peroxide and other disinfectant residues. This accelerated oxidation process breaks down chemical residues much faster than natural evaporation or ventilation alone, reducing the required ventilation time from hours to minutes.
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 fusion sterilizer achieves thorough disinfection of large spaces through VHP and plasma ion generation, effectively preventing COVID-19 spread and quickly removing residual disinfectants, with the ability to disinfect 1,500 ft² in 50 minutes and generate 70 million/cm³ plasma ions.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge unit installed at the top of the housing and discharging vaporized hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 2
plasma ions (OH—, 02-, H+, etc.) are combined with viruses by ionizing atmospheric humidity (H20 molecules) and oxygen molecules (02) through plasma discharge
Implementation Method 3
ionizing atmospheric humidity (H20 molecules) and oxygen molecules (02) through plasma discharge
Implementation Method 4
A suction fan installed on one side of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification relates to a plasma and VHP combined sterilizer comprising a housing. More particularly, the plasma and VHP combined sterilizer comprises: a discharge unit, which is provided at the upper end of a housing and discharges predetermined amount of vaporized hydrogen peroxide; a suction fan, which is provided at one side of the housing and suctions the outer air and discharged hydrogen peroxide; a plasma generation unit including a plurality of plasma modules for generating the outer air and hydrogen peroxide, which are suctioned through the suction fan, as plasma ions through plasma discharge; and a control unit for controlling the overall operation of the plasma and VHP combined sterilizer.