Self-power air refresher system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air purifiers require external power and are not effective in outdoor environments, limiting their ability to alleviate air pollution issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-power air refresher system combining a fan, filter, and a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) that generates power from plant-microorganism interactions, eliminating the need for an external power supply and using this power to operate the fan and filter air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external power supply is used for air purifier, then air purification function can be achieved, but device cannot be applied in outdoor areas without power access
Solution Approach 1:
The air purifier system generates its own power through a plant-microbe fuel cell that converts chemical energy from plant-microbe interactions into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power supply and enabling deployment in outdoor areas without power access
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from external electrical power to internal chemical energy conversion, allowing the device to operate in environments previously inaccessible due to power requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional air purifier with external power is used, then air filtration can be performed, but cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-powered design eliminates ongoing electricity costs and reduces maintenance burden by using natural plant-microbe metabolic processes to generate power, improving operational reliability in remote locations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fan and filter are used for air purification, then air can be cleaned, but device requires external power which limits outdoor application
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a plant-microbe fuel cell to convert chemical energy from plant-microbe interactions into electrical energy, providing self-sufficient power for the fan and filter operations without external power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the conventional electrical power source with a biological-electrical energy conversion system, where plant-microbe metabolic processes generate electricity to drive the mechanical fan and filtration components
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
Enables cost-effective and extensive air purification in outdoor areas without external power, improving convenience and reducing maintenance costs, suitable for applications like exterior walls and traffic islands.
Implementation Method 1
The plant is planted in the soil in the container and generates electrons by interaction between roots of the plant and the microorganisms near the roots. The first electrode and the second electrode collect the electrons to generate power
Implementation Method 2
The filter allows air introduced via the fan to pass therethrough. The air that has passed through the filter enters the soil of the PMFC, and is filtered by the plant
Implementation Method 3
The carbon materials include activated carbon or carbon granules. The filter includes an activated carbon layer
Data Source
AI summary
A self-power air refresher system includes an air refresher apparatus and a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC). The air refresher apparatus includes a fan, a filter located on an air-outlet path of the fan, and an energy storage device connected to the fan. The PMFC is disposed on the air-outlet path and includes soil contained in a container, a plant planted in the soil, and a first and second electrodes. The interaction between roots of the plant and microorganisms near the roots generates electrons, and the electrons are transmitted to the energy storage device through the first and second electrodes installed in the soil so as to enable the energy storage device to supply power to the fan. The air that has passed through the filter enters the soil of the PMFC, and is filtered by the plant and then discharged from the container.