Serial UV Fixture Wiring for Air Handling Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of installing UV light systems in air handling units due to the need for multiple self-contained units, which results in a maze of wires and suboptimal exposure of air to UV light energy, especially in large units with limited space.
Innovation Solution
The method involves strategically mounting and serially connecting multiple UV light fixtures with flexible electrical connections to a power source, allowing for efficient installation and optimal exposure of air to UV light energy using identical fixtures with flexible whips and press-fit connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple self-contained UV light units are used to treat air in large air handling units, then adequate UV light exposure is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to individual wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple UV light fixtures are merged into a single serially connected circuit, allowing them to be powered by a common power source rather than requiring individual wiring for each fixture. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining adequate UV light coverage throughout the air handling unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light fixtures are designed with universal electrical connectors that enable them to be serially connected in a daisy-chain configuration. This multi-functional connection system allows the fixtures to serve both as UV light sources and as electrical connection points for the series circuit.
2Reliability
If multiple self-contained UV light units are installed in large air handling units, then comprehensive air treatment is achieved, but wire management becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring for multiple UV fixtures is merged into a single serial circuit path, eliminating the need for separate wire runs from the power source to each fixture. This significantly simplifies wire management and reduces the overall amount of wiring required in the air handling unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard self-contained UV light units are used, then installation follows industry standards, but space utilization is suboptimal in limited volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light fixtures are designed with flexible mounting capabilities that allow them to be dynamically positioned and oriented within the air handling unit. This flexibility enables optimal space utilization while maintaining standard fixture designs and connection protocols.
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 approach simplifies the installation process by reducing the need for individual wiring and allows for customizable, efficient exposure of air to UV light, maximizing germicidal sanitation in air handling units.
Implementation Method 1
UV light units are commonly placed strategically within an air passage bounded by a housing on the air handling unit. The air advancing through the handling unit is caused to pass through the generated light, as an incident of which the targeted germs are deactivated or killed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating air passing through an air handling unit having a housing extending around an air handling space and a primary air treatment system that treats air as the air passes through the air handling unit between air inlet and outlet locations on the air handling unit. First and second fixtures are obtained, each having a housing and a UV light source. The first and second fixtures are strategically mounted to the air handling unit so that UV light from each of the UV light sources on the first and second fixtures treats air moving through the air handling unit with the UV light sources on the first and second fixtures energized. The first and second fixtures are serially electrically connected to a power source to thereby cause the UV light sources on the first and second fixtures to be energized through the power source.