System and method for air sterilisation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air purification systems that utilize negative ions do not effectively remove or inactivate aerosols and airborne pathogens, as simply increasing negative ion concentration does not improve adsorption or removal of impurities such as aerosols containing infectious agents, particulate matter, viruses, and bacteria.
Innovation Solution
An air purification system comprising an ionizer and a charge reduction stage, where aerosols and airborne particles are ionized and then attracted to a charge reduction device, resulting in partial discharge and inactivation or elimination, using electrodes with specific configurations and materials like silver, gold, or platinum, and potentially multiple ionization and charge reduction zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If negative ion concentration is increased, then air purification capability is improved, but aerosol and pathogen removal effectiveness remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air purification process into two distinct stages: a first ionization zone that generates negative ions to charge aerosols and particles, and a second charge reduction zone that neutralizes the charge to enable removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction by showing that mere ion concentration increase is insufficient without the subsequent charge reduction step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charge reduction stage as an intermediary mechanism between ionization and particle removal. This intermediary zone with reduced electrical potential acts as a mediator that converts charged aerosols into neutral or less charged particles, enabling effective removal by filters or gravitational settling, thereby solving the effectiveness problem.
2Reliability
If ionization zone is added, then particle charging is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the ionization zone and charge reduction zone are merged into a single airflow path system, and the charge reduction electrodes are integrated with the housing structure. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the necessary particle charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes serve multiple functions: they generate electrical fields for ionization, create charge reduction zones for neutralization, and can be configured in various patterns to handle different particle sizes and airflow rates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system structure.
3Reliability
If charge reduction stage is added, then aerosol removal is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge reduction stage uses partial neutralization rather than complete charge elimination, and the electrical potential is reduced to levels sufficient for aerosol removal without excessive energy input. This partial action approach achieves effective aerosol removal while minimizing energy consumption compared to complete charge neutralization or high-voltage continuous operation.
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 system achieves a significant or complete removal and inactivation of infectious aerosols, as demonstrated by 100% reduction of SARS-CoV-2 and Getah virus aerosols in laboratory testing, providing effective sterilization without the use of UV lights.
Implementation Method 1
the electrodes are charged to provide a corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
an ionizer creating a first air ionisation zone within which, in use, aerosols and/or airborne particles in incoming air are ionised become charged
Implementation Method 3
the charged aerosols and/or particles are attracted to the charge reduction stage and on contact with the charge reduction stage become at least partially discharged
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification system has an air inlet far and an air outlet, with a conduit between the air inlet and the air outlet. Disposed within the conduit in the direction of air flow, there is included at least one ionizer creating a first air ionisation zone within which, in use, aerosols and/or airborne particles in incoming air are ionised become charged. In the conduit there is further a charge reduction stage creating a first charge reduction zone that includes a charge reduction device located across a flow path of the airflow, terminating the air ionisation zone, such that the wherein as charged aerosols and/or particles pass therethrough, and in passing through the charge reduction stage the charged aerosols and/or particles are attracted to the charge reduction stage and on contact with the charge reduction stage become at least partially discharged.