UV Reactor Light Pipe for Low-Loss Disinfection Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV reactors face inefficiencies in extracting UV light from light sources like LEDs, leading to low utilization of UV output and significant heat generation due to high current operation.
Innovation Solution
A UV reactor design featuring a light pipe that extends into the disinfection chamber, with a UV reflective central section and a distal end for efficient light transmission, coupled with a UV LED to minimize light loss and heat generation by using materials like sapphire and PTFE for heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If UV LEDs are operated at higher currents to compensate for inefficient light extraction, then UV output flux is increased, but heat generation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A heat sink is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV LED and the surrounding environment. The heat sink provides a dedicated thermal pathway to dissipate heat generated by the LED, allowing the LED to operate at higher currents for increased UV output without excessive temperature rise. This separates the optical function (UV generation) from the thermal management function (heat dissipation).
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the UV LED are optimized by adjusting the current through the LED while managing heat dissipation via the heat sink. By controlling the electrical parameters (current) and thermal parameters (heat sink efficiency), the system achieves efficient UV light extraction and delivery while preventing overheating.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional UV light sources are used, then UV radiation can be generated, but UV light extraction efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary optical component between the UV LED and the disinfection chamber. The light guide is designed to efficiently extract and transmit UV light from the LED, directing it into the chamber where it can effectively disinfect the fluid. This improves UV light extraction efficiency by providing an optimized optical pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional direct-exposure UV lighting arrangements with a more sophisticated optical system involving light guides and reflective surfaces. This substitution of the simple mechanical lighting arrangement with an optimized optical system improves UV light extraction and delivery efficiency.
3Reliability
If UV LEDs are used directly in the disinfection chamber, then UV disinfection can be achieved, but light loss increases and heat dissipation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the UV LED module, the light guide, the heat sink, and the disinfection chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the LED for efficient UV generation, the light guide for optimal light transmission, the heat sink for effective thermal management, and the chamber for effective disinfection. This modular approach reduces overall energy loss and improves reliability.
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
Enhances UV light delivery efficiency while keeping LEDs cool, reducing heat-related issues and costs associated with traditional heat sinks, thus improving fluid disinfection effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes an ultraviolent (UV) light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
a liquid can be exposed to UV radiation to neutralize microorganisms and deleterious pathogens that may be present in the liquid
Implementation Method 3
The light pipe includes a central section disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The central section is configured to transmit the UV light from the one or more of the UV LEDs to the distal end
Implementation Method 4
The inner surface of the central section wall may have, or may be formed from, a UV reflective material
Implementation Method 5
Exposure to certain wavelengths of light can disrupt the DNA of many cellular microorganisms - virtually destroying them or rendering them substantially harmless
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A fluid treatment system includes a reactor chamber fluidly coupled with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The reactor chamber is defined by one or more chamber walls. The system includes a UV LED, and a light pipe. The light pipe extends into the reactor chamber through at least one of the chamber walls. The light pipe has a proximal end disposed outside of the reactor chamber. The proximal end is coupled with the UV LED to transmit UV light into the reactor chamber through the light pipe. To that end, the light pipe also has a distal end, opposite the proximal end, that is disposed within an interior volume of the reactor chamber. The light pipe includes a central section disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The central section is configured to transmit the UV light from UV LED to the distal end.