UV Light Source with Combined Ionization and Excimer Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV light disinfection methods, such as mercury-containing gas discharge lamps, are effective but only temporarily damage microbial DNA, allowing microbes to recover quickly, and require complex and costly equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device with two groups of plasma chambers, one using mercury-containing gases for efficient UV light emission at 254 nm and the other using excimers for shorter wavelength UV light, combining to achieve lasting disinfection by targeting both microbial DNA and organic matter with reduced equipment and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional mercury-containing gas discharge lamps are used for UV disinfection, then high efficiency UV light generation at 254 nm is achieved, but the disinfection effect is only temporary as microbes can recover quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the plasma chambers into two distinct groups: first group chambers filled with mercury-containing gases for 254 nm UV generation, and second group chambers filled with excimer-forming gases for shorter wavelength UV generation. This segmentation allows each group to specialize in one disinfection mechanism while working together for comprehensive disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines two different UV light generation mechanisms (mercury gas discharge and excimer formation) into a single integrated device with multiple plasma chambers. The first group of plasma chambers generates 254 nm UV light while the second group generates shorter wavelength UV light, and both are directed at the microbes simultaneously to achieve synergistic disinfection效果.
2Reliability
If multiple types of plasma chambers are combined for comprehensive disinfection, then lasting disinfection effect is achieved by attacking both DNA and organic matter, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a universal excitation approach where microwave generators can excite gases in both first group and second group plasma chambers to produce electrical discharge and UV light. This multi-functionality allows a single type of excitation source to serve multiple chamber types, reducing overall system complexity despite the diverse disinfection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure allows for shared components between the two groups of plasma chambers. For example, microwave generators and other system components can be used by both groups, reducing redundant equipment and lowering manufacturing and operating costs while maintaining the advanced dual-mechanism disinfection capability.
3Temperature
If first group plasma chambers are cooled by waste water for thermal management, then operating temperature is controlled, but UV light generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the thermal management approach by positioning the first group of plasma chambers at a distance from the waste water flow path, preventing direct cooling. This spatial segmentation allows the first group chambers to maintain higher operating temperatures optimal for mercury gas discharge efficiency, while the second group chambers can be positioned for direct cooling if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal insulation structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the waste water and the first group of plasma chambers. This insulation layer blocks the cooling effect from reaching the first group chambers, allowing them to maintain their optimal temperature for UV generation while the waste water can still be used for cooling the second group chambers or for the overall thermal management of the system.
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 combined UV light emission from the device achieves a long-lasting and enhanced disinfection effect by simultaneously attacking microbial DNA and organic matter, improving efficiency and reducing costs through shared components and optimized thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The first group of plasma chambers is filled with a gas or gas mixture containing mercury, from which UV light can be generated via ionization with a wavelength of about 254 nm
Implementation Method 2
The second group of plasma chambers is filled with a gas or gas mixture in which excimers can be formed upon excitation, from which UV light with a shorter wavelength can be generated
Implementation Method 3
the microwave generators can excite the gases in both groups of plasma chambers to produce an electrical discharge
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for producing UV light. Said device provides light from light sources that operate in accordance with different physical principles. The device comprises a chamber having several gas-filled plasma chambers (11, 12), wherein the chamber has at least one area (37, 39) transparent to UV light and/or VUV light. A first group (11) of plasma chambers is filled with an ionizable gas containing mercury and a second group (12) of plasma chambers is filled with a gas that forms excimers when suitably excited.