Photocatalytic Air Purifier with UV-Selective Double Glazing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air purification methods in confined spaces are inefficient in removing low molecular gaseous pollutants and transfer pollutants rather than decomposing them, and existing photocatalytic systems suffer from reduced cleaning efficiency due to limitations in ultraviolet light transmission and material degradation.

Innovation Solution

A solar radiation-activated photocatalytic pollutant decomposition device with a double-glazed structure using a low Fe2O3 glass for high ultraviolet transmittance on the outer pane and standard or high Fe2O3 glass for ultraviolet absorption on the inner pane, incorporating a photocatalyst film in the air gap for enhanced pollutant decomposition, while maintaining optical properties and preventing interior degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional photocatalytic systems use standard glass, then ultraviolet light is absorbed protecting the interior, but cleaning efficiency is reduced due to insufficient UV transmission to the photocatalyst

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidinterior degradation from UV

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The window is divided into two separate panes with distinct functions: the outer pane uses low Fe2O3 glass to maximize UV transmission for photocatalytic activation, while the inner pane uses high Fe2O3 glass to absorb UV and protect the interior. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the window system are assigned different material properties: the outer pane has high UV transmittance (low Fe2O3) to enable photocatalysis, while the inner pane has low UV transmittance (high Fe2O3) to provide UV protection. Each location is optimized for its specific role in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If filtration or adsorption methods are used, then solid particles are removed, but low molecular gaseous pollutants remain and cleaning surfaces become saturated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant removal efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning surface lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical filtration and adsorption systems with a photocatalytic chemical decomposition system. Instead of physically trapping pollutants on surfaces that become saturated, UV-activated photocatalysts decompose gaseous pollutants into harmless substances, enabling continuous operation without saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The photocatalytic process generates highly reactive oxygen species and free radicals under UV irradiation that aggressively decompose organic pollutants and gaseous contaminants. This oxidative decomposition is far more effective at handling low molecular gaseous pollutants than conventional filtration or adsorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If high Fe2O3 glass is used throughout, then interior is protected from UV degradation, but photocatalytic activity is insufficient due to blocked ultraviolet radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior protection from UVVSAvoidphotocatalytic reaction rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Significantly increases air cleaning efficiency by maximizing ultraviolet irradiation for photocatalytic activity while preserving optical properties and preventing interior degradation, achieving higher reaction rates and improved pollutant decomposition.

Implementation Method 1

Pollutants that are adsorbed on the photocatalytic surface are then decomposed into harmless, odorless, and less toxic compounds. The process of photocatalysis is well known in the art... One well-known photocatalyst is titanium dioxide (TiO2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Solar irradiation contains ultraviolet radiation, whereby it may be used as irradiation source in a photocatalytic air cleaning system... outer transparent sheet which, together with the inner transparent sheet, forms an air gap... wherein the outer transparent sheet is characterized by a high degree of transmittance for light in the ultraviolet spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet transmittance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

inner transparent sheet... wherein the inner transparent sheet is characterized by a low degree of transmittance for light in the ultraviolet spectrum... preventing interior degradation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7731915B2Pollutant decomposition device

Publication Date: 2010.06.08 CHROMOGENICS AB

AI summary

Pollutant decomposition device, including at least one outer transparent sheet and at least one inner transparent sheet being arranged such that a gap is formed between them and such that the gap is in communication with a surrounding gaseous composition on one side of the device such that the gaseous composition can pass through the gap. The device further including a photocatalyst arranged in the gap for depolluting the gaseous composition that pass through the gap. To obtain optimum decomposition efficiency the outer transparent sheet has a high degree of ultraviolet transmittance compared with the inner transparent sheet.