Angled UVGI Lamp Grid for HVAC Bioaerosol Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems are ineffective in eliminating bioaerosols and microorganisms due to their growth in ductwork and the inability to capture viruses and small bacteria, leading to health issues and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A modular germicidal light grid system positioned within a plenum, featuring elongate members and lamp assemblies with germicidal light sources angled to increase dwell time of contaminants in the UVGI zone, enhancing the kill rate of pathogens and microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HVAC filtration assemblies are used, then microorganisms can be filtered, but viruses and small bacteria are too small to be captured and growth occurs downstream of filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with a UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) system. Instead of relying on physical filters that cannot capture viruses and small bacteria, the system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize microorganisms in the air stream, effectively eliminating the limitation of filter capture effectiveness for sub-micron particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physical filtration parameters (filter pore size, MPPS) to radiative parameters (UVGI intensity, dwell time). By controlling the intensity and exposure time of ultraviolet irradiation, the system achieves effective sterilization of all microorganisms including viruses and small bacteria, regardless of their size.
2Reliability
If UVGI intensity is increased to improve kill rate, then pathogen elimination effectiveness increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UVGI at optimized intensity levels that provide sufficient pathogen elimination without excessive energy consumption. By calculating the required dwell time and selecting appropriate lamp configurations, the system achieves effective sterilization with minimal UVGI intensity, avoiding wasteful over-irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous UVGI irradiation in the HVAC air stream, ensuring constant pathogen elimination. This continuous action maintains effective sterilization over time without requiring intermittent high-intensity pulses, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable pathogen kill rates.
3Reliability
If dwell time is increased to improve kill rate, then microorganism sterilization effectiveness increases, but air flow path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions UVGI lamps in a configuration that creates a three-dimensional irradiation zone rather than relying solely on extended linear path length. By arranging lamps at strategic locations and angles, the system maximizes dwell time and sterilization effectiveness within a compact spatial footprint, avoiding excessive air flow path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dwell time parameter by controlling air flow velocity and UVGI intensity rather than excessively increasing path length. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective sterilization within a reasonable air flow path, balancing sterilization effectiveness with system compactness.
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 effectively increases the kill rate of pathogens and microorganisms by increasing dwell time within the UVGI zone, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks associated with bioaerosols.
Implementation Method 1
Microbes are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of light at wavelengths at or near 2537 Angstroms, due to the resonance of this wavelength with molecular structures. A quantum of energy of ultraviolet light at these wavelengths possesses an amount of energy sufficient to break organic molecular bonds, which damages the cellular structure of the microorganisms.
Implementation Method 2
A quantum of energy of ultraviolet light at these wavelengths possesses an amount of energy sufficient to break organic molecular bonds
Implementation Method 3
Microbes are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of light at wavelengths at or near 2537 Angstroms, due to the resonance of this wavelength with molecular structures
Data Source
AI summary
A modular germicidal light grid system for use inside an air treatment apparatus that has a plenum in which a stream of air is enclosed. The system comprises at least one elongate member and at least one lamp assembly. Each lamp assembly comprises a housing defining at least one socket and is mounted to one elongate member at a predetermined position. The system further comprises at least one linear germicidal light source. Each light source has a longitudinal axis and a distal end constructed and arranged to mount within one socket of the housing. The elongate member is mounted within the plenum and the lamp assembly is mounted to the elongate member such that the longitudinal axis of the light source extends therein the stream of air and is positioned at an acute light angle relative to the direction of flow of the stream of air.