Vehicle AC Ionization Modules for In-Duct Air Sanitizing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems in vehicles fail to effectively sanitize the interior air from fungi, bacteria, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants, leading to compromised air quality and occupant health.
Innovation Solution
The equipment employs radiant catalytic ionization using a UVX lamp coated with noble metals, specifically titanium dioxide, to generate purifying plasma containing hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, which is applied through a compact two-module design for installation in vehicle air conditioning systems, effectively sanitizing the air and interior surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compact two-module design is used for the UVX lamp equipment, then the equipment can be installed at strategic points in the air conditioning system and improve portability, but the space for components is reduced and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment is divided into two distinct modules: a first module containing the UVX lamp and a second module containing the power supply and control components. This segmentation enables the UVX lamp module to be installed independently at strategic points within the air conditioning system, improving portability and flexibility while allowing separate installation and maintenance of each module.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiant catalytic ionization is used to generate purifying plasma, then fungal and bacterial contamination is significantly reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing air conditioning ventilation system to distribute the purifying plasma throughout the interior space. The plasma generation unit activates during normal AC operation, leveraging the existing airflow infrastructure to achieve widespread sanitation without requiring additional energy-intensive distribution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The UVX lamp operates at specific wavelength parameters that optimize catalytic ionization efficiency while minimizing energy consumption. The system adjusts operational parameters such as lamp intensity and duration based on detected contamination levels and environmental conditions, achieving effective pathogen reduction with optimized energy usage.
3Area of stationary object
If the UVX lamp is activated simultaneously with the fan, then the purifying plasma is distributed throughout the interior space, but the duration of exposure required for effective sanitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect fungal and bacterial contamination levels in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts the operational duration of the UVX lamp and fan combination, extending operation only until target sanitation levels are achieved rather than running for fixed extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of both the UVX lamp and fan throughout the air conditioning system's runtime, ensuring uninterrupted plasma generation and distribution. This continuous action achieves thorough interior space coverage more efficiently than intermittent operation, reducing the total time required for effective sanitation.
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 solution significantly reduces fungal and bacterial contamination, improves air quality by lowering pollutant concentrations, and maintains optimal temperature, humidity, and VOC levels, enhancing occupant comfort and health.
Implementation Method 1
the generation of the plasma is achieved through the phenomenon of radiant catalytic ionization, when air passes through a UVX lamp enclosed by a hive impregnated with noble metals
Implementation Method 2
air passes through a UVX lamp enclosed by a hive impregnated with noble metals, with emphasis on titanium dioxide
Implementation Method 3
transformation of the ambient air into a purifying plasma primarily containing hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals
Data Source
AI summary
An object of this certificate of addition includes the compaction of the equipment into two modules (1 and 2) on a smaller scale so as to enable the installation of the modules directly in the air conditioning system of transportation vehicles or other means of transportation.