AU2021202027A1

AU2021202027A1 - Air extraction and sterilisation system for treatment of indoor airborne viruses

Info

Publication number: AU2021202027A1
Application number: AU2021202027A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anh Tran
Original assignee: Trans Air Conditioning
Current assignee: Trans Air Conditioning
Priority date: 2021-03-31
Filing date: 2021-03-31
Publication date: 2022-10-20

Abstract

AUSTRALIA Patent Act. 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARDPATENT AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES The following statement is an abstract of this invention known to me 2 AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES ABSTRACT An air extraction and sterilisation system is located above a source of contaminated air. The system has UV-C lamps (Non-Ozone) fitted to the sterilisation chamber for treating the decontaminated air. The discharge air grille is specially designed such that in use substantially no direct or reflected ultraviolet light is visible from under the grille. The system further has a high efficiency filter to withhold the virus hence the residue from being discharged to outside especially to the human breathing zone. 2 AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES PICTURES Sterilisation ;iDut5Ventilation .i uc Air DctPiciruuct chamber 6 with fan 4 UV-C lamp 7 high efficiency Filter 8 & Discharge Suction Grille 1 Grille 9 with Pre-filter 2 Picture 1

Description

AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES ABSTRACT

An air extraction and sterilisation system is located above a source of contaminated air.

The system has UV-C lamps (Non-Ozone) fitted to the sterilisation chamber for treating

the decontaminated air. The discharge air grille is specially designed such that in use

substantially no direct or reflected ultraviolet light is visible from under the grille. The

system further has a high efficiency filter to withhold the virus hence the residue from

being discharged to outside especially to the human breathing zone.

AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES PICTURES

Sterilisation ;iDut5Ventilation .i uc chamber 6 with fan 4 UV-C lamp 7

Air DctPiciruuct

high efficiency Filter 8 & Discharge Suction Grille 1 Grille 9 with Pre-filter 2

Picture 1

AUSTRALIA Patent Act. 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARDPATENT AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES

The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me

AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a safety apparatus for treating contaminated air produced in an enclosed space, e.g. to remove room air toxins and other substances such as moulds and allergens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The usual way to treat an indoor air with airborne viruses which is produced by an infected human or source is to extract air from above the source to the outside by means of an extraction unit. The extraction unit is mounted above the source. This extraction unit is generally in the form of a grille and includes a filter and/or particle traps to trap dust and other large particles in the air.

[0003] Proposal has been made to use ultraviolet light to decontaminate air in air extraction system of the type described above. In this arrangement, a number of UV-C (Non-Ozone) ultraviolet lamps are provided within the sterilisation chamber equipped with a high efficiency filter. The treated air is then discharged back to the room via a discharge grille designed to seal the ultraviolet light radiation from coming through the grille when they are in operation from direct view. The inventor has realized that reflected light from the UV lamps typically used in this application is hazardous once they are visible from outside despite the previous tacit assumption to the contrary

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] When viewed from a first aspect therefore the present invention provides an air extraction and treatment unit for mounting above a source of contaminated air. The system has an air inlet through which the contaminated air is extracted in use, an air outlet through which decontaminated air is expelled in use, and an air treatment means disposed therebetween. The air treatment means has ultraviolet light source. The system is arranged such that in use substantially no direct or reflected ultraviolet light is visible from under the unit.

[0005] Thus it will be seen that in accordance with the invention, the hazards of exposure even to reflected ultraviolet (UV) light are substantially avoided. This means that such systems can safely be employed at the source of contaminated air e.g. at an enclosed space, party room, seminar room, meeting room, waiting room in a domestic or industrial building even though someone may need to work, stand or sit very close to the system. A person working or is in the vicinity of the unit will not necessarily even know that it contains a potentially hazardous UV radiation source. In accordance with the invention no particular special precautions need be taken.

[0006] Air is typically moved through the system of the type to which the invention applies by a ventilation fan, e.g. just after the contaminated air is captured to the system.

[0007] The system can also be arranged just with suitably positioned in the ceiling space to avoid the escape of light from the ultraviolet lamps. Of course, this is relatively easy to achieve for the less cost option however, whilst the treated air is discharged in the ceiling space, the room window or door must be partially open for the replenishment of fresh air intake.

[0008] In preferred embodiments however a high efficiency filter disposed in the path of treated air, forms at least part of the barrier to light and virus escaping. This filter is preferably arranged to hold 95% of particles or viruses of 0.3 micron and above in size, from the air passing through it. Most preferably the filter is non-reusable and may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed, i.e. with the intention that it is can be removed by an ordinary user.

[0009] Such a feature is considered to be inventive in its own right. Viewed from a second aspect therefore, the invention provides an air extraction and treatment unit for mounting above a source of contaminated air. The unit has an air inlet through which the contaminated air is extracted use, an air outlet through which decontaminated air is expelled in use, a replaceable air filter disposed in the path of incoming air, and an air treatment with an ultraviolet source, means disposed upstream of the high efficiency filter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTURES

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying pictures in which:

[0010] Picture 1 is a side view of an air extraction and sterilisation system in accordance with the present invention

[0011] Picture 2 is the same side view of Picture 1 except for the addition of air flow arrows

[0012] Picture 3 is a side view of the suction air grille for the extraction of the contaminated room air source

[0013] Picture 4 is the same side view of Picture 3 with a hinged pre-filter exposed

[0014] Picture 5 is an end view of the extraction fan. This unit creates a large negative pressure in the unit, which draws air through it

[0015] Picture 6 is a side view of the same fan unit as in Pictures 5 with two air ducts connected to the fan inlet and outlet to entrain the contaminated air

[0016] Picture 7 is a side view of the sterilisation chamber where the treatment of the contaminated air with UV-C lights performs

[0017] Picture 8 shows the high efficiency filter's position above the discharge air grille

[0018] Picture 9 is the plan view of the high efficiency filter removed from the sterilisation chamber unit

[0019] Picture 10 is the internal view of the sterilisation chamber with UV-C lamp installed

[0020] Picture 11 is the internal view of the sterilisation chamber, a close up photo

[0021] Picture 12 shows sterilisation chamber unit with enlarged inlet fitting to lower contaminated air velocity for effective treatment of viruses and/or the likes. A Danger sign also affixed to the sterilisation chamber to warn user

[0022] Picture 13 is a front view of the recommended WIFI wall plate switch (3 - 4 gangs) where fan and UV-C lamps are electrically connected to for remotely switching ON/OFF the electrical supply

[0023] Picture 14 is the same front view of Picture 13 but with illuminated (RED) lights ON showing fan and UV-C light are running

[0024] Picture 15 shows status of the system in the phone App. The system is WIFI controllable, i.e. remotely turn the system ON/OFF.

[0025] Picture 16 displays electrical usage data which alarms the user when the system malfunction, i.e. fan stalls, UV-C lamps broken. The electrical data usage helps users knowing the system running cost

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] Turning to Picture 1, this shows a side view of this invention, an air extraction and sterilisation system, which is installed under the ceiling in a garage. The system would be generally installed in the ceiling space with the suction grille 1 & discharge grille 9 mounted under the ceiling. A high efficiency filter 8 sits above the discharge air grille 9 towards the end of the system. The discharge air grille 9 has an air outlet opening with 450 side flaps act as baffles (not shown), which diverts air upwards and diffuses along the ceiling level. The side flaps are purposely designed to contain and seal the UV lights from radiating to the outside of the air extraction and sterilisation system.

[0027] Between the suction air grille 1 and the ventilation fan 4 there is an air duct 3 which entrains the contaminated air through the internal bore of the fan then to the defined sterilisation chamber 6 via a second air duct 5. The ducting with smooth internal bore helps direct the viruses into the sterilisation chamber 6 at relatively high air velocity.

[0028] One skilled in the art should appreciate that the enlarged entry to the sterilisation chamber 6 helps lowering the air velocity considerably down. At the slow air velocity the UV-C light can kill viruses or damage their molecules more effectively

[0029] Inside the sterilisation chamber 6, there are UV-C (Non Ozone) lamps 7, each housed in E27 pendant holder which are held in place by self taping screws. Electrical connection to each UV-C lamp is made by means of standard 3 pin plug and electrical supply cable.

[0030] Other skilled in the art should appreciate that the high efficiency filter 8 positioned before the discharge air grille 9 holds (at least 95 % for virus and particles sizes 0.3 micron and above) and retains damaged viruses for further UV-C treatment.

[0031] The fan and UV-C lamps can be wired to a wall switch plate for individually switched ON/OFF. However, it is recommended that the system is wired to a WIFI wall switch plate 10 where individual electrical component can be remotely controlled and monitored for their operation and malfunction.

[0032] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the location of the UV-C lamp 7 in the sterilisation chamber 6 is not limited to that location being shown Picture 12. The UV-C lamp 7 can be located anywhere in the sterilisation chamber 6 space and it will still perform the same function.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Operation of the unit will now be described. Reference is made to Picture 1, and 2, which is the same as Picture 1 but with the reference numerals omitted for clarity and the pattern of air flow marked thereon for illustration purposes only.

[0033] A fan 4 downstream of and in communication with the air extraction duct 3 creates a large negative pressure in the unit, which draws air through it. Air emanating from the room and laden with dust, airborne viruses, mould and other organic substances is therefore drawn upwardly and through the pre-filter 2, hinged in the air extraction opening 1.

[0034] Once the air has passed around the sterilisation chamber end 6, it passes a large opening and exits into the chamber 6 at a relatively low velocity. The contaminated airborne virus and the like then dispose downwardly in this chamber 6, towards the top of the high efficiency filter 8. As UV-C light covers the entire sterilisation chamber 6, the treatment of the contaminated air begins. The UV-C light kills the viruses by damaging the molecules through the process of photolysis and the residue fall onto the high efficiency filter 8. It is also noted that the air is passes over the surfaces of the UV lamps 7 which in-turn cools the bulb and also dehumidifies the air. The UV light (Non-Ozone) is highly effective at killing and removing bacteria and virus from the air. Once the contaminants have been removed, the air passes downwardly into the discharge air grille space 9 and then diverted diagonally upward 450through to the makeup outlet opening from which diffuses into the room safely along the ceiling level.

[0035] It may be seen from Picture 1 that not only it is impossible to trace a direct light path from any of the UV-C lamps to the region outside the unit, nor can any such path be traced for light reflected from the discharge air grille base 9, side baffles, or indeed any other part of the apparatus.

[0036] Turning now to Picture 12, the same air extraction and treatment unit is shown as in Picture 1 and 2, it is clearly be seen, a warning sticker warns the user to switch off the unit before open the discharge air grille 9. With the discharge air grille 9 removed, the user may gain access to the high efficiency filter 8 then onto the sterilisation chamber 6 to clean it periodically.

[0037] In order to clean or replace any of the UV-C lamps, the user possessing the safety knowledge and right tool can turn the system OFF, unscrew the bolt holding the discharge air grille 9. The high efficiency filter 8 may then be removed from the sterilisation chamber 6 by pull out the top latch retaining the high efficiency filter 8 in place. This allows the UV-C lamps to be cleaned with a damp cloth and/or replaced.

[0038] Care must be taken when cleaning and or replace the UV-C lamps. Should the lamp be broken, there will be some small volume of Mercury vapor spills out. Because the volume of Mercury vapor content is small, it is not enough to harm human life. However, do not inhale or stay close but open the door and window and leave the room for minimum 5 minutes. Wear gloves and sweep the broken glass with duster and pan do not touch broken glass with bare hand. Put it in plastic bag and dispose safely into bin.

[0039] There is a difference of the present invention to other discharge air grilles. The main difference is that there is no downward air diffusion through the discharge air grille 9 but the discharge air curls along 450 inclined flaps (not shown) extending from the grille base to near ceiling and diffuses horizontally at ceiling level. The present invention ensures that no direct or reflected UV light from the UV-C lamps to escape from the air sterilisation unit 6 and shield the user from the ultra-violet light.

[0040] One skilled in the art should appreciate that the present invention may be incorporated in a retrofit manner to existing ventilation units, ventilation ducts, ducted air-conditioning units and any other air handling system known in the art.

[0041] Turning now to Pictures 13, 14 & 15, the switches are in electrically communication with the fan 4 and UV C lamps 7 also coupled to a power source (not shown) by the supply cable

[0042] Referring to Picture 16, the WIFI App displays various electrical data like current, voltage, or closure of contacts as a function of a monitored input to modulate the operation of the present invention. The users can monitor the malfunction of the system by the dropping of current data value and turn the system OFF for maintenance.

[0043] Preferably, the present invention has one or more UV-C lamps 7 that emit energetic photons and emit ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength not less than 254 nanometers irradiate the contaminated air stream passing incident therethrough for treating the contaminated air stream.

[0044] One skilled in the art should appreciate that any suitable number of UV-C lamps 7 are intended to be used to impart oxidation benefits to the contaminated air stream passing through the sterilisation chamber 6.

[0045] The present invention having been thus described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The following statement is a full claims of this invention known to me

Claims

AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES CLAIMS

1. A fan-forced air extraction and sterilisation system for treatment of the indoor air with airborne viruses and other substances such as mould and allergens, said system being adapted for mounting above the source of contaminated air to extract the air upwards through an inlet air grille and said system comprising a fan, a discharge air plenum, high efficiency filter and ultra violet lamps (Non Ozone), wherein the UV-C in use kills viruses and bacteria through damaging their molecules.

2. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to claim 1, having a high efficiency filter is disposed in the path of treated air forms at least part of the barrier to light and virus escaping, said filter is preferably of a type that can hold 95% of particles or viruses of 0.3 micron and above in size, from the air passing through it, the filter is non-reusable and may be permanently or semi permanently fixed, i.e. with the intention that it is can be removed and replaced by an ordinary user.

3. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to claim 1, further comprising air ducts defining air flow channel, through with said airborne viruses are entrained and delivered to sterilisation chamber.

4. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to claim 1 when using the treated air will divert 450 along the side flaps then diffuses along the ceiling level.

5. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to claim 4 that in use no direct or reflected ultraviolet light is visible from under the grille.

6. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to claim 1, having a pre-filter to trap dust or other large particles in the air.

7. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to any one of the previous claims, the sterilisation chamber can be concealed in ceiling space

8. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to any one of the previous claims, can be incorporated in a retrofit manner to existing ventilation units, ventilation ducts, ducted air-conditioning units and any other air handling system known in the art.

9. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to any one of the previous claims, having to serve several air extraction inlets and treatment units

10. An air extraction and sterilisation system according to any one of the previous claims, having the fan and UV-C lamps wired to a wall switch plate for individually switched ON/OFF. or to a WIFI wall switch plate for remotely monitor and control of system operations

AUSTRALIA 31 Mar 2021

Patent Act. 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES 2021202027

The following statement is a full set of pictures of this invention known to me

AIR EXTRACTION AND STERILISATION SYSTEM 31 Mar 2021

FOR TREATMENT OF INDOOR AIRBORNE VIRUSES

PICTURES

Sterilisation Ventilation Air Duct 5 Air Duct 3 chamber 6 with fan 4 UV-C lamp 7 2021202027

Picture 1

2021202027 3

Picture 2

Suction Hinged Grille 1 Pre-Filter 2

Picture 3 Picture 4

Fan 4 31 Mar 2021 2021202027

Picture 5

Air Duct 3 Air Duct 5

Picture 6

Sterilisation Chamber 6 2021202027

Picture 7

Picture 8 Picture 9

UV-C Lamp 7 31 Mar 2021

Internal Sterilisation chamber 6 2021202027

Picture 10 Picture 11

Picture 12

WIFI WIFI

Wall Switch Fan & UV-C Light Plate ON

Picture 13 Picture 14

Fan is ON UV-C light is ON 2021202027

If the Current The system value drops consumes 0.1 kW Turn the per every hour system OFF operation.

Picture 15 Picture 16