CN116057321A - Air ionization system - Google Patents

Abstract

An air ionizing unit is provided to ionize the air to remove particles and release cleaned air. The air moves into the air ionization unit where it may first be filtered by the intake filter. The air is preferably moved by a fan into contact with an ionizer, where the air is ionized. One or more (such as two) other fans may be used to provide an air flow to (1) at least partially remove ions emitted from air that has been exposed to the ionizer, and (2) push cleaned air through one or more ozone filters and out of the air ionization unit. The air ionization unit may also include an outlet filter and one or more doors to service the inlet filter and/or the air ionization unit.

Description

Air ionization system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63/021,197 entitled "VIRUS DAMPENING AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD" filed on month 5 and 7 of 2020 and U.S. provisional application No. 63/138,290 entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEM (air ionization system)" filed on month 1 and 15 of 2021. The contents of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Existing methods of air filtration and/or ionization suffer from one or more drawbacks. For example, to avoid releasing unacceptable levels of ozone, certain air ionization systems generate levels of ionization that are insufficient to completely clean and/or disinfect a particular air stream. In addition, some air ionization systems lack configurability and/or intelligent control. The disclosures of the following references are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/913,733, entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on 3/6 of 2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/914,682, entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEM (air ionization System)" filed on 7/3/2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/622,025, entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS," filed on day 13, 6, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/622,027, entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS," filed on 6/13 in 2017; U.S. patent No. 9,907,874, entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on 3/6/2018; U.S. patent No. 9,908,081 entitled "AIR IONIZATION METHOD (air ionization method)" filed on 3/6 of 2018; and U.S. patent No. 9,908,082 entitled "AIR IONIZATION SYSTEM (air ionization system)" filed on 3/6 of 2018.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to cleaning air in a space that may be occupied, such as a space that is sometimes occupied by a person or animal. In one embodiment, an air ionizing unit (or "ionizing unit") is provided to ionize the air, to remove particles and clean the air, and to release the cleaned air into the occupied space. The air moves into an air ionization unit where it is preferably first filtered by a suitable intake filter, such as a pleated filter.

The air is preferably moved by one or more fans and in one embodiment by a first fan assembly into an air ionization module, where the air is moved into contact with an ionizer that ionizes the air. Preferably, one or more (and most preferably two) other fans are optionally used to provide an air flow to remove ions emitted from the air that has been exposed to the ionizer and to push the cleaned air through one or more ozone filters and back into the occupied space. The air flow returning to the occupied space may move through vertical slots or louvers in an ionization cell, which may also include an air outlet filter.

The ionization unit is preferably 12V DC or 24V DC powered, conveniently mounted on a ceiling or other structure, and has access doors for air filter replacement and/or ionization module replacement. Exemplary dimensions of the ionization cell are 300mm wide by 500mm deep by 65mm high.

The system and method may also include a controller (or "control system") and sensors on the ionization unit or remote sensors that, by way of example, perform one or more of the following: (1) measuring the amount of particles in the air, (2) measuring the amount of negative ions and/or positive ions in the air, (3) measuring the amount of ozone in the air, (4) measuring the amount of carbon monoxide in the air, (5) measuring the air temperature and humidity. The controller may adjust the amount of ions released, the amounts of positive and negative ions released, and/or the operation of one or more fans based on one or more of the previously measured parameters. The controller and/or sensor may be included within the air ionization unit or remote from the air ionization unit.

Air ionization units can be used in applications such as: (1) aircraft (e.g., cabin area, pilot area, freight area), (2) ground traffic (e.g., city buses, school buses, coaches, taxis), (3) trains (e.g., commutes, interurban, rapid transit, trams, light rails, magnetic levitation), (4) ships (e.g., freight and cargo, ferries, cruise ships, passenger ships, ocean liners), or (5) buildings, in which case it may be connected with a Building Management System (BMS).

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an assembled bottom view of an air ionization apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the ionization cell of fig. 1.

Fig. 2A is a front view of the ionization cell of fig. 2.

Fig. 2B is a rear view of the ionization cell of fig. 2.

Fig. 2C is a side view of the ionization cell of fig. 2.

Fig. 2D is another side view of the ionization cell of fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is an open top view of the air ionizing unit of fig. 1 with the top cover removed.

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the air ionizing unit of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the air ionizing unit of fig. 1 with the door open.

Fig. 6 is a partially exploded view of the air ionizing unit of fig. 1 and a surface having an opening to receive the air ionizing unit.

Fig. 7 is a side perspective, assembled view of the air ionization module of fig. 6 received on a surface.

Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of the air ionizing unit of fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of the air ionizing unit of fig. 8 with its door open.

Fig. 10 is an assembled side perspective view of an air ionization module.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side perspective view of the ionization module of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an exploded side perspective view of the ionization module of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a side perspective view of an ionizer.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side perspective view of the ionizer of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the ionizer of fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is an exploded side perspective view of the right side fan assembly.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective side view of the left side fan assembly.

Fig. 18 shows a side perspective view of an ozone filter.

Fig. 19 is a side perspective view of an alternative air ionization module.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective side view of the ionization module of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 shows a sensor of the type that may be used with an air ionization cell.

Detailed Description

Turning now to the drawings, wherein the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure is not to limit the scope of the claims, an air ionization unit 100 is shown.

Fig. 1-9 illustrate an air ionizing unit 100. The unit 100 has a top portion (also referred to as a top cover) 102 with a top surface 102A, a bottom (or lower) portion 104 with a bottom (or lower) surface 104A, a front side 106, a rear side 108, a first side 110, and a second side 112.

The top portion (or cap) 102 in this embodiment is connected to the bottom portion 104 in any suitable manner, such as by fasteners. The top surface 102A has any suitable type of power inlet 114 for connection to a power source, such as DC power from a vehicle. The top cover 102 is configured to allow a power cord for the ionization unit 100 to be safely and sufficiently positioned on a side of the surface 1 opposite the lower portion 104.

The power supply lines for powering the ionization cell 100 are not shown in these figures. The air ionizing unit 100 will be configured to operate using any suitable power source (such as a 12V DC power source or 24V DC power source), but may also operate at other input voltages (such as 24V AC, 90V AC, 120V AC, 240V AC, or others), and may be fully or partially battery powered, such as when other power is not available or insufficient. DC (direct current) may be provided by one or more solar panels or another energy source.

The bottom portion 104 has an outer flange 116, which outer flange 116 includes mounting holes 118 for receiving fasteners 4 to mount the ionization unit 100 to a surface (such as surface 1), which may be the ceiling of a vehicle or other structure.

The lower surface 104A is preferably configured to have a decorative appeal in the environment in which the ionization cell 100 is installed. The lower surface 104A may be made of plastic, stainless steel, or other suitable material. It may be powder coated (steel or aluminum), anodized (aluminum), passivated (stainless steel) or electroplated (steel or plastic).

As shown, the lower surface 104A preferably has two access doors 14 and 15, one for servicing and replacing the intake filter 13 and the other for servicing and replacing the air ionization module 16. The lower surface 104A may have one or more latch mechanisms for securing the access doors 14, 15 to the first closed position and/or it may have a locking mechanism for improved safety. The exemplary latch mechanism may be rotary, slide bar, magnetic, or any other type deemed suitable for the application. The latch mechanism may include a sensor so that servicing of the air ionization unit 100 may be time and date stamped.

Alternatively, only one door may be used, in which case one or both of the intake filter 13 and the air ionization module 16 may be serviced and replaced by opening a single door (i.e., moving the single door from a first closed position to a second open position). The door may be hinged or slide open, or open and close in any suitable manner. The entire lower surface 104A may function as a single door or only a portion of the lower surface 104 may function as a single door.

As shown in fig. 6, the fastener 2 is not part of an air ionization unit and is used to form an opening in the surface 1 that will receive the fastener 4.

As shown, an air inlet (or air inlet) 130 is formed in the door 14 at the lower surface 104A, but may be located at any suitable location, and air enters the air ionization unit 100 through the inlet 130.

As shown in fig. 6, the surface 1 is a ceiling or other surface, and the air ionizing unit 100 may be attached to the surface 1. The ceiling, roof or other surface may be a bus, shuttle bus, car, truck, trolley bus, aircraft fuselage, suspended ceiling in a commercial or industrial building or other interior ceiling. The surface 1 may be composed of any suitable material. The cutout (or opening) 11 in the surface 1 is configured such that an air ionization unit (or "ionization unit") 100 is fittable in the opening and, in this embodiment, at least partially in the space above the surface 1.

Fastening hardware (or fasteners) 4 may be installed through openings 118 and into surface 1 to secure air ionization unit 100 to surface 1. The fastener 4 may be a rivet nut, a rivet or any suitable hardware.

The first left-hand fan 5 is used to move air through the ozone filter and preferably out of the ionization unit 100 through louvers or vents 120. As shown, louvers or vents 120 are located at the front 106, sides 110, and sides 112, although they may be located in any suitable location. The first left side fan 5 (or first fan) preferably has a centrifugal (or "cyclone") fan unit to distribute the air, although any device or suitable type of fan(s) for moving the air away from the ionization unit 100 is sufficient. The first left side fan 5 is preferably configured to deliver high airflow and high static pressure (e.g., 25-560 Pa) at a low noise or dB level (e.g., 10-40 dB). The first left side fan may or may not be DC powered only or AC powered only, and the cubic feet per minute ("CFM") of airflow generated by the left side fan assembly 5 is typically between 8.1 and 39.9CFM, although lower or higher CFM values may be used depending on the size, application, or environment of the ionization cell 100.

A second right side fan (or second fan) 6 is used to move air through the ozone filter and preferably out of the ionization unit 100 through louvers or vents 120. Its structure, purpose and function are preferably the same as those of the first left-hand fan 5.

In this embodiment, fans 5 and 6 distribute cleaned air back into the occupied space outside air ionization unit 100 by moving the air through the ozone filter(s) and through slots or louvers 120. Fans 5 and 6 are sometimes collectively referred to herein as a second fan assembly, and the second fan assembly may include only one fan or more than two fans.

The caps 36, 40 are for the fans 5 and 6, respectively, which are preferably made of plastic, although other suitable materials, such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, may be used.

The left side bulkhead (or intake bulkhead) 7 is preferably constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. It is preferably a structural member of the ionization cell 100, although it need not be. The left partition 7 may have a hinge on the underside closest to the intake filter 13. The hinge will allow the access door 14 to be opened to the second position and closed to the first position, thereby providing a convenient way to service and replace the intake filter 13 when the access door 14 is in its second open position.

A box-type DC (or direct current) first fan 8 is mounted to the left-side partition 7. The first fan 8 may or may not be DC powered only, or AC powered only, and the CFM of the airflow generated by the fan 8 is typically between 5.3 and 20.8CFM, although lower or higher CFM values may also be used depending on the size, application or environment of the ionization cell 100. The fan (or first fan) 8 moves air into the air ionization module 16 and into contact with the ionizer 25 to be ionized, and may assist in moving the ionized air through the ozone filter. The fan 8 is sometimes referred to as a first fan assembly and it may comprise more than one fan.

A centrifugal or "cyclone" fan unit 37 is used to distribute the air, although any means of moving the air into or out of the ionization unit 100 is sufficient. The fan unit 37 is preferably located in the fan assemblies 5, 6 and 8. The fan 37 provides adequate airflow at high static pressures (e.g., 25-560 Pa) and relatively low noise or dB levels (e.g., 10-40 dB). The fan 37 may or may not be operated solely on DC power or solely on AC power, and the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air flow generated by the fan 37 is typically between 8.1 and 39.9CFM, although lower or higher CFM values may be used depending on the size, application or environment of the ionization cell 100. One or more other fans or one or more other fan patterns may also be used. Hardware 38 is used to attach fans to lower fan boxes 35 and 39. The lower fan cases 35 and 39 are made of plastic, although other suitable materials may be used, such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

The plenum 9 conveys and directs the air flow of the first fan assembly 8 into the air ionization module 16 and into contact with the ionizer 25. The plenum 9 is preferably made of plastic, but other suitable materials may be used.

A controller circuit board assembly 10 (also referred to as a control or control system) may be used to control the air ionization unit 100. The circuit board assembly 10 preferably includes a high voltage transformer. The transformer may be directly attached to the circuit board assembly 10, or it may be separately mounted inside or outside the ionization unit 100, and the transformer increases or decreases the voltage that determines how much ions the ionizer 25 generates. The circuit board assembly 10 may also have circuitry or structure to control the ionization output level based on any suitable parameter, such as the rate of delivery of air into the air ionization unit 100.

The circuit board assembly 10 may also include a radio or other device for RF communication. The type of radio is preferably bluetooth but may also be one or more of WiFi, zigBee, digiMesh, lora and/or other types. The radio preferably has a variety of uses, such as control of the air ionization system 100, transmission of data packets and sensor information, service information for maintenance or replacement of modules, and the like. The circuit board assembly 10 may also include communication interface hardware and connectors so that control system protocols (e.g., CAN bus) may be hardwired to the circuit board assembly 10 for air ionization unit 100 control. These connections may be made using standard insulated copper wires, but may also or alternatively be made using fiber optic materials or other means of transmitting data, including wireless transmission.

The circuit board assembly 10 may also include one or more devices for capturing and/or protecting video streams from cameras mounted in the air ionization unit 100 or on the air ionization unit 100, or from external cameras that transmit data to the circuit board assembly 10, typically via coaxial cables. In this way, the circuit board assembly may be used to monitor security and activity in the occupied space.

The circuit board assembly 10 may include one or more sensors and/or may communicate with one or more remote sensors to measure parameters of the air being cleaned so that the sensors may measure and store the air quality index within the occupied space. This data may be used to make local decisions (closed loop control) or may be transmitted from the vehicle or building in which the ionization unit 100 is located for remote monitoring of air quality. As an example, each of the fleet of buses may report an air quality value to a central control location or monitoring facility. In this example, the sensor or performance data collected from ionization unit 100 would be sent via copper wires (hardwired) or via wireless signals (e.g., RF signals) to a separate unit whose designated task is to receive data from a host control system (e.g., cellular network). The data may then be received, stored and/or analyzed at the central control station. A command may be sent from the central control station to the ionization unit 100 of each bus to increase or decrease the amount of ionization, the amount of negative ions generated versus positive ions, the rotational speed of the first fan assembly and/or the second fan assembly.

One or more remote sensors 800 shown in fig. 21, or sensors on or in the unit 100, will be in wired and/or wireless communication with the control 10. The one or more remote sensors 800 may be powered in any suitable manner, such as by a battery, or may be configured to plug into an electrical outlet. In response to information received from one or more remote sensors 800, control electronics 500 may modify the operation of unit 100, for example: (1) turning the unit 100 on or off, (2) turning the fan 5, 6 or 8 on or off, (3) operating the unit 100 in an ozone depletion mode when ambient ozone is detected above a target threshold until the ambient ozone level is below the target threshold, (4) increasing the duty cycle of the unit 100 when the remote sensor 800 reports particles above the target threshold in order to generate increased ionization and thus increase the particle removal rate.

The one or more sensors 800 that may be used with the air ionization unit 100 and/or sensors that are part of the unit 100 may measure one or more of the following: 1) temperature (T), (2) humidity, relative (RH), (3) dew point (Tdp), (4) barometric pressure (mbar, hg, hPa), (5) oxygen (O2), (6) partial pressure of oxygen (PO 2), (7) PM=particulate size 1 (e.g., PM 0.3-1.0 μm,2.- -PM 1.0-2.5 μm,3.- -PM 2.5-10 μm), (8) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), (9) carbon monoxide (CO), (10) carbon dioxide (CO 2), (11) airway irritant, (12) hydrogen sulfide (H2S), (13) nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), (14) sulfur dioxide (SO 2), (15) chlorine dioxide (CH 2O), (16) total volatile organic compounds (tVOC), (17) ozone (O3), (18) Infrared (IR), (19) accelerometer (g), (20) GPS, (21) hydrogen (H2), (22) nitrogen oxides, (23) smog, (24) current to air ionization unit, (25) air flow through air ionization unit, (26) infrared detector, (27), (28) a thermistor and (29) a thermocouple.

The one or more sensors may be used to monitor different areas of the occupied space at the same time, at intervals, or for different areas at different times. One or more parameters measured by the one or more sensors may be considered together using any suitable algorithm. The combination of parameters may then be used to control aspects of the air ionization unit 100.

The control 10 may pulse the power converter in a manner suitable for positively biasing the power converter with respect to circuit ground, which causes the ionizer 25 to generate excessive negative ions.

In one mode of operation, the control 10 is configured to operate the ionizer 25 at 80% duty cycle (e.g., 4 minutes in the ion generating mode, then one minute of power off, then 5 minutes in the ion generating mode, etc.). In another mode of operation, the electronic control 500 is configured to operate the module 100 at a 100% duty cycle (always on). However, any suitable duty cycle may be used.

The control 10 may monitor the performance of the unit 100 and may signal when a component needs to be replaced (e.g., due to degradation of the ionization component or the ozone catalyst 42).

Control 10 may monitor the rotational speed and current consumption of fans 5, 6 and/or 8, as well as the voltage and current consumption of ionizer 25. If an abnormality is detected, the air ionization unit 100 may be turned off and/or restarted. Additionally, the control 10 may monitor status and error conditions, turn on or off ozone depletion modes, and/or adjust a duty cycle associated with operation of the ionizer 25.

The right side baffle (or outlet baffle) 11 is constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. It may be a structural member of the ionization cell 100, although it need not be. The partition 11 positions the fan assemblies 5 and 6 so that the air flowing out thereof is properly directed. The baffle 11 also positions a removable air ionization module 16 and its connection to the circuit board assembly 10.

The partition 11 also has a notch 11A in the top center portion of the vertical flange. The recess 11A is intended to position the plenum 9 such that the air flow is directed downwards into the air ionization module 16. The partition 11 may have a hinge on the underside closest to the air ionization module 16. The hinge allows the access door 15 to be opened and closed, thereby providing a convenient way to replace the air ionization module 16.

The partition 7 and the partition 11 are depicted as two separate components; in an alternative arrangement, however, the two baffles are combined into one piece, such as a "U-shaped" piece. Doing so may reduce manufacturing costs, provide additional structural support, and/or simply have fewer parts.

The intake filter 13 may be a HEPA (high efficiency particulate) filter, but may also be pleated or fiberglass or any suitable filter. The intake filter 13 may also have a MERV (minimum efficiency report value) rating suitable for the application and based on CADR (clean air delivery rate). The air intake filter 13 filters air entering the ionization cell 100 from the occupied space before the air is ionized and returned to the occupied space.

The access door 14 may be used to service and replace the intake filter 13. The access door 14 may pivot on a hinge as shown, or slide open and closed, or may be removable via hardware. The access door 14 may be constructed of plastic, stainless steel, or one or more other materials as deemed appropriate. It may be powder coated (steel or aluminum), anodized (aluminum), passivated (stainless steel) or electroplated (steel or plastic).

The access door 15 may optionally support an air ionization module 16. The door 15 may pivot on a hinge as shown, or slide open and closed, or may be removable via hardware. The access door 15 may be made of plastic, stainless steel, mild steel, or other suitable material. It may be powder coated (steel or aluminum), anodized (aluminum), passivated (stainless steel) or electroplated (steel or plastic).

Access doors 14 and 15 are shown in an open position (or second position) in fig. 5 and 9, which enables access and replacement of intake filter 13 and/or ionization module 16. When the access door 14 and the access door 15 are in this first, closed position, the intake filter 13 and/or the ionization module 16 cannot be serviced.

The air ionization module 16 includes an ionization tube assembly 25 and an ozone filter containing an ozone relieving catalyst. In one example, it is designed to be easily installed, removed, and replaced through the use of docking connectors, such as mechanical rails and connectors inside the air ionization unit 100. Fig. 10-12 show the air ionization module 16, a cross-sectional view of the module 16, and an exploded view of the module 16.

The top cover 17 of the ionization module 16 is made of stainless steel, although any suitable material may be used. The slots 17A of the top cover 17 allow air flow from the first fan 8 and assist in removing ionized particles from the stainless steel screen surrounding the glass tube of the ionization module 16.

As shown, ozone filters 18A (also referred to as a first filter or first filter unit) and 18B (also referred to as a second filter or second filter unit) are stainless steel screen assemblies that retain a catalyst for ozone removal. The amount of catalyst used is adjusted based on the size and function of the ionizer 25 such that the ozone generated by the air ionizing unit 100 is within the safety parameters in the air released from the air ionizing unit 100. In the illustrated embodiment, ozone filter 18A is located on one side of ionizer 25, while ozone filter 18B is located on the opposite side. However, the one or more ozone filters may be located at different locations between the ionizer and the air outlet. Furthermore, the air ionization unit 100 may have only one ozone filter on one side of the ionizer, or three ozone filters (with each filter on a different side of the ionizer (such as two opposite sides and top or bottom)), or an ozone filter that partially or completely surrounds the ionizer 25.

The ionization tube assembly (or ionizer) 25 generates ions for cleaning the air. The structure of ionizer 25 known to those skilled in the art is: a negative electrode tab 19 for return voltage; a rear end cap 20 constructed of plastic or other suitable material; a negative electrode tab connection point 21; positive tab connection point 22; a front end cap 23 constructed of plastic or other suitable material; a substrate 24 composed of stainless steel or other suitable material; the hardware and positive voltage input 26 are attached; a bottom plastic glass holder 27; an aluminum internal threaded rod 28; an energy star 29; a lock washer 30; a screw 31 for fixing the energy star; a cylindrical inner perforated aluminum member 32 (in the illustrated embodiment); a borosilicate glass tube 33; and an outer stainless steel screen 34.

Stainless steel screen carrier 41 is shown with a shaped flange. Any suitable material or structure for retaining the catalyst 42 may be used to form the support 41.

A catalyst 42, preferably in the form of a pellet (or an ozone removal catalyst or an ozone wetting catalyst), is placed in the cavity of the stainless steel mesh support 41. The catalyst 42 may then be shaken or vibrated to ensure that the catalyst is fully loaded into the carrier 41. Once the catalyst 42 has sufficiently filled the support 41, the top cover 43 may be spot welded or seam welded, or attached in any suitable manner, to ensure that the catalyst 42 remains within the support 41.

The catalyst 42 is configured to convert, neutralize, and/or otherwise remove and/or reduce ozone. The catalyst 42 typically comprises manganese dioxide, copper oxide, or the like, or a combination thereof. The catalyst 42 may include Carulite 200 supplied by karuss corporation (Carus Corporation, peru, IL). However, any suitable catalyst configured to neutralize and/or remove ozone from the gas stream may be used.

Fig. 19-20 illustrate an alternative air ionization module 160 having an ozone filter 180, the ozone filter 180 surrounding a majority of the ionizer 250.

Operation of

In operation, air from the occupied space enters the air inlet 130 and is moved by the first fan assembly 8 into contact with the ionizer 25 as part of the air ionization module 16. If an intake filter is used when air enters the air ionizing unit 100, the air may be filtered by the intake filter 13. The air is ionized and the pressure from the first fan assembly 8 can move the ionized air outwardly through the ozone filters 18A, 18B on either side of the ionizer 25 and back into the occupied space.

Alternatively, a second fan assembly may be used to assist in moving air through the one or more ozone filters and into the occupied space, and may also assist in stripping ions from the air after the air contacts the ionizer. As shown in this embodiment, the second fan assembly has two fans: a first, left side fan 5 and a second, right side fan 6. However, if a second fan assembly is used, the second fan assembly may include only one fan or more than two fans. Further, the outlet air filter may filter the air after it passes through the ozone filter and before it enters the occupied space.

When a person and/or animal is not present, the air ionizing unit may be operated to generate and release excess ozone into the occupied space in order to more thoroughly clean the air. This may be achieved in a number of ways, such as: (1) operating the ionizer to generate excess ozone that cannot be adequately filtered by the ozone filter(s), (2) moving the ozone filter(s) from its first position to a second position that filters less ozone or does not filter ozone than it was in the first position, or (3) changing the path of air through the air ionizing unit such that the air bypasses the ozone filter(s) and is released into the occupied space.

Moving the ozone filter(s) from the first position to the second position may be done manually, such as by a user removing one or more ozone filters. Alternatively, a control of an operating device (such as a motor) may be used to move the one or more ozone filters up, down, or in any manner such that the one or more ozone filters filter less ozone than in the first position, and preferably do not filter ozone in the second position.

The air ionizing unit may also include an alarm that operates when a dangerous condition is sensed.

The AC transformer may be biased in a manner to obtain more negative ions than positive ions, or may be biased to produce more positive ions than negative ions, or may be operated to produce the same number of positive and negative ions.

It is desirable that there be an air conditioning system (AC unit, dehumidifier, dryer, etc.) upstream that conditions the air before it is ionized. Once the air is ionized, whether negative or positive, the control 10 may have the ability to humidify the air downstream of our device. The humidifier (and upstream air conditioning equipment) may be linked via the controller 10 so that adjustments may be made to optimize airflow and air cleaning.

In alternative embodiments shown in fig. 19-20, the air ionizing unit may be square (e.g., 2 x 2 feet in size), rectangular (e.g., 2 x 4 feet in size), or other size such that it fits into a space suitable for a particular application, such as fitting into a space above an acoustic ceiling. This embodiment will allow for an air ionization cell higher than 65 mm.

Some non-limiting examples of the present disclosure are set forth below:

example 1: an air ionizing unit configured to be attached to a surface of an occupied space, the air ionizing unit comprising:

(a) A top cover;

(b) A lower portion attached to the top cover, the lower portion configured to be in the occupied space when the top portion is attached to the surface;

(c) An air ionization module connectable to a power source and comprising (i) an ionizer and (ii) an ozone filter comprising an ozone removal catalyst and at least partially surrounding the ionizer;

(d) A first fan assembly configured to move air into the air ionization module; and

(e) An air discharge configured to allow air to move from the interior of the air ionizing unit into the occupied space after the air is ionized by the ionizer.

Example 2: the air ionizing unit of example 1, wherein the surface is a ceiling.

Example 3: the air ionizing unit of example 2, wherein the surface is a ceiling of a vehicle.

Example 4: the air ionizing unit of example 1, further comprising an air inlet port and an air inlet filter juxtaposed to the air inlet port, wherein the air inlet filter is configured to filter air as it enters the air ionizing unit.

Example 5: the air ionizing unit of example 4, wherein the air intake filter is a pleated air filter.

Example 6: the air ionizing unit of example 4, wherein the air intake filter and the air ionizing module are in a lower portion of the air ionizing unit.

Example 7: the air ionizing unit of example 1, further comprising a second fan assembly configured to move air through the ozone filter, the second fan assembly comprising first, left side fans and second, right side fans.

Example 8: the air ionizing unit of example 7, wherein the second fan assembly includes first and left fans and second and right fans.

Example 9: the air ionization unit of example 1 wherein the ozone filter comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located on a first side of the ion source and the second portion being located on a second side of the ion source.

Example 10: the air ionizing unit of example 1, wherein the ozone filter partially surrounds the ionizer.

Example 11: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-10 wherein the ionizer is an ion generating tube.

Example 12: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-11 wherein the ozone filter includes an ozone removal catalyst inside the container.

Example 13: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-12 wherein the ozone removal catalyst is particulate.

Example 14: the air ionizing unit of example 12 or example 13, wherein the container is composed of a metal screen.

Example 15: the air ionizing unit of example 14, wherein the metal screen is made of stainless steel.

Example 16: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 4-6, further comprising a bottom surface comprising a first door having (a) a closed position in which the intake filter cannot be serviced and (b) an open position in which the intake filter can be serviced and replaced.

Example 17: the air ionizing unit of example 16, wherein the air intake filter is attached to the first door.

Example 18: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-17, further comprising a second door having (a) a closed position in which the air ionizing module cannot be serviced and (b) an open position in which the air ionizing module can be serviced and replaced.

Example 19: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-18 further comprising a docking connector that receives and aligns an air ionization module inside the air ionization unit.

Example 20: the air ionization unit of example 19 wherein the docking connector includes one or more rails configured to receive and align the air ionization module.

Example 21: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-20 wherein the first fan assembly is configured to move air to contact the ionizer.

Example 22: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-21 wherein the ionizer is configured to generate more negative ions than positive ions.

Example 23: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-22 wherein the ionizer is configured to generate at least 60% negative ions.

Example 24: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-23 further comprising a control system that measures an ion count in air and adjusts the power to the ionizer based at least in part on the measured ion count in air.

Example 25: the air ionization unit of example 24 wherein the control system further measures at least one of ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity.

Example 26: the air ionization unit of example 24 or 25 wherein the ion generator comprises an ion dispenser configured to receive the current in response to operation of the control system.

Example 27: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-26 wherein the ionizer further comprises:

(a) An inner electrode electrically coupled to the ionizer, the inner electrode comprising a perforated aluminum sheet;

(b) A glass tube disposed at least partially around the inner electrode; and

(c) An outer electrode disposed at least partially around the glass tube, wherein the outer electrode comprises a tubular stainless steel mesh screen.

Example 28: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-27 wherein the ozone filter further comprises:

(a) An inner stainless steel mesh screen forming a first tube;

(b) An outer stainless steel mesh screen forming a second tube; and

wherein the ozone catalyst is disposed between the first tube and the second tube.

Example 29: the air ionization unit of example 28 wherein the ozone filter further comprises a pair of end caps coupled to the first tube and the second tube.

Example 30: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 24-26, further comprising a sensor in communication with the control system, wherein the sensor measures at least one of ion level, ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity, and wherein the sensor communicates the at least one measurement to the control system.

Example 31: the air ionization unit of example 30 wherein the sensor is in wireless communication with the control system.

Example 32: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-31, further comprising an air filter disposed between the air ionizing unit and the air vent.

Example 33: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-32 wherein the air ionization module is configured to be removed from the air ionization unit and replaced.

Example 34: the air ionization unit of example 30 or example 31, comprising a plurality of sensors in communication with the control system.

Example 35: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 30-31 or 34 wherein the control system adjusts the power to the ionizer based on one or more of the measured ion level, ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

Example 36: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 30-31 or 34-35 wherein the control system adjusts the rotational speed of the first fan assembly based on one or more of the measured ion level, ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

Example 37: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 30-31 or 34-36 wherein the control system adjusts the rotational speed of the second fan assembly based on one or more of the measured ion level, ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

Example 38: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-37 wherein the ozone filter is shown having a first position in which the ozone filter at least partially surrounds the ionizer and a second position in which the ozone filter surrounds less or no ionizer than in the first position.

Example 39: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-38, wherein the first fan unit operates on DC power.

Example 40: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-39, wherein the first fan assembly generates 8.1CFM to 39.9CFM.

Example 41: the air ionizing unit of example 7 or example 8, wherein each fan in the second fan assembly generates 8.1CFM to 39.9CFM.

Example 42: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-41, further comprising a high voltage transformer.

Example 43: the air ionizing unit of example 42, wherein the high voltage transformer is connected to the control system.

Example 44: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 24-26, 30-31, or 34-37 wherein the control system is configured to receive video from a camera.

Example 45: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 24-26, 30-31, 34-37, or 44 wherein the control system is configured to communicate with a central controller remote from the air ionization unit and remote from the occupied space.

Example 46: the air ionization unit of example 45 wherein the central controller is configured to adjust one or more of: the amount of ionization of the ionizer, the amount of negative ions to positive ions generated by the ionizer, the rotational speed of the first fan assembly, and the rotational speed of the second fan assembly.

Example 47: the air ionizing unit of example 18, wherein the air ionizing module is connected to the second door.

Example 48: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-21 or 24-47 wherein the ionizer is configured to generate more positive ions than negative ions.

Example 49: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-48 wherein the ozone filter has a first location at which the ozone filter filters ozone from the air and a second location at which the ozone filter filters less ozone from the air than when the ozone filter is in the first location.

Example 50: the air ionizing unit of example 49, wherein the ozone filter does not filter air when the ozone filter is in the second position.

Example 51: the air ionizing unit of example 49 or example 50, wherein the ozone filter is located between the air ionizing unit and the air vent when in its first position, and the ozone filter is not located between the air ionizing unit and the vent when in its second position.

Example 52: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-51 wherein the ozone filter comprises a first filter unit and a second filter unit, the first filter unit being located on a first side of the air ionization module and the second filter unit being located on a second side of the air ionization unit.

Example 53: the air ionization cell of example 52 wherein the first side of the air ionization module is opposite the second side of the air ionization module.

Example 54: the air ionizing unit of example 52 or example 53, wherein the first filter unit is movable between a first position at which the first filter unit filters ozone and a second position at which the first filter unit filters less ozone than at the first position.

Example 55: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 52-54 wherein the second filter unit is movable between a first position where the second filter unit filters ozone and a second position where the second filter unit filters less ozone than when in the first position.

Example 56: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-55, wherein the air discharge includes a first discharge juxtaposed to a first side of the air ionizing unit and a second discharge juxtaposed to a second side of the air ionizing unit.

Example 57: the air ionizing unit of example 54, wherein the first filter unit does not retain ozone when in the second position.

Example 58: the air ionization unit of example 55 wherein the second filter unit does not filter ozone when in the second position.

Example 59: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-58, wherein the air vent comprises one or more louvers or vents.

Example 60: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-59 further comprising one or more air filters at the air discharge.

Example 61: the air ionizing unit of example 8, wherein the first, left side fans are configured to move air on a first side of the ionizer and the second, right side fans are configured to move air on a side of the ionizer opposite the first side.

Example 62: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 7-8 or 61, wherein the second fan assembly is located above the air ionizing module.

Example 63: the air ionizing unit of example 54, wherein the first filter unit does not retain ozone when in the second position.

Example 64: the air ionization unit of example 55 wherein the second filter unit does not filter ozone when in the second position.

Example 65: the air ionizing unit of any of examples 1-15, comprising a single door having a first, closed position in which the air ionizing module cannot be serviced and a second, open position in which the air ionizing module can be serviced and replaced.

Example 66: the air ionizing unit of example 65, wherein the air intake filter can be serviced and replaced when the single door is in its second, open position.

Example 67: the air ionization unit of any one of examples 1-13 further comprising a single door in the lower surface and the lower surface, wherein the single door has a first, closed position in which the air ionization module cannot be serviced and a second, open position in which the air ionization module can be serviced and replaced.

Example 68: an air ionizing unit as in example 67. Wherein the intake filter can be serviced and replaced when the single door is in its second, open position.

Example 69: the air ionization unit of example 67 wherein the air ionization module is attached to a single door.

Example 70: the air ionizing unit of example 68, wherein the intake filter is attached to a single door.

Example 71: the air ionization unit of example 67 or example 68 wherein the air ionization module is attached to a single door.

Some further non-limiting examples of the present disclosure are as follows:

example 1: an air ionization method using an air ionization unit, comprising the steps of:

(a) Operating one or more ionizers to generate ions into air;

(b) Moving air into an air ionizing unit and into contact with one or more ionizers;

(c) Moving at least some of the air through an ozone filter with ions, the ozone filter comprising an ozone removal catalyst for removing at least some ozone from the air; and

(d) At least some of the air is moved out of the air ionizing unit and into the occupied space.

Example 2: the air ionization method of example 1 wherein the one or more ionizers generate negative ions more than positive ions.

Example 3: the air ionization method of example 1 or example 2 further comprising the step of filtering at least some air prior to contacting the at least some air with the one or more ionizers.

Example 4: the air ionization method of example 3 wherein the filtering step is performed by moving at least some of the air through an intake air filter located inside the air ionization unit.

Example 5: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-4 wherein the ionizer is disposed at least partially within an ozone removal filter, the ozone removal filter being located between the one or more ionizers and the occupied space.

Example 6: the air ionization method of example 1 wherein the step of moving at least some of the air is performed by operating a first fan assembly located inside the air ionization unit.

Example 7: the air ionization method of example 6 wherein the first fan assembly generates 8.1CFM to 39.9CFM.

Example 8: the air ionization method of example 1 further comprising the steps of measuring an amount of ions in the air and operating one or more ionizers to generate fewer or more ions based at least in part on the measured amount of ions.

Example 9: the air ionization method of example 1, further comprising the step of measuring at least one of the following of air: ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity.

Example 10: the method of example 9, further comprising the step of operating one or more ionizers to generate fewer or more ions based at least in part on the measured amount in air: ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity.

Example 11: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-10 wherein the step of moving at least some of the air through the ozone filter with ions comprises moving the air into a space between the one or more ionizers and the ozone filter.

Example 12: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-11 wherein the one or more ionizers and ozone filters are configured as an air ionization module, and the air ionization method further comprises the steps of: (a) Removing the air ionization module from the air ionization unit, and (b) replacing the air ionization module with another air ionization module.

Example 13: the air ionization method of any one of examples 4-12 wherein the air ionization unit includes a first door having (a) a closed position and (b) an open position where the intake filter can be serviced and removed.

Example 14: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-13 wherein the air ionization unit comprises a second door having (a) a closed position and (b) an open position where the ozone filter, ionizer, and/or air ionization module can be serviced and removed.

Example 15: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-14 further comprising the step of measuring airflow through the intake filter.

Example 16: the air ionization method of any one of examples 4-15 further comprising the step of determining when an intake filter should be replaced and alerting a user of the air filter.

Example 17: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-16 further comprising the step of determining when an ozone filter should be replaced.

Example 18: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-17 further comprising the step of moving the ozone filter from a first position at which the ozone filter removes at least some ozone from the air to a second position at which the ozone filter removes less ozone than when in the first position or no ozone.

Example 19: the air ionization method of example 18 wherein the ozone filter is moved to the second position when no one is in the occupied space.

Example 20: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-19 further comprising one or more sensors for measuring one or more of ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity.

Example 21: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-20 wherein the air ionization unit further comprises a control system in communication with and controlling operation of the ionizer.

Example 22: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-21 wherein the control system wirelessly controls operation of the ionizer.

Example 23: the air ionization method of example 21 or 22 wherein the control system is internal to the air ionization cell.

Example 24: the air ionization method of example 21 or 22 wherein the control system is remote from the air ionization unit.

Example 25: the air ionization method of example 21 wherein the control system is in communication with the one or more sensors and the control system controls the ionizer based on information received from the one or more sensors.

Example 26: the air ionization method of example 25 wherein the control system is in wireless communication with the one or more sensors.

Example 27: the air ionization method of example 25 wherein the control system is internal to the air ionization cell.

Example 28: the air ionization method of example 25 wherein the control system is remote from the air ionization unit.

Example 29: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-28 wherein the air ionization unit comprises a first fan assembly comprising a first, left side fan and a second, right side fan.

Example 30: the air ionization method of example 29 wherein the first fan moves air across a first side of the air ionization module, the second fan moves air across the ionizer, and the third fan moves air across a second side of the air ionization module.

Example 31: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-30 further comprising the steps of opening a first door on a bottom surface of the air ionization unit, servicing and replacing the intake filter, and closing the first door.

Example 32: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-31 further comprising the steps of opening a second door on a bottom surface of the air ionization unit, servicing and replacing the air ionization module, and closing the second door.

Example 33: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-32 wherein the one or more ionizers are configured to generate at least 60% negative ions.

Example 34: the air ionization method of any one of examples 1-33 further comprising the step of measuring at least one of ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity.

Example 35: the air ionization method of example 34 wherein the sensor in communication with the control system measures at least one of ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity, and further comprising the step of the sensor transmitting the at least one measurement to the control system.

Example 36: the air ionization method of example 35 wherein the sensor is in wireless communication with the control system.

Example 37: the air ionization method of example 35 or example 36, comprising a plurality of sensors in communication with the control system.

Example 38: the air ionization method of any one of examples 21-28 or 35-37 further comprising the step of the control system adjusting the rotational speed of the first fan assembly based on one or more of the measured ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

Example 39: the air ionization method of any one of examples 21-28 or 35-38 further comprising the step of the control system adjusting the rotational speed of the second fan assembly based on one or more of the measured ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

Example 40: the air ionization method of any one of examples 21-28 or 35-39 further comprising the step of the control system receiving video from a camera.

Example 41: the air ionization method of any one of examples 21-28 or 35-40 further comprising the step of the control system communicating with a central controller remote from the air ionization unit and remote from the occupied space.

Example 42: the air ionization method of example 41 wherein the central controller is configured to adjust one or more of an amount of ionization of the ionizer, an amount of negative ions to positive ions generated by the ionizer, a rotational speed of the first fan assembly, and a rotational speed of the second fan assembly.

Example 43: the air ionization method of any one of examples 21-28 or 35-42 further comprising the step of the control system adjusting the amount of ionization of the ionizer and/or the amount of negative ions versus positive ions generated by the ionizer.

The invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments and examples. The specific embodiments shown and described herein are illustrative of exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claimed invention and its legal equivalents.

Claims (58)

1. An air ionizing unit configured to be attached to a surface of an occupied space, the air ionizing unit comprising:

(a) A top portion;

(b) A lower portion attached to the top portion, the lower portion configured to be in the occupied space when the top portion is attached to the surface;

(c) An air ionization module connectable to a power source and comprising (i) an ionizer and (ii) an ozone filter comprising an ozone removal catalyst;

(d) A first fan assembly configured to move air to contact the air ionization module; and

(e) An air discharge configured to allow air to move from an interior of the air ionizing unit into the occupied space after the air is ionized by the ionizer.

2. The air ionizing unit of claim 1 wherein the surface is a ceiling of a vehicle.

3. The air ionizing unit of claim 1 further comprising an air inlet port and an air inlet filter juxtaposed to the air inlet port, wherein the air inlet filter is configured to filter air as it enters the air ionizing unit.

4. An air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 3 wherein said intake air filter is a pleated air filter.

5. The air ionizing unit of claim 3 wherein said intake air filter and said air ionizing module are in said lower portion of said air ionizing unit.

6. The air ionizing unit of claim 1 further comprising a second fan assembly configured to move air through the ozone filter.

7. The air ionizing unit of claim 6 wherein said second fan assembly includes first and left fans and second and right fans.

8. The air ionizing unit of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the ozone filter comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located on a first side of the ion source and the second portion being located on a second side of the ion source.

9. The air ionizing unit of claim 1 wherein said ozone filter partially surrounds said ionizer.

10. The air ionizing unit of any one of claims 1-9 wherein the ionizer is an ion generating tube.

11. The air ionization unit of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said ozone filter includes said ozone removal catalyst inside a container.

12. The air ionizing unit of any one of claims 1-11 wherein the ozone removal catalyst is particulate.

13. The air ionizing unit of claim 11 wherein said container is comprised of a metal screen.

14. The air ionizing unit of any of claims 3-5, further comprising a bottom surface comprising a first door having (a) a closed position in which the intake filter cannot be serviced and (b) an open position in which the intake filter can be serviced and replaced.

15. The air ionizing unit of claim 14 wherein said intake air filter is attached to said first door.

16. The air ionization unit of any one of claims 1-15, further comprising a second door having (a) a closed position in which the air ionization module cannot be serviced and (b) an open position in which the air ionization module can be serviced and replaced.

17. The air ionizing unit of claim 16 wherein said air ionizing module is connected to said second door.

18. The air ionization unit of any one of claims 1-17 further comprising a docking connector that receives and aligns the air ionization module inside the air ionization unit.

19. The air ionizing unit of claim 18 wherein the docking connector includes one or more rails configured to receive and align the air ionizing module.

20. The air ionizing unit of any one of claims 1-19 wherein the ionizer is configured to generate more negative ions than positive ions.

21. The air ionizing unit of any one of claims 1-19 wherein the ionizer is configured to generate more positive ions than negative ions.

22. The air ionizing unit of claim 2 wherein the ionizer is configured to generate at least 60% negative ions.

23. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 1-22, further comprising a control system that measures an ion count in the air and adjusts the power to the ionizer based at least in part on the measured ion count in the air.

24. The air ionizing unit of claim 23 wherein said control system also measures at least one of ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level and humidity.

25. The air ionizing unit of claim 23 or 24 wherein the ionizer comprises an ion dispenser configured to receive an electrical current in response to operation of the control system.

26. The air ionization unit of any one of claims 23-25, further comprising a sensor in communication with the control system, wherein the sensor measures at least one of ozone level, air temperature, particle level, carbon monoxide level, and humidity, and wherein the sensor communicates at least one measurement to the control system.

27. The air ionizing unit of claim 26 wherein said sensor is in wireless communication with said control system.

28. The air ionizing unit of any of claims 1-27, further comprising an air filter disposed between the air ionizing unit and the air vent.

29. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 1-28, wherein said air ionization module is configured to be removed from said air ionization cell and replaced.

30. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 23-29 comprising a plurality of sensors, each sensor in communication with the control system.

31. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 23-30, wherein said control system adjusts power to said ionizer based on one or more of measured ozone level, ion level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

32. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 23-31, wherein said control system adjusts the rotational speed of said first fan assembly based on one or more of measured ion level, ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

33. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 23-32, wherein said control system adjusts the rotational speed of said second fan assembly based on one or more of measured ozone level, carbon monoxide level, air temperature, particle level, and humidity.

34. The air ionization unit of any one of claims 1-33 wherein said ozone filter has a first location and a second location, said ozone filter filtering ozone from said air at said first location and said ozone filter filtering less ozone from said air at said second location than said ozone filter at said first location.

35. The air ionizing unit of claim 34 wherein said ozone filter does not filter said air when said ozone filter is in its second position.

36. An air ionizing unit according to claim 34 or claim 35 wherein the ozone filter is located between the air ionizing unit and the air discharge when in its first position and the ozone filter is not located between the air ionizing unit and the discharge when in its second position.

37. The air ionization unit of any one of claims 1-36 wherein said ozone filter comprises a first filter unit and a second filter unit, said first filter unit being located on a first side of said air ionization module and said second filter unit being located on a second side of said air ionization unit.

38. The air ionization cell of claim 37 wherein said first side of said air ionization module is opposite said second side of said air ionization module.

39. An air ionization module according to claim 37 or claim 38 wherein said first filter unit is movable between a first position wherein said first filter unit filters ozone and a second position wherein said first filter unit filters less ozone than in said first position.

40. An air ionization module according to any one of claims 37-39 wherein said second filter unit is movable between a first position wherein said second filter unit filters ozone and a second position wherein said second filter unit filters less ozone than when in said first position.

41. An air ionization module according to any one of claims 1 to 40 wherein said air discharge comprises a first discharge juxtaposed to a first side of said air ionization cell and a second discharge juxtaposed to a second side of said air ionization cell.

42. The air ionizing unit as set forth in any one of claims 1-41 wherein said first fan unit is operated at DC power.

43. The air ionizing unit as set forth in any one of claims 1-42 wherein said first fan assembly generates 8.1CFM to 39.9CFM.

44. The air ionizing unit of claim 6 or claim 7 wherein each fan in the second fan assembly generates 8.1CFM to 39.9CFM.

45. The air ionizing unit of any of claims 1-45, further comprising a high voltage transformer.

46. The air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 45 wherein said high voltage transformer is connected to said control system.

47. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 23-34, wherein said control system is configured to receive video from a camera.

48. The air ionizing unit of any one of claims 23-34 or 47 wherein the control system is configured to communicate with a central controller remote from the air ionizing unit and from the occupied space.

49. An air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 48 wherein said central controller is configured to adjust one or more of the following: the amount of ionization of the ionizer, the amount of negative ions to positive ions generated by the ionizer, the rotational speed of the first fan assembly, and the rotational speed of the second fan assembly.

50. The air ionizing unit of claim 6 wherein the first, left side fans are configured to move air on a first side of the ionizer and the second, right side fans are configured to move air on a side of the ionizer opposite the first side.

51. The air ionizing unit as set forth in any one of claims 1-50 wherein said air discharge includes one or more louvers or vents.

52. The air ionizing unit of any of claims 1-51, further comprising an air filter at the air discharge.

53. The air ionizing unit of any of claims 6-7 or 50 wherein said second fan assembly is located above said air ionizing module.

54. The air ionization cell of any one of claims 1-13 further comprising a lower surface and a single door in the lower surface, wherein the single door has a first, closed position in which the air ionization module cannot be serviced and a second, open position in which the air ionization module can be serviced and replaced.

55. An air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 54 wherein the air intake filter can be serviced and replaced when said single door is in its second, open position.

56. An air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 54 wherein said air ionizing module is attached to said single door.

57. An air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 55 wherein said air intake filter is attached to said single door.

58. An air ionizing unit as set forth in claim 55 or claim 57 wherein said air ionizing module is attached to said single door.

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