GB2594768A - Ultraviolet air sterilisation system - Google Patents

Ultraviolet air sterilisation system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2594768A
GB2594768A GB2020711.4A GB202020711A GB2594768A GB 2594768 A GB2594768 A GB 2594768A GB 202020711 A GB202020711 A GB 202020711A GB 2594768 A GB2594768 A GB 2594768A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
ultraviolet light
photocatalyst
blades
air
impeller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2020711.4A
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GB202020711D0 (en
Inventor
Pettigrew James
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Prospero Facilities Servcices
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Prospero Facilities Servcices
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Prospero Facilities Servcices filed Critical Prospero Facilities Servcices
Publication of GB202020711D0 publication Critical patent/GB202020711D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2021/051020 priority Critical patent/WO2021229204A2/en
Publication of GB2594768A publication Critical patent/GB2594768A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/18—Radiation
    • A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A61L9/205—Ultraviolet radiation using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/18—Radiation
    • A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/34—Chemical or biological purification of waste gases
    • B01D53/74—General processes for purification of waste gases; Apparatus or devices specially adapted therefor
    • B01D53/86—Catalytic processes
    • B01D53/8678—Removing components of undefined structure
    • B01D53/8687—Organic components
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/16—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by purification, e.g. by filtering; by sterilisation; by ozonisation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F7/00—Ventilation
    • F24F7/003—Ventilation in combination with air cleaning
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F7/00—Ventilation
    • F24F7/007—Ventilation with forced flow
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
    • F24F8/15—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by chemical means
    • F24F8/167—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by chemical means using catalytic reactions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/22—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using UV light
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
    • A61L2209/111—Sensor means, e.g. motion, brightness, scent, contaminant sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/13—Dispensing or storing means for active compounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/14—Filtering means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/16—Connections to a HVAC unit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2255/00—Catalysts
    • B01D2255/20—Metals or compounds thereof
    • B01D2255/207—Transition metals
    • B01D2255/20707—Titanium
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2255/00—Catalysts
    • B01D2255/80—Type of catalytic reaction
    • B01D2255/802—Photocatalytic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/70—Organic compounds not provided for in groups B01D2257/00 - B01D2257/602
    • B01D2257/708—Volatile organic compounds V.O.C.'s
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/91—Bacteria; Microorganisms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2258/00—Sources of waste gases
    • B01D2258/06—Polluted air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/4508—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for cleaning air in buildings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/80—Employing electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or wave energy, or particle radiation
    • B01D2259/804—UV light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/30—Velocity
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/20—Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Catalysts (AREA)
  • Air Filters, Heat-Exchange Apparatuses, And Housings Of Air-Conditioning Units (AREA)

Abstract

A fan system comprises an air impeller having blades 8 with surfaces at least partially coated in or comprising a photocatalyst and a source of ultraviolet (UV) light 13 directed at the blades. An airflow sensor (20, fig 4) may be provided wherein the source of UV light is caused to emit UV light when the airflow sensor detects the flow of air. The impeller may be a centrifugal type having partially open central space 9 within which the UV light source may be located in a plurality of directions simultaneously. The photocatalyst may be titanium dioxide. A method of retrofitting an antibacterial and antiviral system to the fan system is disclosed whereby the blades are sprayed with a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst may be added to the blades during manufacture and may be contained within the material of the blades. Application of use include air conditioning and ventilation systems and airflow managements systems on buses, trains and aeroplanes.

Description

Ultraviolet air sterilisation system Field of the invention 10011 The invention relates to the sterilisation of air using ultra-violet radiation. In particular, it relates to the sterilisation of air driven by a fan, and the enhancement 5 of said sterilisation by means of a photo-catalyst.
Background of the invention
10021 The use of fans to control or manage the flow of air is ubiquitous. Such systems are used, inter alia, to heat, cool, ventilate, humidify, dehumidify a wide variety of internal and external environments. I xamples include air conditioning units for buildings such as homes and offices, and vehicles such as aeroplanes, buses and trains. All of these systems involve the use of an impeller to move air around an environment, or from one environment to another.
10031 Whenever air is moved by an impeller, any small particles or microorganisms carried in the air are also moved. This can cause problems, for example when air is being moved from an environment with a high particle content to an environment regularly occupied by people or animals for whom the inhalation of the particles can be harmful. An airflow system can also increase the spread of contagious diseases, which might be caused by airborne viruses or bacteria. It is common for a filter to be provided in the airflow system in order to catch or otherwise neutralise some, most, or all harmful particles or micro-organisms and thereby prevent their transmission by the airflow system.
10041 It is rare for a filter on its own to remove all unwanted contamination from the air passing through, and it is desirable to provide an improved reduction in the transmission of contaminants without reducing the desired flow of air.
Furthermore, not all airflow systems lend themselves to filtration. It is an object of this invention to provide improvements to airflow systems for the reduction of the transmission of airborne bacteria and viruses without relying on filtration. This is achieved by the use of ultraviolet radiation in cooperation with a photo-catalytic chemical.
Acknowledged prior art
[5] The inventor is aware of several prior art attempts to provide antiviral and 5 antibacterial air conditioning units. For example, WO 2019/106689 discloses an air purification system for air handling units comprising a photocatalytic reactor and an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system. Although similar to the present invention in concept, this prior art system is a complex and expensive bespoke system not suitable for retrofitting to an existing air conditioning unit, such as the 10 duct or cassette type air conditioning units discussed above.
[6] Similarly, EP3473941 discloses an air purification unit comprising a supporting structure, a UV lamp and a titanium dioxide coated duct. This system is not suitable to be retrofitted to a conventional air conditioning unit.
10071 It would sig,nificandy aid the proliferation of such antiviral and antibacterial systems if they could be retrofitted quickly and inexpensively. it would also improve the environmental impact of such systems if the UV light sources were not constantly illuminated, but only activated when air is flowing through the system.
Statement of invention
[008] A first aspect of the invention provides a fan system comprising an air impeller having blades with surfaces at least partially coated in a photocatalyst, a source of ultraviolet light directed at the coated portions of the blades, and an airflow sensor, wherein the source of ultraviolet light is caused to emit ultraviolet light when the airflow sensor detects the flow of air.
[009] The air impeller may be of a centrifu configuration having a partially open central space, and the source of ultraviolet light may protrude into the central space. The source of ultraviolet light may be configured to emit, in use, ultraviolet light in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
10101 The photocatalyst may be nano photocatalytic titanium dioxide.
[011] A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts comprising a photocatalyst in a spray-container, an ultraviolet light source adapted to fit into a fan system proximate an impeller of the fan system, and an airflow sensor in control communication with the ultraviolet light source.
10121 The photocatalyst is nano photocatalytic titanium dioxide.
10131 A third aspect of the invention provides a method of retrofitting an it) antibacterial and antiviral system to an fan system comprising the steps of: a. Spraying the blades of an impeller of the fan system with a photocatalyst; b. Installing an ultraviolet light source proximate to and directed towards the impeller blades; c. Installing an airflow sensor proximate the impeller and the ultraviolet light 15 source; and d. Connecting the airflow sensor to the ultraviolet light source such that the light source is controlled to activate when the airflow sensor detects the flow of air.
Brief description of the drawings
10141 The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with 20 reference to the following figures: 10151 Figure 1 depicts an example of an air conditioning unit; 10161 Figure 2 depicts a centrifugal fan unit in a ducted air-conditioning unit with a UV lamp according to a first embodiment of the invention; 10171 Figure 3 depicts the same unit from a top elevation; [18] Figure 4 depicts a lamp of the first embodiment of the invention from an isometric perspccti'c, [19] Figure 5 depicts the same lamp from a top elevation; [20] Figure 6 depicts, from various perspectives, an axial fan for use with 5 ventilation systems, with a UV lamp, according to a second embodiment of the invention [21] Figure 7 depicts an L-shaped lamp installed in a ducted air conditioning unit; [22] Figure 8 depicts the L-shaped lamp of Figure 7 in more detail. Detailed description [0231 The invention provides a retrofittable system which provides antiviral and antibacterial properties to a conventional fan unit, by providing a photocatalyst coating to the fan blades and irradiating the fan blades in use with ultraviolet light. The photocatalyst in the presence of ultraviolet light has enhanced anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, and therefore the viral and bacterial content of the air which makes contact with the fan blades is reduced. Even when unaided by the photocatalyst, ultraviolet light has antibacterial and antiviral properties which reduces the bacterial and viral content of the air through which it passes.
[24] The invention will be described with reference to two embodiments: the first installed in a duct type air conditioning unit with a centrifugal fan system, and 20 the second installed in an axial fan unit, commonly used in many different contexts. It will be apparent to the skilled reader that the invention can be used in any other conventional airflow generating system without the need for inventive modifications.
[25] Figure 1 depicts the first embodiment. A duct type air conditioning unit has an inlet 1, an inlet duct 2, a filter 3, a cooling, heating and airflow system 4, an outlet duct 5 and an outlet 6.
[26] The inlet duct 2 provides a passage for air flowing between the inlet 1 and the cooling, heating and airflow system 4. The filter 3 is disposed at the threshold between the cooling, heating and airflow system 4 and the inlet duct 2, and all air passing between the inlet duct 2 and the cooling, hearing and airflow system 4 passes through and is filtered by the filter 3.
[27] The cooling, heating and airflow system 4 can take any conventional form and generally contains a heat transfer system for cooling or heating passing air, and an airflow generator for pushing or pulling air through the air conditioning unit. The present invention will focus in particular on the airflow generator, and although the invention can be adapted for use with various conventional airflow generators, the embodiments described will use a centrifugal fan and an axial fan.
[28] The outlet duct 5 provides a passage for air flowing between the cooling, heating and airflow system 4 and the outlet 6.
[29] Figures 2 and 3 depict a conventional centrifugal fan 7 installed in a cooling, heating and airflow system 4 in an air conditioning unit. The fan has impeller blades 8, which rotate in use to drive airflow through the system. The impeller blades 8 are disposed about the axis of a substantially cylindrical space 9 which is hollow and open to the surrounding air at one of its ends. At the other end of the cylindrical space 9 is a motor/drive unit 10 which drives the rotation of the impeller blades 8 about the axis of the cylindrical space 9. The impeller blades 8 are radially surrounded by a housing 11 with an outlet 12. During operation, the rotation of the impeller blades 8 draws air from the cylindrical space 9 into the housing 11, from where it is then pushed out of the outlet 12. This provides the airflow for the cooling, heating and airflow management system 4.
[03(1] The invention requires the impeller blades 8 to be coated with a photocatalyst. When an embodiment of the invention is installed in an existing air conditioning system, the impeller blades 8 are sprayed with a sprayable photocatalyst. In other embodiments, particularly when the invention is not retrofitted, but is part of the original construction, the photocatalyst can be added to the impeller blades during manufacture.
10311 The photocatalyst is preferably provided in a spraying container for ease and speed of application. A preferred photocatalyst for use with the invention is nano photocatalytic titanium dioxide. Any suitable substance which provides enhanced antiviral and antibacterial properties when irradiated by an ultraviolet source could be used as an alternative. In other embodiments, the photocatalyst could be added during the manufacture of the polymer which forms the blades of the impeller.
10321 At least one ultraviolet light source 13 protrudes into or is otherwise it) disposed in the cylindrical space 9, and is preferably configured to emit ultraviolet light in a plurality of radial directions, directed towards the impeller blades 8. Any retrofittable ultraviolet source(s) is/are suitable. Figures 4 and 5 depict a preferred embodiment of the ultraviolet light source 13, which has particular advantages for the invention. It will be clear to the skilled person that the system does not have to be retrofitted, although this provides many convenient embodiments. A system of the invention could be part of the original construction.
10331 The ultraviolet light source 13 depicted in Figures 4 and 5 comprises an elongate lamp holder 14 connected at its proximal end to a distal side of a base 15, with a power supply unit 16 disposed on the proximal side of the base 15.
10341 The lamp holder 14 has a light emitting portion 17 at its distal end. The light emitting portion 17 emits ultraviolet light by any conventional method powered by electricity. For example, an ultraviolet lamp may be housed within the lamp holder 14, and the light emitting portion 17 comprises a window or series of windows through the lamp holder 14 transparent to ultraviolet light. Alternatively, the light emitting portion 17 may be an ultraviolet lamp or array of ultraviolet lamps embedded within or held by the lamp holder 14.
10351 The light emitting portion 17 is configured to emit ultraviolet light in a plurality of directions. When installed in an embodiment of the invention, the light emitted will be directed at the impeller blades 8 of the centrifugal fan. The light emitting portion 17 therefore emits light in a plurality or radial directions with respect to the cylindrical space 9 in which it is installed. In the depicted embodiment, there are six light crnitting segments 18 of the light emitting portion 17, disposed radially around the distal end of the lamp holder 14. This might be formed by six UV LEDs equally spaced around the distal end, or by other means as discussed above. It will be clear that other numbers of light emitting segments 18, and other configurations of light emitting portion 17 can be used.
[036] During installation of the system, a hole is drilled through the side of the housing for the cooling, heating and airflow management unit 4, large enough to receive the lamp holder 13. The base 15 is fixed to the outer surface of said housing by any conventional means. In the depicted embodiment, it is fixed by four self-tapped screws 19. This is particularly convenient and speeds up installation.
[037] Alternatively, the lamp could be mounted to a metallic chassis by means of magnets, preferably permanent magnets. The magnets may be fixed to the base 15, for example.
[038] Preferably, in order to save energy, ultra-violet light is only emitted when the fan is active. Because this is preferably a retro-fit system, and therefore a complex control relationship between the fan driver and the ultra-violet light source 13 is to be avoided, at least one airflow sensor 20 is provided on the ultraviolet light source 13. When the airflow sensor 20 detects a flow of air caused by the rotation of the impeller blades 8, it causes the ultraviolet light source 13 to activate, shining ultraviolet light on the impeller blades 8.
[039] One suitable airflow sensor 20 device is manufactured by Siargo and has part number FS7002. This device has three narrow, co-planar rods protruding from a housing. In order to detect the airflow, the rods must protrude into its path. Other suitable airflow sensors 20 are available.
NO] An electrical cable 21 connects the power supply unit 16 to a mains power supply.
10411 Figure 6 depicts an axial fan unit 22 with a retro-fitted UV lamp 23. The axial fan unit 22 comprises a housing 24 open at opposing ends to permit the ingress and egress of air. A fan is housed in the housing, comprising a stator 25, a rotor 26 and radial impeller blades 27.
[42] Through a hole cut in the housing 22, a UV lamp is inserted. This may be substantially the same as the UV lamp 14 depicted in Figures 4 and 5. If the housing 22 is cylindrical, as depicted in Figure 6, the base 15 of the UV lamp may be curved in order to match the profile of the housing 22 where they come into contact. For ease of manufacturing, this many not be necessary depending on the radius of curvature of the housing 22 and the size of the base 15. Because the impeller blades 27 are disposed to one side of the lamp 23 rather than surrounding it, fewer light emitting segments 18 may be provided, or the light emitting portion 17 may be otherwise disposed so that light is only directed towards the impeller blades 27.
[43] As in the previous embodiment, the impeller blades 27 are coated with a photo-catalyst, and an airflow sensor 20 is provided in association with the lamp 23. It is also possible for the photocatalyst to be contained within the material of 20 the impeller blades, having been incorporated during manufacture.
[44] Figures 7 and 8 depict an embodiment with an L-shaped UV lamp. It will be clear that the lamp unit can be provided with a variety of different shapes depending on the context. For example, if the fan blades on which the UV radiation is to shine are not easily accessible by a straight lamp, a lamp of a suitable shape can be provided so as to reach and illuminate the blades.
[45] It will be clear that embodiments similar to this second embodiment can be used in a variety of applications, including (but not limited to) air conditioning units, ventilation systems, and airflow management systems on buses, trains and aeroplanes. Tt may be used in distributed or ducted systems, or single fan units. Tt may be used in any context in which airflow is required and the neutralisation of airborne pathogens is desired.
[46] It is envisaged that the invention may be sold as a kit of parts for use by air 5 conditioning maintenance professionals. The kit of parts would contain a spray of photocatalyst, a lamp, lamps or lamp holder with lamp, and at least one airflow sensor, which may be built into the lamp holder.
[47] Although the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the 10 invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims (7)

  1. Claims 1. A fan system comprising an air impeller having blades with surfaces at least partially coated in or comprising a photocatalyst, a source of ultraviolet light directed at the coated portions of the blades, and an airflow sensor, wherein the source of ultraviolet light is caused to emit ultraviolet light when the airflow sensor detects the flow of air.
  2. 2. A fan system according to claim 1, wherein the air impeller is of a centrifugal configuration having a partially open central space, and the source of ultraviolet light protrudes into the central space.
  3. 3. A fan system according to claim 2, wherein the source of ultraviolet light is configured to emit, in use, ultraviolet light in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
  4. 4. A fan system according to any preceding claim, wherein the photocatalyst is nano photocatalytic titanium dioxide.
  5. 5. A kit of parts comprising a photocatalyst in a spray-container, an ultraviolet light source adapted to fit into a fan system proximate an impeller of the fan system, and an airflow sensor in control communication with the ultraviolet light source.
  6. 6. A kit of parts according to claim 5, wherein the photocatalyst is nano 20 photocatalytic titanium dioxide.
  7. 7. A method of retrofitting an antibacterial and antiviral system to a fan system comprising the steps of: a Spraying the blades of an impeller of the fan system with a photocatalyst; b. Installing an ultraviolet light source proximate to and directed towards the impeller blades; c. Installing an airflow sensor proximate the impeller and the ultraviolet light source; and d. Connecting the airflow sensor to the ultraviolet light source such that the light source is controlled to activate when the airflow sensor detects the flow of air.
GB2020711.4A 2020-05-09 2020-12-30 Ultraviolet air sterilisation system Pending GB2594768A (en)

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JP7397046B2 (en) * 2021-11-30 2023-12-12 日機装株式会社 Arrangement structure for arranging chamber boxes and objects to be accommodated
JP7372299B2 (en) * 2021-11-30 2023-10-31 日機装株式会社 chamber box

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CN2786223Y (en) * 2004-12-14 2006-06-07 徐江兴 Decorative partition capable of purifying indoor air for air conditioning system
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WO2021229204A2 (en) 2021-11-18
GB202006865D0 (en) 2020-06-24
WO2021229204A3 (en) 2022-01-06
GB202020711D0 (en) 2021-02-10

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