KR20240022824A - A duct type air conditioning system and operating method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion that is formed in the form of a duct that is open in the front-back direction of the interior space and allows fluid to pass through, and accommodates a plurality of photocatalyst filter module portions; A plurality of photocatalyst filter module units provided inside the housing unit to divide the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing to form a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces, and to purify incoming air by accommodating a plurality of photocatalyst balls in the photocatalyst accommodating spaces; and an IoT module unit provided inside the housing unit in the direction in which the air flows in to sense fine dust and automatically control the operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit by detecting the presence of a virus based on the fine dust sensing value. may include.

Description

Duct type air conditioning device and its operating method {A DUCT TYPE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a duct-type air conditioning device and a method of operating the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a duct-type air conditioning device and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to secure a sufficient flow rate of incoming air by providing a plurality of photocatalyst filter modules, and to automatically filter the photocatalyst based on fine dust sensing values. It relates to a duct-type air conditioner with a structure capable of controlling the operation of the module part.

Fine dust, a harmful substance floating in the air, mainly enters the body through the respiratory tract. If fine dust enters the body, it can cause respiratory disease, stroke, heart disease, atopy, etc. Additionally, research on the role of fine dust as a medium for transferring viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms has recently been actively conducted. This is because fine dust plays a central role in colonizing pathogens, creating bacteria that are more resistant than general pathogens. Additionally, fine dust can create an environment more suitable for bacteria to gather and survive.

Accordingly, air conditioning devices are installed in each building to purify polluted air. In particular, conventional air conditioning devices use ultraviolet rays from the sun and fluorescent lamps as an energy source to cause an oxidation-reduction reaction, decomposing various harmful substances and bacteria into water and carbon dioxide substances that are harmless to the human body, and photocatalyst technology that can remove bad odors at the same time. is using .

For example, a conventional air conditioning device purifies polluted air based on a plurality of filters including a pre-filter, carbon filter, HEPA filter, and photocatalytic filter. . First, the contaminated air flowing into the front flows into the front of the pre-filter due to the air flow generated by the fan. As the polluted air passes through the pre-filter, medium-sized dust is removed, and as it passes through the carbon filter and HEPA filter, bad odors, 0.3 micrometer-sized fine dust, and indoor mold are removed. Additionally, the harmful substances and pathogenic bacteria remaining in the polluted air are decomposed into water and carbon dioxide substances that are harmless to the human body due to the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalytic filter, and the purified air is finally released to the outside.

Meanwhile, large buildings require sufficient flow rates for air circulation. However, since the HEPA filter is a fine filter that can filter out fine particles, it is difficult to apply it to air conditioning facilities in buildings because the fine pores reduce the flow rate of air passing through the HEPA filter and interfere with air circulation.

On the other hand, when using a photocatalyst filter module, it does not lower the air flow rate compared to a HEPA filter, but if the air flow rate is too fast (for example, more than 7 m/sec), the photocatalyst filter module requires sufficient photocatalytic reaction time to decompose the virus. There was a problem that the sterilization effect was reduced due to not being able to secure.

In order to solve this trade-off relationship between air circulation function and sterilization function, a method of implementing a duct-type photocatalyst module in an air conditioning facility within a building may be considered. However, because the flow rate of ducts in air conditioning facilities varies depending on the design and location of the internal space, additional research and development is needed to effectively achieve effective air circulation and purification of harmful substances.

More specifically, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a duct-type air conditioning device that secures a sufficient flow rate of introduced air and has excellent sterilization performance by providing a plurality of photocatalyst filter modules to form vortices.

In addition, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a duct-type air conditioning device that can automatically control the operation of the photocatalyst filter module based on fine dust sensing values and effectively reduce power.

In addition, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a duct-type air conditioner with a structure that allows contaminated air to easily pass through, induces an even photocatalytic reaction in all directions of the plurality of photocatalyst balls contained therein, and further allows the photocatalytic reaction to occur quickly. The device is provided.

In addition, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a duct-type air conditioner with excellent sterilization performance and low unit cost by using a UV-A light source as a light source for causing a photocatalytic reaction.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is not limited to the technical problem mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. There will be.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, in the duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is formed in the form of a duct that is open in the front and rear directions of the internal space through which fluid can pass, and includes a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units. a housing portion that accommodates; A plurality of photocatalyst filter module units provided inside the housing unit to divide the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing to form a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces, and to purify incoming air by accommodating a plurality of photocatalyst balls in the photocatalyst accommodating spaces; and an IoT module unit provided inside the housing unit in the direction in which the air flows in to sense fine dust and automatically control the operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit by detecting the presence of a virus based on the fine dust sensing value. may include.

The plurality of photocatalyst filter module units include a first photocatalyst filter module unit and a second photocatalyst filter module unit, and one end of the first photocatalyst filter module unit and one end of the second photocatalyst filter module unit have a shape in which they contact each other at a predetermined angle. By adjusting the angle between the first photocatalyst filter module and the second photocatalyst filter module, the contact area with the fluid and the formation of a vortex can be controlled.

A third photocatalyst filter module unit and a fourth photocatalyst filter module unit are further provided at positions spaced apart from the first photocatalyst filter module unit and the second photocatalyst filter module unit, and one end of the third photocatalyst filter module unit and the fourth photocatalyst filter unit are further provided. One end of the module portion forms a contact shape at a predetermined angle, and adjusts the distance between the first photocatalyst filter module portion, the second photocatalyst filter module portion, the third photocatalyst filter module portion, and the fourth photocatalyst filter module portion, , the formation of a vortex can be controlled by adjusting the angle between the third photocatalyst filter module portion and the fourth photocatalyst filter module portion.

The IoT module unit includes a fine dust sensor unit that senses fine dust contained in the incoming air; The fine dust sensing value is analyzed based on the fine dust size table and the virus size table to calculate a virus presence judgment value, and the calculated virus presence judgment value is compared with a preset virus presence threshold to control the operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit. A photocatalytic filter module driving unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to the photocatalyst filter module unit when it is determined that operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit is necessary; a communication interface that provides driving information of the photocatalyst filter module unit to a connected user terminal and receives a request to drive the photocatalyst filter module unit from the user terminal; And it may include a data storage unit that stores driving information and monitoring information of the photocatalyst filter module unit.

The fine dust size table includes fine dust type information according to the fine dust size, the virus size table includes virus type information according to the virus size, and the photocatalyst filter module driver converts the fine dust sensing value to the fine dust size. By comparing with the table, the type of fine dust can be confirmed, and the virus that uses the confirmed type of fine dust as a vector can be identified based on the virus size table.

The photocatalyst filter module driver calculates the virus presence determination value by determining the amount of virus and virus concentration based on the fine dust sensing value, and when the virus presence determination value is greater than or equal to the virus presence threshold, drives the photocatalyst filter module unit. And, if the virus presence determination value is less than or equal to the virus presence threshold, the photocatalyst filter module unit may be stopped.

A method of operating a duct-type air conditioner having a plurality of photocatalyst module units and an IoT module unit, comprising: a) sensing fine dust contained in air introduced into the duct-type air conditioner; b) calculating, by the duct-type air conditioner, a virus presence determination value using the fine dust sensing value and a preset fine dust size table and virus size table; c) the duct-type air conditioner comparing the virus presence determination value and the virus presence threshold and determining whether to drive the photocatalyst filter module unit; and d) the duct-type air conditioner driving the photocatalyst filter module unit. Providing information to a linked user terminal and receiving a request to drive the photocatalyst filter module unit from the user terminal; may include.

The fine dust size table includes fine dust type information according to the fine dust size, the virus size table includes virus type information according to the virus size, and step b) calculates the fine dust sensing value into the fine dust size table. Verify the type of fine dust by comparing it with the identified type of fine dust, identify the virus that uses the identified type of fine dust as a vector based on the virus size table, and determine the amount of virus and virus concentration based on the fine dust sensing value to detect the virus. The existence judgment value can be calculated.

In step c), if the virus presence determination value is greater than or equal to the virus presence threshold, the photocatalyst filter module unit may be driven, and if the virus presence determination value is less than or equal to the virus presence threshold value, the photocatalyst filter module unit may be stopped.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units that efficiently utilize the space of the duct, a sufficient flow rate for air circulation can be secured and sterilization ability can be improved.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, fine dust sensing values are analyzed based on a pre-registered fine dust size table and virus size table. The presence of a virus can be determined. In addition, the operation of the photocatalytic filter module unit can be automatically controlled by comparing the virus presence determination value with the virus presence threshold value.

Accordingly, the operation of the photocatalyst filter module can be controlled without separate management personnel, thereby dramatically reducing cost and power.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, driving information and monitoring information of the photocatalyst filter module unit can be constructed and stored. In addition, by providing driving information and monitoring information of the photocatalytic filter module unit to a connected terminal in real time, the user can remotely check and control driving information of the air conditioning device. Therefore, the duct-type air conditioning device can be managed more efficiently.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the description or claims of the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing each configuration of the photocatalyst filter module section separately according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a photocatalyst accommodating space formed in a photocatalyst filter housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the structural relationship between a photocatalyst accommodation space and a photocatalyst ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the extent to which light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit is diffused into a plurality of photocatalyst accommodation spaces according to the gap between the first photocatalyst filter cover unit and the photocatalyst filter light source unit.
Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining a photocatalyst filter protection cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a photocatalyst filter protection cover portion on light diffusion within a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing a duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a photocatalyst filter module provided in a duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the IoT module unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a diagram showing a method of controlling the operation of the photocatalyst filter light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and, therefore, is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected (connected, contacted, combined)" with another part, this means not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" with another member in between. "Includes cases where it is. Additionally, when a part is said to “include” a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but that other components can be added, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the duct-type air conditioning device 100 may include a housing unit 110, a photocatalyst filter module unit 120, and an IoT module unit 130.

First, the housing portion 110 may include an air intake portion 111 and an air exhaust portion 112. The housing unit 110 can accommodate a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120 in its internal space. Additionally, the internal space of the housing portion 110 may be open in the front-back direction and may be in the form of a duct through which fluid can pass. Contaminated air may flow in from one side of the housing unit 110 and pass through the other side.

The air intake unit 111 is formed on one side of the housing unit 110 and can suck air. The air intake unit 111 allows external air to flow into the air conditioning device 100.

Additionally, the air exhaust unit 112 may be formed on the other side of the housing unit 110 to exhaust air. The air exhaust portion 112 may be formed in a direction opposite to the air intake portion 111. The air exhaust unit 112 may exhaust the internal air of the air conditioning device 100 to the outside.

The photocatalyst filter module unit 120 may include a photocatalyst filter housing 121, a photocatalyst filter cover unit 122, a photocatalyst filter light source unit 123, and a photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124.

First, the photocatalyst filter housing 121 is a substrate for accommodating photocatalyst balls, and can accommodate photocatalyst balls in its internal space. Additionally, the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 is open in the front and rear directions to allow fluid to pass through.

The photocatalyst filter cover portion 122 is a member to prevent the photocatalyst balls from being separated from the photocatalyst accommodation space, and may be attached to the front and rear of the photocatalyst filter housing 121.

The photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 is provided at the rear of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 and can irradiate light toward the photocatalyst filter housing 121. As an example, the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 may include a frame and a light emitting unit. Additionally, the light emitting unit is mounted on the frame and can irradiate light toward the photocatalyst balls within the photocatalyst accommodation space.

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may be provided in front of the photocatalyst filter housing 121. The photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 protects the rear structure from external shocks or foreign substances and can reflect light emitted from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 and passing through the photocatalyst accommodation space.

The IoT module unit 130 may be provided inside the housing unit 110 where the air intake unit 111 is formed. The IoT module unit 130 can sense fine dust flowing in from the air intake unit 111. At this time, the IoT module unit 130 can analyze the fine dust sensing value using a fine dust size table and a virus size table. As an example, the fine dust sensing value may include the amount of fine dust, fine dust concentration, etc. The fine dust size table may include fine dust type information according to the fine dust size. Additionally, the virus size table may include virus type information according to virus size. Here, the IoT module unit 130 can check the type of fine dust based on the fine dust sensing value based on the fine dust size table.

Additionally, the IoT module unit 130 can check the type of virus that uses the corresponding type of fine dust as a vector based on the virus size table. The IoT module unit 130 may determine whether the identified virus has reached the virus existence threshold. As an example, the IoT module unit 130 may determine the presence of a virus based on the amount of fine dust and concentration of fine dust. The IoT module unit 130 may drive the photocatalytic filter light source unit 123 when the virus presence determination value is confirmed to be higher than the threshold. That is, the IoT module unit 130 can detect the presence of a virus by sensing fine dust and automatically supply power to the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123.

The IoT module unit 130 may provide driving information of the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 to the associated user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 may include a PC, desktop, smartphone, and tablet. Additionally, the IoT module unit 130 may receive a request to drive the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 from the user terminal 10. Therefore, it is possible for the user to remotely control the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 using the user terminal 10.

In addition, the IoT module unit 130 can monitor and store driving information of the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123. As a result, the IoT module unit 130 can build its own data and efficiently manage the photocatalyst filter module unit.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing each configuration of the photocatalyst filter module section separately according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 may be provided inside the housing unit 110. Here, the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 can purify and exhaust the incoming contaminated air (A1).

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 may include a photocatalyst filter housing 121, a photocatalyst filter cover unit 122, a photocatalyst filter light source unit 123, and a photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124.

The photocatalyst filter housing 121 is a substrate for accommodating photocatalyst balls and can accommodate photocatalyst balls in its internal space. Additionally, the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 is open in the front and rear directions to allow fluid to pass through. For example, contaminated air (A1) may flow into the front of the internal space and pass through the back, and in this process, it becomes air (A2) purified by hydroxyl radicals generated through a photocatalytic reaction. may be released.

Additionally, the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 may be divided into a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces. Additionally, a plurality of photocatalyst balls may be accommodated in each photocatalyst accommodation space.

In particular, the photocatalyst balls according to an embodiment of the present invention are processed by agglomerating photocatalysts using a binder, etc., and can be formed into a predetermined number of balls without internal pores.

By adopting such a plurality of photocatalyst balls, there is an advantage in that the contaminated air passing through the gap between the photocatalyst accommodation space and the balls has a high flow rate and can obtain a sufficient level of photocatalytic reaction required for sterilization. In addition, since the photocatalyst ball is in the form of a lump of photocatalyst, it has the advantage of excellent durability with less crumbling due to the photocatalytic reaction.

The specific structure of the photocatalyst accommodating space where these photocatalyst balls are accommodated will be examined in detail through FIG. 3.

The photocatalyst filter cover portion 122 is a member to prevent the photocatalyst balls from being separated from the photocatalyst accommodation space, and may be attached to the front and rear of the photocatalyst filter housing 121. As an example, the photocatalyst filter cover part 122 includes a first photocatalyst filter cover part 122a attached to the front of the photocatalyst filter housing 121, and a second photocatalyst filter cover part attached to the rear of the photocatalyst filter housing 121. It may include (122b).

Meanwhile, of course, a single photocatalyst filter cover portion 122 formed in a 'ㄷ' shape may be attached to the photocatalyst filter housing 121 to cover the front and rear of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 at the same time.

The photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 is provided at the rear of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 and can irradiate light toward the photocatalyst filter housing 121.

As an example, the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 may include a frame 123a and a light emitting unit 123b. Additionally, the light emitting unit 123b is mounted on the frame 123a and can irradiate light toward the photocatalyst balls in the photocatalyst accommodation space. As an example, the light emitting unit 123b may be a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays.

As an example, the light emitting unit 123b may be a UV-A light source. Unlike general UV light sources that emit light in a wide wavelength range, UV-A light sources emit light in a relatively narrow wavelength required for photocatalytic reactions and have a low unit price, which has the advantage of lowering the manufacturing cost of photocatalytic filter modules. As an example, a UV-A light source may be selected and used among light sources having a lifespan in the range of about 20,000 to 50,000 hours.

Additionally, one or more windows through which fluid can pass may be formed in the frame 123a.

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may be provided in front of the photocatalyst filter housing 121. The photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 protects the rear structure from external shocks or foreign substances and can reflect light emitted from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 and passing through the photocatalyst accommodation space.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a photocatalyst accommodating space formed in a photocatalyst filter housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 3, the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 may be divided into a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces.

For example, the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 may be partitioned by a photocatalyst filter housing partition wall 121a. That is, the photocatalyst filter housing partition wall 121a may divide the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing 121 to form a plurality of photocatalyst accommodation spaces.

As an example, the photocatalyst filter housing partition 121a may include a plurality of first photocatalyst filter housing partitions extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of second photocatalyst filter housing partitions extending in the left and right directions. The plurality of first photocatalyst filter housing partition walls and the plurality of second photocatalyst filter housing partition walls may intersect each other, and a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces may be formed.

Additionally, a photocatalyst ball can be accommodated in each photocatalyst accommodation space. As an example, at least one photocatalyst ball may be accommodated in a single photocatalyst accommodation space.

Meanwhile, as shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the plurality of photocatalyst accommodation spaces may be formed in a honeycomb shape. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, it goes without saying that the plurality of photocatalyst accommodation spaces may be circular.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the structural relationship between a photocatalyst accommodation space and a photocatalyst ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, contaminated air A1 may enter the front of the photocatalyst accommodation space and pass through the photocatalyst accommodation space.

At this time, in order for the contaminated air (A1) to be sufficiently sterilized, the contaminated air (A1) must be able to stay in the vicinity of the photocatalyst accommodation space for a certain period of time or more. In other words, the photocatalyst accommodating space must be designed in such a way that air entering the front while accommodating the photocatalyst ball (B) can stay for a certain period of time or more before passing through the photocatalyst accommodating space.

To this end, the maximum width (W) of the photocatalyst accommodation space in the left and right directions may be 1.2 to 3 times the diameter of the photocatalyst ball (B). Additionally, the maximum width (H) of the photocatalyst accommodation space in the vertical direction may be 1.2 to 3 times the diameter of the photocatalyst ball (B). Additionally, the maximum width (D) of the photocatalyst accommodation space in the front-to-back direction may be 1.2 to 3 times the diameter of the photocatalyst ball (B). These conditions are for accommodating a plurality of photocatalyst balls (B) in the photocatalyst accommodation space to induce vortex formation inside the photocatalyst accommodation space. When a vortex is formed, the time that the contaminated air (A1) stays near the photocatalyst ball (B) increases, so the sterilization of the contaminated air (A1) can be effectively achieved.

Additionally, the entire volume of the photocatalyst balls B accommodated in a single photocatalyst accommodating space may be between 1/2 and 3/4 of the volume of the single photocatalyst accommodating space. This is because the photocatalyst balls (B) occupy physical space, so if too many photocatalyst balls (B) are accommodated in a single photocatalyst accommodation space, the flow of fluid is excessively inhibited.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the extent to which light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit is diffused into a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces depending on the gap between the first photocatalyst filter cover unit and the photocatalyst filter light source unit.

Specifically, Figure 5 (a) is a photograph of the photocatalyst filter module from the front with a gap of 20 mm between the light emitting unit 123b mounted on the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 and the first photocatalyst filter cover unit 122a. . 5(b) shows the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 shown from the front with a gap of 30 mm between the light emitting unit 123b mounted on the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 and the first photocatalyst filter cover unit 122a. It was filmed. 5(c) is a photograph of the photocatalyst filter module from the front with a gap of 40 mm between the light emitting unit 123b mounted on the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 and the first photocatalyst filter cover unit 122a.

Looking at the embodiment of Figure 5 (c), it can be seen that the light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 is diffused into some of the plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces. On the other hand, in the embodiments of Figures 5 (a) and (b), it can be seen that the light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 is spread evenly across a plurality of photocatalyst accommodation spaces compared to the embodiment of Figure 5 (c). there is.

The probability that the contaminated air (A1) is sterilized while passing through the photocatalyst accommodation space may increase as the photocatalytic reaction occurs evenly in the plurality of photocatalyst balls (B). Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between the first photocatalyst filter cover portion 122a and the light emitting unit 123b is 30 mm or less.

Meanwhile, in order to satisfy the conditions of FIG. 4 while maintaining the distance between the first photocatalyst filter cover part 122a and the light emitting unit 123b at 30 mm or less, the diameter of the photocatalyst ball B may be 10 mm or less. Additionally, the maximum width of the photocatalyst accommodation space in the front-back direction may be 15 mm or less.

When the structural conditions of the photocatalyst accommodating space and the photocatalyst ball B shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are satisfied, the contaminated air A1 passing through the photocatalyst accommodating space can be sufficiently sterilized while maintaining an appropriate flow rate.

According to the experimental results, when the air in a given space was sterilized for 30 minutes while satisfying the conditions of Figures 4 and 5, no viruses in the air were detected. On the other hand, when the above conditions were not met, a significant number of airborne viruses were detected under the same experimental conditions. In other words, it was experimentally confirmed that the sterilization effect was significantly higher when the conditions of FIGS. 4 and 5 were satisfied.

Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining a photocatalyst filter protection cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may be provided in front of the photocatalyst filter housing 121. Additionally, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may be formed in a mesh shape to allow fluid to pass through. Additionally, the photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 can protect the photocatalyst filter housing 121 and the first photocatalyst filter cover unit 122a from external impacts or foreign substances.

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 may reflect light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 and passing through the photocatalyst accommodation space. At this time, the light reflected by the photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 may be directed to the photocatalyst accommodation space. According to this, the light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123 can be spread more evenly across a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces. Therefore, the photocatalytic reaction can occur evenly in all directions of the plurality of photocatalyst balls (B).

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 may be made of a material that reflects the light irradiated from the photocatalyst filter light source unit 123, that is, ultraviolet rays and is durable against ultraviolet rays. For example, the photocatalyst filter protection cover 124 may be made of aluminum.

The photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may include a plurality of first mesh 124a and a plurality of second mesh 124b extending in different directions. At this time, since the first mesh 124a and the second mesh 124b intersect each other, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may have an overall mesh shape.

Additionally, the plurality of first mesh 124a and the plurality of second mesh 124b may be inclined in the left and right directions with the photocatalyst filter housing partition wall 121a. For example, when the first mesh bar 124a extends diagonally from the vertical direction to the left, the second mesh bar 124b may extend diagonally from the vertical direction to the right. That is, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 may be formed in a mesh shape inclined in the diagonal direction.

According to this, the photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 can disperse the contaminated air (A1) flowing into the front of the photocatalyst filter module in various directions. That is, the photocatalyst filter protection cover unit 124 may guide the contaminated air A1 to disperse and enter the plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces.

In addition, the photocatalyst filter protection cover portion 124 guides the path of the contaminated air A1 to be slanted from the front-back direction, so that the formation of vortices in the plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces can be promoted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a photocatalyst filter protection cover portion on light diffusion within a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, Figure 7 (a) is a photograph of the photocatalyst filter module from the front without the photocatalyst filter protection cover 124 provided. And, Figure 7 (b) is a photograph of the photocatalyst filter module from the front with the photocatalyst filter protection cover 124 provided in front of the first photocatalyst filter cover 122a.

Comparing the embodiments of FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b), light diffusion within the plurality of photocatalyst accommodation spaces of the embodiment of FIG. 7(b) is lower than that of the embodiment of FIG. 7(a). You can see that it is done evenly overall.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing a duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 8, the housing portion 110 may be open in the front and rear direction to allow fluid to pass through. An air intake portion 111 through which contaminated air flows may be formed on one surface of the housing portion 110. The air exhaust part 112 through which the purified air is discharged may be formed on a side opposite to one side of the housing part 110 where the air intake part 111 is formed.

Additionally, a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b may be provided in the internal space of the housing unit 110. For example, the plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b may be formed at a specific angle to form a 'V' shape. That is, one end of the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and one end of the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b may be twisted at a predetermined angle to form a contact shape.

As a result, the incoming air flow may collide with the plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b to form a vortex. When a vortex is formed, the time the contaminated air stays in the plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b increases, so that sterilization of the contaminated air can proceed effectively. Additionally, when using a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b, the contact area with the incoming air can be expanded to perform efficient purification.

Additionally, by adjusting the angle at which the plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b are twisted in the internal space of the housing unit 110, the flow of fluid may not be excessively suppressed due to excessive eddy currents.

Therefore, an air conditioning device based on a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a and 120b forming a specific shape can be used even in large buildings because a sufficient flow rate for air circulation is secured.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a photocatalyst filter module provided in a duct-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the internal space of the housing portion 110 may be provided with a plurality of photocatalyst filter module portions 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d.

For example, the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a may be in contact with the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b at a specific angle to form a 'V' shape. That is, one end of the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and one end of the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b may be twisted at a predetermined angle to form a contact shape. The incoming air flow may collide with the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b to generate eddy currents.

In addition, the third photocatalyst filter module unit 120c and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit 120d are in contact at a specific angle and are spaced apart from the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b. It can be provided at location. Here, by adjusting the distance between the third photocatalyst filter module unit 120c and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit 120d and the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b, the vortex flow Formation can be controlled. For example, when the distance between the third photocatalyst filter module unit 120c and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit 120d and the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b is long, the inflow As the air stays in the plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d for a long time, excessive vortices may be formed. In addition, when the distance between the third photocatalyst filter module unit 120c and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit 120d and the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b is close, the inflow Since the time the air stays in the plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d is short, sufficient sterilization may not proceed.

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter module unit 120c and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit 120d may be different from the specific angle formed by the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b. Likewise, by adjusting the angle at which the third photocatalyst filter module unit 120c and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit 120d are twisted, it can be adjusted so that excessive eddy currents are not generated and the flow of fluid is not excessively suppressed.

Meanwhile, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b may be arranged to be spaced apart. As described above, the formation of vortices can be controlled by adjusting the distance between the first photocatalyst filter module unit 120a and the second photocatalyst filter module unit 120b. In Figure 9 (b), it is possible to control the flow of fluid with a relatively simple structure and volume compared to (a).

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the IoT module unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The IoT module unit 130 may include a fine dust sensor unit 131, a photocatalyst filter module driver 132, a power supply unit 133, a communication interface 134, and a data storage unit 135.

First, the fine dust sensor unit 131 can sense fine dust in the incoming air. For example, the fine dust sensor unit 131 is capable of sensing PM 10, which is dust with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, PM 2.5, which is dust with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers, etc. Additionally, the fine dust sensing value may include the amount and concentration of fine dust measured.

The photocatalyst filter module driver 132 may control the operation of the photocatalyst filter module 120 based on the fine dust sensing value. First, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can analyze the fine dust sensing value using the fine dust size table and the virus size table. As an example, the fine dust size table may include fine dust type information according to the fine dust size. Additionally, the virus size table may include virus type information according to virus size. The photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can check the type of fine dust by comparing the fine dust sensing value with the fine dust size table. Additionally, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can determine the type of virus that uses the identified type of fine dust as a vector based on the virus size table.

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can compare the identified virus with a preset virus presence threshold. For example, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can check the amount and concentration of fine dust using the fine dust sensing value. In addition, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can determine the concentration and amount of viruses based on the confirmed amount of fine dust and fine dust concentration.

The photocatalyst filter module driver 132 may determine the presence of a virus based on the concentration and amount of the identified virus. The photocatalyst filter module driving unit 132 may drive the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 when the virus presence determination value is greater than or equal to the virus presence threshold. Additionally, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 may stop driving the photocatalyst filter module 120 when the virus presence determination value is less than or equal to the virus presence threshold.

Additionally, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 may control a plurality of photocatalyst filter module units 120 based on preset conditions. As an example, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 may drive at least one photocatalyst filter module 120 when the virus presence determination value is close to the threshold. That is, the photocatalyst filter module driving unit 132 can determine the presence of a virus based on the fine dust sensing value and automatically operate or stop the photocatalyst filter module unit 120. As a result, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can minimize power consumption.

The power supply unit 133 may supply power to the photocatalyst filter module unit 120. The power supply unit 133 may supply power to the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 when the photocatalyst filter module drive unit 132 determines that the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 needs to be driven. Accordingly, the air conditioner 100 can automatically supply power to the photocatalyst filter module unit 120.

The communication interface 134 may provide driving information of the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 to the associated user terminal 10. As an example, the communication interface 134 may include wireless communication technologies such as WIFI, Bluetooth low energy, and Zigbee. The user terminal 10 may include a PC, desktop, smartphone, and tablet. Additionally, the communication interface 134 may receive a request to drive the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 from the user terminal 10. That is, the photocatalyst filter module driver 132 can operate or stop the photocatalyst filter module 120 based on a request to drive the photocatalyst filter module 120 received from the communication interface 134. Accordingly, it is possible for the user to remotely operate the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 using the user terminal 10.

The data storage unit 135 may store driving information of the photocatalyst filter module unit 120. As an example, the driving information may include monitoring information such as fine dust sensing value, virus presence judgment value, and power supply presence. Additionally, the driving information may include driving conditions such as a fine dust size table, a virus size table, and a virus presence threshold. That is, by storing monitoring information and operating conditions of the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 in the data storage unit 135, the photocatalyst filter module unit 120 can be managed and controlled more efficiently.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing a method of controlling the operation of the photocatalyst filter light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, in step S110, the duct-type air conditioner may sense fine dust in the introduced air. For example, a duct-type air conditioner may be equipped with a fine dust sensor to measure the amount and concentration of fine dust flowing into the duct-type air conditioner. Here, the fine dust sensor is capable of sensing PM 10, which is dust with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, and PM 2.5, which is 2.5 micrometers in diameter.

In step S120, the duct-type air conditioner may analyze fine dust sensing values based on a pre-registered fine dust size table and virus size table. As an example, the fine dust size table may include size information for each type of fine dust. Additionally, the virus size table may include virus size information for each virus type. At this time, the duct-type air conditioner can check the type of fine dust according to the fine dust size by comparing the fine dust sensing value and the fine dust size table. In addition, the duct-type air conditioning device can check the type of virus that uses the identified type of fine dust as a vector based on the virus size table.

In addition, duct-type air conditioning devices can determine the presence of viruses based on fine dust sensing values. As described above, the duct-type air conditioner can check the amount and concentration of fine dust using fine dust sensing values. Here, the duct-type air conditioning device can determine the approximate amount and concentration of the virus based on the amount and concentration of the confirmed fine dust, and calculate a value for judging the presence of the virus.

In step S130, the duct-type air conditioning device may compare the calculated virus presence determination value with a preset virus presence threshold. As an example, a duct-type air conditioning device can determine whether the virus presence threshold of the virus presence determination value has been reached. The virus presence threshold can be set based on the amount and concentration of the virus.

In step S140, the duct-type air conditioner may drive the photocatalyst filter light source unit when the virus presence determination value is greater than or equal to the virus presence threshold. At this time, the duct-type air conditioner may control the operation of each photocatalyst filter module unit based on preset operating conditions. As an example, the preset driving condition may drive the photocatalyst filter light source unit of the photocatalyst filter module unit corresponding to the range, depending on the range included in the virus presence determination value.

In step S150, the duct-type air conditioner may transmit driving information to a communication interface. Here, the communication interface can provide the received driving information to the associated user terminal. The user can remotely check the operation information of the photocatalyst filter module unit using the user terminal. As an example, the communication interface may include wireless communication technologies such as WIFI, Bluetooth low energy, and Zigbee. Additionally, user terminals may include PCs, desktops, smartphones, and tablets.

In step S160, when the duct-type air conditioner determines that the virus presence determination value is less than or equal to the virus presence threshold, the duct-type air conditioner may stop driving the photocatalyst filter light source unit. Additionally, the duct-type air conditioner can provide a communication interface indicating that the photocatalyst filter light source unit has stopped driving.

That is, the duct-type air conditioning device can control whether or not to drive the photocatalyst filter module unit according to the calculated virus presence determination value. Therefore, the duct-type air conditioner can effectively reduce the power required to drive the photocatalyst filter light source unit.

In addition, the duct-type air conditioner detects fine dust in the incoming air until the virus presence determination value reaches the virus presence threshold, and analyzes the fine dust sensing value to determine whether the virus presence threshold has been reached (S110) Steps S130) can be repeated.

The description of the present invention described above is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, each component described as single may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: Duct-type air conditioning device
110: Housing part
120: Photocatalyst filter module part
130: IoT module part

Claims (11)

A housing portion that is open in the front-to-back direction of the internal space and is formed in the form of a duct through which fluid can pass, and accommodates a plurality of photocatalyst filter module portions;
A plurality of photocatalyst filter module units provided inside the housing unit to divide the internal space of the photocatalyst filter housing to form a plurality of photocatalyst accommodating spaces, and to purify incoming air by accommodating a plurality of photocatalyst balls in the photocatalyst accommodating spaces; and
An IoT module unit provided inside the housing unit in the direction in which the air flows in, senses fine dust, and automatically controls the operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit by detecting the presence of viruses based on the fine dust sensing value. A ducted air conditioning device comprising:
According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of photocatalyst filter module units include a first photocatalyst filter module unit and a second photocatalyst filter module unit,
One end of the first photocatalyst filter module unit and one end of the second photocatalyst filter module unit form a contact shape at a predetermined angle,
A duct-type air conditioner that controls the contact area with the fluid and the formation of a vortex by adjusting the angle between the first photocatalyst filter module portion and the second photocatalyst filter module portion.
According to paragraph 2,
A third photocatalyst filter module unit and a fourth photocatalyst filter module unit are further provided at positions spaced apart from the first photocatalyst filter module unit and the second photocatalyst filter module unit,
One end of the third photocatalyst filter module unit and one end of the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit form a contact shape at a predetermined angle,
Adjusting the distance between the first photocatalyst filter module unit, the second photocatalyst filter module unit, the third photocatalyst filter module unit, and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit, and the third photocatalyst filter module unit and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit. A duct-type air conditioner that controls the formation of vortices by adjusting the angle between them.
According to paragraph 1,
The IoT module unit includes a fine dust sensor unit that senses fine dust contained in the incoming air;
The fine dust sensing value is analyzed based on the fine dust size table and the virus size table to calculate a virus presence judgment value, and the calculated virus presence judgment value is compared with a preset virus presence threshold to control the operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit. A photocatalytic filter module driving unit;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the photocatalyst filter module unit when it is determined that operation of the photocatalyst filter module unit is necessary;
a communication interface that provides driving information of the photocatalyst filter module unit to a connected user terminal and receives a request to drive the photocatalyst filter module unit from the user terminal; and
A duct-type air conditioning device comprising a data storage unit that stores driving information and monitoring information of the photocatalytic filter module unit.
According to paragraph 4,
The fine dust size table includes fine dust type information according to the fine dust size, and the virus size table includes virus type information according to the virus size,
The photocatalyst filter module driver compares the fine dust sensing value with a fine dust size table to confirm the type of fine dust,
A duct-type air conditioning device that identifies a virus that uses the identified type of fine dust as a vector based on the virus size table.

According to clause 5,
The photocatalyst filter module driver determines the amount of virus and virus concentration based on the fine dust sensing value and calculates the virus presence judgment value,
When the virus presence determination value is greater than or equal to the virus presence threshold, driving the photocatalyst filter module unit,
A duct-type air conditioner that stops the photocatalyst filter module unit when the virus presence determination value is less than or equal to the virus presence threshold.
In the operating method of a duct-type air conditioning device having a plurality of photocatalyst module units and an IoT module unit,
a) sensing fine dust contained in air introduced into the duct-type air conditioning device;
b) calculating, by the duct-type air conditioner, a virus presence determination value using the fine dust sensing value and a preset fine dust size table and virus size table;
c) the duct-type air conditioning device comparing the virus presence determination value and the virus presence threshold value and determining whether or not to drive the photocatalytic filter module unit; And
d) the duct-type air conditioner providing driving information of the photocatalyst filter module unit to a connected user terminal and receiving a request for driving the photocatalyst filter module unit from the user terminal;
A method of operating a duct-type air conditioning device comprising:
In clause 7,
The photocatalyst filter module unit includes a first photocatalyst filter module unit and a second photocatalyst filter module unit,
One end of the first photocatalyst filter module unit and one end of the second photocatalyst filter module unit form a contact shape at a predetermined angle,
A method of operating a duct-type air conditioner, wherein the contact area with the fluid passing through the air conditioner and the formation of a vortex are controlled by adjusting the angle between the first photocatalyst filter module portion and the second photocatalyst filter module portion. .
According to clause 8,
A third photocatalyst filter module unit and a fourth photocatalyst filter module unit are further provided at positions spaced apart from the first photocatalyst filter module unit and the second photocatalyst filter module unit,
One end of the third photocatalyst filter module unit and one end of the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit form a contact shape at a predetermined angle,
Adjusting the distance between the first photocatalyst filter module unit, the second photocatalyst filter module unit, the third photocatalyst filter module unit, and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit, and the third photocatalyst filter module unit and the fourth photocatalyst filter module unit. A method of operating a duct-type air conditioner, wherein the formation of a vortex is controlled by adjusting the angle between the two.
In clause 7,
The fine dust size table includes fine dust type information according to the fine dust size, and the virus size table includes virus type information according to the virus size,
In step b), the type of fine dust is confirmed by comparing the fine dust sensing value with the fine dust size table,
Identify the virus that uses the identified type of fine dust as a vector based on the virus size table,
A method of operating a duct-type air conditioner, wherein the virus presence determination value is calculated by determining the amount of virus and virus concentration based on the fine dust sensing value.
According to clause 10,
In step c), when the virus presence determination value is greater than or equal to the virus presence threshold, the photocatalyst filter module unit is driven,
A method of operating a duct-type air conditioner, wherein when the virus presence determination value is less than or equal to the virus presence threshold, the photocatalytic filter module unit is stopped.

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