US20220290892A1 - Air purification system - Google Patents
Air purification system Download PDFInfo
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- US20220290892A1 US20220290892A1 US17/692,713 US202217692713A US2022290892A1 US 20220290892 A1 US20220290892 A1 US 20220290892A1 US 202217692713 A US202217692713 A US 202217692713A US 2022290892 A1 US2022290892 A1 US 2022290892A1
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- air purification
- energy absorbing
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- 238000004887 air purification Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 64
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 62
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 244000000010 microbial pathogen Species 0.000 description 6
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000497 Amalgam Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/28—Arrangement or mounting of filters
-
- 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
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- 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
- A61L9/01—Deodorant compositions
- A61L9/014—Deodorant compositions containing sorbent material, e.g. activated carbon
-
- 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—Ultra-violet radiation
-
- 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—Ultra-violet radiation
- A61L9/205—Ultra-violet radiation using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/0027—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions
- B01D46/0028—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions provided with antibacterial or antifungal means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/24—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies
- B01D46/2403—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies characterised by the physical shape or structure of the filtering element
- B01D46/2411—Filter cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/66—Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements inside the filter
- B01D46/68—Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements inside the filter by means acting on the cake side involving movement with regard to the filter elements
- B01D46/681—Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements inside the filter by means acting on the cake side involving movement with regard to the filter elements by scrapers, brushes or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/66—Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements inside the filter
- B01D46/74—Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements inside the filter by forces created by movement of the filter element
- B01D46/78—Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements inside the filter by forces created by movement of the filter element involving centrifugal forces
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61L2209/12—Lighting 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
- A61L2209/13—Dispensing or storing means for active compounds
- A61L2209/133—Replaceable cartridges, refills
-
- 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
- A61L2209/20—Method-related aspects
- A61L2209/21—Use of chemical compounds for treating air or the like
- A61L2209/212—Use of ozone, e.g. generated by UV radiation or electrical discharge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2279/00—Filters adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours specially modified for specific uses
- B01D2279/40—Filters adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours specially modified for specific uses for cleaning of environmental air, e.g. by filters installed on vehicles or on streets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2279/00—Filters adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours specially modified for specific uses
- B01D2279/65—Filters adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours specially modified for specific uses for the sterilisation of air
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/10—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filter plates, sheets or pads having plane surfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/52—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded corrugated or wound sheet material
- B01D46/521—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded corrugated or wound sheet material using folded, pleated material
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/14—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted on the ceiling
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
Abstract
An example air purification system comprises: an air guiding funnel; a particle absorbing filter disposed at an intake side of the air guiding funnel; a tangential fan disposed at an outlet side of the air guiding funnel; and an ultra-violet (UV) energy absorbing shell mechanically coupled to an discharge side of the tangential fan.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/160,161, filed Mar. 12, 2021 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/286,338, filed Dec. 6, 2021. The above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure is generally related to air purification systems, and is specifically related to air purification systems and apparatuses employing particle filters and ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitters.
- “UV radiation” herein refers to electromagnetic radiation corresponding to the electromagnetic spectrum between the X-rays and visible light. UV radiation may include multiple types of UV rays, including UVA, UVB, and UVC, which differ by their respective wavelength: UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. Thus, UVC radiation is the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum.
- The present disclosure is illustrated by way of examples, and not by way of limitation, and may be more fully understood with references to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exploded view of an example air purification system implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the air flow through the example air purification system implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exploded view of another example air purification system implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a tangential fan and an air guiding funnel assembly of an example air purification system implemented in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of the example air purification system implemented in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exterior view of an example air purification system implemented in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. - Described herein are air purification systems employing ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitters.
- An example air purification system, apparatus, or device (referred to as “air purification system” herein) may include a housing containing one or more air trims, one or more particle absorbing filters, one or more fans that force the air through the air trims and particle absorbing filters, and one or more UV radiation emitting devices. The shapes and locations of the air trims may be designed to control the direction of air moving through the air purification system. The particle absorbing filters may be represented, e.g., by high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) particle absorbing filters.
- In operation, the airflow is inhaled into the housing through the inlet and is driven by the fan along the air path controlled by the air trims through the filters and around the UV emitting devices, until the airflow leaves the housing through the outlet. The filters retain the particles contained by the air, while the UV radiation effectively eliminates or deactivates a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, thus providing the requisite level of air purification.
- Some amount of the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation emitting devices would inevitably leak from the housing, e.g., through the air path outlet. The maximum amount of UV radiation that may be emitted by the air purification system may be regulated by various rules and standards. For example, UL507 specifies that the intensity of UVC radiation emitted by a device should not exceed 0.1 μW/cm2. Accordingly, the housing of the air purification system should effectively attenuate the UV energy (and, specifically, UVC energy, which is the highest energy potion of the UV radiation spectrum) in order to reduce the UV (and, specifically, UVC) leakage to values below the allowed maximum, while not obstructing the flow of air through the air filters and around the UV radiation emitting devices.
-
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exploded view of an example air purification system implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 1 , the exampleair purification system 100 includes a housing formed bytop covers bottom cover 102. - The top covers 111-112, which are attached to each other in an airtight manner, have respective form factors of convex polyhedrons formed by flat panel facets, such that the convex polyhedrons have their respective bottom facets removed and effectively replaced by the
bottom cover 102, which is attached to the assembly formed by the top covers 111-112 in an airtight manner. The assembly formed by the top covers 111-112, which acts as the air intake chamber, contains theair guiding funnel 107 and thetangential fan 108, while providing mechanical support to the whole structure. Thebottom cover 102 is equipped with alid 101, which encloses an opening within thebottom cover 102 and may be removed to provide access for replacing UVradiation emitting devices 115 and/orparticle absorbing filters 103 as required. In some implementations, at least part of the surface of thelid 101 is occupied by a group of suction louvers collectively forming anair inlet 121. At least part of the surface of thebottom cover 102 is occupied by a group of exhaust louvers collectively forming anair outlet 122. - Thus, the
bottom cover 102 equipped with thelid 101 control the air intake and discharge. In the illustrative example ofFIG. 1 , the air is drawn at a pre-defined (e.g., 45 degrees) angle with respect to the imaginary longitudinal axis of theUV reflector 110 through theair inlet 121 and discharged at another pre-defined (e.g., 45 degrees) angle with respect to the imaginary longitudinal axis of theUV reflector 110 throughair outlet 122. The air intake and discharge parameters are defined by the shapes, positions, configurations (e.g., the angle of the slats forming the louvers), and/or sizes of theair inlet 121, theair outlet 122, and/or the louvers forming theair inlet 121 and theair outlet 122. The shapes, positions, configurations, and/or sizes of theair inlet 121, theair outlet 122, and/or the louvers forming theair inlet 121 and theair outlet 122 may be adjusted in order to accommodate a specific application and/or provide the desired performance parameters (i.e., the volume of the air passing through the louvers in a unit of time, the noise levels, etc.). - The
particle absorbing filter 103 is positioned adjacently to theair inlet 121 and is employed for absorbing the particles that are contained in the air passing through the filter. The particle absorbing filter may be represented, e.g., by a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. The type, size, and/or other parameters of theparticle absorbing filter 103 may be chosen to satisfy the requirements of a particular application. In particular, the size of theparticle absorbing filter 103 may be chosen that is capable to provide a requisite performance measured by the volume of the air processed by theair purification system 100 in a unit of time. The volume of the air space above theparticle absorbing filter 103 may be maximized within the overall fixture height, in order to allow for efficient air circulation within the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflector 110, thebottom cover 102, and thelid 101. - The
air guiding funnel 107 is an air conduit that is shaped to efficiently push the air through the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflector 110, thebottom cover 102, and thelid 101. - In some implementations, the
UV reflector 110 may be formed by three flat panels arranged to form a rectangular parallelepiped without the bottom facet and two end facets. The bottom side of theUV reflector 110 is attached, in an airtight manner, to thebottom cover 102. The opening created by the missing end facet on the left side of theUV reflector 110 provides an air path to the discharge of thetangential fan 108, such that the air path from the discharge of thetangential fan 108 is at least partially obstructed by theUV isolator 109. The opening created by the missing end facet on the right side of theUV reflector 110 provides an air path leading to theair outlet 122, such that the air path is at least partially obstructed byUV isolators UV isolators - The inner surfaces of the flat panels forming the
UV reflector 110 may be polished to provide a high reflectance (e.g., a reflectance value exceeding a predefined high reflectance threshold), thus collectively forming a light path to be followed by UV energy emitted by the UVradiation emitting devices 115. The light path may be constructed in a manner ensuring that any airborne particles (including pathogenic microorganisms) that are present within the air passing through the UV energy absorbing shell would be exposed to the maximum possible amount of the UV radiation emitted by the UVradiation emitting devices 115. Conversely, at least some of the surfaces of theUV isolators bottom cover 101 may have very low reflectance (e.g., a reflectance value falling below a predefined low reflectance threshold), such that each surface would absorb at least a predefined portion of UV energy (and, specifically UVC energy) incident upon these surfaces (e.g., 95% of the incident UV energy). Accordingly, the resulting light path formed by the inner surfaces of the energy absorbing shell would prevent the UV radiation from escaping the UV energy absorbing shell in order to satisfy the pertinent rules and standards with respect to the amount of the UV energy (and, specifically UVC energy) that is allowed to be emitted by the air purification system. - In the illustrative example, the
air guiding funnel 107 has an inlet through which the filtered air enters theair guiding funnel 107. The inlet is located on the filter side (i.e., the bottom side in the example ofFIG. 1 ) of theair guiding funnel 107 and matches the shape and size of theparticle absorbing filter 103. In the assembled state, theair guiding funnel 107 is attached to theparticle absorbing filter 103 in an airtight manner, such that no unfiltered air would be able to enter theair guiding funnel 107. The opposite to the particle absorbing filter side of theair guiding funnel 107 is the fan side (i.e., the top side in the example ofFIG. 1 ), which in the assembled state is mechanically coupled to an intake side of thetangential fan 108. Thus, theair guiding funnel 107 is an airtight enclosure having a larger opening matching the size and shape of theparticle absorbing filter 103 and providing a sealed air path connecting the larger opening with a smaller opening matching the size and shape of thetangential fan 108. - In the illustrative example of
FIG. 1 , theair guiding funnel 107 has a cross section represented by an isosceles trapezoid, such that the larger of the two parallel sides of the trapezoid is oriented towards theparticle absorbing filter 103, while the smaller of the two parallel sides of the trapezoid is oriented towards thetangential fan 108. The two trapezoidal walls are connected by two rectangular covers, thus forming the funnel shape. In various other implementations, other suitable shapes and form factors may be employed for driving the air through theparticle absorbing filter 103 and into the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflector 110, thebottom cover 102, and thelid 101, provided that the chosen shape would have a larger opening matching the size and shape of theparticle absorbing filter 103 and a sealed air path connecting the larger opening with a smaller opening matching the size and shape of thetangential fan 108. - As noted herein above, the air is driven through the
air purification system 100 by thetangential fan 108, which employs a cylindrical impeller to drive the outside air through theair inlet 121, theparticle absorbing filter 103, theair guiding funnel 107 and to the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflector 110, thebottom cover 102, and thelid 101. In some implementations, the fan may be driven by a direct current (DC) motor, and its rotation rate may be controlled by a pulse width modulator (PWM) driver. - The maximum amount of UV radiation that may be emitted by the air purification system may be regulated by various rules and standards. For example, UL507 specifies that the intensity of UVC radiation emitted by a device should not exceed 0.1 μW/cm2. Accordingly, the housing of the air purification system should effectively attenuate the UV energy (and, specifically, UVC energy, which is the highest energy potion of the UV radiation spectrum) in order to reduce the UV (and, specifically, UVC) leakage to values below the allowed maximum, while not obstructing the flow of air through the particle absorbing filters and around the UV radiation emitting devices.
- As noted herein above, the UV energy absorbing shell is formed by the
UV reflector 110, thebottom cover 102, and thelid 101. TheUV reflector 110 has a polished inner surface which contains the UV energy inside the UV energy absorbing shell and directs the UV rays emitted by the UVradiation emitting devices 115 along the UV energy absorbing shell so that any airborne particles (including pathogenic microorganisms) that are present within the air passing through the UV energy absorbing shell would be exposed to maximum possible amount of UV radiation. - As noted herein above, the air path from the discharge of the
tangential fan 108 is at least partially obstructed by theUV isolator 109. The opening on the right side of theUV reflector 110 is an air path that is at least partially obstructed byUV isolators UV isolators UV isolator radiation emitting devices 115. In some implementations, eachUV isolator FIG. 2 , a pair ofUV isolators UV reflector 110 may be positioned in such a manner that their longitudinal axes would be perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal axis of theUV reflector 110, and their respective V-shaped cross-sections would be symmetrically oriented. Thus, theUV isolators UV reflector 110 from escaping the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflector 110, thebottom cover 102, and thelid 101, while leaving the air path open for the air to reach theoutlet 122. Similarly, theUV isolator 109 may be positioned in such a manner that that its imaginary longitudinal axis would be perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal axis of theUV reflector 110. TheUV isolator 109 may be positioned relative to the surface of theair guiding funnel 107 in such a manner that that the UV radiation originated withinUV reflector 110 would be prevented from escaping the UV energy absorbing shell, while leaving the air path open for the air driven by thetangential fan 108 to enter the UV energy absorbing shell. EachUV isolator UV isolators - In various implementations, the above-referenced and/or other parts of the air purification system may be made of metal, plastic, composite, and/or other suitable materials. Surfaces of the above-referenced parts may be machined, polished, coated, painted, and/or otherwise processed.
- The UV
radiation emitting devices 115 are employed for producing UV radiation which effectively eliminates or deactivates a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms which may be contained in the air being supplied to the air purification system. In various implementations, the UVradiation emitting devices 115 may be represented, e.g., by light emitting diode (LED) lamps, low-pressure mercury-vapor lamps, amalgam lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, plasma lamps, etc., which emit UV radiation having wavelengths within a certain range, e.g., between 200 and 280 nm. The UVradiation emitting devices 115 may be powered by an external power supply via theUV ballast circuit 105, which may be employed for ramping up the input voltage and producing a requisite output voltage for driving the UVradiation emitting devices 115. In the illustrative example ofFIG. 1 , theUV ballast circuit 105 is attached to thebottom cover 102. Access to theUV ballast circuit 105 may be provided by theballast cover 104. - Operation of the
UV ballast circuit 105, UVradiation emitting devices 115, andfan 108 may be controlled by thecontrol circuit 106. In some implementations, thecontrol circuit 106 may enable additional functionalities such motion detection and/or Internet-of-Things (IOT) capabilities. In an illustrative example, one or more motion detectors disposed within and/or outside of theair purification system 100 may transmit motion detection signals to thecontrol circuit 106, which may switch theradiation emitting devices 115 an thefan 108 on responsive to receiving motion detection signal(s) from one or more motion detectors, and may further switch theradiation emitting devices 115 an thefan 108 of upon expiration of a timeout triggered by the motion detection signal(s). In another illustrative example, thecontrol circuit 106 may, in the absence of motion detector signals, maintain the speed of thefan 108 and/or voltage level supplied to the UVradiation emitting devices 115 at their respective standby levels. Upon receiving motion detection signal(s) from one or more motion detectors, thecontrol circuit 106 may increase the speed of thefan 108 and/or voltage level supplied to the UVradiation emitting devices 115, and may return to the standby fan speed and radiation emitting device voltage levels upon expiration of a timeout triggered by the motion detection signal(s). In yet another illustrative example, thecontrol circuit 106 may receive control signals (e.g., fan on/off, UV radiation emitting devices on/off, fan speed, voltage level supplied to the UVradiation emitting devices 115, etc.) via a wireless communication interface (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interface). -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the air flow through the exampleair purification system 100. As schematically illustrated byFIG. 2 , in operation, the air is drawn, by thetangential fan 108, through theair inlet 121,particle absorbing filter 103, andair guiding funnel 107. Upon exiting theair guiding funnel 107, the air flow is forced, by thetangential fan 108 to change the flow direction by 90 degrees and enter the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflector 110. While moving along the UV energy absorbing shell, the air is exposed to the UV energy radiated by theUV emitting devices 115. The filtered and purified air is then discharged through theair outlet 122. - Therefore, the particles contained by the air are retained by the
particle absorbing filter 103, while the UV radiation emitted the UV radiation emitting devices effectively eliminates or deactivates a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms which may be contained in the air being supplied to the air purification system, thus providing the requisite level of air purification. - The use of the tangential fan and the air guiding funnel allow reducing the vertical size of the air purification system and controlling the noise level emitted by the air purification system, thus making the air purification system suitable for various applications, including elevator cabins, medical facilities, conference rooms, performance auditoriums, etc.
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FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exploded view of another example air purification system implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 3 , the exampleair purification system 200 includes a housing formed by thehousing 206 and amatching bottom cover 201. In some implementations, at least part of the surface of thebottom cover 201 is occupied by a group of suction louvers collectively forming anair inlet 221, while another part of the surface of thebottom cover 201 is occupied by a group of exhaust louvers collectively forming anair outlet 222. - Thus, the
bottom cover 201 equipped by theair inlet 221 and theair outlet 222 controls the air intake and discharge. In the illustrative example ofFIG. 1 , the air is drawn at a pre-defined (e.g., 45 degrees) angle through theair inlet 221 and discharged at another pre-defined (e.g., 45 degrees) angle from throughair outlet 222. The air intake and discharge parameters are defined by the shapes, positions, configurations (e.g., the angle of the slats forming the louvers), and/or sizes of theair inlet 221, theair outlet 222, and/or the louvers forming theair inlet 221 and theair outlet 222. The shapes, positions, configurations, and/or sizes of theair inlet 221, theair outlet 222, and/or the louvers forming theair inlet 221 and theair outlet 222 may be adjusted in order to accommodate a specific application and/or provide the desired performance parameters (i.e., the volume of the air passing through the louvers in a unit of time, the noise levels, etc.). - The
particle absorbing filter 202 is positioned adjacently to theair inlet 121 and is employed for absorbing the particles that are contained in the air passing through the filter. The particle absorbing filter may be represented, e.g., by a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. - The
air guiding funnel 203, retained in its position by a pair oflatch retainers 204, is an air conduit that is shaped to efficiently push the air through the UV energy absorbing shell formed by thehousing 206. - The twin barrel
tangential fan 205 employs a cylindrical impeller to drive the outside air through theair inlet 221, theparticle absorbing filter 202, theair guiding funnel 203 and to the UV energy absorbing shell formed by thehousing 206. In some implementations, the fan may be driven by a direct current (DC) motor, and its rotation rate may be controlled by a pulse width modulator (PWM) driver. - The UV
radiation emitting devices 211 disposed within thehousing 206 may be powered by an external power supply via the UV driver/ballast circuit 207 disposed within thecover 208, which may be employed for ramping up the input voltage and producing a requisite output voltage for driving the UVradiation emitting devices 211. - The
UV reflector 209 disposed within thehousing 206 has a polished inner surface which contains the UV energy inside thehousing 206 and directs the UV rays emitted by the UVradiation emitting devices 211 along thehousing 206 so that any airborne particles (including pathogenic microorganisms) that are present within the air passing through thehousing 206 would be exposed to maximum possible amount of UV radiation. TheUV reflector 209 may be represented by a reflecting plain surface with concave edges, which are designed to create vortices of the air passing through thehousing 206 in order to force the air to circulate through thehousing 206 multiple times thus increasing the exposure of the air to UV radiation emitted by the UVradiation emitting devices 211. - Operation of the UV
radiation emitting devices 211 andfan 205 may be controlled by thecontrol circuit 210. In some implementations, thecontrol circuit 210 may enable additional functionalities such motion detection and/or Internet-of-Things (IOT) capabilities. -
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a tangential fan and an air guiding funnel assembly of an example air purification system. The air flow is forced, by thetangential fan cover 223 to change the flow direction by 90 degrees and enter the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflectors 209. -
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the air flow through the exampleair purification system 200. As schematically illustrated byFIG. 5 , in operation, the air is drawn, by thetangential fan 205, through theair inlet 221,particle absorbing filter 202, andair guiding funnel 203. The air flow is forced, by thetangential fan 108 to change the flow direction by 90 degrees and enter the UV energy absorbing shell formed by theUV reflectors 209. While moving along the UV energy absorbing shell, the air is exposed to the UV energy radiated by theUV emitting devices 211. The filtered and purified air is then discharged through theair outlet 122. -
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exterior view of an example air purification system implemented in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The use of the tangential fan and the air guiding funnel allow reducing the vertical size of the air purification system and controlling the noise level emitted by the air purification system, thus making the air purification system suitable for various applications, including elevator cabins, medical facilities, conference rooms, performance auditoriums, etc. - Accordingly, an air purification system, device, or apparatus (“air purification system”) implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, may include an air conduit (e.g., represented by an air guiding funnel); a particle absorbing filter disposed at an intake side of the air guiding funnel; a tangential fan disposed at an outlet side of the air guiding funnel; and an ultra-violet (UV) energy absorbing shell disposed at a discharge side of the tangential fan.
- In some implementations, the air purification system may further include a housing enclosing the air guiding funnel, the tangential fan, the UV energy absorbing shell, and the particle absorbing filter.
- In some implementations, the UV energy absorbing shell may contain one or more UV radiation emitting devices.
- In some implementations, the UV energy absorbing shell may contain one or more shapes that are configured to form a light path to be followed by UV energy emitted by the UV radiation emitting devices and to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
- In some implementations, the UV energy absorbing shell contains a plurality of low reflectance surfaces, wherein each reflectance surface is configured to absorb at least a predefined portion of UV energy that is incident upon the reflective surface.
- In some implementations, the UV energy absorbing shell contains one or more air trims that are configured to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
- In some implementations, the UV energy absorbing shell may contain one or more air trims that are configured to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
- In some implementations, the air guiding funnel may include two trapezoidal walls are connected by two rectangular covers.
- In some implementations, the air guiding funnel may have an inlet matching a shape of the particle absorbing filter.
- In some implementations, the air guiding funnel may include: an inlet matching a shape of the particle absorbing filter; and a sealed air path connecting the inlet with an outlet matching a shape of the tangential fan.
- In some implementations, the tangential fan may include a cylindrical impeller configured to drive outside air through the particle absorbing filter and through the air guiding funnel to the UV energy absorbing shell.
Claims (20)
1. An air purification system, comprising:
an air guiding funnel;
a particle absorbing filter disposed at an intake side of the air guiding funnel;
a tangential fan disposed at an outlet side of the air guiding funnel; and
an ultra-violet (UV) energy absorbing shell disposed at a discharge side of the tangential fan.
2. The air purification system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a housing enclosing the air guiding funnel, the tangential fan, the UV energy absorbing shell, and the particle absorbing filter.
3. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell contains one or more UV radiation emitting devices.
4. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell comprises a UV reflector having a plurality of reflective surfaces that collectively form a light path to be followed by UV energy emitted by the UV radiation emitting devices
5. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell contains a plurality of low reflectance surfaces, wherein each reflectance surface is configured to absorb at least a predefined portion of UV energy that is incident upon the reflective surface.
6. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell contains one or more air trims that are configured to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
7. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell contains a plurality of shapes that are configured to form a light path to be followed by UV energy emitted by the UV radiation emitting devices and to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
8. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the air guiding funnel has an inlet matching a shape of the particle absorbing filter.
9. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the air guiding funnel comprises:
an inlet matching a shape of the particle absorbing filter; and
a sealed air path connecting the inlet with an outlet matching a shape of the tangential fan.
10. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the air guiding funnel comprises two trapezoidal walls are connected by two rectangular covers.
11. The air purification system of claim 1 , wherein the tangential fan comprises a cylindrical impeller configured to drive outside air through the particle absorbing filter and through the air guiding funnel to the UV energy absorbing shell.
12. An air purification apparatus, comprising:
an air conduit;
a particle absorbing filter disposed at an intake side of the air conduit;
a fan disposed at an outlet side of the air conduit; and
an ultra-violet (UV) radiation emitting device disposed at an discharge side of the fan.
13. The air purification apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the UV radiation emitting device is enclosed by a UV energy absorbing shell.
14. The air purification apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces collectively forming a light path to be followed by UV energy emitted by the UV radiation emitting devices, wherein each reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces is configured to absorb at least a predefined portion of UV energy that is incident upon the reflective surface.
15. The air purification apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell contains one or more air trims that are configured to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
16. The air purification apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the UV energy absorbing shell contains a plurality of shapes that are configured to form a light path to be followed by UV energy emitted by the UV radiation emitting devices and to control a direction of air moving through the UV energy absorbing shell.
17. The air purification apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the air conduit has a first opening matching a shape of the particle absorbing filter.
18. The air purification apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the air conduit comprises:
a first opening matching a shape of the particle absorbing filter; and
a sealed air path connecting the first opening with a second opening matching a shape of the tangential fan.
19. The air purification apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the air conduit comprises two trapezoidal walls are connected by two rectangular covers.
20. The air purification apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the fan comprises a cylindrical impeller configured to drive outside air through the particle absorbing filter and through the air conduit to a UV energy absorbing shell enclosing the UV radiation emitting device.
Priority Applications (1)
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US17/692,713 US20220290892A1 (en) | 2021-03-12 | 2022-03-11 | Air purification system |
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US202163160161P | 2021-03-12 | 2021-03-12 | |
US202163286338P | 2021-12-06 | 2021-12-06 | |
US17/692,713 US20220290892A1 (en) | 2021-03-12 | 2022-03-11 | Air purification system |
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US17/694,127 Pending US20220288267A1 (en) | 2021-03-12 | 2022-03-14 | Replaceable uv lamp cartridge for air purification systems |
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US17/694,127 Pending US20220288267A1 (en) | 2021-03-12 | 2022-03-14 | Replaceable uv lamp cartridge for air purification systems |
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Cited By (1)
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US20220176287A1 (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2022-06-09 | Shenzhen Antop Technology Co., Ltd | Wall-mounted air purifier |
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US20220176287A1 (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2022-06-09 | Shenzhen Antop Technology Co., Ltd | Wall-mounted air purifier |
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