WO2021165837A1

WO2021165837A1 - Indoor environment air purification system

Info

Publication number: WO2021165837A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/051315
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo SCARPINO; Massimiliano CASTELLETTO; Giancarlo Martina
Original assignee: Arpex Environment Trentino S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-02-18
Filing date: 2021-02-17
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Also published as: IT202000003188A1

Abstract

The system (10) comprises a casing (11) defining an inlet for the air to be purified and an outlet for the purified air. The system further includes an electrostatic filter (12) and a photocatalytic filter (14) located in the casing (11). The photocatalytic filter (14) further comprises an electromagnetic source assembly (16) configured to generate an electromagnetic radiation, and a filter module (18) composed of a photocatalytic material that can be activated by the electromagnetic radiation; the system includes a fan (20) located in the casing (11) between the electrostatic filter (12) and the photocatalytic filter (14) and comprising an impeller (22) configured to convey an air flow through the filters (12, 14). A control unit (24) is configured to control the electromagnetic source assembly (16) and the fan (20).

Description

TITLE: "Indoor environment air purification system" k kk

DESCRIPTION:

Technical sector

The present invention refers to an indoor environment air purification system.

Technological background

In everyday life, most days are generally spent in indoor environments, e.g. at home, at school or at work. The quality of the air breathed in indoor environments therefore has a direct impact on people's health.

In the past, the issue of air quality in indoor environments has usually received less attention than the issue of air pollution in outdoor environments, in particular that caused by transport or industrial emissions. In recent years, however, the threats posed by the exposure to pollution in indoor environments have become more apparent.

In the state of the art, indoor environment air purification systems are known. These systems are precisely aimed at purifying the air and improving its quality.

However, such systems suffer from some drawbacks which it is desirable to remedy.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an air purification system of an improved type with respect to those implemented according to the prior art.

In particular, by means of the present invention, it is possible to control the operation of the system, activating and selectively adjusting its components according to the conditions of the environment in which the system is used. In this way, the effectiveness and efficiency of the system are optimized, improving its performance while reducing its energy consumption.

According to the present invention, this and other objects are achieved by means of an indoor environment air purification system, wherein such system has the technical features mentioned in the appended independent claim.

It should be understood that the appended claims form an integral part of the technical teachings provided herein in the following detailed description relating to the present invention. In particular, some preferred embodiments of the present invention including optional technical features are defined in the appended dependent claims.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, given purely by way of non-limiting example, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, summarised below.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air filtration system implemented according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2 and 3 are exploded views representing the system shown in figure 1, but wherein the casing is not visible. More specifically, figure 2 shows the system according to a perspective view, while figure 3 represents the system according to a side elevation view.

Figure 4 is a block diagram referring to the functional groups of the system shown in the previous figures.

For the sake of completeness, the following is a list of the alphanumeric references used to identify parts, elements and components shown in the above summarised drawings.

IN. Inlet OUT . Outlet

10 . System

11. Casing

12. Electrostatic filter 14. Photocatalytic filter

16. Electromagnetic source assembly 16a-b. LED

18. Filter modules

19. Plates

20. Fan

22. Impeller 24. Control unit 26. Real Time Clock

28. Memory module

29. Interface means

30. Current generator 32. Dimmer

34. Voltage generator

36. Converter

38. Warning means

40. Current sensor

42. Further current sensor

44. Timer

46. Power supply

48. Communication module

50. Sensor means

52. Ozone sensor

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, an indoor environment air purification system is generally designated by reference numeral 10. Such system is implemented according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 10 is particularly but not exclusively suitable for use in indoor environments intended to be used or occupied by people in a discontinuous manner during the operating period. For example, such indoor environments can be common environments, such as offices, waiting rooms, meeting rooms, etc..

In the illustrated embodiment, reference will be made to the use of system 10 inside lift cabin. However, as it is obvious to a person skilled in the art, this type of use must be understood as merely exemplary and non-limiting of the claimed scope of protection of the present invention.

With reference in particular to figure 1, system 10 comprises a casing 11. In particular, casing 11 encloses the remaining components and devices belonging to the system therein.

In the illustrated embodiment, casing 11 is substantially hollow, and further has a substantially parallelepiped shape and defines an inlet IN for the air to be purified and an outlet OUT for the air purified by the system.

With particular reference to figures 2 and 3, system 10 comprises a photocatalytic filter 14 located in casing 11.

Advantageously but not necessarily, system 10 further comprises an electrostatic filter 12 also located in casing 11, thus implementing in particular a "hybrid" type air filtration. Indeed, in this way, system 10 benefits in a combined way from the typical advantages of electrostatic filtration and photocatalytic filtration.

Electrostatic filter 12, in a per se known manner, operates by applying a difference in induced potential between emission and collection electrodes (details not shown), separating the undesired or contaminating particles from the air that is caused to flow between such electrodes.

Photocatalytic filter 14 is located in casing 11, in particular downstream of electrostatic filter 12. Furthermore, photocatalytic filter 14 comprises one or more electromagnetic source assemblies 16, wherein each of them is configured to generate an electromagnetic radiation. Moreover, photocatalytic filter 14 comprises one or more filter modules 18, wherein each of them is located near a respective electromagnetic source assembly 16. Each of filter modules 18 is composed of a photocatalytic material which can be activated by the electromagnetic radiation generated by the respective electromagnetic source assembly 16. In particular, the photocatalytic material has a structure functionalized by impregnation with a precursor based on titanium nanobioxide.

When the photocatalytic material is activated by the electromagnetic radiation, each filter module 18 is able to disintegrate undesired organic and inorganic substances or pollutants (e.g., viruses and bacteria), breaking them into molecules and compounds which are non-harmful or non- noxious, through a reduction and oxidation process.

In the illustrated embodiment, each source assembly 16 includes a plurality of emitters configured to emit a radiation towards filter module 18 and activate the catalytic action of the latter. Each plurality of emitters is supported by support means located in casing 11. For example, such emitters comprise LEDs.

In the illustrated embodiment, each emitter is arranged to emit a visible electromagnetic radiation (in particular, with a wavelength of 700 nm). In particular, each electromagnetic source assembly 16 comprises two groups of visible light emitters 16a, 16b which are respectively arranged on a pair of plates 19a, 19b located on opposite sides with respect to the respective filter module 18 .

System 10 further comprises a fan 20 located in casing 11 . Preferably, the fan is located between electrostatic filter 12 and photocatalytic filter 14 .

Fan 20 comprises an impeller 22 configured to convey an air flow through filters 12 and 14 .

With particular reference to figures 4, system 10 comprises a control unit 24 configured to control electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 . In particular, control unit 24 is located in casing 11 .

Such system 10 comprises a memory module 28 structurally independent and separate from control unit 24 . Memory module 28 stores a table containing a plurality of sets of control data A , ..., A ..., A_n . Each set of control data A is related to a respective operational configuration that can be selectively assumed by electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 . In particular, memory module 28 is located in casing 11.

As described in more detail below, system 10 comprises interface means 29 configured to be activated by a user.

Further, system 10 also comprises sensor means 50 configured to detect data indicative of the environment in which said casing 11 is installed.

Interface means 29 and sensor means 50 are configured to emit an output signal as a function of the activation of the user and/or the above-mentioned indicative data.

Moreover, control unit 24 is connected to memory module 28 and is configured to read the sets of control data A , ..., Ai ..., A_n . Furthermore, control unit 24 is configured to receive the output signal coming from interface means 29 and/or from sensor means 50 . Control unit 24 is also configured to select a respective set of control data Ai, ..., Ai ..., A_n as a function of the above output signal. In addition, control unit 24 is configured to control in a coordinated way electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 , as a function of the respective selected set of control data Ai, ..., Ai ..., A_n, bringing electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 in their respective operational configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, each set of control data Ai comprises: an electric current intensity value Ii delivered to said electromagnetic source assembly 16, and a rotational speed value Si imparted to said impeller

22.

Therefore, each set of control data Ai corresponds to a pair of data values including a respective electric current intensity value Ii and a rotational speed value Si, which are combined with each other.

By varying the electric current intensity delivered to electromagnetic source assembly 16, the brightness of the electromagnetic radiation is varied and, therefore, the filtering effectiveness of system 10 is varied, in particular by means of the action of filter module 18 of photocatalytic filter 14 .

By varying the rotational speed imparted to fan 20 , the flow rate of air passing through filters 12 and 14 is varied and the amount of air being filtered by system 10 is therefore varied.

As mentioned above, control unit 24 is configured to control in a coordinated way electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 in such a way as to bring them into a plurality of operational configurations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of operational configurations comprises a starting configuration to which a set of starting data Ai corresponds comprising the pair of pieces of data Ii, si . The starting configuration is activated by control unit 24 typically before the environment in which system 10 is installed is intended to be used or occupied by people during the day - or in any case during the expected operating period.

In particular, the data concerning starting electric current intensity Ii substantially corresponds to the maximum or nominal current intensity value set for electromagnetic source assembly 16 and starting rotational speed value si substantially corresponds to the nominal or maximum speed value set for impeller 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, control unit 24 comprises a real time clock 26 and is configured to bring electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 into the starting configuration when real time clock 26 signals a preset activation instant (e.g., determinable or programmable by a user). In particular, control unit 24 is configured to keep electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 in the starting configuration for a preset starting period (e.g., determinable or programmable by a user).

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of operational configurations comprises a working configuration corresponding to a set of working data A₂ comprising a respective pair of pieces of data I2, S2. The working configuration is activated by control unit 24 typically in case of use or occupation by people of the environment in which system 10 is installed. In particular, electric current intensity value I2 substantially corresponds to approximately 2/3 of the maximum or nominal current intensity value set for electromagnetic source assembly 16 and working rotational speed value s_å substantially corresponds to approximately 2/3 of the nominal or maximum speed value set for impeller 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 comprises interface means 29 configured to be actuated by a user in such a way as to control the switching of electromagnetic source assembly 16 and of ventilator 20 into the working configuration. In particular, if system 10 is used in an lift cabin, the actuation of interface means 29 can substantially correspond to the call of the lift and/or to the intervention on a push-button panel of the lift; this corresponds to a flow of people intended to enter or exit with respect to the lift shaft. For example, control unit 24 is configured to keep electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 in the working configuration for a preset working period (e.g., determinable or programmable by a user) after interface means 29 are actuated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of operational configurations comprises a maintenance configuration corresponding to a set of maintenance data A3 comprising the pair of pieces of data I₃, S3. The maintenance configuration is activated by control unit 24 typically at the end of each starting configuration and/or at the end of each working configuration.

In particular, maintenance electric current intensity value I₃ substantially corresponds to approximately 1/2 of the maximum or nominal current intensity value set for electromagnetic source assembly 16 and maintenance rotational speed value S₃ substantially corresponds to approximately 1/2 of the nominal or maximum speed value set for impeller 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, control unit 24 is configured to bring electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 into the maintenance configuration after each working configuration, and in particular each time the associated preset working period comes to an end. Then control unit 24 keeps electromagnetic source assembly 16 and fan 20 in such a maintenance configuration until the interface means are actuated again by a user to control the switching of electromagnetic source assembly 16 and of fan 20 to a following working configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of operational configurations comprises a power-off configuration corresponding to a set of power-off data A₄ comprising the pair of pieces of data I4, S4. The power-off configuration is activated by control unit 24 typically when the environment in which system 10 is installed is not further intended to be used or occupied by people during the day - or in any case during the expected operating period.

In particular, power-off electric current intensity value I₄ is substantially null and electromagnetic source assembly 16 is not supplied; moreover, power-off rotational speed value S4 is substantially null and fan 22 is stopped.

In the illustrated embodiment, control unit 24 adjusts the electric current intensity that supplies electromagnetic source assembly 16 (and therefore their brightness) by of modulation means. In particular, the modulation means may include a current generator 30 and a dimmer 32 connected to current generator 30 , preferably operating a pulse width modulation (abbreviated as PWM), for example, with a PWM modulation at preset steps. In each of the operational configurations, the modulation of the electric current intensity is performed as a function of electric intensity value Ii associated with the respective operational configuration .

In the illustrated embodiment, control unit 24 adjusts the rotational speed of fan 22 by acting on the electric voltage delivered to the motor (not shown) of fan 20, by further modulation means. In particular, the modulation means may include a voltage generator 34 (e.g., configured to generate an electric signal comprised between 0 V and 10 V) and a converter 36 connected to voltage generator 34, preferably operating a pulse width modulation (abbreviated as PWM), for example, with a PWM modulation at preset steps. In each of the operational configurations, the electric voltage modulation is performed as a function of speed value Si associated with the respective operational configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 further comprises warning means 38 configured to provide a signal related to a fault and perceivable by a user.

For example, warning means 38 can be configured to provide a fault signal of the electromagnetic source assembly when the current absorbed by electromagnetic source assembly 16 exceeds a preset threshold value. In particular, the current absorbed by electromagnetic source assembly 16 can be measured by a current sensor 40 which provides the measured value of such current to control unit 24; such control unit 24 is configured to compare the measured current value with the above-mentioned threshold value and to activate warning means 38 in order to provide the fault signal of the electromagnetic source assembly. For example, warning means 38 may be configured to provide a fault signal of the fan when the current absorbed by the 20 exceeds a preset threshold value. In particular, the current absorbed by fan 20 can be measured by a further current sensor 42 which provides the measured value of such current to control unit 24 ; said control unit 24 is configured to compare the measured current value with the above- mentioned preset threshold value and to activate warning means 38 so that they provide the fault signal of the fan.

For example, warning means 38 can be configured to provide an intervention signal for the filters when the use period of filters 12 , 14 exceeds at least a preset threshold value. In particular, the use period of filters 12 , 14 can be measured by a timer 44 configured to calculate the time of use in which fan 20 is operative and to provide control unit 24 with the calculated use time value; said control unit 24 is configured to compare the calculated use time value with one or more preset threshold values and to activate warning means 38 so that they provide the intervention signal for the filters. In particular, at least one of a maintenance threshold value, wherein a maintenance signal for the filters is provided, and a replacement threshold value (In particular, higher than the maintenance threshold value), wherein a filter replacement signal is provided, can be provided.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 comprises a power supply 46 configured to deliver electric power (for example, 24 V in direct current) to the other components of the system.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 comprises a communication module 48 , in particular of a wireless type. Communication module 48 is configured to allow control unit 24 to communicate with other components and exchange various data with them, without the need for a wired connection. In particular, communication module 48 comprises at least one of a Wi-fi module and a Bluetooth module; preferably, communication module 48 comprises both the Wi-fi module and the Bluetooth module.

In particular, communication module 48 is configured to communicate with mobile devices, such as mobile phones, so as to remotely monitor the operation of system 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 comprises sensor means 50 configured to detect data indicative of the presence and/or concentration of at least one contaminant in the area in which such a system 10 is installed.

Sensor means 50 are configured to communicate with control unit 24 and to provide the latter with said indicative data, in particular through communication module 48. Thus, control unit 24 is configured to receive the representative data provided by sensor means 50 and to control the operation of at least one of electrostatic filter 12 and photocatalytic filter 14 as a function of said representative data.

In Particular, sensor means 50 comprise an ozone sensor 52 configured to detect data representative of the ozone concentration present in the area in which system 10 is installed and to provide such representative data to control unit 24, in particular through communication module 48. In the use of electrostatic filter 12, ozone is generated in a per se known manner and can, in high concentrations, become harmful to people in the environment in which the system is installed.

Advantageously, as a function of such representative data, control unit 24 can therefore be configured to adjust the electric power delivered to electrostatic filter 12 . In particular, when said representative data exceeds a preset threshold value, control unit 24 can conveniently reduce (or cancel) the electric power delivered to electrostatic filter 12 , for example for a preset period of time suitable for allowing an adequate reduction of the ozone concentration.

Alternatively to or in combination with the ozone sensor 52 , sensor means 50 may include at least one of a carbon oxide (CO) sensor and a nitrogen oxide (N0_X) sensor. Naturally, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the embodiments and implementation details may be widely varied with respect to what is described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Barzand & Zanardo Milano S.p.A.

/GV

Claims

1. Indoor environment air purification system (10), said system comprising: a casing (11) defining an inlet for the air to be purified and an outlet for the purified air; a photocatalytic filter (14) contained in said casing (11), and comprising an electromagnetic source assembly (16) configured to generate an electromagnetic radiation, and a filter module (18) composed of a photocatalytic material that can be activated by said electromagnetic radiation; a fan (20) contained in said casing (11) and comprising an impeller (22) configured to convey an air flow through said photocatalytic filter (14); and a control unit (24) contained in said casing (11) configured to control said electromagnetic source assembly (16) and said fan (20), said system being characterized by the fact that it further comprises: a memory module (28) contained in said casing (11), independent and separate from said control unit (24); said memory module (28) storing a table containing a plurality of sets of control data (Ai , ... , Ai ... , A_n) , each set of control data (Ai) being related to a respective operational configuration that can be selectively assumed by said electromagnetic source assembly (16) and said fan (20); interface means (29) configured to be activated by a user, and sensor means (50) configured to detect data indicative of the environment in which said casing (11) is installed; said means (29, 50) being configured to emit an output signal as a function of said activation by the user or said indicative data; and by the fact that said control unit (24) is connected to said memory module (28) and is configured to: read said sets of control data (Ai, ..., Ai ..., A_n), receive said output signal, select a respective set of said control data (Ai, ..., Ai ..., A_n) as a function of said output signal, coordinately control said electromagnetic source assembly (16) and said fan (20) as a function of said respective selected set of control data (Ai, ..., Ai ..., A_n) selectively bringing said electromagnetic source assembly (16) and said fan (20) into their respective operational configuration .

2. System according to claim 1, further comprising an electrostatic filter (12) contained in said casing (11).

3. System according to claims 1 or 2, wherein each set of control data comprises: an electric current intensity value (I_±) delivered to said electromagnetic source assembly (16); and a rotational speed value (s_±) of said impeller (22).

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (24) is configured to control modulation means (30, 32) so as to adjust the intensity of the electric current powering said electromagnetic source assembly (16) as a function of said electric current intensity value (I_±) .

5. System according to claim 4, wherein said modulation means comprise a current generator (30) and a dimmer (32) connected to said current generator (30).

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (24) is configured to control modulation means (34, 36) so as to adjust the rotational speed of said impeller (22) by acting on the electric voltage delivered to the motor of said fan (20).

7. System according to claim 6, wherein said modulation means comprise a voltage generator (34) and a converter (36) connected to said voltage generator (34).

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising warning means (38) configured to provide at least an alert signal related to a fault and perceivable by a user.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein said alert signal comprises a fault signal of the electromagnetic source assembly when the current absorbed by said electromagnetic source assembly (16) exceeds a preset threshold value.

10. System according to claim 8 o 9, wherein said alert signal comprises a fault signal of the fan when the current absorbed by the fan (20) exceeds a preset threshold value.

11. System according to any of the claims 8 to 10, wherein said alert signal comprises an intervention signal for the filters when the usage period of the photocatalytic filter (14) and/or of the electrostatic filter (12) exceeds at least a preset threshold value.

12. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor means (50) are configured to detect indicative data of the presence and/or the concentration of at least a contaminant in the environment in which said system is installed and to provide said indicative data to said control unit (24) through said output signal.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein said sensor means (50) include an ozone sensor (52).

14. System according to claims 2 and 13, wherein said control unit (24) being configured to adjust the electric power delivered to said electrostatic filter (12) as a function of representative data of the ozone concentration detected by said ozone sensor (52).

15. Lift comprising an air purification system (10), said system (10) being made according to any of the preceding claims.

Barzand & Zanardo Milano S.p.A.

/GV