WO2022118791A1

WO2022118791A1 - Virus inactivation system and virus inactivation method

Info

Publication number: WO2022118791A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/043615
Authority: WO
Inventors: 一隆富松; 利知北; 雅也加藤; 啓吾織田; 泰稔上田
Original assignee: 三菱重工パワー環境ソリューション株式会社
Priority date: 2020-12-03
Filing date: 2021-11-29
Publication date: 2022-06-09
Also published as: JP2022088848A; TW202235110A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reliably implement inactivation, via ozone, at a required location of an indoor space in response to measured environmental conditions. A virus inactivating system (10) comprises an ozone generating device (1), a measurement device (4), and a control device (5). The ozone generating device (1) generates ozone. The measurement device (4) measures the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measurement points in an indoor space (20). The control device (5) has: a CT value calculation unit that calculates a CT value, which is a product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement device (4) and an elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration; a storage unit that records a reference CT value necessary for inactivating a bacterium or virus to be inactivated under prescribed environmental conditions; a CT value determination unit that corrects the reference CT value on the basis of the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity measured by the measurement device, and determines the corrected value to be a corrected CT value; and an assessment unit that assesses whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

Description

Virus inactivation system and virus inactivation method

This disclosure relates to a virus inactivating system and a virus inactivating method.

Virus removal measures are being taken to prevent the transmission and epidemic of infectious diseases caused by viruses such as influenza virus and coronavirus. As for virus removal measures, different methods are adopted depending on the infection mechanism such as aerosol infection and contact infection.

Aerosol infection is caused by human inhalation of fine aerosols floating in the air, and as a countermeasure, ventilation and removal of viruses by a high-efficiency air filter (for example, HEPA filter) compatible with the submicron class. And so on.

Contact infection is caused by a person touching something touched by an infected person while the infectivity of the virus remains. As a countermeasure against contact infection, each person's hand is washed and the part touched by the person is wiped off with alcohol or the like.

In the following, inactivating viruses and killing bacteria will be collectively referred to as "inactivation". The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to an ozone sterilizer that sterilizes clothes and the like using ozone.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-75711

In a large-scale space of a building such as a sports facility or an exhibition hall, the above-mentioned measures must be taken on a large scale, and human error such as forgetting to wipe it can be assumed. Therefore, it takes a lot of effort to take sufficient infection control measures.

Conventionally, in order to inactivate the virus, a method using ultraviolet rays or ozone has been proposed. However, when ultraviolet rays are used, it is impossible to inactivate the portion that is not irradiated because the ultraviolet rays are shielded. In addition, when ozone is brought into contact with an object to inactivate the virus attached to the object, it is necessary to spread ozone throughout the space together with air, but ozone is supplied to the required points especially in a large-scale space. At present, the method has not been examined.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a virus inactivation capable of reliably inactivating ozone at a required part of an indoor space in response to measured environmental conditions. It is intended to provide a system and a method of virus inactivation.

The virus inactivation system according to the present disclosure includes an ozone generating unit that generates ozone, a first supply unit that sends air containing ozone generated in the ozone generating unit to an indoor space, and a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space. In, a measurement unit that measures ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity, and a CT value calculation unit that calculates a CT value that is the product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration. A storage unit in which the reference CT value required for inactivating the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions is recorded, the ozone concentration measured by the measuring unit, the temperature, and the above. A CT value determining unit that corrects the reference CT value based on humidity and determines the corrected value as a corrected CT value, and a determination that determines whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value. It has a part.

The virus inactivating method according to the present disclosure measures ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a step of generating ozone, a step of sending air containing the generated ozone to an indoor space, and a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space. Based on the step, the step of calculating the CT value which is the product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of the measurement of the ozone concentration, and the measured ozone concentration, the temperature and the humidity. A step of correcting the reference CT value required for inactivating the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions and determining the corrected value as the corrected CT value, and the calculated CT value. Includes a step of determining whether or not the corrected CT value is satisfied.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reliably perform inactivation by ozone at a required part of the indoor space in response to the measured environmental conditions.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the virus inactivation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the virus survival rate and the CT value. It is a side view which shows the ozone generator which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a front view which shows the ozone generation part of the ozone generator which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a block diagram which shows the creeping discharge electrode structure of the ozone generator which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a perspective view which shows the creeping discharge electrode structure of the ozone generator which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a side view which shows the humidifying apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a side view which shows the ozone decomposition apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the operation of the virus inactivation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure.

Hereinafter, the virus inactivating system 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the virus inactivating system 10 according to the present embodiment measures the ozone concentration in the space and distributes ozone to the measurement points in the indoor space 20 to a necessary degree to measure the environmental conditions. Corresponding to the following, it is possible to reliably inactivate a virus or a bacterium by ozone at a required location in the indoor space 20.

The virus inactivation system 10 adopts a CT value as an index for measuring the effectiveness of inactivating a virus or a bacterium by ozone. The CT value is a value (ppm · min) expressed by the product of the ozone concentration (ppm) and the contact time (min) with the object to be treated at the ozone concentration. The CT value of 60 indicates a condition of being exposed to ozone at an ozone concentration of 1 ppm for 60 minutes. When compared with the same CT value, it is known that the effect of inactivation (survival rate of virus or survival rate of bacteria) differs depending on the type of virus or bacterium. In addition, through various studies and experiments, data on the survival rate of viruses or bacteria at a certain CT value is accumulated or published for each type of virus or bacterium. FIG. 2 shows an example of a graph showing the relationship between the virus survival rate and the CT value.

In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the calculated CT value exceeds a predetermined threshold value at the measurement point which is the minimum calculated CT value among the plurality of measurement points, and when the determination condition is satisfied, ozone causes inactivation. End the activation process. That is, when the calculated CT value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a predetermined amount or more of ozone is exposed around the measurement point, so that the residual rate of viruses and bacteria around the measurement point is a predetermined value (for example, 1%). It is presumed that it is as follows.

The predetermined threshold value is, for example, a corrected CT value. In the present embodiment, a CT value known to exert an inactivating effect of a virus or a bacterium under certain environmental conditions is recorded as a reference CT value in the storage unit 41 (see FIG. 9). The reference CT value is recorded for each type of virus or bacterium to be inactivated. In the present embodiment, the pre-recorded reference CT value is corrected to the CT value at which the inactivating effect is exhibited under the environmental conditions actually measured. The corrected CT value, which is the corrected CT value, is used as a determination criterion, and in this case, it is determined whether or not the calculated CT value exceeds the corrected CT value. The reference CT value before correction recorded in the storage unit 41 may be used as a judgment standard without correction, but the inactivation process is completed when the CT value required under the actual environmental conditions is not satisfied. There is a possibility that it will be done.

As shown in FIG. 1, the virus inactivating system 10 includes an ozone generator 1, a humidifying device 2, an ozone decomposition device 3, a measuring device 4, a control device 5, and the like. In the present embodiment, the ozone generator 1, the humidifying device 2, the ozone decomposition device 3, and the measuring device 4 are configured as separate devices that can be handled individually.

The ozone generator 1 generates ozone and supplies ozone to the interior space 20 of the building. As shown in FIG. 3, the ozone generator 1 includes an ozone generator 11, a fan 12, a casing 13, a vehicle body portion 14, and the like. The operation of the ozone generator 1 such as starting or stopping is controlled by the control device 5.

If the ozone generating unit 11 can generate ozone electrically, a commonly used technique can be applied to the ozone generating unit 11. An example of the ozone generating unit 11 according to the present embodiment will be described later, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

The fan 12 supplies the ozone generated by the ozone generating unit 11 to the indoor space 20. The fan 12 is an example of the first supply unit.

The casing 13 is installed so as to cover the ozone generating portion 11 and the fan 12. The casing 13 is provided with openings on the air suction side, which is the upstream side of the fan 12, and on the blowout side of the ozone-containing air, which is the downstream side of the ozone generation unit 11.

The vehicle body portion 14 has a pedestal portion 15 on which the ozone generating portion 11, the fan 12 and the casing 13 are placed, and the wheels 16 installed on the lower surface side of the pedestal portion 15. As a result, the ozone generator 1 is configured to be easily movable.

The ozone generating unit 11 has, for example, an electrode that generates plasma discharge or corona discharge. The example of the ozone generating unit 11 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 has a creeping discharge electrode structure 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ozone generation unit 11 includes a main power supply unit 17, an insulator 18, an internal electrode 19, a surface electrode 21, and the like. The insulator 18, the internal electrode 19, and the surface electrode 21 constitute a creeping discharge electrode structure 30. The ozone generating unit 11 includes one or a plurality of creeping discharge electrode structures 30.

The main power supply unit 17 is connected to the internal electrode 19, and the surface electrode 21 is grounded. The main power supply unit 17 applies a high frequency high voltage to the internal electrode 19. When a voltage is applied to the internal electrode 19, creeping discharge occurs on the boundary surface between the surface electrode 21 and the insulator 18. As a result, ozone and radicals are generated by the generation of plasma. The main power supply unit 17 may be connected to the surface electrode 21, and the internal electrode 19 may be grounded.

The insulator 18 is made of, for example, ceramics, has electrical insulating properties, and has a hollow cylindrical shape. The insulator 18 is installed so that the axial direction is orthogonal to the gas flow. The manufacturing cost of the insulator 18 can be suppressed by using a commercially available ceramic tube.
In the hollow portion passing through the axis of the insulator 18, the internal electrode 19 is installed in close contact with the insulator 18 in parallel with the axis. The internal electrode 19 is a solid or hollow rod-shaped member made of metal, metal fiber, iron powder, or the like.
On the surface of the insulator 18, the surface electrode 21 is installed without being constrained to the insulator 18 and in close contact with the insulator 18. The surface electrode 21 is installed in the axial direction of one insulator 18.

The surface electrode 21 is formed in a linear shape parallel to or diagonally to the gas flow. The surface electrode 21 is formed in close contact with the surface of the insulator 18, for example, by winding a coil spring around the surface of the insulator 18, as shown in FIG.

In the ozone generation unit 11, the internal electrode 19 is provided in close contact with the insulator 18 inside the insulator 18, and the surface electrode 21 is provided in close contact with the surface of the insulator 18, so that the internal electrode 19 and the surface electrode are provided. 21 can generate creeping discharge at the boundary surface between the surface electrode 21 and the insulator 18 while being reliably insulated by the tubular insulator 18. The ozone generation unit 11 generates ozone by generating creeping discharge.

The ozone generating unit 11 causes a pressure loss by being installed in the flow path in the ozone generator 1, but according to the creeping discharge electrode structure 30 having the above-mentioned configuration, the flow path while efficiently generating ozone. The proportion of the area occupied by the electrodes in the opening can be reduced. It is desirable that the aperture ratio (porosity) of the ozone generating unit 11 is, for example, 60% or more. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the axial direction of the insulator 18 in the creeping discharge electrode structure 30 is arranged orthogonally to the gas flow, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the insulator 18 is not limited to this example. It may be installed in parallel or diagonally.

The humidifying device 2 evaporates, for example, fine water mist to humidify the passing air. As shown in FIG. 7, the humidifying device 2 includes a humidifying portion 22, a fan 23, a vehicle body portion 24, and the like. The operation of the humidifying device 2 such as starting or stopping is controlled by the control device 5.

If the humidifying unit 22 can increase the water content in the air, a commonly used technique can be applied. As a method of humidifying air, for example, in addition to a method of evaporating fine water mist, there are a method of using ultrasonic waves, a method of blowing steam, and the like. The humidifying unit 22 has, for example, a water tank 25, a pump 26, a nozzle 27, and the like. The water stored in the water tank 25 is pressurized by the pump 26. The water pressurized by the pump 26 is sprayed by the nozzle 27, for example, in the form of a mist.

According to the mist-like water sprayed from the humidifying unit 22, the temperature of the surrounding air is lowered by, for example, several degrees Celsius due to the latent heat of vaporization. It is desirable to arrange the humidifying device 2 in the same direction as the ozone generator 1 and to install the outlet of the humidifying device 2 so that the air blown from the humidifying device 2 is ejected to the upper side of the ozone generator 1. .. By supplying the air cooled by the latent heat of evaporation to the indoor space 20 by the humidifying unit 22, the air containing ozone supplied from the ozone generator 1 to the indoor space 20 does not diffuse to the upper part of the space. , Stays at the bottom of the space. By allowing air with a high ozone concentration to stand in the lower part of the space, it is possible to inactivate viruses and bacteria mainly from the area where humans touch objects, that is, the place near the floor surface.

The fan 23 supplies the air that has been humidified by the humidifying unit 22 and has increased moisture to the indoor space 20. The fan 23 is an example of the second supply unit.

The vehicle body portion 24 has a base portion 28 on which the humidifying portion 22 and the fan 23 are placed, and wheels 29 installed on the lower surface side of the base portion 28. As a result, the humidifying device 2 is configured to be easily movable.

A casing (not shown) may be installed so as to cover the humidifying portion 22 and the fan 23. The casing is provided with openings on the air suction side, which is the upstream side of the fan 23, and on the outlet side of the humidified air, which is the downstream side of the humidifying portion 22.

The ozone decomposition device 3 takes in the air in the indoor space 20 and decomposes the ozone contained in the taken in air. As shown in FIG. 8, the ozone decomposition device 3 includes an ozone decomposition unit 31, a fan 32, a casing 33, a vehicle body unit 34, and the like. The operation of the ozone decomposition device 3 such as starting or stopping is controlled by the control device 5.

The ozone decomposition unit 31 decomposes ozone. If the ozone decomposition unit 31 can decompose ozone contained in the circulating air, a commonly used technique can be applied. An example of the ozone decomposition unit 31 according to the present embodiment will be described later, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

The fan 32 supplies the air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit 31 to the indoor space 20. The fan 32 is an example of the third supply unit.

The casing 33 is installed so as to cover the ozone decomposition unit 31 and the fan 32. The casing 33 is provided with openings on the air suction side, which is the upstream side of the ozone decomposition unit 31, and on the air blow side, which is the downstream side of the fan 32. Further, the casing 33 is formed with an air intake port separately from the opening in which the ozone decomposition unit 31 is installed. A door portion 35 that can be opened and closed by a drive portion (not shown) such as a motor is installed at the air intake port. The drive unit is driven by, for example, a control unit to open and close the door unit 35. When the door portion 35 is open, the fan 32 can suck the air in the indoor space 20 through the air intake port without passing through the ozone decomposition portion 31. Therefore, when the indoor air is circulated without decomposing ozone, the door portion 35 is opened. On the other hand, when the door portion 35 is closed, the fan 32 sucks the air in the indoor space 20 through the ozone decomposition portion 31. Therefore, when decomposing ozone contained in the indoor air, the door portion 35 is closed.

The vehicle body portion 34 has a pedestal portion 36 on which the ozone decomposition portion 31, a fan 32 and a casing 33 are placed, and wheels 37 installed on the lower surface side of the pedestal portion 36. As a result, the ozone decomposition device 3 is configured to be easily movable.

The ozone decomposition unit 31 has, for example, a filter on which an ozone decomposition catalyst is supported. When air passes through the filter, ozone contained in the air is decomposed. Alternatively, the ozone decomposition unit 31 may be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays. Ozone is decomposed by the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet lamp, and ozone is removed from the air passing near the ultraviolet lamp. When an ultraviolet lamp is used, the operation of ozone decomposition can be switched by turning the power on / off, so that it is not necessary to provide an air intake port or a door portion 35 in the casing 33.

The measuring device 4 is equipped with sensors capable of measuring at least ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity. The ozone concentration, temperature or humidity may be measured by a single device or by different devices.

The measurement points by the measuring device 4 are set at a plurality of points in the indoor space 20 where the ozone concentration needs to be measured. The measuring device 4 measures changes in ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measurement points. Individual sensors may be installed at each measurement point, or multiple measurement points may be connected to one sensor, and multiple measurement points may be switched periodically, and one sensor may release air from multiple measurement points. It may be measured.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 5 includes an ozone concentration control unit 38, a humidification control unit 39, a CT value calculation unit 40, a storage unit 41, a CT value determination unit 42, a determination unit 43, and the like. ..

The ozone concentration control unit 38 controls the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposition device 3. The ozone concentration control unit 38 switches between the operating state and the stopped state of the ozone generating unit 11 and / or the fan 12 of the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposing unit 31 and / or the fan 32 of the ozone decomposition device 3. The ozone concentration control unit 38 transmits to each of the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposition device 3 a control signal for controlling the start or stop of the operation of each of the ozone generator 1 and the ozone decomposition device 3. Further, the ozone concentration control unit 38 receives measurement results regarding the ozone concentration, temperature and humidity from the measuring device 4.

The humidification control unit 39 controls the humidification device 2. The humidification control unit 39 switches between the operating state and the stopped state of the humidifying unit 22 and / or the fan 23 of the humidifying device 2. The humidification control unit 39 transmits a control signal for controlling the start or stop of the operation of the humidification device 2 to the humidification device 2. Further, the humidification control unit 39 receives the measurement result regarding humidity from the measuring device 4.

The CT value calculation unit 40 calculates a CT value which is the product of the ozone concentration measured by the measuring device 4 and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration.

The storage unit 41 is, for example, a memory, and the storage unit 41 records a CT value required for inactivating a bacterium or a virus to be inactivated under certain environmental conditions as a reference CT value. The reference CT value is associated with information about environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity when the reference CT value is met.

The CT value determining unit 42 corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, temperature and humidity measured by the measuring device 4, and determines the corrected value as the corrected CT value.

The determination unit 43 determines whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

The control device 5 calculates the CT value at each measurement point based on the measured ozone concentration, temperature and humidity. The control device 5 determines whether or not the inactivation process by ozone is completed based on the calculated CT value and the corrected CT value.

Hereinafter, the corrected CT value in consideration of humidity will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, a CT value as a determination criterion is set based on the data in which a certain virus is inactivated. For example, when data on the relationship between the virus survival rate and the CT value is obtained under certain environmental conditions, the CT value when the virus survival rate is 1% is used as the reference CT value. The data obtained is that, for example, when the ozone concentration is constant at 0.25 ppm and the relative humidity is 80%, when the CT value becomes 60, the residual rate of the virus becomes 1% or less. .. It is known that the survival rate of viruses and bacteria is affected by humidity, and the survival rate of viruses and bacteria tends to increase as the relative humidity decreases. Ozone destroys virus envelopes and bacterial cell membranes composed of proteins, etc., and the presence of water causes oxygen atoms generated by the decomposition power of ozone to react to form hydroxyl radicals and OH. , This powerful oxidizing power inactivates viruses or bacteria. Therefore, in an environment where ozone is contained in the air, the higher the humidity, the easier it is for viruses and bacteria to be inactivated.

For example, if the relative humidity measured by the measuring device 4 is different from the environmental conditions of the acquired data and is as low as 60%, 30%, etc., the CT value at which the virus survival rate is 1% or less is 80. It is higher than the case of%. Therefore, it is desirable to make a correction to change the reference CT value as a judgment standard according to the measured relative humidity. The correction coefficient for correcting the reference CT value is set based on the experimental result, the simulation result, and the like.

Then, it is determined whether or not the CT value from the start of measurement to a certain point in time satisfies the corrected CT value corrected based on the relative humidity at the time of measurement. If the relative humidity is low at the start of the measurement and the relative humidity rises during the measurement, the corrected CT value will decrease during the measurement. Since the CT value is an integrated value that is the product of the ozone concentration and time, whether the measured CT value satisfies the corrected CT value based on the corrected corrected CT value at a certain measurement point point, which decreases with the increase in relative humidity. You just have to judge. As a result, it is estimated that the survival rate of the virus or bacterium becomes 1% or less due to the exposure of the virus or bacterium to a predetermined amount of ozone when the corrected CT value is satisfied, as in the case of the data acquired in advance. ..

The control device 5 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a computer-readable storage medium, and the like. As an example, a series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in a storage medium or the like in the form of a program, and the CPU reads this program into a RAM or the like to execute information processing / arithmetic processing. As a result, various functions are realized. The program is installed in a ROM or other storage medium in advance, is provided in a state of being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or is distributed via a wired or wireless communication means. Etc. may be applied. The computer-readable storage medium is a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a method of inactivating with ozone using the virus inactivating system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

When inactivating a virus or a bacterium with ozone in a normal indoor space 20, a virus inactivating system 10 is installed in the indoor space 20.

First, by starting the operation of the virus inactivating system 10, the operation of the ozone generator 1, the humidifying device 2, the ozone decomposition device 3, and the measuring device 4 is started. The ozone generator 1 and the humidifying device 2 may be started at the same timing, or the humidifying device 2 may be started in advance in order to raise the humidity of the indoor space 20 in advance.

Measurement points by the measuring device 4 are installed at a plurality of locations in the indoor space 20. The measuring device 4 starts measuring the ozone concentration, temperature and humidity. Further, the CT value of each measurement point is calculated and compared with a threshold value, for example, a corrected CT value, and it is determined whether or not the measured and calculated calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

In the ozone generator 1, the ozone generator 11 and the fan 12 are automatically or manually activated, and the ozone generator 1 generates ozone while supplying ozone to the interior space 20.

In the humidifying device 2, the humidifying section 22 and the fan 23 are manually or automatically activated, and the humidifying device 2 supplies the humidified air to the indoor space 20 while humidifying the air.

In the ozone decomposition device 3, only the fan 32 is automatically or manually started in a state where ozone decomposition is stopped or does not function. The ozone decomposition device 3 drives a fan 32 to supply air containing ozone to the interior space 20 when the ozone concentration rises.

When the measured humidity of the air rises and meets a predetermined threshold value, that is, when the reference humidity is exceeded, the operation of the humidifying device 2 is stopped to stop the humidification. That is, the humidifying device 2 is stopped when the air in the indoor space 20 reaches a predetermined humidity. The humidifier 2 is restarted or stopped based on the measured humidity so that the predetermined humidity is maintained.

Since humidity is measured at a plurality of measurement points, for example, based on the average value of a plurality of measured values, when the average value exceeds the upper limit threshold value (set value), the humidifying device 2 is stopped and the average value is the lower limit. When the value becomes less than the threshold value (set value), the humidifying device 2 is restarted. The upper and lower thresholds of humidity are set to a humidity suitable for inactivating viruses or bacteria and to the extent that excessive humidity does not adversely affect building materials and the like.

When the ozone concentration rises due to the supply of ozone by the ozone generator 1 and meets a predetermined threshold, that is, when the reference ozone concentration is exceeded, the operation of the ozone generator 1 is stopped to stop the generation of ozone. That is, the ozone generator 1 is stopped when the air in the indoor space 20 has reached a predetermined ozone concentration.

The upper threshold of ozone concentration is set to a low concentration (for example, 0.25 ppm) that does not adversely affect the human body. As a result, when the virus inactivating system 10 is operated, even if it is assumed that there is no person in the indoor space 20, if a person enters during that time, it will have an adverse effect on the human body if it is a short time. There is no. By setting the upper limit threshold value of the ozone concentration high, there is a concern about the influence on the human body, but the time required for the inactivation treatment can be shortened.

When the ozone concentration decreases after the ozone concentration reaches a predetermined value and the ozone generator 1 is stopped, ozone is generated based on the measured ozone concentration so that the predetermined ozone concentration is maintained. The device 1 is restarted or stopped. As a result, the ozone concentration of the indoor air remains at a predetermined value.

After the ozone concentration reaches the corrected CT value, the ozone generating unit 11 and the fan 12 of the ozone generator 1 are stopped, the humidifying unit 22 and the fan 23 of the humidifying device 2 are stopped, and the fan 32 of the ozone decomposition device 3 is stopped. Stop. Then, the interior space 20 is filled with ozone until the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

Since the ozone concentration is measured at a plurality of measurement points, it is determined whether or not the corrected CT value is satisfied, for example, based on the CT value of the measurement point where the CT value is the smallest among the plurality of measurement values. As a result, it is presumed that the inactivating effect was exerted in all of the indoor space 20 by satisfying the conditions around the measurement point where the conditions are the strictest.

The corrected CT value is calculated by correcting the CT value recorded in advance to the reference CT value based on the actually measured relative humidity. If the relative humidity rises during measurement, the corrected CT value at each measurement point is sequentially changed, and whether the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value based on the changed corrected CT value. Whether or not it is judged.

When the CT value satisfies the corrected CT value at the measurement point where the CT value is the minimum among the plurality of measured values, it can be determined that the inactivation treatment by ozone is completed. In this case, for example, ozone in the indoor space 20 is used. The process of removing is started. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is not satisfied, it is determined that the inactivation treatment with ozone needs to be continued.

When starting the process of removing ozone in the indoor space 20, the operation of the virus inactivating system 10 is restarted, and the operation of the ozone generator 1, the humidifying device 2, and the ozone decomposition device 3 is started.

In the ozone generator 1 and the humidifier 2, only the

fans

12 and 23 are automatically or manually started. The ozone generator 1 and the humidifying device 2 drive the fan 32 so that the air containing ozone efficiently passes through the ozone decomposition device 3 without generating or humidifying ozone when the ozone concentration drops. ..

In the ozone decomposition device 3, the ozone decomposition unit 31 and the fan 32 are manually or automatically activated, and the ozone decomposition device 3 decomposes the ozone contained in the air and supplies the ozone-removed air to the indoor space 20. .. As a result, the ozone concentration in the indoor space 20 can be reduced.

When the ozone concentration is reduced by the decomposition of ozone by the ozone decomposition device 3 and the predetermined threshold value is satisfied, that is, when the concentration is lower than the reference ozone concentration, the operation of the ozone decomposition device 3 is stopped to stop the decomposition of ozone. That is, the ozone decomposition device 3 is stopped when the air in the indoor space 20 reaches a predetermined ozone concentration.

After the ozone concentration reaches a predetermined value, the fan 12 of the ozone generator 1 is stopped, the fan 23 of the humidifying device 2 is stopped, and the ozone decomposition unit 31 and the fan 32 of the ozone decomposition device 3 are stopped.

Since the ozone concentration is measured at a plurality of measurement points, it is determined whether or not the threshold is satisfied based on, for example, the ozone concentration of the measurement point where the ozone concentration is the maximum among the plurality of measured values. As a result, it is presumed that the ozone concentration has reached less than the predetermined value in all of the indoor spaces 20 due to the decrease in the ozone concentration around the measurement point where the ozone concentration is the highest.

From the above, the ozone inactivation method using the virus inactivation system 10 is completed.
According to this embodiment, ozone is generated in the indoor space 20, and the CT value is managed based on the measurement results at a plurality of measurement points. Considering the entry and exit of people into the indoor space 20, it is desirable that the ozone concentration is low enough not to affect the human body. Even if the ozone concentration is low, the target virus or bacterium can be appropriately inactivated by controlling the CT value.

Further, since the measurement is performed at a plurality of measurement points, even if there is a difference in the measured values between the measurement points, if the measurement point at which the measured CT value is the minimum is used as a reference, the entire indoor space 20 is used. The necessary CT value can be secured in. Therefore, inactivation by ozone becomes possible even in a large space.

Furthermore, since the relationship between the CT value and the residual rate of viruses and bacteria is affected by humidity, it is possible to efficiently inactivate viruses and bacteria by humidifying the space. Further, under low humidity conditions, the required CT value becomes high, but correction is performed to change the reference CT value according to the measured relative humidity. As a result, it is determined whether or not the calculated CT value measured and calculated at the measurement point satisfies the corrected reference CT value, so that inactivation by ozone becomes possible even under low humidity conditions.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the ozone generator 1, the humidifying device 2, and the ozone decomposition device 3 are separate devices in the virus inactivating system has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

The ozone-based virus inactivating system according to the present disclosure may include an integrated virus inactivating device in which an ozone generating unit, a humidifying unit, and an ozone decomposing unit are housed in one casing.

A fan is housed in the virus inactivating device, and the air that has passed through the virus inactivating device is supplied to the indoor space 20.

A flow path is formed inside the casing of the virus inactivating device, and the flow path is configured so that the air flowing through the flow path can pass through the ozone generating part, the humidifying part, and the ozone decomposition part. By activating the ozone generating part, the humidifying part and the fan, ozone can be generated to humidify the air.

When generating ozone, supply air to the bypass flow path that bypasses the ozone decomposition part or move the ozone decomposition part to a position off the flow path so that the air containing ozone does not pass through the ozone decomposition part. It has a structure to make it. Alternatively, the ozone decomposition unit may be installed so as to be located upstream of the ozone generation unit, and may have a configuration in which air flows in the order of the ozone decomposition unit and the ozone generation unit.

When decomposing ozone, the ozone contained in the air can be decomposed by stopping the operation of the ozone generating part and the humidifying part and allowing air to flow through the ozone decomposing part while starting the fan. When decomposing ozone, the ozone decomposition unit cuts off the supply of air to the bypass flow path and supplies air so that it passes through the ozone decomposition unit so that the air containing ozone passes through the ozone decomposition unit. Or, the ozone decomposition part located outside the flow path is moved into the flow path.

Even when the virus inactivating device is used, it is sufficient to control the start and stop of the ozone generating section, the humidifying section and the ozone decomposing section, as in the case of the virus inactivating system of the first embodiment. Thereby, the ozone concentration and the humidity in the indoor space 20 can be increased, and the ozone concentration in the indoor space 20 can be decreased.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the ozone generating part, the humidifying part and the ozone decomposition part are housed in one casing has been described, but two of the three may be housed in one casing. For example, the ozone decomposition part is not included, and the ozone generation part and the humidifying part may be housed in one casing.

The virus inactivating system and the virus inactivating method described in each of the above-described embodiments are grasped as follows, for example.

The virus inactivation system (10) according to the present disclosure includes an ozone generating unit (11) that generates ozone and a first supply unit (20) that sends air containing ozone generated by the ozone generating unit to an indoor space (20). 12), a measuring unit (4) that measures the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measuring points in the indoor space, the ozone concentration measured by the measuring unit, and the progress from the start of measuring the ozone concentration. A CT value calculation unit (40) that calculates the CT value, which is the product of time, and a memory in which the reference CT value necessary for inactivating the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions are recorded. A CT value determination unit (41) that corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity measured by the measurement unit, and determines the corrected value as the corrected CT value. 42) and a determination unit (43) for determining whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value.

According to this configuration, ozone is generated by the ozone generation unit, and the air containing the generated ozone is sent to the indoor space by the first supply unit. In addition, the measuring unit measures the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measuring points in the indoor space. Then, the CT value, which is the product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration, is calculated. The reference CT value is a CT value necessary for inactivating a bacterium or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions, and the reference CT value is recorded in the storage unit. Whether or not the reference CT value is corrected based on the ozone concentration, temperature and humidity measured by the measuring unit, the corrected value is determined as the corrected CT value, and the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value. Is judged. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is satisfied, it can be determined that the inactivation process by ozone is completed. In this case, for example, the process of removing ozone in the indoor space is started. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is not satisfied, it is determined that the inactivation treatment with ozone needs to be continued.

In the virus inactivating system according to the present disclosure, a humidifying section (22) that increases the moisture in the air and a second supply section (23) that sends the humidified air to the indoor space by increasing the moisture by the humidifying section. Further, a humidification control unit (39) that controls the humidification unit and / or the second supply unit so that the humidity at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold based on the humidity measured by the measurement unit. You may prepare.

According to this configuration, the moisture in the air is increased by the humidifying part, and the humidified air is sent to the indoor space. Further, the humidity is measured by the measuring unit, and the humidifying unit and / or the second supply unit is controlled so that the humidity at the measuring point satisfies a predetermined threshold value based on the measured humidity.

In the virus inactivation system according to the present disclosure, the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold based on the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit. It may be further provided with an ozone concentration control unit (38) for controlling the above.

According to this configuration, the ozone concentration is measured by the measuring unit, and the ozone generating unit and / or the first supply unit is controlled so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value based on the measured ozone concentration. ..

The virus inactivating system according to the present disclosure includes an ozone decomposition unit (31) that decomposes ozone and a third supply unit (32) that sends air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit to an indoor space, and controls the ozone concentration. The unit may control the ozone decomposition unit and / or the third supply unit so as to satisfy a predetermined threshold value based on the ozone concentration measured by the measuring unit.

According to this configuration, ozone is decomposed by the ozone decomposition part, and the ozone-free air that has passed through the ozone decomposition part is sent to the indoor space. Further, the ozone concentration is measured by the measuring unit, and the ozone decomposition unit and / or the third supply unit is controlled so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value based on the measured ozone concentration.

In the virus inactivating system according to the present disclosure, the ozone generating part, the humidifying part, and the ozone decomposing part may be housed in one casing.

According to this configuration, the ozone generating part, the humidifying part, and the ozone decomposition part housed in one casing can be handled integrally.

In the virus inactivating system according to the present disclosure, the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the ozone decomposing unit may be configured as separate devices.

According to this configuration, the ozone generation part, the humidifying part, and the ozone decomposition part can be handled as separate devices.

In the virus inactivating system according to the present disclosure, the humidifying section is arranged so that the ozone generating section and the humidifying section are arranged in the same direction, and the air blown from the humidifying section is ejected to the upper side of the ozone generating section. The outlet may be installed.

According to this configuration, the mist-like water sprayed from the humidifying section lowers the temperature of the surrounding air by, for example, several degrees Celsius due to the latent heat of vaporization. Then, the air cooled by the humidifying part is supplied to the indoor space, so that the air containing ozone supplied from the ozone generating part to the indoor space does not diffuse to the upper part of the space but to the lower part of the space. Stay.

According to this configuration, ozone is generated and the air containing the generated ozone is sent to the indoor space. Further, the ozone concentration, temperature and humidity at a plurality of measurement points in the indoor space are measured, and the CT value, which is the product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration, is calculated. The reference CT value is a CT value required for inactivating a bacterium or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions. Based on the measured ozone concentration, temperature and humidity, the reference CT value is corrected, the corrected value is determined as the corrected CT value, and it is determined whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value. To. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is satisfied, it can be determined that the inactivation process by ozone is completed. In this case, for example, the process of removing ozone in the indoor space is started. When it is determined that the corrected CT value is not satisfied, it is determined that the inactivation treatment with ozone needs to be continued.

1: Ozone generator 2: Humidifying device 3: Ozone decomposition device 4: Measuring device 5: Control device 10: Virus inactivation system 11: Ozone generator 12: Fan (first supply unit)
13: Casing 14: Body part 15: Base part 16: Wheel 17: Main power supply part 18: Insulator 19: Internal electrode 20: Interior space 21: Surface electrode 22: Humidifying part 23: Fan (second supply part)
24: Body part 25: Water tank 26: Pump 27: Nozzle 28: Base part 29: Wheel 30: Creature discharge electrode structure 31: Ozonolysis part 32: Fan (third supply part)
33: Casing 34: Body unit 35: Door unit 36: Base unit 37: Wheel 38: Ozone concentration control unit 39: Humidification control unit 40: CT value calculation unit 41: Storage unit 42: CT value determination unit 43: Judgment unit

Claims

The ozone generating part that generates ozone and
The first supply unit that sends the air containing ozone generated in the ozone generation unit to the indoor space,
A measuring unit that measures ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity at a plurality of measuring points in the interior space.
A CT value calculation unit that calculates a CT value that is the product of the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration.
A storage unit in which the reference CT values necessary for inactivating the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions are recorded.
A CT value determining unit that corrects the reference CT value based on the ozone concentration, the temperature, and the humidity measured by the measuring unit and determines the corrected value as the corrected CT value.
A determination unit for determining whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value,
Virus inactivation system with.
A humidifying part that increases the moisture in the air,
The second supply unit, whose moisture is increased by the humidifying unit and sends the humidified air to the indoor space,
A humidification control unit that controls the humidification unit and / or the second supply unit so that the humidity at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold value based on the humidity measured by the measurement unit.
The virus inactivating system according to claim 1.
Further provided is an ozone concentration control unit that controls the ozone generation unit and / or the first supply unit so that the ozone concentration at the measurement point satisfies a predetermined threshold based on the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit. The virus inactivating system according to claim 1 or 2.
The ozone decomposition unit that decomposes ozone,
A third supply unit that sends air that has passed through the ozone decomposition unit to the interior space,
Equipped with
The virus according to claim 3, wherein the ozone concentration control unit controls the ozone decomposition unit and / or the third supply unit so as to satisfy a predetermined threshold value based on the ozone concentration measured by the measurement unit. Inactivation system.
The virus inactivating system according to claim 4, wherein the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the ozone decomposing unit are housed in one casing.
The virus inactivating system according to claim 4, wherein the ozone generating unit, the humidifying unit, and the ozone decomposing unit are configured as separate devices.
The ozone generating part and the humidifying part are arranged in the same direction, and the ozone generating part and the humidifying part are arranged in the same direction.
The virus inactivating system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the outlet of the humidifying section is installed so that the air blown out from the humidifying section is ejected above the ozone generating section.
Steps to generate ozone and
The step of sending the generated ozone-containing air to the indoor space,
Steps to measure ozone concentration, temperature and humidity at multiple measurement points in the interior space,
A step of calculating a CT value, which is the product of the measured ozone concentration and the elapsed time from the start of measurement of the ozone concentration, and
Based on the measured ozone concentration, temperature and humidity, the corrected reference CT value required to inactivate the bacteria or virus to be inactivated under predetermined environmental conditions is corrected. As a step to determine the corrected CT value, and
A step of determining whether or not the calculated CT value satisfies the corrected CT value, and
A virus inactivation method that comprises.