The invention relates to air treatment systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to air treatment systems with germicidal air circulation chambers.
Germicidal fixtures produce some amount of short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light that can break of disrupt DNA base pairing, causing formation of pyrimidine dimers, and leading to the inactivation of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Germicidal fixtures are used in water disinfecting systems. Germicidal fixtures can include low-pressure mercury lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, LEDs or combinations thereof.
Germicidal fixtures are used primarily in two different ways. Germicidal fixtures are used to disinfect surfaces, such as workplace surfaces, tools and the like. Germicidal fixtures are also used to disinfect air. Because air-borne pathogens appear to be the most powerful mechanism for spreading viruses, such as Covid-19, air disinfection germicidal fixtures can be an important tool for providing safe indoor spaces.
Ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of an appropriate catalyst can, in addition to reducing air-bourne pathogens, can also break-down or decompose VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in a process that is referred to as Photo-catalytic Degradation.
The present invention is directed to an air treatment system that includes air circulation germicidal units to disinfect air in an occupied indoor space or room. The air circulation germicidal units are preferably mounted in overhead locations within the indoor space or room, such as on or within a ceiling and/or on or within upper wall areas. The germicidal system preferably unitizes multiple air circulation germicidal units that are distributed throughout the indoor space or room. The air circulation germicidal units operate collectively to disinfect the air within the indoor space or room and operate based on detected or measured air quality and/or detected or measures occupancy levels within the indoor space or room.
A germicidal air circulation unit of the present invention includes a germicidal chamber, a circulation fan and a UVC light engine. The UVC light engine is isolated within the germicidal camber to prevent or eliminate UVC radiation leakage and exposure to occupants of the indoor space or room where the germicidal air circulation unit is stationed or installed. In operation, the circulation fan draws air into the germicidal camber through and inlet port, the air is then exposed to radiation from the UVC light engine within the germicidal chamber and the treated air is redistributed into the room through an exhaust port in a continuous cycle.
The germicidal air circulation units can also includes light units with light engines for providing lighting to the indoor space or room. The lighting units are separate from the germicidal air circulation unit or integrated with the germicidal air circulation unit, but are preferably independently operable, such that the germicidal air circulation units and the lighting units can be controlled independently. The UVC light engine in the germicidal air circulation unit is preferably a LED UVC light engine and the light engine in the lighting unit is preferably a white LED light engine.
The air treatment system, with or without the lighting units have controls that can include occupancy sensors, for turning on and off the germicidal air circulation units and/or lighting units in rooms or spaces where the air treatment system is stationed or installed. The air treatment system can also include a CO2 sensors for determining occupancy levels or air quality levels of rooms or spaces where the air treatment system is stationed or installed and can be used to adjusting circulation rates and/or UVC fluence levels of the germicidal air circulation units.
In further embodiments of the invention the occupancy sensors determines when there is more than one occupants, the number of occupants within a space or room and/or the spacing of occupants within the space or room and controls the air flow, UVC LED fluence or power levels of germicidal air circulation units based on the measured number of occupants and/or spacing of the occupants within the space or room. For example, individual germicidal air circulation units can automatically shut off or turn on when there is only a single occupant within the space and individual germicidal air circulation units can automatically power down when occupants are sufficiently spaced apart.
The air treatment system of the present invention preferable broadcasts and audio signal when the germicidal air circulation units are operating and provides a visual representation of a predicated level of air disinfection that has been provided by germicidal air circulation units at any given time while the air treatment system is in operation.
In accordance with an embodiments of the invention an air treatment system includes suspended linear germicidal air circulation units that can provide down lighting and that are suspended from a ceiling by a cable mounting features or are mounted on a wall with the appropriate hardware. Linear germicidal air circulation units includes germicidal chambers with channels or tracks that have interior walls that are UVC reflective. The interior walls of the channels of tracks can be for example, coated or made from a UVC reflective materials, such as polished Aluminum, Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Oxide.
In further embodiments of the invention germicidal chambers of the germicidal air circulation units can includes a catalatic material that can assist in a process of breaking-down or decomposing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in a process that is referred to as Photo-catalytic Degradation. Catalatic materials for Photo-catalytic Degradation include metal-oxides or metal-sulfides that can be doped with a carbon-based nano material, such as graphene.
Where the germicidal chambers are coated with, made from or contain a metal-oxide and/or a metal sulfide based material the air treatment system can also include a VOC sensor that measures VOC levels in the indoor space or room and a control unit that regulates the operation of the germicidal air circulation units based on the measured VOC levels. Suitable metal-oxides and metal-sulfides include, but are not limited to, Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Titanium Oxide (TiO2), Tungsten Oxide (WO3), Vanadium Oxide (V2O5), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), and Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) and combinations thereof.
The germicidal air circulation unit 113 includes an enclosed germinal chamber 116. Within the enclosed germinal chamber 116, there is a circulation fan 133 and a UVC light engine 135, that is preferably a UVC LED light engine. The circulation fan 133 draws the air into the enclosed germicidal camber 116 through an inlet port 132 where the air is exposed to radiation from the UVC light engine 135 and the treated air is then redistributed onto a space or room through an exhaust port 131.
The control unit 103 is connected to the germicidal air circulation unit 113 through the appropriate electrical connections 126 and 126′ and can include an occupancy sensor 104 and a CO2 sensor 106. The occupancy sensor 103 can turn on and off the germicidal air circulation unit 113 and the CO2 sensor 106 can control the operating speed of the circulation fan 133 and/or the fluence level or power level of the UVC light engine 135 based on the detected level of CO2 in the room where the air treatment system 100 is stationed or installed.
The germicidal and lighting system 100 can also includes a lighting unit 111. The lighting unit 111 includes a light engine 117, that is preferably an LED light engine. The lighting unit 111 is powered by the power source 109, or a separate power source, through the appropriate electrical connections 125 and 125′. The lighting unit 111 can also be connected to a separate control unit 105 that includes, for example, an occupancy sensor 108 for turning on and off the light engine 117 based on detected occupancy within the space or room.
In addition to the CO2 sensor 106 or alternatively to the CO2 sensor 106, the control unit 103 can includes a VOC sensor that monitors airborne Volatile Organic Compounds within the space or room. The control unit 103 will then control the air flow provided by the fan 133 and/or the fluence or power levels of the UVC LED light engine 135 based levels of VOCs detected.
In operation, each of the germicidal fixtures 207/207′/207″ can operate collectively or independently through a control unit 103 (
The de-centralized or de-localized air treatment system 225 can also includes a central control unit 233. The central control unit 233 allows for manual control of each of the air treatment fixtures 241, 241′ and 241″ and displays information about the de-centralized or de-localized air treatment system 225 including, but not limited to, predicted air quality within the space or room 231, operating conditions of each of the air treatment fixtures 241, 241′ and 241″ and any potential operational failures of each of the air treatment fixtures 241, 241′ and 241″.
The air treatment fixture 300 can have baffle structures, such as described below, within the germicidal chamber 303 and/or internal walls of the germicidal chamber are coated or made of a UV reflective materials, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide. The air treatment fixture 300 can also include one or more sensors 317 and 317′, such as a CO2 sensor and/or a VOC sensor. The one or more sensors 317 and 317′ are in electrical communication with a control unit, such as the control unit 103 (
The air treatment fixture 300 can include a lighting unit 308. The lighting unit 308 can, for example, includes white light LED light engine 311 and 311′ that are nested against an wave-guide light plate or light plates 309 and 309′ for distributing light emitted by the white light LED light engine 311 and 311′. Preferably, the air treatment fixture 300 also includes an occupancy sensor 304 that turns on and off the lighting unit 308 and/or the any portion of the air circulation unit 301 based on occupancy detected. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that any number of different configurations of a lighting unit 308 can be employed with the air treatment fixture 300 and that the lighting unit 308 can be configures to operate independently from the germicidal air circulation unit 301.
Referring to
While the germicidal chamber configurations 325 and 350 are shown as having round cross-sectional shapes, any number of cross-sectional shapes are envisioned including, but not limited to, square, rectangular and irregular cross-sectional shapes. Further, fans can be configured draw air into the germicidal chamber by pushing air into the germicidal chamber, pulling air into the germicidal chamber or a combination thereof depending on the position or positions of the fans on the germicidal air circulation unit.
In operation air is drawn into the germicidal chamber of the germicidal air circulation unit 413 through an intake vent 404′ by a fan and filter unit. The air is exposed to the UVC LED light engines within the germicidal chamber and the treated air is then expelled from the germicidal chamber through an exhaust vent or exhaust port 408.
The germicidal air circulation unit 413 can also have one or more sensors, such as a CO2 sensor and/or a VOC sensor. The one or more sensors are in electrical communication with a control unit, such as the control unit 103 (
The air treatment fixture can includes a lighting unit 402. The lighting unit 402 includes a white light LED light engine or strip 407 that is nested against a wave-guide light plate 406 for distributing light emitted by the white light LED light engine or strip 407. Preferably, the air treatment fixture also includes an occupancy sensor that turns on and off the lighting unit 402 and/or the any portion of the air circulation unit 413 bases on occupancy detected. The lighting unit 402 can be configure to operate independently from the germicidal air circulation unit 413.
The lighting unit 402 can be configured to be removable, as shown in
Positioned at interior ends of the germicidal cambers 515/515′ and 517/517′ there are UVC LED light engines 519 and 519′ that emit UVC light and expose air within the germicidal cambers 515/515′ and 517/517′ as the air is drawn through the germicidal cambers 515/515′ and 517/517′. The housing 501 has an access panel 521 for accessing the fan unit 517, the UVC LED light engines 519 and 519′ and the germicidal cambers 515/515′ and 517/517′ for service or replacement.
The pendent-style linear air treatment fixture can also have one or more sensors 514 and 514′, such as a CO2 sensor and/or a VOC sensor. The one or more sensors are in electrical communication with a control unit 513, wherein the control unit 513 regulates air flow provided by the fan unit 517 and the fluence or power levels of the UVC LED light engines 519 and 519′ based levels of CO2 and/or VOCs that are detected by the one or more sensors 514 and 514′.
The pendent-style linear air treatment fixture can also includes a lighting unit 531 that can be an LED lighting unit. Preferably, the pendent-style air treatment fixture also includes an occupancy sensor that turns on and off the light unit 531 and or the any portion of the air circulation unit of the pendent-style air treatment fixture based on occupancy detected. The lighting unit 531 can also be configured to operate independently from the germicidal air circulation unit of the pendent-style linear air treatment fixture.
Also, within the germicidal the elongated and enclosed germicidal chamber 603 there is at least one baffle structure 612 that directs the air flow to snake through one side 603′ of the elongated and enclosed germicidal chamber 603 into and through an adjacent side 603″ of the elongated and enclosed germicidal chamber 603, as indicated by the arrow 609.
The germicidal air circulation unit 600 also includes one or more sensors 613 and 613′, such as a CO2 sensor and/or a VOC sensor. The one or more sensors 613 and 613′ are in electrical communication with a control unit 610, such as the control unit 610 regulates air flow provided by the intake unit 627 and/or the exhaust unit 627′ and/or the fluence or power levels of the UVC LED light engines 602 and 602′ based levels of CO2 and/or VOCs that are detected by the one or more sensors 613 and 613′. The germicidal air circulation unit 600 can also include an occupancy sensor 619 that turns on and off the germicidal air circulation unit 600 based on levels of occupancy detected. Because, the germicidal air circulation unit 600 is intended to operated when occupants are present, the occupancy sensor 619 preferably turns the germicidal air circulation unit 600 off or powers down the germicidal air circulation unit 600 when no occupants are detected and turn the germicidal air circulation unit 600 on or powers up the germicidal air circulation unit 600 when one or more occupants are detected. As described above, the germicidal air circulation unit 600 can be coupled to a lighting unit that is configured to operate in concert with or independently from the germicidal air circulation unit 600.
The condensed germicidal air circulation unit also includes an intake unit 715 an exhaust unit 718. At least one of the intake unit 715 an exhaust unit 718 includes a fan for pulling or pushing air into enclosed germicidal chamber 703, as indicated by the arrow 709 and at least the intake unit 715 includes a filter.
In operation air is pushed or pulled into the enclosed germicidal chamber 703 and the baffle structures 721/723/725 and 721′/723′/725′ directs the air flow to snake through each of stacked disinfection stages 731, 733 and 735 where the air is exposed to the of the UVC LED light engine 751/753/755 and 751′/753′/755′ and then expelled through the exhaust unit 718.
The germicidal air circulation unit also includes one or more sensors, such as a CO2 sensor, a VOC sensor and/or an occupancy sensor for regulating the operation of the germicidal air circulation unit based on detection of CO2, VOCs and/or occupants by the one or more sensors. As described above, the condensed germicidal air circulation unit can be coupled to a lighting unit that is configured to operate in concert with or independently from the condensed germicidal air circulation unit and the enclosed germicidal chamber 703 and/or the baffle structures 721/723/725 and 721′/723′/725′ can be formed from or coated with a UV reflective material or materials.
Any of the germicidal cambers 303, 303′ 303″ of the germicidal air circulation units 301 (
The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/475,025, filed on Oct. 5, 2023, and titled “GERMICIDAL AND LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH LINEAR AIR CIRCULATION UNITS” and the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/475,095, filed on Oct. 12, 2023, and titled “DECENTRALIZED GERMICIDAL AND LIGHTING SYSTEM”. The U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/475,025 and Ser. No. 63/475,095 are both hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63475025 | Oct 2022 | US | |
63475095 | Oct 2022 | US |