CA2155356C - Apparatus and method for air purification - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for air purification Download PDFInfo
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- CA2155356C CA2155356C CA002155356A CA2155356A CA2155356C CA 2155356 C CA2155356 C CA 2155356C CA 002155356 A CA002155356 A CA 002155356A CA 2155356 A CA2155356 A CA 2155356A CA 2155356 C CA2155356 C CA 2155356C
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C3/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
- B03C3/34—Constructional details or accessories or operation thereof
- B03C3/66—Applications of electricity supply techniques
- B03C3/68—Control systems therefor
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S323/00—Electricity: power supply or regulation systems
- Y10S323/903—Precipitators
Abstract
Air purification apparatus and method wherein air is subjected to a complex electrical field (30, 32) resulting from a source (40) of DC voltage and AC frequency in kilovolt and kilohertz range, respectively, applied to a screen assembly (29) in an air plenum (10). DC amplitude and AC frequency self regulate to selected parameters. Parameters are selectable independently of one another.
Description
21 CiS3~
WO 94/lgl0g PCTIUS94/01608 APPARATUS AND METHOD OF AIR PURIFICATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention related to air purification systems and related method and5 more particularly to an air purification system of the type that enhances filtration by subjecting airborne con~min~nt~ to complex electrical fields.
Prior Art St~tement Air purification systems of the type under consideration include a fixed output power generator that produces a high voltage (HV) direct current and/or a high 10 frequency (HF) alternating current. The HV and HF autput from the power generator is fed to separate electrodes. In large installations, electrodes are installed in an air handling plenum, between the mixing box and cooling coils. In operation, the HV and HF outputs generate a complex electrical field at the electrode assembly. All of the air passing through the space being conditioned by the system, passes through this 15 complex electrical excitation field during primary and secondary air cycling. The sub,--i~;-on particles tend to collide and adhere to each other and more rapidly increase their mass. They are then more easily carried by the system air flow back through the return to be captured in the filters or exhausted from th e building. The system thereby enhances filtration and removal of airborne particles an~d gasses thus, reducing contami-20 nants in a conditioned space.
As a result, air purification systems of this type save energy dollars by reducingthe need for large amounts of outside air, save initial inve~ len~ dollars by reducing heating and cooling e~lui~ elll requi,e",ellt~., saves costs in the day-to-day cleaning of the conditioned space and the cleaning and maintenance of the air h~n-lling equip-25 ment. Air purification systems of this type also control the cont~min~nts such asoffensive dust, smoke and odor and thereby increase human efficiency by restoring fresh, clean air to the interior environment in which we live, work and breathe.These systems operate effectively with no noise in the conditioned space. They are also out of sight, thus rendering it difficult for anyone to irnmc~ tcly detect 30 interruption in the operation of the purification by the system. To handle this problem, present power generators are equipped with an indicator, such as a light emitting diode, to indicate if the generator itself is turned on and functioning electrically.
WO 94/19109 PCT/US94101608 _ 21~53~6 2-But in air purification systems of this type, in which cont~min~nts are subjected to a complex electrical field as part of the purification process, many ambient condi-tions, system parameters and type of cont~min~nts influence the efficiency and effec-tiveness of the system. Thus, although the failure of the fixed output power generator 5 itself can be detected, the effective operation of other components of the system and relevant ambient conditions cannot be readily detected. As a consequence, the air purification system can be rendered ineffective; and such can only be detected by the gradual recontamination of the air. During this time, the space reverts to the conditions which prevailed prior to the utilization of the air purification system. Further, inas-10 much as a period of time is required before an air purification system of this type canreduce the cont~min~nts to the O~)tilllUIII level, particularly in large installations, any malfunctioning of a part of the system or change in operating conditions may create an impure air quality condition that takes several hours or days to be removed com-pletely, even after such malfunctioning has been noticed and remedied.
It has also been determined, that certain combinations of electrical field characteristics work better than others in removing certain types of cont~min~tes from the air. Thus, it is desirable to be able to pre-select electrical field characteristics and independently of each other to maximize the air purification rate for a particular application. Once the selection has been made, it is then desirable that such character-20 istics be m~int~ineA
Each op~i~nulll electrical field characteristic should be maintained even thoughthe electrode screen assembly itself becomes contaminated or is otherwise subjected to conditions that would affect the electrical characteristics on the electrodes and the associated electrical field.
Wo 94/19109 21 ~ ~ 3 S 6 pcTlusg4lol6o8 SUMMARY OF THE INVE~TION
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a self-regulating air purification system and method that subjects air contaminants to a complex electrical field characteristics, such as a DC voltage and an AC voltage and frequency that are 5 pre-selected independently of one another to provide op~hllulll conditions to influence dirrele,-l types of cont~min~ntc.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air purification systemhaving the capability of selfregulating electrical characteristics such as the DC voltage and the AC voltage and frequency applied to the screen independently of one another.
A further object of the invention is to provide a self-regulating air purification system which is relatively inexpensive to ".~inl~
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention 15 may be realized and obtained by means of the in~ulllenlalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the air purification system of the present invention comprises a power supply having an output for producing a predeterminecl voltage upon connection to an 20 AC input voltage; variable high DC voltage and high frequency circuit means respon-sive to the output of the power supply for generating predetermined voltages andfrequencies in the kilovolt and kilohertz range; a conductive screen assembly electrical-ly connected to the high voltage and high frequency circuit means and disposed in a path of flowing air for subjecting the air to be purified to an electrical field of predeter-25 mined voltage and frequency, the screen assembly conctituting an electrical load onthe high voltage and high frequency circuit means; and means for varying both the DC
voltage and the AC voltage and frequency independently of each other.
In another aspect, the method of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, comprises flowing the air to be purified through a conductive screen 30 assembly, increasing the amplitude of an input voltage for applying a high voltage in the kilovolt range and high frequency in the kilohertz range to the screen assembly to Wo 94tl9109 215 S 3~ ~ PCT/US94/01608 .; ., .
subject the air flowing through the screen to a complex electrical field; adjusting the m~gnit~lde of the DC voltage and the AC voltage and frequency independently of each other; detecting the m~gnitude and frequency of the voltage of the screen assembly;
and controlling at least one of the field characteristics of the applied voltage in 5 accordance with the detected voltage.
The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate two embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
~ 94/lglO9 . 1~ PCTIUS94/01608 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates one of the arrangements of the individual parts of an air purification system relative to the area being purified,, together with a dia~ ""n~ti~
illustration of the airbome contamin~nt~;
S Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a self-regulating system of the present invention capable of maintaining preselected electrical characteristics independently of one another;
Fig. 3A is a block diagram of the DC power supply for the system;
Fig. 3B is a block diagram of an exemplary adjustable HV module;
Fig. 3C is a block diagram of the adjustable H:F module;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an analog implerrlentation of the system;
Fig. S is a block diagram of a digital/microprocessor implementation of the system; and Fig. 6 is an illustration of the inductive sensin,g means.
wo 94/19109 2~ j~3S 6 PCT/US94101608 --DETAILED DISCUSSION
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring to Fig. 1, an air purification system of the present invention prefera-5 bly, comprises a means for flowing the air to be conditioned or purified. As embodiedherein, an air plenum 10 that includes a supply air fan 12 flows the air into a room generally referred to at 14. The flowing air, which includes co~ ,..in~nt~ such as 16, is flowed along a path and circulated through a passage 20 where a certain portion of the air is exhausted through outlet 22 and another portion of which enters a mixing portion 24 of air plenum 10 which mixes with outside air through inlet 26. In the path of the flowing air is a screen assembly 29. Although the air purification is illustrated and described in connection with a conditioned space having an air plenum, it isunderstood that the conditioned purified air may make a single pass through the conditioned space or may discharge directly into the atmosphere, as in an exhaust stack or air purge system.
The present invention includes a screen assembly disposed in the path of the air to be treated and electrically connected to a system for creating a complex electrical field from direct current and ~ltern~ting current inputs. As embodied herein, a screen assembly 29 comprises a high voltage electrode 30 and a high frequency electrode 32.
The electrodes 30 and 32 may include movable grids or selectively engaged areas for controlling the degree of tre~tm-qnt. It is understood that the electrodes may also be in the form of conductive wire mesh, rods, braid, or other types of conductors in other geo~lc;l ic configurations.
As illustrated, the system of the present invention may also include an air filter 34 mounted in air plenum 10 upstream of electrodes 30 and 32, with cooling or heating coils 33 mounted in the plenum downstream of electrodes 30 and 32. An air filter may also be mounted downstream of electrodes 30 and 32 in the system prior to discharge into the room 14.
With reference to Fig. 1, as the air passes through the complex electrical fieldgenerated at electrodes 30 and 32, smaller particles begin to coalesce or coagulate rapidly as shown between electrode 32 and coils 33. These small particles grow larger wo 94,lgl09 2~r~ PCT/US94/01608 7- ~3~S~
and larger as they pass through the conditioned space to the return air duct at passage 20 as indicated, for example, by clusters 42 and 44. ]n one situation, it was shown that there was a 367% increase in large particle mass ~vith 94% of the particle mass involved removed from the conditioned area. These large particle clusters, such as 42 S and 44, are then either exh~ tecl through opening 22 or mixed with dirty untreated outside air entering through inlet 26 into the mixing box 24 and are readily collected by medium or high efficiency filter 34. For most applications, such filters may have an efficiency rating of approximately 55%. In certain specific applications, such as data processing centers, casino's and medical facilities filters 34 may require an efficiency in the neighborhood of 80% or better. The fi~ltered air, which still contains millions of fine particles, then passes through electrodes 30 and 32, and the purification cycle begins again, significantly reducing the airborne dust, smoke, gases and odors in the conditioned space.
Referring to Fig. 2, the air purification system of the present invention, as noted 40, has a DC power supply 50, an AC power input 52, and an output 54 connected to a variable high voltage (HV) DC circuit 56 having an output 58 and a variable high frequency (HF) AC circuit 60 having an output 62. Screen assembly 29, that includes high voltage (HV) electrode 30 and high frequency (HF) electrode 32 as previously described, is connected to output 58 and 62 of circuits 56 and 60 respectively. A high voltage (HV) sensor 64 has an input 66 connected to high voltage (HV) electrode 3 0; and an AC high (HF) voltage and frequency sensor 68 and 68' and have inputs 70 and 70' connected to high frequency (HF) electrode 32. Output 72 of high voltagesensor 64 is connected to an HV control circuit 74; and outputs 76 and 76' of AC high voltage and frequency sensors 68 and 68' are connected to control circuits 78 and 78'.
HV control circuit 74 has an output 80 connected to an input of variable high voltage DC circuit 56; and HF control circuit 78 and 78' have outputs 82 and 82' connected to the inputs of variable high frequency circuit 60. A high voltage (HV) parameter selection circuit 88 has an output 90 connected to control circuit 74. The high frequen-cy (HF) parameter selection circuit 84 and 84' have outputs 86 and 86' connected to control circuits 78 and 78'.
Although Fig. 2 illustrates a system that includes the self-regulation of both the high frequency and high voltage circuits with the parameter selections of each indepen-W O 94/19109 2 15 5 3 ~ ~ PCTrUS94/01608 -dent of one another; for some applications the system could be advantageously utilized with the self regulation of the high voltage circuit without the self regulation of the high frequency circuit or vice versa.
Once the set point is obtained, the complex electrical field is optimized for a 5 particular contaminant or cont~min~nt~, it is desirable to m~int~in that condition, however envil o~""el,lal factors such as temperature, humidity and concentration or type of col~l~"~i"~nt may change, causing the complex electrical field's effectiveness to rlimini~h The objective of the invention is to compensate for the environmtont~l factors and thereby m~int~in opLill,ul" efficiency.
The system of the present invention comprises a power supply having an output for producing a DC voltage with 2 predetermined amplitude upon connection to an AC
input. As embodied herein and referring to Fig. 3A, power supply 50 has an inputtran~rolmel 51 to set the proper AC voltage levels. Power supply 50 also includes rectifiers 53 and voltage regulators 55 to produce the proper DC levels for operation of the HV, HF, and control cihl;uilly.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable high voltage circuit is electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a variable DC high voltage in the kilovolt range. As embodied herein and shown in Fig. 3B, high voltage circuit 56 has an oscillator 57, a transformer 59 and a voltage multiplier and rectifier 61. The oscillator, being a primary signal source, produces a voltage which is transformed to the proper AC level by the tran~rol",el. The voltage multiplier takes the output of the transformer, shifts the level by the proper multiple, and changes the AC to a DCvoltage. This voltage is in the DC kilovolt range and is applied to the HV electrode 30.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable high frequency circuit is electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high frequency output in the kilohertz range. As embodied herein and referring to Fig. 3C, high frequency circuit 60 has an oscillator 67 and a transformer 63 capable of operating in the RF range of frequencies. The oscillator, being a primary signal source, produces a voltage. This voltage is coupled to the tran~rol"-e, which raises the voltage to the proper AC level.
This voltage is in the range of hundreds of volts RMS at a frequency in the kilohertz range. This voltage is applied to the HF electrode 32.
Wo 94/19109 ~5'S3S~ PCT/US94/111608 Thus, the variable high frequency circuit 60 and the variable high voltage circuit 56 have similar components and function. It should be noted that the secondary winding of the transformer and the capacitive load represented by the screen assembly 29 form a tuned circuit, the impedance of which is frequency dependent. If the operating frequency of the circuit 60 is adjusted to be close to the resonant frequency, the current in the primary winding of corresponding tr~m~ro~ l 63 is low. However, it increases rapidly as the operating frequency moves from resonance. Thus, the output voltage of circuit 60 is dependent upon the operating i`requency of the corresponding oscillator 67. The output voltage on 62 peaks when the corresponding circuit 60 is operating at resonance, and will decrease as the oscillator frequency moves away from resonance. A current limiting regulator (not shown) is provided to limit the current to an acceptable maximum value under off design conditions which can occur during start-up, or if the frequency is improperly adjusted.
As previously mentioned, the conductive screen assembly 29 is electrically connected to the high voltage circuit 56 by line 58, an,d the high frequency circuit 60 by line 62, and disposed in the path of the flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field having a predetermined high voltage and high frequency applied. The screen assembly 29 con~titutes a capacitive load on the high voltage circuit 56 and high frequency circuit 60.
In accordance with the invention, one embodiment has a high voltage sensor coupled to the screen assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corre-sponding to the voltage imposed on the screen assembly by the high voltage circuit and HF voltage and frequency sensors for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the RMS voltage and frequency of ~the HF electrode of the screen assembly. As herein embodied, a voltage sensor 64 is connected to the high voltage (HV) screen 30, HF voltage and frequency sensors 68, and 68' respectively are connected to HF screen 32.
The system of the present invention includes a voltage control circuit connecting the variable DC high voltage circuit to the HV voltage sensor. In this way, it is possi-ble to m~int~in a constant predetermined level of the complex electrical field at the screens. As herein embodied and referring to Fig. 4 an analog system in accordance WO 94/19109 ,;~ 35~ PCT/US94/01608 with the present invention is described. The HV control circuit, produces an output voltage on line 80 for controlling the frequency of oscillator 57 in HV circuit 56.
The output of the sensor 64 is a voltage level that is proportional to the levelof voltage on the HV electrode 30. This voltage level on line 72 is compared to a 5 reference voltage level (set point) on line 90 by the HV control circuit 74. The output of HV control circuit 74 on line 80 is an error signal which represents the dirrt;lt;nce be~e~,n the actual electrode voltage on screen 30 and the desired electrode voltage.
The output of the HV control circuit 74 on line 80 is an input to the high voltage DC
circuit 56 shown in Fig. 3B. The amount of error voltage input to the high voltage lO circuit 56 will adjust the output voltage level of the oscillator 57 which will determine the voltage level applied to the HV electrode 30. In this way, the HV electrode voltage will be kept at the desired level.
The system of the present invention also includes HF control circuits 78 and 78' connecting the variable AC high frequency circuit 60 to the HF sensors 68 and 15 68' for varying the frequency and amplitude of the voltage applied to electrode 32 of screen assembly 29 in accordance with the frequency and amplitude of the output voltage of sensors 68 and 68' ~sl)eclively, to m~int~in a cons~llt predeterminedfrequency and amplitude of the complex electrical field.
HF voltage and frequency sensors 68 and 68' are coupled to the screen assem-20 bly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the frequency andamplitude imposed on the screen assembly by HF circuit 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the output of the HF amplitude sensor 68 is a voltage level that is proportional to the amplitude of the voltage on HF electrode 32. This voltage level on line 76 ia com-pared to a reference voltage level (set point) by an HF amplitude control circuit 78.
25 The output of the HF amplitude control circuit 78 on line 82 is an error signal which represents the difference between the actual electrode voltage amplitude and the desired electrode voltage amplitude.
The output of the HF frequency sensor 68' is a voltage level proportional to the frequency of the voltage on HF electrode 32. This voltage level on line 76' is 30 col~ )ared to a reference voltage level (set point) by the HF frequency control circuit 78'. The output of the HF frequency controi circuit 78' on line 82' is an error signal wo ~4/1~10~ 2~ PCT/US94/01608 which represents the difference between the actual electrode voltage frequency and the desired electrode voltage frequency.
Referring again to Figs. 2 and 4, HF amplitude parameter selection circuit 84 has an output 86 for connecting an output voltage corresponding to a reference or set 5 point voltage for comparison with the corresponding sensed voltage from the HFvoltage sensor 68 of electrode 32. HF frequency parameter selection circuit 84' has an output 86' for connecting an output voltage corresponding to a reference or set point voltage for comparison with the col.e~l,onding sensed voltage from the HF frequency sensor 68' of electrode 32. The paldlllt;~t;l selection circuit 84 provides a set point on 10 86 for setting the desired amplitude set point for the AC voltage of electrode 32 and circuit 84' provides a set point on 86' for setting the desired frequency of the AC
voltage of electrode 32. HV parameter selection circuit 88 has an output 90 for connecting an output voltage corresponding to a reference or set point voltage for compaTison with the corresponding sensed voltage from the HV sensor 64. The 15setpoints of the ~ lel~- selection circuits 88, 84 and 84' are independently adjust-able. The circuits 88 and 84 and 84' can provide for manually adjustable set points.
Several means can be used to select the HF and HV set points. For example, a microprocessor could be used. An additional concept would involve using a sensing device in the air stream which would sense the presence of certain cont~min~nt.~, and 20then make adju~menl to the power supply to maximize the efficiency of the unit for each of these particular con~ "l~. Voltage levels could also be adjusted to follow airflow rates in the duct, for example.
Referring to Fig. 5, a digital implementatian of the system of the present invention comprises an HV sensor 64, an amplitude sensor 68 and a frequency sensor 2568', electrically coupled to HV electrode 30 and HF electrode 32. An HV module 56 and an HF module 60 are connected to electrode 30 and 32 .,s~ e~ /ely for providing a variable DC and variable AC voltage to the electrodes similar to the previously described embodiment. The system further includes an A/D converter 100 connectedto the output of sensor 64, and an A/D converter :102 connected to the outputs of 30sensors 68 and 68'. A D/A converter 104 has an output connected to the input of HV
module 56. A microprocessor 108 has an input connected to the A/D converter 100 WOg4/19109 2~5535~ 12 PCT/US94/01608 --and an output connected to the D/A converter 104. A microprocessor 110 has an input connected to the A/D converter 102 and an output connected to the D/A converter 106.
Referring again to Fig. 5, the HV and HF electrodes are located in the air stream for the purpose of creating a complex electrical field. The complex electrical S field is detected by the sensors 64, 68 and 68'. A/D converters 100 and 102 each produce a digital signal. The digital signal from A/D converter 100 is proportional to the DC level of the voltage on the HV electrode 30, and the digital signal from the A/D converter 102 is proportional to the AC frequency and amplitude of the signal on the HF electrode 32. The digital signals are each applied to an input port of a respective microprocessor 108 and 110. The inputs are processed by the corresponding microprocessor using instructions which are stored in memory units 114 and 116 (RAM
and ROM) which are also interfaced to the le~e~-Live microprocessor. Each micropro-cessor outputs information to separate display circuitry 117 and 118, interface chcuilly (RS-232, etc.) 120 and 122, and to two sepald~e D/A converters 104 and 106. D/A
converter 104 is connected to HV module 56 which is a high voltage generator capable of producing a DC voltage in the kilovolt range. The output of this D/A converter 104 will control the amount of voltage produced by the high voltage DC generator, the output of which is connect~d to the HV electrode 30. The output of the D/A converter 106 will control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage, produced by the high voltage AC generator, which is connected to the HF electrode 32.
Fig. 6 shows an alternate ~ us for sensing the amplitude and frequency of the complex elec~ gnetic field associated with electrodes 30 and 32. In this embodiment an inductive pick-up coil 130 disposed in the complex electrical field created by electrodes 30 and 32 of the screen assembly 29, replaces sensors 64, 68 and 68'. The inductive pick-up coil will sense the lines force generated by the electrical field. These lines of force are proportional to the m~gnit~lde and frequency of the electrical field generated by the screen assembly 29. The lines of force will induce a voltage into the inductive pick-up which may be connected to any well known amplifier and signal processor for detecting the RMS value, frequency and peak electrical strength of the field. These signals are then output to a co-llL,~ator for an analog system or an A/D converter for the digital system. Although three separate sensors are shown and described in connection with Figs. 4, it is to be understood that Wo 94/19109 '`~3Sf~ PcTn~sg4ml6o8 a single inductive pick-up coil may be used to detect tlhe effect of the DC voltage, and AC amplitude and frequency for the HV and H~ circuits, respectively.
It will be apparenl to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the air purification system of the present invention without 5 departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
WO 94/lgl0g PCTIUS94/01608 APPARATUS AND METHOD OF AIR PURIFICATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention related to air purification systems and related method and5 more particularly to an air purification system of the type that enhances filtration by subjecting airborne con~min~nt~ to complex electrical fields.
Prior Art St~tement Air purification systems of the type under consideration include a fixed output power generator that produces a high voltage (HV) direct current and/or a high 10 frequency (HF) alternating current. The HV and HF autput from the power generator is fed to separate electrodes. In large installations, electrodes are installed in an air handling plenum, between the mixing box and cooling coils. In operation, the HV and HF outputs generate a complex electrical field at the electrode assembly. All of the air passing through the space being conditioned by the system, passes through this 15 complex electrical excitation field during primary and secondary air cycling. The sub,--i~;-on particles tend to collide and adhere to each other and more rapidly increase their mass. They are then more easily carried by the system air flow back through the return to be captured in the filters or exhausted from th e building. The system thereby enhances filtration and removal of airborne particles an~d gasses thus, reducing contami-20 nants in a conditioned space.
As a result, air purification systems of this type save energy dollars by reducingthe need for large amounts of outside air, save initial inve~ len~ dollars by reducing heating and cooling e~lui~ elll requi,e",ellt~., saves costs in the day-to-day cleaning of the conditioned space and the cleaning and maintenance of the air h~n-lling equip-25 ment. Air purification systems of this type also control the cont~min~nts such asoffensive dust, smoke and odor and thereby increase human efficiency by restoring fresh, clean air to the interior environment in which we live, work and breathe.These systems operate effectively with no noise in the conditioned space. They are also out of sight, thus rendering it difficult for anyone to irnmc~ tcly detect 30 interruption in the operation of the purification by the system. To handle this problem, present power generators are equipped with an indicator, such as a light emitting diode, to indicate if the generator itself is turned on and functioning electrically.
WO 94/19109 PCT/US94101608 _ 21~53~6 2-But in air purification systems of this type, in which cont~min~nts are subjected to a complex electrical field as part of the purification process, many ambient condi-tions, system parameters and type of cont~min~nts influence the efficiency and effec-tiveness of the system. Thus, although the failure of the fixed output power generator 5 itself can be detected, the effective operation of other components of the system and relevant ambient conditions cannot be readily detected. As a consequence, the air purification system can be rendered ineffective; and such can only be detected by the gradual recontamination of the air. During this time, the space reverts to the conditions which prevailed prior to the utilization of the air purification system. Further, inas-10 much as a period of time is required before an air purification system of this type canreduce the cont~min~nts to the O~)tilllUIII level, particularly in large installations, any malfunctioning of a part of the system or change in operating conditions may create an impure air quality condition that takes several hours or days to be removed com-pletely, even after such malfunctioning has been noticed and remedied.
It has also been determined, that certain combinations of electrical field characteristics work better than others in removing certain types of cont~min~tes from the air. Thus, it is desirable to be able to pre-select electrical field characteristics and independently of each other to maximize the air purification rate for a particular application. Once the selection has been made, it is then desirable that such character-20 istics be m~int~ineA
Each op~i~nulll electrical field characteristic should be maintained even thoughthe electrode screen assembly itself becomes contaminated or is otherwise subjected to conditions that would affect the electrical characteristics on the electrodes and the associated electrical field.
Wo 94/19109 21 ~ ~ 3 S 6 pcTlusg4lol6o8 SUMMARY OF THE INVE~TION
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a self-regulating air purification system and method that subjects air contaminants to a complex electrical field characteristics, such as a DC voltage and an AC voltage and frequency that are 5 pre-selected independently of one another to provide op~hllulll conditions to influence dirrele,-l types of cont~min~ntc.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air purification systemhaving the capability of selfregulating electrical characteristics such as the DC voltage and the AC voltage and frequency applied to the screen independently of one another.
A further object of the invention is to provide a self-regulating air purification system which is relatively inexpensive to ".~inl~
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention 15 may be realized and obtained by means of the in~ulllenlalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the air purification system of the present invention comprises a power supply having an output for producing a predeterminecl voltage upon connection to an 20 AC input voltage; variable high DC voltage and high frequency circuit means respon-sive to the output of the power supply for generating predetermined voltages andfrequencies in the kilovolt and kilohertz range; a conductive screen assembly electrical-ly connected to the high voltage and high frequency circuit means and disposed in a path of flowing air for subjecting the air to be purified to an electrical field of predeter-25 mined voltage and frequency, the screen assembly conctituting an electrical load onthe high voltage and high frequency circuit means; and means for varying both the DC
voltage and the AC voltage and frequency independently of each other.
In another aspect, the method of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, comprises flowing the air to be purified through a conductive screen 30 assembly, increasing the amplitude of an input voltage for applying a high voltage in the kilovolt range and high frequency in the kilohertz range to the screen assembly to Wo 94tl9109 215 S 3~ ~ PCT/US94/01608 .; ., .
subject the air flowing through the screen to a complex electrical field; adjusting the m~gnit~lde of the DC voltage and the AC voltage and frequency independently of each other; detecting the m~gnitude and frequency of the voltage of the screen assembly;
and controlling at least one of the field characteristics of the applied voltage in 5 accordance with the detected voltage.
The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate two embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
~ 94/lglO9 . 1~ PCTIUS94/01608 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates one of the arrangements of the individual parts of an air purification system relative to the area being purified,, together with a dia~ ""n~ti~
illustration of the airbome contamin~nt~;
S Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a self-regulating system of the present invention capable of maintaining preselected electrical characteristics independently of one another;
Fig. 3A is a block diagram of the DC power supply for the system;
Fig. 3B is a block diagram of an exemplary adjustable HV module;
Fig. 3C is a block diagram of the adjustable H:F module;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an analog implerrlentation of the system;
Fig. S is a block diagram of a digital/microprocessor implementation of the system; and Fig. 6 is an illustration of the inductive sensin,g means.
wo 94/19109 2~ j~3S 6 PCT/US94101608 --DETAILED DISCUSSION
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring to Fig. 1, an air purification system of the present invention prefera-5 bly, comprises a means for flowing the air to be conditioned or purified. As embodiedherein, an air plenum 10 that includes a supply air fan 12 flows the air into a room generally referred to at 14. The flowing air, which includes co~ ,..in~nt~ such as 16, is flowed along a path and circulated through a passage 20 where a certain portion of the air is exhausted through outlet 22 and another portion of which enters a mixing portion 24 of air plenum 10 which mixes with outside air through inlet 26. In the path of the flowing air is a screen assembly 29. Although the air purification is illustrated and described in connection with a conditioned space having an air plenum, it isunderstood that the conditioned purified air may make a single pass through the conditioned space or may discharge directly into the atmosphere, as in an exhaust stack or air purge system.
The present invention includes a screen assembly disposed in the path of the air to be treated and electrically connected to a system for creating a complex electrical field from direct current and ~ltern~ting current inputs. As embodied herein, a screen assembly 29 comprises a high voltage electrode 30 and a high frequency electrode 32.
The electrodes 30 and 32 may include movable grids or selectively engaged areas for controlling the degree of tre~tm-qnt. It is understood that the electrodes may also be in the form of conductive wire mesh, rods, braid, or other types of conductors in other geo~lc;l ic configurations.
As illustrated, the system of the present invention may also include an air filter 34 mounted in air plenum 10 upstream of electrodes 30 and 32, with cooling or heating coils 33 mounted in the plenum downstream of electrodes 30 and 32. An air filter may also be mounted downstream of electrodes 30 and 32 in the system prior to discharge into the room 14.
With reference to Fig. 1, as the air passes through the complex electrical fieldgenerated at electrodes 30 and 32, smaller particles begin to coalesce or coagulate rapidly as shown between electrode 32 and coils 33. These small particles grow larger wo 94,lgl09 2~r~ PCT/US94/01608 7- ~3~S~
and larger as they pass through the conditioned space to the return air duct at passage 20 as indicated, for example, by clusters 42 and 44. ]n one situation, it was shown that there was a 367% increase in large particle mass ~vith 94% of the particle mass involved removed from the conditioned area. These large particle clusters, such as 42 S and 44, are then either exh~ tecl through opening 22 or mixed with dirty untreated outside air entering through inlet 26 into the mixing box 24 and are readily collected by medium or high efficiency filter 34. For most applications, such filters may have an efficiency rating of approximately 55%. In certain specific applications, such as data processing centers, casino's and medical facilities filters 34 may require an efficiency in the neighborhood of 80% or better. The fi~ltered air, which still contains millions of fine particles, then passes through electrodes 30 and 32, and the purification cycle begins again, significantly reducing the airborne dust, smoke, gases and odors in the conditioned space.
Referring to Fig. 2, the air purification system of the present invention, as noted 40, has a DC power supply 50, an AC power input 52, and an output 54 connected to a variable high voltage (HV) DC circuit 56 having an output 58 and a variable high frequency (HF) AC circuit 60 having an output 62. Screen assembly 29, that includes high voltage (HV) electrode 30 and high frequency (HF) electrode 32 as previously described, is connected to output 58 and 62 of circuits 56 and 60 respectively. A high voltage (HV) sensor 64 has an input 66 connected to high voltage (HV) electrode 3 0; and an AC high (HF) voltage and frequency sensor 68 and 68' and have inputs 70 and 70' connected to high frequency (HF) electrode 32. Output 72 of high voltagesensor 64 is connected to an HV control circuit 74; and outputs 76 and 76' of AC high voltage and frequency sensors 68 and 68' are connected to control circuits 78 and 78'.
HV control circuit 74 has an output 80 connected to an input of variable high voltage DC circuit 56; and HF control circuit 78 and 78' have outputs 82 and 82' connected to the inputs of variable high frequency circuit 60. A high voltage (HV) parameter selection circuit 88 has an output 90 connected to control circuit 74. The high frequen-cy (HF) parameter selection circuit 84 and 84' have outputs 86 and 86' connected to control circuits 78 and 78'.
Although Fig. 2 illustrates a system that includes the self-regulation of both the high frequency and high voltage circuits with the parameter selections of each indepen-W O 94/19109 2 15 5 3 ~ ~ PCTrUS94/01608 -dent of one another; for some applications the system could be advantageously utilized with the self regulation of the high voltage circuit without the self regulation of the high frequency circuit or vice versa.
Once the set point is obtained, the complex electrical field is optimized for a 5 particular contaminant or cont~min~nt~, it is desirable to m~int~in that condition, however envil o~""el,lal factors such as temperature, humidity and concentration or type of col~l~"~i"~nt may change, causing the complex electrical field's effectiveness to rlimini~h The objective of the invention is to compensate for the environmtont~l factors and thereby m~int~in opLill,ul" efficiency.
The system of the present invention comprises a power supply having an output for producing a DC voltage with 2 predetermined amplitude upon connection to an AC
input. As embodied herein and referring to Fig. 3A, power supply 50 has an inputtran~rolmel 51 to set the proper AC voltage levels. Power supply 50 also includes rectifiers 53 and voltage regulators 55 to produce the proper DC levels for operation of the HV, HF, and control cihl;uilly.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable high voltage circuit is electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a variable DC high voltage in the kilovolt range. As embodied herein and shown in Fig. 3B, high voltage circuit 56 has an oscillator 57, a transformer 59 and a voltage multiplier and rectifier 61. The oscillator, being a primary signal source, produces a voltage which is transformed to the proper AC level by the tran~rol",el. The voltage multiplier takes the output of the transformer, shifts the level by the proper multiple, and changes the AC to a DCvoltage. This voltage is in the DC kilovolt range and is applied to the HV electrode 30.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable high frequency circuit is electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high frequency output in the kilohertz range. As embodied herein and referring to Fig. 3C, high frequency circuit 60 has an oscillator 67 and a transformer 63 capable of operating in the RF range of frequencies. The oscillator, being a primary signal source, produces a voltage. This voltage is coupled to the tran~rol"-e, which raises the voltage to the proper AC level.
This voltage is in the range of hundreds of volts RMS at a frequency in the kilohertz range. This voltage is applied to the HF electrode 32.
Wo 94/19109 ~5'S3S~ PCT/US94/111608 Thus, the variable high frequency circuit 60 and the variable high voltage circuit 56 have similar components and function. It should be noted that the secondary winding of the transformer and the capacitive load represented by the screen assembly 29 form a tuned circuit, the impedance of which is frequency dependent. If the operating frequency of the circuit 60 is adjusted to be close to the resonant frequency, the current in the primary winding of corresponding tr~m~ro~ l 63 is low. However, it increases rapidly as the operating frequency moves from resonance. Thus, the output voltage of circuit 60 is dependent upon the operating i`requency of the corresponding oscillator 67. The output voltage on 62 peaks when the corresponding circuit 60 is operating at resonance, and will decrease as the oscillator frequency moves away from resonance. A current limiting regulator (not shown) is provided to limit the current to an acceptable maximum value under off design conditions which can occur during start-up, or if the frequency is improperly adjusted.
As previously mentioned, the conductive screen assembly 29 is electrically connected to the high voltage circuit 56 by line 58, an,d the high frequency circuit 60 by line 62, and disposed in the path of the flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field having a predetermined high voltage and high frequency applied. The screen assembly 29 con~titutes a capacitive load on the high voltage circuit 56 and high frequency circuit 60.
In accordance with the invention, one embodiment has a high voltage sensor coupled to the screen assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corre-sponding to the voltage imposed on the screen assembly by the high voltage circuit and HF voltage and frequency sensors for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the RMS voltage and frequency of ~the HF electrode of the screen assembly. As herein embodied, a voltage sensor 64 is connected to the high voltage (HV) screen 30, HF voltage and frequency sensors 68, and 68' respectively are connected to HF screen 32.
The system of the present invention includes a voltage control circuit connecting the variable DC high voltage circuit to the HV voltage sensor. In this way, it is possi-ble to m~int~in a constant predetermined level of the complex electrical field at the screens. As herein embodied and referring to Fig. 4 an analog system in accordance WO 94/19109 ,;~ 35~ PCT/US94/01608 with the present invention is described. The HV control circuit, produces an output voltage on line 80 for controlling the frequency of oscillator 57 in HV circuit 56.
The output of the sensor 64 is a voltage level that is proportional to the levelof voltage on the HV electrode 30. This voltage level on line 72 is compared to a 5 reference voltage level (set point) on line 90 by the HV control circuit 74. The output of HV control circuit 74 on line 80 is an error signal which represents the dirrt;lt;nce be~e~,n the actual electrode voltage on screen 30 and the desired electrode voltage.
The output of the HV control circuit 74 on line 80 is an input to the high voltage DC
circuit 56 shown in Fig. 3B. The amount of error voltage input to the high voltage lO circuit 56 will adjust the output voltage level of the oscillator 57 which will determine the voltage level applied to the HV electrode 30. In this way, the HV electrode voltage will be kept at the desired level.
The system of the present invention also includes HF control circuits 78 and 78' connecting the variable AC high frequency circuit 60 to the HF sensors 68 and 15 68' for varying the frequency and amplitude of the voltage applied to electrode 32 of screen assembly 29 in accordance with the frequency and amplitude of the output voltage of sensors 68 and 68' ~sl)eclively, to m~int~in a cons~llt predeterminedfrequency and amplitude of the complex electrical field.
HF voltage and frequency sensors 68 and 68' are coupled to the screen assem-20 bly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the frequency andamplitude imposed on the screen assembly by HF circuit 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the output of the HF amplitude sensor 68 is a voltage level that is proportional to the amplitude of the voltage on HF electrode 32. This voltage level on line 76 ia com-pared to a reference voltage level (set point) by an HF amplitude control circuit 78.
25 The output of the HF amplitude control circuit 78 on line 82 is an error signal which represents the difference between the actual electrode voltage amplitude and the desired electrode voltage amplitude.
The output of the HF frequency sensor 68' is a voltage level proportional to the frequency of the voltage on HF electrode 32. This voltage level on line 76' is 30 col~ )ared to a reference voltage level (set point) by the HF frequency control circuit 78'. The output of the HF frequency controi circuit 78' on line 82' is an error signal wo ~4/1~10~ 2~ PCT/US94/01608 which represents the difference between the actual electrode voltage frequency and the desired electrode voltage frequency.
Referring again to Figs. 2 and 4, HF amplitude parameter selection circuit 84 has an output 86 for connecting an output voltage corresponding to a reference or set 5 point voltage for comparison with the corresponding sensed voltage from the HFvoltage sensor 68 of electrode 32. HF frequency parameter selection circuit 84' has an output 86' for connecting an output voltage corresponding to a reference or set point voltage for comparison with the col.e~l,onding sensed voltage from the HF frequency sensor 68' of electrode 32. The paldlllt;~t;l selection circuit 84 provides a set point on 10 86 for setting the desired amplitude set point for the AC voltage of electrode 32 and circuit 84' provides a set point on 86' for setting the desired frequency of the AC
voltage of electrode 32. HV parameter selection circuit 88 has an output 90 for connecting an output voltage corresponding to a reference or set point voltage for compaTison with the corresponding sensed voltage from the HV sensor 64. The 15setpoints of the ~ lel~- selection circuits 88, 84 and 84' are independently adjust-able. The circuits 88 and 84 and 84' can provide for manually adjustable set points.
Several means can be used to select the HF and HV set points. For example, a microprocessor could be used. An additional concept would involve using a sensing device in the air stream which would sense the presence of certain cont~min~nt.~, and 20then make adju~menl to the power supply to maximize the efficiency of the unit for each of these particular con~ "l~. Voltage levels could also be adjusted to follow airflow rates in the duct, for example.
Referring to Fig. 5, a digital implementatian of the system of the present invention comprises an HV sensor 64, an amplitude sensor 68 and a frequency sensor 2568', electrically coupled to HV electrode 30 and HF electrode 32. An HV module 56 and an HF module 60 are connected to electrode 30 and 32 .,s~ e~ /ely for providing a variable DC and variable AC voltage to the electrodes similar to the previously described embodiment. The system further includes an A/D converter 100 connectedto the output of sensor 64, and an A/D converter :102 connected to the outputs of 30sensors 68 and 68'. A D/A converter 104 has an output connected to the input of HV
module 56. A microprocessor 108 has an input connected to the A/D converter 100 WOg4/19109 2~5535~ 12 PCT/US94/01608 --and an output connected to the D/A converter 104. A microprocessor 110 has an input connected to the A/D converter 102 and an output connected to the D/A converter 106.
Referring again to Fig. 5, the HV and HF electrodes are located in the air stream for the purpose of creating a complex electrical field. The complex electrical S field is detected by the sensors 64, 68 and 68'. A/D converters 100 and 102 each produce a digital signal. The digital signal from A/D converter 100 is proportional to the DC level of the voltage on the HV electrode 30, and the digital signal from the A/D converter 102 is proportional to the AC frequency and amplitude of the signal on the HF electrode 32. The digital signals are each applied to an input port of a respective microprocessor 108 and 110. The inputs are processed by the corresponding microprocessor using instructions which are stored in memory units 114 and 116 (RAM
and ROM) which are also interfaced to the le~e~-Live microprocessor. Each micropro-cessor outputs information to separate display circuitry 117 and 118, interface chcuilly (RS-232, etc.) 120 and 122, and to two sepald~e D/A converters 104 and 106. D/A
converter 104 is connected to HV module 56 which is a high voltage generator capable of producing a DC voltage in the kilovolt range. The output of this D/A converter 104 will control the amount of voltage produced by the high voltage DC generator, the output of which is connect~d to the HV electrode 30. The output of the D/A converter 106 will control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage, produced by the high voltage AC generator, which is connected to the HF electrode 32.
Fig. 6 shows an alternate ~ us for sensing the amplitude and frequency of the complex elec~ gnetic field associated with electrodes 30 and 32. In this embodiment an inductive pick-up coil 130 disposed in the complex electrical field created by electrodes 30 and 32 of the screen assembly 29, replaces sensors 64, 68 and 68'. The inductive pick-up coil will sense the lines force generated by the electrical field. These lines of force are proportional to the m~gnit~lde and frequency of the electrical field generated by the screen assembly 29. The lines of force will induce a voltage into the inductive pick-up which may be connected to any well known amplifier and signal processor for detecting the RMS value, frequency and peak electrical strength of the field. These signals are then output to a co-llL,~ator for an analog system or an A/D converter for the digital system. Although three separate sensors are shown and described in connection with Figs. 4, it is to be understood that Wo 94/19109 '`~3Sf~ PcTn~sg4ml6o8 a single inductive pick-up coil may be used to detect tlhe effect of the DC voltage, and AC amplitude and frequency for the HV and H~ circuits, respectively.
It will be apparenl to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the air purification system of the present invention without 5 departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (15)
1. An air purification system, comprising:
a power supply having an output for producing a voltage having a predetermined amplitude upon connection to an AC input voltage;
a high voltage circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high voltage DC output in the kilovolt range;
a high frequency circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high frequency output in the kilohertz range and amplitude in the hundreds of volts RMS range;
a conductive assembly electrically connected to the high voltage circuit and the high frequency circuit and disposed in a path of flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field having a predetermined high voltage and high frequency, the assembly constituting a load on the high voltage and high frequency circuit;
a first sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the voltage imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a second sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the frequency imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a third sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the voltage imposed on the conductive assembly by the high voltage circuit;
a first control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the first sensor circuit for varying the amplitude of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in response to the output voltage of the first sensor circuit to maintain a constant predetermined HF amplitude component of the complex electrical field;
a second control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the second sensor circuit for varying the frequency of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in response to the output voltage of the second sensor circuit to maintain a constant predetermined frequency of the complex electrical field;
a third control circuit connecting the high voltage circuit to the third sensor circuit for varying the high voltage output to the conductive assembly in response to the output voltage of the third sensor circuit, to maintain a constant predetermined complex electrical field voltage; and selection means connected to the first, second and third control circuits for selecting the predetermined voltage level imposed on the conductive assembly by the high voltage circuit and the predetermined frequency and amplitude imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit independent of one another.
a power supply having an output for producing a voltage having a predetermined amplitude upon connection to an AC input voltage;
a high voltage circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high voltage DC output in the kilovolt range;
a high frequency circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high frequency output in the kilohertz range and amplitude in the hundreds of volts RMS range;
a conductive assembly electrically connected to the high voltage circuit and the high frequency circuit and disposed in a path of flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field having a predetermined high voltage and high frequency, the assembly constituting a load on the high voltage and high frequency circuit;
a first sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the voltage imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a second sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the frequency imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a third sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the voltage imposed on the conductive assembly by the high voltage circuit;
a first control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the first sensor circuit for varying the amplitude of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in response to the output voltage of the first sensor circuit to maintain a constant predetermined HF amplitude component of the complex electrical field;
a second control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the second sensor circuit for varying the frequency of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in response to the output voltage of the second sensor circuit to maintain a constant predetermined frequency of the complex electrical field;
a third control circuit connecting the high voltage circuit to the third sensor circuit for varying the high voltage output to the conductive assembly in response to the output voltage of the third sensor circuit, to maintain a constant predetermined complex electrical field voltage; and selection means connected to the first, second and third control circuits for selecting the predetermined voltage level imposed on the conductive assembly by the high voltage circuit and the predetermined frequency and amplitude imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit independent of one another.
2. The air purification system of claim 1 wherein the high frequency circuit comprises:
a transformer having a primary and secondary winding, the secondary winding being connected to the screen assembly; and an oscillator circuit for controlling the flow of current in the primary winding for determining the frequency of the output voltage to the conductive assembly.
a transformer having a primary and secondary winding, the secondary winding being connected to the screen assembly; and an oscillator circuit for controlling the flow of current in the primary winding for determining the frequency of the output voltage to the conductive assembly.
3. The air purification system of claim 1 wherein the high voltage circuit comprises:
a voltage controlled oscillator connected to the output of the control circuit to control the level of the output voltage of the high voltage circuit.
a voltage controlled oscillator connected to the output of the control circuit to control the level of the output voltage of the high voltage circuit.
4. The air purification system of claim 2 wherein the system comprises a voltage controlled oscillator connected to the output of the first and second control circuits to control the level and frequency of the output voltage of the high frequency.
5. An air purification system of claim 3 wherein the system comprises a voltage controlled oscillator connected to the output of the third control circuit to control the level of the output voltage of the high voltage circuit.
6. The air purification system of claim 1 wherein the power supply comprises a rectifier for producing a DC voltage upon connection to an AC input voltage.
7. An air purification system comprising:
a power supply having an output for producing a voltage having a predetermined level upon connection to an AC input voltage;
a high voltage circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high voltage output in the kilovolt range;
a conductive assembly electrically connected to the high voltage circuit and disposed in a path of flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field, having a predetermined amplitude, the assembly constituting a load on the high voltage circuit;
a voltage sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the load of the conductive assembly on the high voltage circuit; and a control circuit connecting the high voltage circuit to the sensor circuit for varying the high voltage output to the assembly in accordance with the amplitude of the output of the sensor circuit to maintain a predetermined amplitude of the complex electrical field.
a power supply having an output for producing a voltage having a predetermined level upon connection to an AC input voltage;
a high voltage circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high voltage output in the kilovolt range;
a conductive assembly electrically connected to the high voltage circuit and disposed in a path of flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field, having a predetermined amplitude, the assembly constituting a load on the high voltage circuit;
a voltage sensor circuit coupled to the assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the load of the conductive assembly on the high voltage circuit; and a control circuit connecting the high voltage circuit to the sensor circuit for varying the high voltage output to the assembly in accordance with the amplitude of the output of the sensor circuit to maintain a predetermined amplitude of the complex electrical field.
8. The air purification system of claim 7 wherein the high voltage circuit comprises:
a voltage multiplier circuit having an output connected to the assembly;
a transformer having a primary and secondary winding the secondary winding being connected to an input of the voltage multiplier; and an oscillator circuit for controlling the flow of current in the primary winding of the transformer at a rate corresponding to the output voltage of the voltage multiplier.
a voltage multiplier circuit having an output connected to the assembly;
a transformer having a primary and secondary winding the secondary winding being connected to an input of the voltage multiplier; and an oscillator circuit for controlling the flow of current in the primary winding of the transformer at a rate corresponding to the output voltage of the voltage multiplier.
9. The air purification system of claim 8 wherein the oscillator circuit comprises:
a voltage controller oscillator connected to the output of the control circuit to control the level of the output voltage of the high voltage circuit.
a voltage controller oscillator connected to the output of the control circuit to control the level of the output voltage of the high voltage circuit.
10. The air purification system of claim 7 wherein the power supply comprises a rectifier for producing a DC voltage upon connection to an AC input voltage.
11. A air purification system comprising:
a power supply having an output for producing a voltage having a predetermined amplitude upon connection to an AC input voltage;
a high frequency circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high frequency output in the kilohertz range and amplitude in the hundreds of volts RMS range;
a conductive assembly electrically connected to the high frequency circuit and disposed in a path of flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field having a predetermined frequency and amplitude;
a first sensor circuit coupled to the conductive assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the voltage imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a second sensor circuit coupled to the conductive assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the frequency imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a first control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the first sensor circuit for varying the amplitude of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in accordance with the level of the output voltage of the first sensor circuit to maintain a constant predetermined amplitude of the complex electrical field;
a second control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the second sensor circuit for varying the frequency of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in accordance with the level of the output voltage of the second sensor circuit to maintaining a constant predetermined frequency of the complex electrical field; and a selection means connected to the first and second control circuits for selecting the predetermined frequency and amplitude imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit.
a power supply having an output for producing a voltage having a predetermined amplitude upon connection to an AC input voltage;
a high frequency circuit electrically coupled to the power supply for generating a high frequency output in the kilohertz range and amplitude in the hundreds of volts RMS range;
a conductive assembly electrically connected to the high frequency circuit and disposed in a path of flowing air to subject the air to be purified to a complex electrical field having a predetermined frequency and amplitude;
a first sensor circuit coupled to the conductive assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the voltage imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a second sensor circuit coupled to the conductive assembly for outputting a voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the frequency imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit;
a first control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the first sensor circuit for varying the amplitude of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in accordance with the level of the output voltage of the first sensor circuit to maintain a constant predetermined amplitude of the complex electrical field;
a second control circuit connecting the high frequency circuit to the second sensor circuit for varying the frequency of the high frequency output to the conductive assembly in accordance with the level of the output voltage of the second sensor circuit to maintaining a constant predetermined frequency of the complex electrical field; and a selection means connected to the first and second control circuits for selecting the predetermined frequency and amplitude imposed on the conductive assembly by the high frequency circuit.
12. The air purification system of claim 11 wherein the high frequency circuit comprises:
a transformer having a primary and secondary winding, the secondary winding connected to the conductive assembly; and an oscillator circuit for controlling the flow of current in the primary winding for determining the frequency of the output voltage to the conductive assembly.
a transformer having a primary and secondary winding, the secondary winding connected to the conductive assembly; and an oscillator circuit for controlling the flow of current in the primary winding for determining the frequency of the output voltage to the conductive assembly.
13. The air purification system of claim 12 wherein a voltage controlled oscillator is connected to the output of the first and second control circuits to control the level and frequency of the output voltage of the high frequency circuit.
14. The air purification system of claim 11 wherein the power supply comprises a rectifier for producing a DC voltage upon connection to an AC input voltage.
15. A method of purifying the air, comprising:
applying a high voltage DC output in the kilovolt range to a conductive assembly;
applying a high frequency output in the kilohertz range and amplitude in the hundreds of volts RMS range to the conductive assembly;
flowing air through the conductive assembly to subject the air to the high voltage DC and the high frequency output;
sensing the high voltage DC output on the conductive assembly;
sensing the frequency of the high frequency output on the conductive assembly;
sensing the amplitude of the high frequency output on the conductive assembly;
varying the applied high voltage DC output to the conductive assembly in response to the sensed high voltage DC output on the conductive assembly to maintain a constant predetermined high voltage DC output on the conductive assembly;
varying the applied frequency to the conductive assembly in response to the sensed frequency on the conductive assembly to maintain a constant predetermined high frequency amplitude on the conductive assembly; and varying the applied amplitude to the conductive assembly in response to the sensed amplitude on the conductive assembly to maintain a constant predetermined high frequency amplitude on the conductive assembly.
applying a high voltage DC output in the kilovolt range to a conductive assembly;
applying a high frequency output in the kilohertz range and amplitude in the hundreds of volts RMS range to the conductive assembly;
flowing air through the conductive assembly to subject the air to the high voltage DC and the high frequency output;
sensing the high voltage DC output on the conductive assembly;
sensing the frequency of the high frequency output on the conductive assembly;
sensing the amplitude of the high frequency output on the conductive assembly;
varying the applied high voltage DC output to the conductive assembly in response to the sensed high voltage DC output on the conductive assembly to maintain a constant predetermined high voltage DC output on the conductive assembly;
varying the applied frequency to the conductive assembly in response to the sensed frequency on the conductive assembly to maintain a constant predetermined high frequency amplitude on the conductive assembly; and varying the applied amplitude to the conductive assembly in response to the sensed amplitude on the conductive assembly to maintain a constant predetermined high frequency amplitude on the conductive assembly.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/022,908 | 1993-02-26 | ||
| US08/022,908 US5401299A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1993-02-26 | Air purification apparatus |
| PCT/US1994/001608 WO1994019109A1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1994-02-23 | Apparatus and method of air purification |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2155356A1 CA2155356A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
| CA2155356C true CA2155356C (en) | 2000-10-31 |
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ID=21812054
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002155356A Expired - Fee Related CA2155356C (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1994-02-23 | Apparatus and method for air purification |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5401299A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0686066B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3421345B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100216493B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE185710T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU692436B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2155356C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69421272T2 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW275045B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994019109A1 (en) |
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| US5401299A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1995-03-28 | Crs Industries, Inc. | Air purification apparatus |
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| KR100489819B1 (en) * | 2001-07-03 | 2005-05-16 | 삼성전기주식회사 | Apparatus for removing a static electricity by high frequency-high voltage |
| JP3910501B2 (en) * | 2002-07-17 | 2007-04-25 | 浜松ホトニクス株式会社 | Aerosol particle charger |
| US6984987B2 (en) * | 2003-06-12 | 2006-01-10 | Sharper Image Corporation | Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner devices with enhanced arching detection and suppression features |
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| US7081152B2 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2006-07-25 | Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated | ESP performance optimization control |
| KR100680202B1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2007-02-08 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Control device for cleaning air and control method therefor |
| US7175695B1 (en) * | 2005-07-28 | 2007-02-13 | Hess Don H | Apparatus and method for enhancing filtration |
| US7404847B2 (en) * | 2005-07-28 | 2008-07-29 | Hess Don H | Apparatus and method for enhancing filtration |
| EP2120044A1 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2009-11-18 | NGK Insulators, Ltd. | Granular substance detector and granular substance detecting method |
| CN102202795B (en) | 2008-11-05 | 2015-08-19 | Fmc技术股份有限公司 | There is the electrostatic coalescer of syntonic follow circuit |
| TWI455705B (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2014-10-11 | Ind Tech Res Inst | Method and system for monioring sport related fitness by estimating muscle power and joint force of limbs |
| US8759084B2 (en) * | 2010-01-22 | 2014-06-24 | Michael J. Nichols | Self-sterilizing automated incubator |
| US9028588B2 (en) | 2010-09-15 | 2015-05-12 | Donald H. Hess | Particle guide collector system and associated method |
| US9468935B2 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2016-10-18 | Donald H. Hess | System for filtering airborne particles |
| WO2015029698A1 (en) * | 2013-09-02 | 2015-03-05 | 株式会社クリエイティブ テクノロジー | Particle collector system and dust collection method |
| US10183299B1 (en) | 2014-03-04 | 2019-01-22 | CRS Industries, Inc | Air purification system |
| CN104105328A (en) * | 2014-07-17 | 2014-10-15 | 北京无限世佳环境技术有限公司 | Large-air-volume low-voltage efficient plasma device and air-handling system thereof |
| WO2021230857A1 (en) * | 2020-05-12 | 2021-11-18 | Air Quality Engineering, Inc. | Electrostatic precipitation air cleaning system |
| CN114909759A (en) * | 2021-02-07 | 2022-08-16 | 开利公司 | Air purifying device |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4860149A (en) * | 1984-06-28 | 1989-08-22 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Electronic precipitator control |
| US5061296A (en) * | 1988-12-01 | 1991-10-29 | Crs Industries, Inc. | Air purification system |
| NZ231769A (en) * | 1988-12-20 | 1991-01-29 | Univ Melbourne | Production of tif 4 from ore containing tio 2 |
| IT1247337B (en) * | 1991-04-12 | 1994-12-12 | Ente Naz Energia Elettrica | PROTECTED POWER SUPPLY OF THE HIGH FREQUENCY SWITCHING TYPE, IN PARTICULAR FOR ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS |
| US5401299A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1995-03-28 | Crs Industries, Inc. | Air purification apparatus |
-
1993
- 1993-02-26 US US08/022,908 patent/US5401299A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-02-22 TW TW083101479A patent/TW275045B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-02-23 AT AT94908785T patent/ATE185710T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-02-23 KR KR1019950703657A patent/KR100216493B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-02-23 CA CA002155356A patent/CA2155356C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-02-23 JP JP51907194A patent/JP3421345B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-02-23 WO PCT/US1994/001608 patent/WO1994019109A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1994-02-23 DE DE69421272T patent/DE69421272T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-02-23 EP EP94908785A patent/EP0686066B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-23 AU AU61750/94A patent/AU692436B2/en not_active Ceased
-
1995
- 1995-06-06 US US08/471,773 patent/US5542964A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0686066A1 (en) | 1995-12-13 |
| US5401299A (en) | 1995-03-28 |
| CA2155356A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
| AU6175094A (en) | 1994-09-14 |
| AU692436B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 |
| WO1994019109A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
| JP3421345B2 (en) | 2003-06-30 |
| KR100216493B1 (en) | 1999-08-16 |
| ATE185710T1 (en) | 1999-11-15 |
| DE69421272D1 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
| KR960700821A (en) | 1996-02-24 |
| EP0686066A4 (en) | 1995-09-21 |
| EP0686066B1 (en) | 1999-10-20 |
| US5542964A (en) | 1996-08-06 |
| JPH08506994A (en) | 1996-07-30 |
| TW275045B (en) | 1996-05-01 |
| DE69421272T2 (en) | 2000-03-23 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |