SYSTEM FOR ELECTRO-CHEMICALLY INHIBITING BIOLOGICAL GROWTH IN AIR TREATMENT UNITS

Abstract

Systems and methods for inhibiting growth of fungi and other organisms in air treatment systems such as air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air washers. A pair of electrodes are brought into contact with liquid collected by a collection subsystem of the air treatment system. One of the electrodes includes a bio-inhibiting conductor. Electrical current is caused to pass between the electrodes, causing the bio-inhibiting conductor to be released into the collected liquid.

Claims

1-42. (canceled)

43. A method of inhibiting biological growth in an air treatment system, comprising: providing a bio-inhibiting system including at least a pair of spaced apart electrodes in a liquid collection subsystem of the air treatment system, one or both of the electrodes including a bio-inhibiting substance; positioning the pair of spaced apart electrodes such that the spaced apart electrodes come in contact with liquid collected in the liquid collection subsystem, the collected liquid acting as an electrolyte that electrically bridges the electrodes to each other; generating an electrical current between the electrodes; subsequent to generating the current, measuring a baseline conductivity of the liquid and a measured conductivity of the liquid; and calculating a concentration of bio-inhibiting substance in the liquid based on a difference between the baseline conductivity and the measured conductivity.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising: observing an operational change in the bio-inhibiting system; generating one or more indicia indicating the operational change; and, in response to the one or more indicia, replacing at least one of electrodes or replenishing the bio-inhibiting substance of one or both of the electrodes.

45.-48. (canceled)

49. The method of claim 43, further comprising determining a target conductivity in the liquid based on the calculated concentration of the bio-inhibiting substance.

50. The method of claim 43, further comprising adjusting the electrical current between the electrodes to maintain a target concentration or a target range of concentrations of the bio-inhibiting substance in the liquid.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the electrical current is adjusted based in part on a duration of time that the electrical current has been generated between the electrodes.

52.-63. (canceled)

64. A method of inhibiting biological growth in an air treatment system, comprising: providing a bio-inhibiting system including at least a pair of spaced apart electrodes in a liquid collection subsystem of the air treatment system, one or both of the electrodes including a bio-inhibiting substance; positioning the pair of spaced apart electrodes such that the spaced apart electrodes come in contact with liquid collected in the liquid collection subsystem, the collected liquid acting as an electrolyte that electrically bridges the electrodes to each other; and calculating a concentration of bio-inhibiting substance in the liquid based in part on a duration of time that an electrical current has been generated between the electrodes.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising determining a target conductivity in the liquid based on the calculated concentration of the bio-inhibiting substance.

66. The method of claim 64, further comprising adjusting the electrical current between the electrodes to maintain a target concentration or a target range of concentrations of the bio-inhibiting substance in the liquid.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the electrical current is adjusted based in part on a duration of time that the electrical current has been generated between the electrodes.

68. A method of inhibiting biological growth in an air treatment system, comprising: providing a bio-inhibiting system including a pair of spaced apart electrodes in a liquid collection subsystem of the air treatment system; positioning the pair of spaced apart electrodes such that the spaced apart electrodes come in contact with liquid collected in the liquid collection subsystem, the liquid acting as an electrolyte that electrically bridges the electrodes to each other; measuring a baseline conductivity of the liquid; generating an electrical current between the electrodes to release bio-inhibitor into the liquid; after the generating, measuring a measured conductivity of the liquid; and calculating a concentration of the bio-inhibitor in the liquid based on a difference between the baseline conductivity and the measured conductivity.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the baseline conductivity is measured based on an electrical current magnitude between the electrodes.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the measured conductivity is measured based on another electrical current magnitude between the electrodes.

71. The method of claim 68, further comprising increasing or decreasing a magnitude of the electrical current between the electrodes based on the concentration.

72. The method of claim 68, wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises one or more of copper, aluminum, zinc, and silver.

73. A bio-inhibiting system, comprising: spaced apart electrodes positioned in a liquid collector of an air treatment system, the electrodes being positioned to come in contact with liquid collected in the collector, the liquid acting as an electrolyte that electrically bridges the electrodes to each other; and a controller operatively connected to the electrodes and configured to: generate a first electrical current between the electrodes to determine a baseline conductivity of the liquid; generate a second electrical current between the electrodes to release bio-inhibitor into the liquid; and adjust a magnitude of the second electrical current based on a difference between a measured conductivity of the liquid and the baseline conductivity of the liquid, the measured conductivity being measured after the second electrical current is generated.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises one or more of copper, aluminum, zinc, and silver.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The following figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building that uses an air treatment system, the air treatment system including a biological growth inhibiting system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example air conditioning system or an example dehumidifier system, including a biological growth inhibiting system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example humidifier system, including a biological growth inhibiting system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a standalone biological growth inhibiting system in accordance with the present disclosure, the biological growth bio-inhibiting system being installable in an air treatment system.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a process flow illustrating an example method of inhibiting biological growth in an air treatment system in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Various embodiments of the present inventions will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the inventions, which are limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed inventions.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a building 2 (e.g., a residential building, a commercial building, etc.) has an air treatment system 6 installed at least partially on the roof 4 of the building 2. The air treatment system 6 can be, e.g., an air conditioning system, a humidifying system, a dehumidifying system, a filtration system, an air washer, etc., including combinations thereof. The air treatment system 6 includes a collection vessel 8, e.g., a pan, a tray, a tank, or a reservoir. The collection vessel 8 is positioned to collect liquid used by or generated by the air treatment system 6. For example, the collection vessel 8 collects water condensate generated from an evaporator component of the air treatment system 6, or supplies water to a humidifier. The vessel 8 includes a port 18 for draining liquid out of the building 2 via drainage conduits 10, the conduits 10 being in fluid communication with the collection volume defined by the vessel 8 via the port 18. In this example, the port 18 is positioned in a bottom wall of the vessel 8. However, the port can be positioned in other locations, e.g., in a side wall of the vessel 8.

[0042] To provide electrical power to the air treatment system 6, the air treatment system is connected to an electrical current source, e.g., a coin battery cell or an external power supply 12 such as a regional power grid, a generator, etc.

[0043] Over time, organisms can grow and proliferate in the water collected in the vessel 8. If the growth is substantial, drainage from the vessel 8 can be slowed or blocked entirely, which can lead to a situation in which the vessel 8 overflows. Mold and bacteria that grow due to the presence of collected water can also present a health hazard. An example organism that tends to thrive and cause clogs in collection vessels and drainage subsystems of air treatment systems is the fungus aspergillus. Should the vessel overflow, detrimental flooding of the building 2 can occur. In addition, in many air treatment systems, when the water level in the collection reservoir rises above a predetermined level the system shuts down and air conditioning or other air treatment ceases.

[0044] To mitigate or inhibit the growth of such detrimental organisms, the air treatment system 6 is fitted with a bio-inhibiting system (or bio-inhibition system) 16 in accordance with the present disclosure. The bio-inhibiting system 16 can be a standalone component or module that is installed into an already built air treatment system 6; alternatively, the air treatment system 6 is manufactured with the bio-inhibiting system 16 built into it. The bio-inhibiting system 16 requires electrical power. Power to the bio-inhibiting system 16 can be provided by a power source, e.g., a battery, dedicated to the bio-inhibiting system 16. Alternatively, the bio-inhibiting system 16 can receive power via the air treatment system 6, or directly from an external power supply 12. The power source supplies electrical current to the bio-inhibiting system 16.

[0045] Details of various embodiments of the bio-inhibiting system 16 and their interplay with air treatment systems, will now be described in connection with FIGS. 2-5.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of an air treatment system 20 is shown. In this example, the air treatment system 20 is an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. The air treatment system 20 has a top 21 and a bottom 23. Moist air is drawn into the chamber 33 via an inlet or intake 22, and passes over an evaporation coil 28. In the case of a dehumidifier, dry air is released through the outlet 24 into the surrounding environment. In the case of an air conditioner, exhaust air is released through the outlet 24, and cool air passes through the vent 26. Condensation from the evaporator coil 28 drips or otherwise falls into the collection vessel 30 by the force of gravity. The collection vessel 30 defines an outlet port 32 through which water drains into a drainage conduit 34.

[0047] A bio-inhibiting system 100 is integrated with the air treatment system 20. In some examples, the bio-inhibiting system 100 is built into the air treatment system 20; in other examples the bio-inhibiting system 100 is a standalone component or module that is installed in and/or on the air treatment system 20 after the air treatment system 20 has been manufactured and, in some examples, after the air treatment system 20 has been otherwise fully installed.

[0048] The bio-inhibiting system 100 receives electrical current from a dedicated or external power supply 104, i.e., an electrical current source. Electrically connected (e.g., via wires, traces or other conductors) to the current source 104 are two electrodes—an anode 110 and a cathode 112. It should be appreciated that the anode and cathode can functionally switch roles (i.e., such that the electrode 112 functions as an anode and the electrode 110 functions as a cathode) depending on the direction of current flow. For ease of description, the electrode 110 will be primarily referred to as an anode and the electrode 112 will be primarily referred to as a cathode, or both will be referred to generally as electrodes.

[0049] The electrodes 110, 112 are positioned within the collection volume defined by the collection vessel 30. In this particular example, electrodes are both positioned slightly above (and spaced apart from) the bottom wall 38 of the vessel 30 and near the port 32. In addition, the two electrodes can be laterally spaced apart from each other at a fixed distance.

[0050] One or both of the electrodes 110, 112, include(s) a bio-inhibiting substance, i.e., a bio-inhibiting conductor or chemical (BIC), such as copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, or another conductor or chemical that is known now or in the future to have bio-inhibiting properties and that is released from the electrode by electrolysis. The BIC is in a molecular or elemental form on the electrode(s) that enables the BIC to be released into an electrolyte when an electrical current is made to flow through the electrodes 110, 112. The BIC can be integrated with the electrode or coated on the surface of the electrode. In some examples, one or both of the electrodes 110, 112 includes a conducting material that is resistant to oxidation, e.g., stainless steel, carbon, or another suitable conductor.

[0051] In one example, the electrode 110 is copper metal (Cu), and the electrode 112 is stainless steel. When electrical current is caused to flow through the electrodes 110, 112 by the current source 104 in the presence of an electrolyte (e.g., water collected in the vessel 30 that contacts both electrodes 110, 112 forming a conductive bridge therebetween), copper ions (Cu.sup.++) are released into the electrolyte from the electrode 110 until the copper metal of the electrode 110 is used up. The copper ions present in the electrolyte (i.e., the collected water) inhibit the growth of biological organisms in the vessel 30 and/or the conduit 34.

[0052] The magnitude of the current flowing between the electrodes 110, 112 in combination with the amount of liquid in the vessel at a given point in time dictates the concentration of the copper ions that will be present in the electrolyte. For example, a higher current will result in a higher concentration of copper ions for a given volume of collected water. A current regulator 102 is provided to regulate the electrical current between the electrodes 110 and 112. By regulating the electrical current between the electrodes 110, 112, an optimal concentration of bio-inhibitor in the liquid collection subsystem of the air treatment system 20 can be maintained.

[0053] Thus, it should be appreciated that the two electrodes 110, 112 are positioned such that an electrolytic cell is generated once water (or another suitable electrolyte) fills the vessel 30 to a level sufficient enough to contact both electrodes 110, 112.

[0054] A conductivity meter probe 136, or the electrodes 110, 112 themselves, can be used to measure the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte collected in the vessel. The conductivity of the electrolyte at any given time is an indication of the BIC concentration in the liquid. Thus, the measured conductivity is used to control the current regulator 102 to adjust the electric current to provide a constant or relatively constant (within a fixed range) of BIC concentration in the liquid, even as the volume of collected liquid changes.

[0055] For example, the conductivity meter probe 136 or electrodes 110, 112 are used to measure conductivity in the collected liquid before electrical current is supplied to the electrodes 110, 112, providing a baseline conductivity of the liquid. Thereafter, current is supplied to the electrodes 110, 112, and regular conductivity measurements of the electrolyte are taken to maintain the conductivity of the electrolyte at or about a target level or target range of levels above the baseline conductivity, where the difference in conductivity between the baseline and the target corresponds to the concentration of BIC introduced to the electrolyte by the electrolytic cell. With the electrolytic cell operating, if the measured conductivity is higher than the target conductivity, a controller 162 causes the current regulator 102 to reduce the electrical current between the electrodes 110, 112. If the measured operating conductivity is lower than the target conductivity, the controller 162 causes the current regulator 102 to increase the electrical current between the electrodes 110, 112. This control-feedback loop consisting of measuring conductivity in the collected liquid and making corresponding adjustments to the level of electrical current supplied to the electrodes 110, 112 is repeated continuously or at regular intervals (e.g., once per second) to maintain a desired level of BIC concentration in the collected liquid, even as the amount of liquid in the vessel varies and/or the composition of the collected liquid varies.

[0056] The bio-inhibiting system 100 includes a status indicator subsystem 130. In general terms, the status indicator subsystem 130 is adapted to provide one or more visible, audible, tactile or other indicia of a stoppage or reduction in electrolysis between the electrodes 110 and 112, indicating that one or both of the electrodes may need or may soon need replenishment or replacement. The indicia can include, e.g., a current reading in the electrolytic cell, a voltage reading in the electrolytic cell, other visible or audible indicia directly tied to the existence, non-existence, or change of current flow between the electrodes 110, 112, or a conductivity measurement in the collected liquid in the vessel 30, or a cumulative measurement of current supplied over time. This can provide a measurement of, for instance, how many grams of the electrodes have been introduced into the liquid and consumed. For example, an ammeter 132 can be used to measure current in the electrolytic cell, and/or a voltmeter 134 can be used to measure voltage across the electrodes 110, 112. A digital clock can be sued to measure the accumulated time the current is flowing. A reduction or stoppage in current or voltage that was not initiated by the controller 162 can trigger one or more indicia (e.g., lights, sounds, vibration, text) provided via an input/output (I/O) interface 140. In addition, a measured combination of time and current can predict the end of a useful life of the electrodes. When the measured combination reaches a predetermined threshold, one or more indicia can be triggered that prompt or suggest replacing one or both electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, a measured electrical conductivity of the electrolyte (measured by the probe 136) that is below the target conductivity and does not adequately respond or adjust to control signals provided by the controller 162 to increase the electrical current supplied to the electrodes 110, 112 can trigger the one or more indicia that are provided via the I/O interface 140.

[0057] Still referring to FIG. 2, optionally, the I/O interface 140 (such as an I/O interface of a control panel of the air treatment system) includes one or more input devices 144 (e.g., a touch screen, hard or soft keys, etc.) for inputting control commands that control the bio-inhibiting system 100 (e.g., to increase or decrease the electrical current supplied to the electrodes 110, 112, to change a pulsing frequency of the electrical current supplied to the electrodes 110, 112 etc.) The control commands can be processed by a processor 160 of the controller 162 (or otherwise operably linked to the controller 162) that generates control signals for controlling the bio-inhibiting system 100. The processor 160 causes the controller 162 to generate the desired control signals by processing input commands via the I/O interface and/or by processing other data provided by components of the bio-inhibiting system 100, such as the conductivity meter probe 136. Optionally, control of the bio-inhibiting system 100 can be provided by connecting one or more of the controller 162, storage device 164, and the I/O interface 140 to a network 166 (e.g., the Internet). Status indicia outputs, and control command inputs, can be handled by an I/O interface 140 that is physically remote from the air treatment system.

[0058] The storage device 164 can store computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 160, cause the controller 162 to provide control signals to the current regulator 102 to maintain a target conductivity and corresponding BIC concentration in the liquid collected in the vessel. Thus, the computer readable instructions can include preset parameters, such as BIC concentration targets, stored values for condensate production with varying seasons and associated current supplies needed to produce target BIC concentrations, instructions for calculating a BIC concentration based on the difference between measured and baseline conductivities, instructions for associating a needed current supply based on a measured weight or volume of collected liquid, instructions for comparing measured and target conductivities, and instructions for causing the current regulator 110 to increase and decrease electrical current supplied to the electrodes 110, 112 based on differences calculated between measured and target conductivities and/or, in a stationary liquid example, based on a measured time duration of current flow between the electrodes.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, an example humidifier 70 is schematically illustrated. The humidifier defines an internal cavity 76. An inlet or intake 72 takes in dry air from the surrounding environment so that it passes over a moist wick 78. A fan propels the air humidified by the wick 78 through an outlet 74 back into the surrounding environment. The wick 78 is partially submerged in a reservoir 82, thereby keeping the wick moist. The reservoir 82 is supplied with water from a tank 84. The tank feeds into the reservoir 82 via a flow regulating conduit 86.

[0060] Over time, and if left unchecked, biological organisms can grow and proliferate in the water contained in the tank 84, the conduit 86, and/or the reservoir 82. If the growth is substantial, a blockage can occur, leading to an overflow event (particularly if there is a constant flow of water into the tank 84). In addition, a blockage can inhibit or prevent the humidifier 70 from being supplied with water it needs to humidify the air, effectively causing the humidifier to fail.

[0061] A bio-inhibiting system 200 is installed at the humidifier 70. The bio-inhibiting system 200 functions like the bio-inhibiting system 100 above and includes an electrical current supply 104, spaced apart electrodes 110 and 112, a current regulator 102, a controller 162 for controlling the current regulator 102 and operably connected to a conductivity meter probe 136, and an LED 138 that turns off when the electrolytic cell 115 fails due to a failure of one of the electrodes 110, 112, indicating that maintenance may be required. The electrodes 110, 112 can be placed and mounted where appropriate, e.g., in the tank 84 or in the reservoir 82. In this particular example, the electrodes 110, 112 are mounted within the conduit 86. Generally, whenever there is water in the tank 84, there is water in the conduit 86. If the electrolytic cell 115 is functioning, whenever there is water in the conduit 86 the LED 138 is illuminated due to the electrical current generated by the release of BIC ions into the water from the anode 110.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a standalone bio-inhibiting system 300 in accordance with the present disclosure, the bio-inhibiting system 300 being installable in an air treatment system, such as the air treatment systems, 6 (FIG. 1), 40 (FIGS. 2), and 70 (FIG. 3) described above.

[0063] Optionally, the bio-inhibiting system 300 includes a housing 301 dedicated to housing one or more of the components of the system 300. A battery 302 acts as the current supply to generate a current between the electrodes 110 and 112. Thus, an active electrolytic cell is formed when the electrodes 110 and 112 (as described above) are at least partially in contact with an electrolyte. A current regulator 102 receives control signals from a controller 162 to adjust the current level between the electrodes 110, 112 to maintain a target concentration of BIC in the electrolyte.

[0064] While the electrolytic cell is active and before one or both of the electrodes 110, 112 fail, the current in the cell feeds current to an LED 138 that illuminates and/or flashes in one or more colors. For example, the housing 301 can hold the pair of electrodes 110, 112 in such a way that the electrodes are exposed on an exterior surface of the housing 301, the exposure allowing the electrodes to come in contact with water in which the housing is placed. When one or both of the electrodes 110, 112 fail, the LED 138 shuts off, indicating a potential need for maintenance to be performed on the system 300, e.g., to replace or replenish one of the electrodes 110, 112. The hardwiring of the electrolytic cell (e.g., with the conductive wires 303, 305) can be configured such that the LED 138 is placed at some distance from the electrodes 110, 112, e.g., on the outside of the housing 301, on the outside of an air treatment system, or in another room or another building entirely, such as on a remote mobile device or a control panel for an HVAC system. The bio-inhibiting system 300 is adapted to be installed in an already manufactured or already manufactured and fully installed air treatment system.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a process flow illustrating an example method 400 of inhibiting biological growth in an air treatment system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0066] In a step 402 of the method 400, a pair of spaced apart electrodes are positioned to come in contact with liquid contained or collected in an air treatment system, e.g., slightly above a bottom surface of a liquid collection vessel of an air treatment system. One or both of the electrodes includes a BIC adapted to be released into the collected liquid during electrolysis.

[0067] In a step 404 a baseline conductivity of the collected liquid is measured.

[0068] In a step 406, and subsequent to the step 404, a predetermined electrical current is caused to flow between the electrodes for a predetermined time, causing electrolysis to occur and causing the anode to release bio-inhibiting ions into the collected liquid.

[0069] In a step 408, and subsequent to the step 406, the conductivity of the liquid in contact with the electrodes is re-measured.

[0070] In a step 410, and subsequent to the step 408, a concentration of BIC in the liquid is calculated based on a difference between the measured conductivity at step 408 and the baseline conductivity measured at step 404.

[0071] In a step 412, and subsequent to the step 410, a target conductivity in the liquid is determined based on the calculated BIC concentration at step 410.

[0072] In a step 414, the current caused to flow between the electrodes is regulated to maintain the target conductivity in the liquid. In some examples, the step 414 includes adjusting over time the amount of electrical current caused to flow between the electrodes to maintain the target conductivity in the liquid. In some examples, the step 414 includes selecting an amount of current caused to flow between the electrodes to maintain the target conductivity in the liquid. The target conductivity corresponds to a predefined target BIC concentration. In some examples, the target conductivity is a range of conductivities and the target BIC concentration is a range of BIC concentrations.

[0073] In some examples, steps 406 and 414 are then repeated, optionally multiple times, as a continuous control-feedback loop 430.

[0074] In an optional step 416, an unintended reduction or stoppage of electrolysis is detected or otherwise observed, e.g., by a detector or device such as an ammeter, a voltmeter, an ion concentration probe, or another circuit element powered by the electrolysis. In other examples, a predetermined amount of time triggers an indication based on a predetermined prediction that one or both electrodes have been consumed.

[0075] In an optional step 418, one or more indicia are generated indicating the unintended stoppage or reduction of electrolysis, or the predicted end of electrode useful life, e.g. a light emitter switches off as a result of current stoppage in the electrolytic cell or as a result of a predetermined time elapsing.

[0076] In an optional step 420, remedial action is taken in response to the indicia. For example, one or both of the electrodes are replaced or repaired.

[0077] According to a further example method of inhibiting biological growth in an air treatment system in accordance with the present disclosure, a pair of spaced apart electrodes are positioned to come in contact with liquid contained or collected in an air treatment system, e.g., slightly above a bottom surface of a liquid collection vessel of an air treatment system. One or both of the electrodes includes a bio-inhibiting substance adapted to be released into the collected liquid during electrolysis. A fixed or variable amount of current is then caused to flow between the electrodes for a fixed or variable amount of time based on a measured volume or weight of collected liquid or a predicted volume of collected liquid and/or a measured rate of liquid drainage from the air treatment system. The volume or weight of liquid and/or rate of liquid drainage can be measured or predicted continuously, or at preset intervals.

[0078] The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made with respect to the examples illustrated and described herein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.