SYSTEM FOR MEASURING CONTAMINATION OF AN AIR CONDITION

Abstract

There is described a system for analyzing an air condition. The system comprises a detection unit configured for detecting of detection signals indicative of a bacteria-related contamination of an evaporator and/or an air filter of the air condition, an analyzing unit configured for analyzing of a level of contamination of the evaporator and/or the air filter based on the detection signals, and an output unit configured for outputting the analyzed level of contamination of the evaporator and/or the air filter to a user.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. System for analyzing an air condition, the system comprising a detection unit configured for detecting of detection signals indicative of a contamination with a contaminant of an evaporator and/or the air filter of the air condition, an analyzing unit configured for analyzing of a level of contamination of the evaporator and/or the air filter based on the detection signals, and an output unit configured for outputting the analyzed level of contamination with the contaminant of the evaporator and/or the air filter to a user.

17. System according to claim 16, wherein the analyzing unit is configured to generate a decontamination signal if the analyzed level of the contaminant exceeds a predetermined level of the contaminant, wherein in particular the output unit is configured for outputting the decontamination signal.

18. System according to claim 17, further comprising a decontamination unit, wherein the decontamination unit is coupleable to the evaporator for decontaminating the evaporator and/or the air filter based on the decontamination signal.

19. System according to claim 18, wherein the decontamination unit comprises a chemical exhaust nozzle for ejecting chemical decontamination fluid to the evaporator and/or the air filter.

20. System according to claim 18, wherein the decontamination unit comprises a heating element coupleable to the evaporator and/or the air filter for heating up the evaporator and/or the air filter in order to reduce the level of contaminant.

21. System according to claim 16, wherein the detection unit is coupleable to an exhaust air channel of the air condition for measuring the level of contaminant.

22. System according to claim 16, wherein the detection unit comprises a contamination sensor for measuring a concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhausted air of the air condition, wherein the concentration of volatile organic compounds, in particular isopropanol and/or odor former, such as carbonic acids, is indicative of the level of the contaminant of the evaporator and/or the air filter.

23. System according to claim 22, wherein the contamination sensor is configured for measuring a concentration of volatile organic compounds of at least 8 ppb, in particular at least 6 ppb, in the exhausted air.

24. System according to claim 16, wherein the detection unit comprises an air flow sensor for detecting a flow of exhaust air of the air condition.

25. System according to claim 16, wherein the detection unit, the analyzing unit and/or the output unit are coupled wire connected or wireless connected for transmitting data.

26. System according to claim 16, wherein the output unit is a handheld device, in particular a smartphone or a tablet computer.

27. System according to claim 16, wherein the air condition is an air condition of a vehicle, in particular a car, wherein the analyzing unit is a control unit of the vehicle.

28. Use of a system according to claim 16 for detecting, analyzing, and outputting a level of the contaminant of an evaporator and/or an air filter of an air condition, in particular an air condition of a vehicle.

29. Method of analyzing an air condition, the method comprising detecting of detection signals indicative of a contamination with a contaminant of an evaporator and/or an air filter of the air condition, analyzing of a level of the contamination with the contaminant of the evaporator and/or the air filter based on the detection signals, and outputting the analyzed level of contamination with the contaminant of the evaporator and/or the air filter to a user.

30. Method according to claim 29, generating a decontamination signal if the analyzed level of the contaminant exceeds a predetermined level of the contamination, decontaminating the evaporator and/or the air filter based on the decontamination signal, analyzing the level of contamination with the contaminant after decontaminating the evaporator and/or the air filter if the analyzed level of the contamination with the contaminant falls below a predetermined level of the contamination with the contaminant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The aspects defined above, and further aspects of the present invention are apparent from the examples of embodiment to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the examples of embodiment. Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment but to which the invention is not limited.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a system for analyzing an air condition according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the system for analyzing an air condition of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a detection unit mounted to a center console of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of sensor measurement results before a decontamination step according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of sensor measurement results before a decontamination step according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The illustrations in the drawings are schematic. It is noted that in different figures similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a system for analyzing and air condition 150 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a detection unit 101 configured for detecting of detection signals indicative of a bacteria-related contamination or a carbonic acid contamination of an evaporator 151 and/or an air filter of the air condition 150, an analyzing unit 102 configured for analyzing of a level of the contamination of the evaporator 151 with a contaminant based on the detection signals, and an output unit 103 configured for outputting the analyzed level of contamination of the evaporator 151 and/or of carbonic acids t to a user.

[0045] The air condition 150 comprises amongst others the evaporator 151 to evaporate a cooling fluid from liquid to gas within the air condition system while absorbing heat from the enclosed cooled area. Ambient air is blown against the evaporator 151 to absorb the heat from the ambient air. The cooled ambient air is then blown to an interior of the cooled area, such as an interior of the room or a vehicle, such as a car. When passing the evaporator 151, the ambient air cools down, wherein a condensate is generated at the outer surface of the evaporator 151. The condensate and hence the high moisture of the evaporator 151 may cause a growth of bacteria and funguses.

[0046] Furthermore, the air condition 150 may comprise the air filter, which may be a cabin air filter, in particular of a vehicle. The air filter filters particles, such as pollens or other dust particles, out of the ambient air which is blown after the air filter further through the air condition 150 and further in the cabin of the vehicle.

[0047] The detection unit 101 is configured for detecting of detection signals indicative of the contaminant of the evaporator 151 or the air filter. Specifically, the detection unit 151 detects the quality of exhaust air of the air condition. For example, the detection 151 unit detects respective physical parameters and convert the measured values of the parameters in detection signals. The physical parameters are indicative of the bacteria-related contamination of the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter. The detection unit 151 comprises a contamination sensor for measuring a concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhausted air of the air condition 150, wherein the concentration of volatile organic compounds, in particular isopropanol and/or carbonic adds, is indicative of the level of the bacteria-related contamination of the evaporator 151. Specifically, it has found out, that the concentration of volatile organic compounds, and specifically isopropanol and/or carbonic adds, is indicative for the level of bacteria related contamination, because bacteria and funguses generate small amounts of the respective chemicals.

[0048] Furthermore, detection unit 101 may comprise an air flow sensor for detecting a flow of exhaust air of the air condition. Hence, by providing the airflow sensor, it is possible to measure the operation of the air condition 150. The detection unit 101 may also comprise a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the exhausted air over time. Hence, an operation over time of the air condition 150 can be measured which may also be indicative of the growth of bacteria and funguses at the evaporator 151. Furthermore, the contaminant may be or indicative of carbonic acid which is an effluvium or vapor of plastic material. Furthermore, the detection unit 101 may detect specific operating conditions of the air condition, such as operating time, temperature of injected ambient air, cooling rate of ambient air and/or humidity of ambient air. Based on the detected operating conditions, the analyzing unit 102 may conduct a comparison with the detected operating conditions and predefined operating data stored e.g. in a database, in order to determine the level of bacteria-related contamination or vapor of plastic material of the evaporator and/or air filter. For example, based on measure the operating time and cooling rate of ambient air, the level of bacteria related contamination or the amount of vaporized carbonic acids out of plastic material may be estimated.

[0049] The detection unit 101, the analyzing unit 102 and/or the output unit 103 are coupled wire connected for transmitting data.

[0050] The analyzing unit 102 is coupled to the detection unit 101 for receiving the detection signals and analyzes the level of contaminant on the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter based on the detection signals. The analyzing unit 102 comprises for example a CPU and a memory for storing respective data, for example. The analyzing unit 102 is coupled in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 to the detection unit 101 wire bond.

[0051] The analyzing unit 102 is configured to generate a decontamination signal if the analyzed level of the contaminant, e.g. indicative of the bacteria-related contamination and or concentration of carbonic acid exceeds a predetermined level (i.e. a predefined threshold value). The output unit 103 is configured for outputting the decontamination signal. For example, the predefined threshold value of the bacteria related contamination or carbonic acid describes a bacteria related and/or carbonic acid contamination, where no bad smells no negative influence of the area to be cooled are caused. The analyzing unit 102 is configured to compare the measured level of contamination from the detection signals with a predefined level of bacteria related contamination which is indicative of a requirement to decontaminate the air condition 150 in order to lower the level of contamination in particular of the evaporator 151.

[0052] The output unit 103 outputs the analyzed level of contamination of the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter to a user. The output unit 103 may be configured for generating acoustic or visual signals to output the respective analyzed level to the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the output unit may illustrate symbols indicative of a low contamination, a medium contamination, and a high contamination.

[0053] The system comprises a decontamination unit 104, wherein the decontamination unit is coupleable to the evaporator 151 for decontaminating the evaporator 151 based on the decontamination signal. For example, in addition to visualize the need for decontaminating the air condition, and active component, such as the decontamination unit 104, is provided to conduct a contamination procedure in order to lower the level of contamination of the evaporator 151. The analyzing unit 102 is coupled to the decontamination unit 104 for transmitting the decontamination signal to the decontamination unit 104. Upon receiving the decontamination signal, respective decontaminating tasks may be started by the decontamination unit 104. The decontamination unit 104 may decontaminate the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter by injecting a chemical decontaminating fluid to the evaporator 151. Furthermore, the decontamination unit 104 may heat the evaporator 151 until the respective bacteria and funguses are eliminated and/or the level of carbonic acids is reduced. The decontamination unit 104 comprises a chemical exhaust nozzle 105 for ejecting chemical decontamination fluid to the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter.

[0054] The detection unit 101 is coupled to an exhaust air channel 107 of the air condition 150 for measuring the contamination. For example, the detection unit 101 comprise the sensor layers along which air from the air channel 107 flows along. The detection unit 101 comprises fixing means for detachably fixing the detection unit 101 to the exhaust air channel 107. For example, the fixing means comprise hook elements which can be hooked into a ventilation grid of the exhaust air channel 107. The analyzing unit 102 and the output unit 103 are functionally coupled to the detection unit 101 for transmitting respective signals.

[0055] Furthermore, during operation of the system, a decontamination signal is generated if the analyzed level of the bacteria-related contamination exceeds a predetermined level of the contaminant. Next, the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter is decontaminated based on the decontamination signal. In particular, after the decontaminating, the level of contaminant is analyzed if the analyzed level of the contaminant falls below a predetermined level of the contaminant. Hence, the result of the decontamination of the evaporator 151 and/or air filter can be verified. If the determination is insufficient, a further step of the decontaminating the evaporator 151 and/or air filter may be started until the desired level of bacteria-related contamination is achieved.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the system for analyzing and air condition of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The shown exemplary embodiment, an air condition 150 and in particular the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter is integrated in a center console 201 of a vehicle, in particular a car.

[0057] Ambient air is blown against the evaporator 151 to absorb the heat from the ambient air. The cooled ambient air is then blown to an interior of the cooled area, such as an interior of the car. When passing the evaporator 151, the ambient air cools down, wherein a condensate is generated at the outer surface of the evaporator 151. The condensate and hence the high moisture of the evaporator 151 may cause a growth of bacteria and funguses.

[0058] The detection unit 101, the analyzing unit 102 and the decontamination unit 104 are intearated in the center console 201 of the car. Specifically, the detection unit 101 is functionally coupled and arranged within and exhaust air channel 107 which is formed inside the center console 201. The system shown in FIG. 2 may comprise the same functional units as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1.

[0059] For example, the analyzing unit 102 is intearated or formed by the control unit 203 of the car. For example, the control unit 203 controls also the operation of the air condition and hence the temperature of the cooled area inside the car. Hence the functional interaction between the air condition 150 and the system according to embodiments of the present invention is given and combined with in a unique control unit 203.

[0060] The analyzing unit 102 may generate a decontamination signal if the analyzed level of the contamination exceeds a predetermined level (i.e. a predefined threshold value) of the contamination. The decontamination unit 104 is coupleable to the evaporator 151 for decontaminating the evaporator 151 based on the decontamination signal. Upon receiving the decontamination signal, respective decontaminating tasks may be started by the decontamination unit 104. The decontamination unit 104 may decontaminate the evaporator 151 and/or air filter by injecting a chemical decontaminating fluid to the evaporator 151 and/or air filter. Furthermore, the decontamination unit 104 may heat the evaporator until the respective bacteria and funguses are eliminated and/or the concentration of carbonic acids are reduced. The decontamination unit 104 comprises a chemical exhaust nozzle 105 for ejecting chemical decontamination fluid to the evaporator 151.

[0061] For example, the analyzing unit 102, the detection unit 101 and the decontaminating unit 104 are coupled in the shown example wire bond. The analyzing unit 102 and the output unit 103 may be coupled wireless, for example via Bluetooth or NFC, in order to transmit data between the 2 units 102, 103. For example, the control unit 102 may transmit the decontamination signal to the output unit 103. Based on the decontamination signal, respective symbols indicative of the level of bacteria-related contamination of the evaporator 151 are shown in the display of the output unit 103. On the other side, automatically based on the received detection signal or mineral upon a control input of the user, the output unit 103 may transfer a control signal to the analyzing unit 102 in order to start a decontamination cycle of the decontamination unit 104.

[0062] The output unit 103 may be a display of the center console 201 of the car. Alternatively, the output unit 103 may be a handheld 202, such as a cell phone or a tablet computer.

[0063] The respective units 101, 102, 103, 104 of the system may be connected to an energy source, such as the energy source of the air condition 150 and of the vehicle, respectively.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a detection unit 101 mounted to a center console 201 of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The detection unit 101 may be a handheld and clipped or hooked to an exhaust grid (air vent) of an exhaust air channel 107 formed within the center console 201. From the detection unit 101, sensor layers are accessible by the exhausted air. Hence, along the sensor layers air from the air channel 107 flows along. A plurality, e.g. three, different sensitive layers (e.g. MOX layers), one for reducible, one for easily oxidizable and one for heavily oxidizable gases may be provided. The respective gas components influence the resistance of the layers. Hence, based on the change of the resistance in each of the sensitive layers, an exact result about the concentration of the volatile organic compounds and hence the contaminant can be achieved

[0065] Furthermore, in the detection unit 101, the output unit 103 may be integrated. For example, the output unit 103 comprises a display showing the level of contamination of the evaporator 151 and/or the air filter of the air condition 150.

[0066] The detection unit 101 may be coupled to an external analyzing unit 102 via a USB cable 301. Additionally, the USB cable 3 and 1 may be used for operating and/or charging the detection unit 101.

[0067] Additionally, the detection unit 101 may comprise control buttons 302 for amending the display most of the output unit 103. For example, also be analyzing unit 102 may be integrated in the detection unit 101. Accordingly, by the shown control buttons 302, a control of the decontamination unit 104 may be given. For example, a decontamination cycle may be started by pushing the respective control buttons 302.

[0068] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of sensor measurement results before a decontamination step according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sender of the detection unit 101 comprises sensor layers which are accessible by the exhausted air of the air conditioning 150. Along sensor layers air from the air channel 107 flows. The sender comprises a plurality, e.g. three, different sensitive layers (e.g. MOX layers), one for reducible, one for easily oxidizable and one for heavily oxidizable gases may be provided. The respective gas components influence the resistance of the layers. Hence, based on the change of the resistance in each of the sensitive layers, an exact result about the concentration of the volatile organic compounds (VOC) and hence the contaminant can be achieved.

[0069] In FIG. 4, contaminated exhaust air of the air conditioning 150 of an uncleaned air condition 150 is illustrated. For example, the air filter as well as the evaporator 151 are contaminated. Hence, in the diagram the respective resistances of the three sensitive layers RS1, RS2, RS3 are shown. As can be taken from the diagram, the ohmic resistance of the three sensitive layers RS1, RS2, RS3 is between 1.000.000 and 5.800.000 Ohm. The temperature t and the flow velocity dt is kept constant.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of sensor measurement results before a decontamination step according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] In FIG. 5, contaminated exhaust air of the air condition 150 of a decontaminated air condition 150 is illustrated. For example, the air filter comprising a filter element and the holding is decontaminated by exchanging the filter element and cleaning the filter housing. The evaporator 151 may be cleaned by a chemical agent. As can be taken from the diagram, the ohmic resistance of the three sensitive layers RS1, RS2, RS3 is dramatically reduced between 40.000 and 380.000 Ohm. The temperature t and the flow velocity dt is kept constant.

[0072] Hence, the reduced ohmic resistance is indicative for a reduction of the contaminant, e.g. indicative of bacteria-related contamination and/or a contamination with carbonic acids.

[0073] It should be noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0074] 101 detection unit [0075] 102 analyzing unit [0076] 103 output unit [0077] 104 decontamination unit [0078] 105 chemical exhaust nozzle [0079] 106 heating element [0080] 107 exhaust air channel [0081] 150 air condition [0082] 151 evaporator [0083] 201 Center console [0084] 202 handheld [0085] 203 control unit [0086] 301 USB Cable [0087] 302 control button