Methods Apparatuses Assemblies Devices and Systems for Conditioning and Purifying Air

Abstract

Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, assemblies, devices and systems for removing pollutants from air within a space or an environment. Humidifiers introduce a pollutant trapping material into the air of the space or environment by evaporating the pollutant trapping material, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified. Dehumidifiers remove the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it. The cooperation of the humidifier(s) and the dehumidifier(s) may be collaborated based on a combination of pollutant concentration level value(s) and relative humidity level value(s) measured in the air.

Claims

1. A system for removing pollutants from air within a space, said system including: one or more humidifiers, positioned at a first set of one or more locations within the space, for introducing a pollutant trapping material at least partially composed of water (H.sub.2O) into the air of the space by evaporating the pollutant trapping material, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified; one or more dehumidifiers, positioned at a second set of one or more locations within the space, for removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it; a control logic for collaborating the cooperation of said humidifier(s) and said dehumidifier(s) at least partially based on the rate or speed at which a combination of said one or more dehumidifiers dehumidify the air.

2. A system for removing pollutants from air within a space, said system including: one or more humidifiers, positioned at a first set of one or more locations within the space, for introducing a pollutant trapping material at least partially composed of water (H.sub.2O) into the air of the space by evaporating the pollutant trapping material, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified; one or more dehumidifiers, positioned at a second set of one or more locations within the space, for removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it; a control logic for collaborating the cooperation of said humidifier(s) and said dehumidifier(s) such that trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto moves from the point(s) of introduction towards the point(s) of removal at least partially due to its diffusion and at least partially due to gravity.

3. The system according to claim I, further including: a first set of sensor(s) for measuring pollutant concentration levels ata third set of one or more locations within the space; a second set of sensor(s) for measuring relative humidity levels at a fourth set of one or more locations within the space; said control logic for collaborating the cooperation of said humidifier(s) and said dehumidifier(s) at least partially based on pollutant concentration level value(s) measured by and received from said first set of sensors and relative humidity level value(s) measured by and received from said second set of sensors.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said control logic, upon receipt of: (1) pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or above, a first threshold value and (2) relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value boosts the operation of said humidifier(s) to a first extent and boosts the operation of said dehumidifier(s) to a second, greater, extent.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the position of said humidifiers at the first set of one or more locations within the space, in relation to the position of said dehumidifiers at the second set of one or more locations within the space, enhances the gravitational movement of the pollutant trapping material from the point(s) of introduction [by the one or more humidifiers]towards the point(s) of removal [by the one or more dehumidifier(s)].

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the position of said humidifiers at the first set of one or more locations within the space, in relation to the position of said dehumidifiers at the second set of one or more locations within the space, enhances the diffusion of the pollutant trapping material from the point(s) of introduction [by the one or more humidifiers] towards the point(s) of removal [by the one or more dehumidifier(s)].

7. The system. according to claim 3, further including one or more air movers, functionally connected with said control logic, for enhancing air flow from the proximity of the first set of one or more humidifier locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the proximity of the second set of one or more dehumidifier locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air, such that increased amounts of the pollutant trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto reach the point(s) of removal.

8. The system. according to claim 7, wherein said control logic, boosts the operation of said air movers upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or above, a first threshold value; (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value; or (3) upon materialization of both (1) and (2).

9. The system according to claim 3, wherein said control logic, lowers [decreases] or completely halts the operation rate of said humidifier(s) and thus the introduction of pollutant trapping material and humidity into the air, upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level values) at, or below, a first threshold value; and (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value.

10. The system according to claim 3, wherein said control logic, boosts the operation rate of said dehumidifier(s) and thus the amounts of pollutant trapped from the air, upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or above, a first threshold value; and (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said control logic, lowers the operation rate of said dehumidifiers back to their pre-boosted rate, upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) below the first threshold value; or (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) below the second threshold value.

12. The system according to claim 3, wherein the type of space which air's pollutants are removed is selected from a group consisting of: (1) a residential space, (2) an office space, (3) an industrial space, (4) the space of a public/entertainment venue, and (5) open spaces of parks or cities.

13. The system according to claim 3, further including a reservoir for collecting moisture/water from the air by said dehumidifier(s).

14. The system according to claim 13, further including a filter, positioned between said dehumidifier(s) and said reservoir, for removing adhered air pollutants contamination from the liquid moisture/water collected by said dehumidifier(s).

15. The system according to claim 3, wherein said dehumidifier(s) utilize a desiccant as a drying agent.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the desiccant is a liquid desiccant.

17. A method of removing pollutants from air within a space, said method including: positioning one or more humidifiers at a first set of one or more locations within the space and one or more dehumidifiers at a second set of one or more locations within the space; introducing pollutant trapping material at least partially composed of water (H2O) into the air of the space by evaporating and diffusing the pollutant trapping material from the first set of one or more locations within the space, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified; and removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it at the second set of one or more locations within the space, wherein the pollutant trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto moves from the point(s) of introduction towards the point(s) of removal at least partially due to its diffusion and at least partially due to gravity.

18. The method according to claim 17, further including moving air from the proximity of the first set of one or more locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the second set of one or more locations where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air, such that increased amounts of the pollutant trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto reach the point(s) of removal.

19. The method according to claim 18, further including intermittently detecting the concentration of pollutant in the air of the space and boosting [increasing] the rate of introduction of pollutant trapping material into the air upon the concentration of pollutant reaching or exceeding a threshold value.

20. The method according to claim 19, further including: intermittently detecting the relative humidity in the air: boosting [increasing] the rate of dehumidifying the air and thus the amounts of pollutant trapped from the air, upon the concentration of pollutant reaching or exceeding a first threshold value; and lowering the rate of dehumidifying the air, back to its pre-boosted level, upon: (1) the concentration of pollutant falling back below the first threshold value and (2) the relative humidity in the air falling below a. second threshold value.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification, The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings and appendix:

[0078] FIG. 1A, is a high level block diagram showing the main components of an exemplary system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0079] FIG. 1B, is a block diagram showing, in further detail, the main components of an exemplary system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0080] FIG. 2A, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of an exemplary process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 2B, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of a first exemplary operation scenario process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0082] FIG. 2C, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of a second exemplary operation scenario process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0083] FIG. 2D, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part, of a third exemplary operation scenario process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0084] FIG. 3A, is a block diagram showing a schematic view of a first configuration of: Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Sensors and Air Movers, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0085] FIG. 3B, is a block diagram showing a schematic view of a second configuration of: Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Sensors and Air Movers, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0086] FIG. 4A, is a block diagram showing the main components and layout of an exemplarydiffusion based purification enhancing configuration of a system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0087] ; and

[0088] FIG. 4B, is a block diagram showing the main components and layout of an exemplarygravitational based purification enhancing configurationof a system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with sonic embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

[0091] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as processing, computing, calculating, determining, or the like, may refer to the action and/or processes of a computer, computing system, computerized mobile device, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, reisters or other such inthrmation storage, transmission or display devices.

[0092] In addition, throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as storing, hosting, caching, saving, or the like, may refer to the action and/or processes of writing and keeping digital inthrmation on a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, and may be interchangeably used. The term plurality may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, parameters and the like.

[0093] Some embodiments of the invention, for example, may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment including both hardware and software elements. Some embodiments may be implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, or the like.

[0094] Furthermore, some embodiments of the invention may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For example, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be or may include any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, for example a computerized device running a web-browser.

[0095] In some embodiments, the medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Some demonstrative examples of a computer-readable medium may include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Some demonstrative examples of optical disks include compact diskread only memory (CD-ROM), compact diskread/write (CD-R/W), and DVD.

[0096] In some embodiments, a data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code may include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements, for example, through a system bus. The memory elements may include, for example, local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which may provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. The memory elements may, for example, at least partially include memory/registration elements on the user device itself.

[0097] In some embodiments, input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) may be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. In some embodiments, network adapters may be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices, for example, through intervening private or public networks. In some embodiments, modems, cable modems and Ethernet cards are demonstrative examples of types of network adapters. Other suitable components may be used.

[0098] Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

[0099] Throughout the specification, the terms Purification, Conditioning and/or Purification and Conditioning, and/or any other more specific terms such as: air conditioning, air purification, air cleaning, air filtering, or the like, is not to limit the scope of the associated teachings or features, all of which may apply to any form of air treatment and environment conditions control.

[0100] The present invention includes method, apparatuses, assemblies, devices and systems for conditioning and purifying air. According to some embodiments there may be provided a method of removing pollutants from air, also referred to as purifying air, including the steps of introducing pollutant trapping material into the air at a first location and then removing the pollutant trapping material, along with trapped pollutants, from the air at a second location. The pollutant trapping material may be in the form of particles in the air or may be evaporated within and defused throughout the air being purified. According to some embodiments, the pollutant trapping material may adhere to pollutants in air being purified. According to further embodiments, the pollutant trapping material may dissolve pollutants in air being purified.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the pollutant trapping material may be composed partly or entirely of water (H.sub.2O). According to sonic embodiments, the pollutant trapping material may include antifungal, anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral agents. According to embodiments of the present invention, the pollutant trapping material may be introduced into air to be purified by one or more humidifiers at a first set of one or more locations. The pollutant trapping material may be removed from the air to be purified, after traveling through some volume of the air to be purified, by one or more de-humidifiers located at a second set of one or more locations. According to some embodiments, pollutant trapping material may move from the point of introduction towards the dehumidifier(s) due to diffusion and/or gravity. According to further embodiments, there may be provided one or more air movers, such as fans, to move air from the first set of one or more locations, where the water based. pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the second set of one or more locations where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air.

[0102] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided an air purification system including one or more air humidifiers located at a first set of one or more locations within a space, one or more air dehumidifiers located at a second set of one or more locations within the space, one or more air movers adapted to move air from the first set of one or more locations within the space to the second set of one or more locations with the space, and a system controller adapted to regulate in a coordinated manner operation of the one or more humidifiers, one or more dehumidifiers and air movers. The system controller may regulate the various system devices responsive to signals received from sensors, such as (1) temperature sensors, (2) airflow sensors, (3) pollutant particle sensors, and/or (4) humidity sensors, positioned at various locations throughout the space. The system. controller may regulate operation of system components in order to reach and/or maintain parameters such as: (1) pollutant trapping material density/concentration in the air (e.g. humidity), (2) pollutant trapping material flow from the first set of one or more locations to the second set of one or more locations, (3) air pollutant (particle) density/concentration, and/or (4) air temperature.

[0103] According to some embodiments, responsive to detection of a pollutant density/concentration. in the air reaching or exceeding a specific level, the system controller may cause one or more humidifiers to boost introduction of pollutant trapping material into the air. The controller may also cause one or more dehumidifiers to boost pollutant trapping material from the air. Air mover operation may also be boosted. If humidity levels increase above a certain level, dehumidifier and airflow operation may be boosted relatively more than humidifier operation. According to some system embodiments of the present invention, the system dehumidifiers may be operated at a level sufficient to remove humidity introduced into the air by system humidifiers and by occupants, and other humidity sources, within the space being service by the system.

[0104] According to some embodiments, high partial vapor/humidity pressure of/in the Humidifier extracts water to/into the air. The System/Scrubber may thus mechanically wash the air and particles/pollutants therein are collected. The dehumidifier may contain liquid desiccant, at a substantially low (e.g. very low) partial vapor/humidity pressure facilitating the collection of the water in the air and small particles/pollutants attracted/adhered to it.

[0105] If/once the air in the space/enviromnent is/becomes dry to a certain extent (i.e. not humid enough)for example in a close room after some time of system operationthe liquid desiccant may slow/stop working since there is not enough water/humidity in the air. The operation of the Humidifier may, in response, be boosted/initiated by the System Controller to intermittently/constantly bring more water into the air, increase the relative humidity in it and thus enhance/accelerate/retain the speed/work of the liquid desiccant of the Dehumidifier, collectively (the Humidifier and the Dehumidifier) enabling continuous air washing/purifying/cleaning of the space/environment by the system.

[0106] The types of space/volume within which a system according to embodiments of the present invention may be used in/for, may for example include: (1) residential, (2) office, (3) industrial, (4) public/entertainment venue, (5) parks, (6) cities and open spaces.

[0107] According to specific embodiments, there may be provided an air purification system for cleaning air in a space, which system operates by humidifying air to be cleaned using a combination of one or more humidifiers and removing the moisture using one or more dehumidifiers, thereby creating a continuous air wash in the space.

[0108] As an ancillary product of the system's operation, the one or more dehumidifiers collecting moisture/water from the air may generate drinking water. The contamination collected by the air washer and by the dehumidifier can be removed by a simple filtering and/or maintenance procedure that may only require a few minutes per week. According to some embodiments, the one or more dehumidifiers may only use desiccant and/or liquid desiccant for dehumidification.

[0109] According to embodiments, desiccant, solid or liquid, may be used to attract water vapor from air because of the difference in vapor pressure between the air and the surface of the desiccant solution. Dehumidification process is said to occur when the vapor pressure of the surface of the desiccant is less than that of air and continues until the desiccant reaches equilibrium with air. Desiccants can be regenerated at low temperature, from approximately 50 C. to 80 C. Thus, the regeneration process could be driven by heat sources with a relatively low temperature of approximately 70 C., such as electrical heaters, solar energy, waste heat, and geothermal power.

[0110] Desiccants can be classified into solid and liquid desiccant. Several types of solid materials can hold water vapor; they are silicas, polymers, zeolites, aluminas, hydra:table salts, and mixtures. Liquid desiccant types include: sodium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, Tri-ethylene glycol, and a mixture of 50% calcium chloride and 50% lithium chloride. Liquid desiccants exhibit properties including low vapor pressure, low crystallization point, high density, low viscosity, and low regeneration temperature.

[0111] Additionally, the system may control scent in the space; and may remove particles from the air which are larger than a specific size, for example larger than 5 microns; at a substantially high rate, for example at a rate of over 95% at each path. Within some indoor spaces, the system may, with air circulation features, remove particles at a rate higher than 99%. By controlling humidity, the system may also reduce the energy used in the building as an air-conditioning system for the same space will need to consume much less energy if it does not need to deal with condensing humidity.

[0112] Embodiments of the present invention may include features such as: [0113] 1. A system which comprises: (1) a humidifier which is being placed in the space (e.g. room) and fed by a supply from a water source (e.g. a tap); and (2) a liquid desiccant dehumidifier that produces water from air; and/or a control connection (wired or wireless) connecting between them and/or control their collaborative cooperation. [0114] 2. The humidifier may humidify the air to a comfort level humidification (for example at 25 degrees centigrade to a 50% relative humidity [RH]) and a dehumidifier may reduce the humidity (for example to a 45% RH). [0115] 3. The units will be located in different locations in the room or space. [0116] 4. The system above where both units, humidifier and de-humidifier, are built into one monoblock device. [0117] 5. The system with a mechanism to add scent additives to the air washer via the water

[0118] In FIG. 1A, there is shown a high level block diagram showing the main components of an exemplary system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The shown system includes a humidifier, connected to a water source, for humidifying the water and pollutant trapping material within it, introducing it into the space, environment or volume, which air is being purified.

[0119] The shown air mover(s) (e.g. fan, blower, air pump) enhances the movement of the pollutant trapping material from the proximity of the humidifier and towards the shown dehumidifier. The dehumidifier absorbs/Liquefies the water vapors along with the pollutant trapping material and pollutant particles adhered thereto. The byproduct of the dehumidifier is optionally separated/filtered into the removed pollutants and water. The water may be fed back into the water feeding the humidifier.

[0120] The system controller manages the operation of the humidifier, dehumidifier and air mover(s), at least partially based on readouts from the shown sensor(s). The controller may boost, lower and/or completely halt the operation of the humidifier, the dehumidifier and/or the air mover(s), based on sensor(s) provided data values, in accordance and/or combination with one or more operation scenario instruction sets that provide sensor(s) value, or value combination, based instructions, optionally in combination with other considered factors and inputs (e.g. time of day, number of persons present in the space/environment).

[0121] In FIG. 1B, there is shown a block diagram showing, in further detail, the main components of an exemplary system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] The shown system controller includes: a humidifier/dehumidifier collaboration logic for operating the humidifier and dehumidifier in concert to collectively maintain an aspired pollution level (e.g. maximal pollutant concentration levels in air) and/or aspired relative humidity levels, in the space.

[0123] The humidifier/dehumidifier collaboration logic manages the operation of at least the humidifier, the dehumidifier and the air mover(s) based on parameters/instructions received from the sensor data analysis logic as a result of the analysis of readouts from sensors in the space/environment. Sensors shown, include: pollutant concentration level sensors, relative humidity sensors, air flow sensors and temperature sensors (e.g. thermometers).

[0124] The communication and interface module, may utilize a wired or wireless connection for relaying instructions to and receiving operation parameters from system components, including: the humidifiers, dehumidifiers, sensors, air movers and/or actuators. The communication and interface module may also facilitate remote control and interface with the system, through a networked administrator device running a client/mobile computer application and/or a web application. The shown data storage is used to store system and system components operation data, for example, operation logs and parameters, sensor readouts and/or operation schemes and rules.

[0125] The removed-pollutants water filter shown, is utilized for removing pollutants and/or residual pollutant removing materials from the dehumidification products, and collecting the remaining liquefied water humid/vapor. The humidifier/dehumidifier actuators, moves, mobilizes, shifts, and/or directsthe humidifier and/or dehumidifierto enhance the movement of the air in the space/environment from the humidifier, or proximity thereof, and towards the dehumidifier and to thus expedite the process of air purification in the space and/or the humidification/dehumidification (increase/decrease of relative humidity) of the air within it.

[0126] FIG. 2A, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of an exemplary process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0127] The shown process, includes the following steps: (1) Positioning one or more humidifiers at a first set of one or more locations within a space and one or more dehumidifiers at a second set of one or more locations within the space; (2) introducing pollutant trapping material causing its diffusion away from the first set of one or more locations; (3) removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it at the second set of one or more locations; (4) Measuring the pollutant concentration level and relative humidity in the space; (5) If the pollutant and/or humidity values reached/crossed a threshold value(s), boosting/lowering humidifier and/or dehumidifier operation based on the measured pollutant/humidity; and or (6) Moving air from the proximity of the first set of one or more locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the second set of one or more locations where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air, at a rate determined based on measured pollutant/humidity.

[0128] FIG. 2B, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of a first exemplary operation scenario process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] The shown process, includes the following steps: (1) Positioning one or more humidifiers at a first set of one or more locations within a space and one or more dehumidifiers at a second set of one or more locations within the space; (2) introducing pollutant trapping material causing its diffusion away from the first set of one or more locations; (3) removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it at the second set of one or more locations; (4) Measuring the pollutant concentration level and relative humidity in the space; (5) If both the pollutant and humidity values reached/exceeded their respective threshold values, boosting [increasing] the rate of introduction of pollutant trapping to/by a first extent and the collection to/by a second, greater, extent; and/or (6) Moving air from the proximity of the first set of one or more locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the second set of one or more locations where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air, at a rate determined based on measured pollutant/humidity.

[0130] FIG. 2C, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of a second exemplary operation scenario process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0131] The shown process, includes the following steps: (1) Positioning one or more humidifiers at a first set of one or more locations within a space and one or more dehumidifiers at a second set of one or more locations within the space; (2) introducing pollutant trapping material causing its diffusion away from the first set of one or more locations; (3) removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it at the second set of one or more locations; (4) Measuring the pollutant concentration level and relative humidity in the space; (5) If the pollutant values reached/exceeded a first threshold value, boosting [increasing] the rate of dehumidifying the air and thus the amounts of pollutant trapped from the air; (6) Measuring pollutant concentration/density level and relative humidity in the air; and/or (7) if the pollutant value falls back below the first threshold value and the humidity value falls below a second threshold value, lowering the rate of dehumidifying the air, back to its pre-boosted level.

[0132] FIG. 2D, is a flowchart showing the main steps executed as part of a third exemplary operation scenario process for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] The shown process, includes the following system executed steps: (1) Humidifier extracts water into the air; (2) Scrubber mechanically washes the air and particles therein are collected; (3) Dehumidifier liquid desiccant facilitates the collection of the water in the air and small particles/pollutants attracted/adhered to it; (4) If the air in the space/environment is/became dry to a certain extent, the System Controller boosts the operation of the Humidifier to bring more water into the air; and (5) Dehumidifier liquid desiccant speed/work is enhanced/accelerated/retained due to increase in the relative humidity.

[0134] FIG. 3A, there is shown a block diagram providing a schematic view of a first configuration of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, sensors and air movers, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0135] In the exemplary configuration shown, two humidifiers are positioned at the left side of the space (e.g. room) and two dehumidifiers are positioned on its right side. Two blocks of sensorseach block including: a pollutant level sensor, a humidity sensor, an airflow sensor and a temperature sensorare positioned within the space being purified/conditioned, one at the left side of the space in proximity to the humidifiers and a second at the right side of the space in proximity to the dehumidifiers. An air mover is positioned substantially at the center of the space.

[0136] In FIG. 3B, there is shown a block diagram providing a schematic view of a second configuration of: Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Sensors and Air Movers, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0137] In the exemplary configuration shown, one humidifier is positioned at the left side of the space (e.g. room) and two dehumidifiers are positioned on its right side. An air mover is positioned in proximity to the humidifier; and an air flow sensor and a temperature sensor are positioned in proximity to the dehumidifiers. Pollutant level sensors and humidity sensors are randomly positioned substantially at and around the center of the space.

[0138] In FIG. 4A, there is shown a block diagram of the main components and layout of an exemplarydiffusion based purification enhancing configurationof a system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] A first humidifier shown at the top left corner of the space, introduces pollutant removing material substantially in a downward direction, whereas a second humidifier shown at the bottom left corner of the space, introduces pollutant removing material substantially in an upward direction. The pollutant removing material flows from each of the two humidifiers, meet, creating an area of substantially high pressures and/or humidity, triggering enhanced diffusion of the pollutant removing material. As the diffusion is limited by the left side (e.g., wall) of the space the pollutant removing material diffuses substantially to the right and towards the shown dehumidifiers, thus enhancing the air purification/conditioning process.

[0140] In FIG. 4B, there is shown a block diagram of the main components and layout of an exemplarygravitational based purification enhancing configurationof a system for conditioning and purifying air, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0141] A humidifier shown at the top left corner of the space, introduces pollutant removing material substantially in a horizontal direction. The pollutant removing material flows from the humidifier. As the earth's gravitational force effects it, the flow gradually changes its direction from its initial left to right horizontal movement to a flow directed downward and towards the shown dehumidifier on the bottom left side of the space, thus enhancing the air purification/conditioning process.

[0142] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for removing pollutants from air within a space, may include: one or more humidifiers, positioned at a first set of one or more locations within the space, for introducing a pollutant trapping material at least partially composed of water (H2O) into the air of the space by evaporating the pollutant trapping material, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified: one or more dehumidifiers, positioned at a second set of one or more locations within the space, for removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it; a control logic for collaborating the cooperation of the humidifier(s) and the dehumidifier(s) at least partially based on the rate or speed at which a combination of the one or more dehumidifiers dehumidify the air.

[0143] According to some embodiments, a system for removing pollutants from air within a space, may include: one or more humidifiers, positioned at a first set of one or more locations within the space, for introducing a pollutant trapping material at least partially composed of water (H2O) into the air of the space by evaporating the pollutant trapping material, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified; one or more dehumidifiers, positioned at a second set of one or more locations within the space, for removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it; a control logic for collaborating the cooperation of the humidifier(s) and the dehumidifier(s) such that trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto moves from the point(s) of introduction towards the point(s) of removal at least partially due to its diffusion and at least partially due to gravity.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the system may further include: a first set of sensor(s) for measuring pollutant concentration levels at a third set of one or more locations within the space; a second set of sensor(s) for measuring relative humidity levels at a fourth set of one or more locations within the space; the control logic for collaborating the cooperation of the humidifier(s) and the dehumidifier(s) at least partially based on pollutant concentration level value(s) measured by and received from the first set of sensors and relative humidity level value(s) measured by and received from the second set of sensors.

[0145] According to some embodiments, the control logic, upon receipt of: (1) pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or above, a first threshold value and (2) relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold valuemay boost the operation of the humidifier(s) to a first extent and may boost the operation of the dehumidifier(s) to a second, greater, extent.

[0146] According to some embodiments, the position of the humidifiers at the first set of one or more locations within the space, in relation to the position of the dehumidifiers at the second set of one or more locations within the space, may be configured to enhance the gravitational movement of the pollutant trapping material from the point(s) of introduction [by the one or more humidifiers] towards the point(s) of removal [by the one or more dehumidifier(s)].

[0147] According to some embodiments, the position of the humidifiers at the first set of one or more locations within the space, in relation to the position of the dehumidifiers at the second set of one or more locations within the space, may be configured to enhance the diffusion of the pollutant trapping material from the point(s) of introduction [by the one or more humidifiers] towards the point(s) of removal [by the one or more dehumidifier(s)].

[0148] According to some embodiments, the system may include one or more air movers, functionally connected with the control logic, for enhancing air flow from the proximity of the first set of one or more humidifier locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the proximity of the second set of one or more dehumidifier locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air, such that increased amounts of the pollutant trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto reach the point(s) of removal.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the control logic, may boost the operation of the air movers upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or above, a first threshold value; (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value; or (3) upon materialization of both (1) and (2).

[0150] According to some embodiments, the control logic, may lower [decrease] or may completely halt the operation rate of the humidifier(s) and thus the introduction of pollutant trapping material and humidity into the air, upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or below, a first threshold value; and (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the control logic, may boost the operation rate of the dehumidifier(s) and thus the amounts of pollutant trapped from the air, upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) at, or above, a first threshold value; and (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) at, or above, a second threshold value.

[0152] According to some embodiments, the control logic, may lower the operation rate of the dehumidifiers back to their pre-boosted rate, upon: (1) receipt of pollutant concentration level value(s) below the first threshold value; or (2) receipt of relative humidity level value(s) below the second threshold value.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the type of space which air's pollutants are removed by the system may be selected from a group consisting of: (1) a residential space, (2) an office space, (3) an industrial space, (4) the space of a public/entertainment venue, and/or (5) open spaces of parks or cities.

[0154] According to some embodiments, the system may further include a reservoir for collecting moisture/water from the air by the dehumidifier(s).

[0155] According to some embodiments, the system may further include a filter, positioned between the dehumidifier(s) and the reservoir, for removing adhered air pollutants contamination from the liquid moisture/water collected by the dehumidifier(s).

[0156] According to some embodiments, the dehumidifier(s) may utilize a desiccant as a drying agent. According to some embodiments, the desiccant may be a liquid desiccant.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the system may further include at least one humidifier actuator, or at least one dehumidifier actuator, or both, for dynamically shifting the positions of one or more of the humidifiers or dehumidifiers, based on signals relayed by and received from the control logic; wherein shifting the positions of the humidifiers or the dehumidifiers affects the pace of the gravitation facilitated movement of the pollutant trapping material from the point(s) of introduction [by the one or more humidifiers] towards the point(s) of removal [by the one or more dehumidifier(s)].

[0158] According to some embodiments, the system may further include at least one humidifier actuator, or at least one dehumidifier actuator, or both, for dynamically shifting the positions of one or more of the humidifiers or dehumidifiers, based on signals relayed by and received from the control logic; wherein shifting the positions of the humidifiers or the dehumidifiers affects the pace of the diffusion facilitated movement of the pollutant trapping material from the point(s) of introduction [by the one or more humidifiers] towards the point(s) of removal [by the one or more dehumidifier(s)].

[0159] According to some embodiments, a method of removing pollutants from air within a space, may include: positioning one or more humidifiers at a first set of one or more locations within the space and one or more dehumidifiers at a second set of one or more locations within the space; introducing pollutant trapping material at least partially composed of water (H2O) into the air of the space by evaporating and diffusing the pollutant trapping material from the first set of one or more locations within the space, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified; and/or removing the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it at the second set of one or more locations within the space, wherein the pollutant trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto moves from the point(s) of introduction towards the point(s) of removal at least partially due to its diffusion and at least partially due to gravity.

[0160] According to some embodiments, the method may further include moving air from the proximity of the first set of one or more locations, where the water based pollutant trapping material is introduced into the air, towards the second set of one or more locations where the water based pollutant trapping material is removed from the air, such that increased amounts of the pollutant trapping material along with pollutants adhered thereto reach the point(s) of removal.

[0161] According to some embodiments, the method may further include intermittently detecting the concentration of pollutant in the air of the space and boosting [increasing] the rate of introduction of pollutant trapping material into the air upon the concentration of pollutant reaching or exceeding a threshold value.

[0162] According to some embodiments, the method may further include: intermittently detecting the relative humidity in the air; boosting [increasing] the rate of dehumidifying the air and thus the amounts of pollutant trapped from the air, upon the concentration of pollutant reaching or exceeding a first threshold value; and/or lowering the rate of dehumidifying the air, back to its pre-boosted level, upon: (1) the concentration of pollutant falling back below the first threshold value and (2) the relative humidity in the air falling below a second threshold value.

[0163] The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be constructed as limiting. While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.