Systems and methods of air treatment using bipolar ionization

• US 8,564,924 B1
• Filed: 10/14/2009
• Issued: 10/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Global Plasma Solutions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Global Plasma Solutions LLC
• Inventors: Waddell, Charles Houston, Christiansen, Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson, Stephen W
• Application Number:
  US12/578,753
• Time in Patent Office: 1,469 Days
• Field of Search: 361/231
• US Class Current: 361/231
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/16 Connections to a HVAC unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/22 Ionisation
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0032 using electrostatic forces to remove particles, e.g. electret filters
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/521 using folded, pleated material
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 2201/06 Ionising electrode being a needle
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 2201/10 Ionising electrode with two or more serrated ends or sides
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 2201/30 for use in or with vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/011 Prefiltering; Flow controlling
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/017 Combinations of electrostatic separation with other processes, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/0175 Amassing particles by electric fields, e.g. agglomeration
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/04 dry type
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/155 Filtration
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/368 by other than static mechanical means, e.g. internal ventilator or recycler
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/38 Particle charging or ionising stations, e.g. using electric discharge, radioactive radiation or flames
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/41 Ionising-electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/60 Use of special materials other than liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/68 Control systems therefor electricity supply or control systems for cleaning the electrodes B03C3/746, B03C3/763
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/82 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: F01N 3/0892 Electric or magnetic treatment, e.g. dissociation of noxious components electric filters F01N3/01; regeneration of exhaust filters F01N3/023; heating catalytic converters F01N3/2006
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 27/04 by electric means, ionisation, polarisation or magnetism
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 27/042 : by plasma
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 35/0205 : Details, e.g. sensors or measuring devices
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 35/0217 : acting by electric discharge; Electrostatic precipitators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 : for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 8/192 : by electrical means, e.g. by applying electrostatic fields or high voltages
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 8/30 : by ionisation
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 27/022 : Details
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 27/028 : Negative ion sources
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 37/08 : Ion sources; Ion guns
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 37/16 : Vessels; Containers
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 37/3002 : Details
• CPC Class Codes: H01T 23/00 : Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases, e.g. into the atmosphere

Abstract

A system and method of treating air. Bipolar ionization is delivered to an airflow within a conduit from a tubeless ion generator. The ionized airflow may be delivered to a conditioned airspace by an HVAC system. In alternate applications, the airflow delivers ionized combustion air to an engine. The invention also includes a mounting assembly for positioning one or more ion generators into an airflow.

Claims

1. An ion generator mounting assembly for application of bipolar ionization to an airflow within a conduit, the mounting assembly comprising:

an enclosure for mounting to the conduit having an internal panel within the enclosure;

an arm extending from the enclosure for extension into the conduit; and

at least one coupling for mounting an ion generator to the arm oriented with an axis extending between a pair of electrodes of the ion generator being generally perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow within the conduit.

2. The ion generator mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling comprises electrical contacts on the arm for delivering power to the at least one ion generator.

3. The ion generator mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one terminal block for wiring connection to the ion generators via contacts on the arm.

4. The ion generator mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a power converter for converting input power to operate the ion generators.