Field of Invention:

The present invention portrays to application of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation in disinfection of air flowing through air conditioner and air cooler systems (AC unit) by internally installing a UV device. Hence providing the facility of eliminating bacteria, virus, fungus, etc. present in air, when the air flows through AC unit hence disinfecting the air stream.

Background:

Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Air is essential for all living organisms to stay alive and function. However, air is also a very common medium for microorganisms (pathogens) such as bacteria, virus, etc. to communicate. Air can lead to transmission of pathogens and contamination of whole rooms, houses or even buildings. In recent times, with the rise of virus like COVID-19, it is has been observed that if one infected person is present in a room or a vehicle with other people, then the other people have a very high risk of getting infected through the air circulated in the environment. Many other pathogens, including but not limited to bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite, prion, etc. have the ability to transmit/spread in the same way through air. Such pathogens enter the body while breathing and lead to various diseases.

In order to reduce chances of contact from such pathogens, humans can regularly wash hands and wear face masks, but these methods cannot be effectively preformed 24 hours daily. Since wearing masks for a long time creates various problems and the same cannot be performed while in home or while sleeping. Disinfection of air from such pathogens currently is a very tedious and costly process and is currently unavailable for the society. Hence, a method of disinfecting the air is urgently required in order to efficiently and economically reduce the risks of such pathogens and help in controlling pandemics.

Humans have always had the capacity and desire to change their habitats to increase their comfort and convenience. One of such requirements has been to alter the temperature of their environments and this has been achieved through the invention of air conditioning and cooling systems (collectively referred to as “AC unit(s)” or “AC system(s)” in this disclosure) that basically convert the nature of the air stream flowing through them as per requirement. AC units are used in both large commercial areas/buildings and domestic environments. However, after the commercialization of the same, the cost and size of AC units has reduced and their efficiency has increased. Hence, they have now become a very common appliance to be installed in houses. Also, such units are now very common and have also become necessary to be installed in mobile machinery such as airplanes, ships, trains, buses, cars, automobiles, etc.

Along with amendment in the temperature of the air, various methods have also been used for filtration and purification of the air stream flowing through AC units. Methods have been used to filter dust particles, particulates through air using sieve like filters with different properties. Such methods can be applied to a certain extent to reduce the pathogens in the air but this method certainly cannot kill them completely, therefore still leaving chances of infection. Hence, a completely effective and economic method for such decontamination is still not available for the society.

Previously UV light has been used for disinfection of water, materials, goods, fruits/vegetables, clothes, etc. in such applications, the desired product is exposed to UV light and it kills the pathogens present on the exposed surface of the product, hence, disinfecting the exposed surface. Also, some methods were invented for use of UV lights for HVAC units but they were only intended for large/industrial HVAC systems for disinfection of mechanical components like cooling coils, duct components, etc. and hence couldn’t fulfil the domestic needs of the same. Also, they were either costly, inefficient, had an awkward fitting mechanism and also were not available for small/household AC units.

Currently, general air purifiers also cannot ensure the complete elimination of pathogens from the air and such air purifiers need additional power source for circulating the air through them and they also need periodic replacements of various parts. Therefore, increasing maintenance costs and proving to be less efficient.

Therefore, there is a need to overcome the above mentioned problems associated with the traditionally available method or system.

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Objective:

The present invention discloses an air decontamination technique that can easily facilitate the feature of disinfection of air flowing through the AC unit by internal installation of UV source device to eliminate the pathogens present in the airstream. The disclosed technique can easily be employed in already installed/active or new/under manufacturing AC units.

The principal objective of this invention is to provide a system for disinfection of air flowing through AC systems, from microorganisms and pathogens by exposing the air to ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation emitted by a UV source device.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for installation of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation source device in AC units (both already installed/active AC units and new/under manufacturing AC units) in various locations internally for the unit to disinfect the air flowing through it.

Another objective of this invention is to reduce the odour in air by exposing such particles present in the air stream to UV light and also automatically protecting the exposed parts of AC from mold formation.

Another objective of this invention is to increase the efficiency of the system by use of photocatalyst and/or installation of reflective materials in the AC unit.

Another objective of this invention is to increase the efficiency of the system by use of a moisture amplification device to drastically increase the production of free radicals.

Another objective of this invention is to provide different methods to control the switching on/off of the UV source device. Summary:

The present invention provides a method to disinfect air stream flowing through AC systems with the use of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation, in which, the air flowing through the unit is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV source device and the pathogens in the air are exterminated due to the effect of UV light.

Ultraviolet range (between 100-400nm specially Ultraviolet-C between 200- 280nm) of electromagnetic radiation has germicidal properties which help in disinfection of surfaces and mediums including air and fluids. UV at these germicidal wavelengths damage a microorganism's DNA/RNA so that it cannot reproduce, hence, making it harmless.

The main effect of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation on biological systems works by two methods, (i) it produces a large number of free radicals that destabilise macromolecules and (ii) it is absorbed by the DNA molecules in the cells of microorganisms and cause alterations that damage the microorganism.

It is a well-known fact that short wavelength rays (such as UV) interact with water molecules in the cell to produce free radicals (-OH). Such free radicals lack an electron and attack other molecules such as cell proteins or DNA to absorb their electron. Many free radicals may retrieve electrons from the same large cell molecule and cause changes in the molecule in a way that makes its role useless.

The most common change in the DNA molecule brought about by UV irradiation and consequently by the free radicals occur at locations on the molecule where two thymine (one of the bases that make up DNA) bases occur adjacent to each other. UV irradiation causes the two thymine bases to fuse to each other on the same strand. Such structures are called thymine dimers and cause a distortion in the shape of DNA. Thus, when next time it goes for DNA replication, a wrong base may be incorporated at the thymine dimer position on the strand being synthesised. This would constitute a site of mutation and when it involves a protein that plays a role in cell survival, it will be lethal. Hence exposing the air to ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation will disinfect the air stream from any microorganisms/pathogens present in the same.

Apart from the main motive of disinfection of air, this method has additional benefits like reduction of odour from air due to exposure to UV radiation. Since, UV light interacts with water molecules in the air to produce free radicals (O- and -OH), these free radicals go on to oxidise the complex molecules found in the air and as an outcome, the end result is a sequential and instantaneous gas breakdown, which eliminates the air from odour causing molecules. Hence, this method is also effective in increasing the ambience of the surrounding. Also, UV radiation protects the exposed AC parts from mold formation by eliminating the mold forming microorganisms.

Brief Description of drawings:

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 illustrates an architecture of a split type air conditioner.

Figure 2 illustrates a layout in which split type air conditioners are installed.

Figure 3 illustrates an architecture of a window type air conditioner.

Figure 4 illustrates a layout in which window air conditioners are installed and their mechanism of working.

Figure 5 illustrates an architecture of air coolers.

Figure 6 illustrates the working mechanism of air coolers.

Figure 7a illustrates a few UV source devices.

Figure 7b illustrates a moisture amplification device.

Figure 8 demarcates area for placement of UV source device in split AC. Figure 9 visualises a few UV source devices placed in split AC in the area demarcated in figure 8.

Figure 10 demarcates area for placement of UV source device in window AC.

Figure 1 1 visualises a few UV source devices placed in window AC in the area demarcated in figure 10.

Figure 12 demarcates area for placement of UV source device in air cooler.

Figure 13 visualises a few UV source devices placed in air cooler in the area demarcated in figure 12.

Figure 14 Illustrates a flowchart of working mechanism of this disclosure.

Figure 15 illustrates a remote control.

Detailed Description:

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

AC units work on the basis of refrigeration cycle, sometimes on evaporation or free cooling basis also. In all such systems, the air stream flowing through the unit is converted as per the desire of the user. Hence, the present invention does not need any additional power/mechanism for inducing air circulation, since air is already flowing through the AC unit and the UV source device is placed such that the flowing air is exposed to the ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV source device.

Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of indoor unit (1 ) of a split air conditioner mounted on a wall (7). Consisting of an air inlet (2) providing air input (8), front panel (3), air filter (4), horizontal blades (5) providing air output (9) and a connecting pipe (6).

Figure 2 illustrates the installation layout of split AC units, visualising the indoor unit (1 ), front panel (3), air filter (4), horizontal blades (5), connecting pipe (6), air input (8), air output (9), unit case (10), wiring cover (1 1 ), function switch (12), drain pipe (13), outdoor unit mount (14), outdoor air input (16), outdoor air output (17) and outdoor unit (15).

Split AC units are basically divided into two parts, indoor unit (1 ) and outdoor unit (15). The Indoor unit (1 ) is mounted on the wall (7) of the room and is connected to the outdoor unit (15) with the help of a connecting pipe (6). The indoor unit (1 ) basically consists of an air inlet (2), air filter (4) enclosed in a panel (3) on front along with the wiring enclosed within the wiring cover (1 1 ) and a function switch (12) forming the control panel, all installed on the unit case (10), arranged such that air enters (8) the indoor unit (1 ) through the air inlet (2) then passes through the air filter (4) enclosed in the indoor unit (1 ) behind the front panel (3). The air is then processed by the indoor unit (1 ) and exits the indoor unit (1 ) from the horizontal blades (5) which also controls the direction of the flow of air and provides air output (9). The condensed water from the indoor unit (1 ) is released through the drain pipe (13). The outdoor unit (15) is fixed through the mounts (14) and is connected to the indoor unit (1 ) through a connecting pipe (6) and the outdoor unit (15) has outdoor air intake (16) and outdoor air output (17) circulation to exchange heat from the condenser coil.

Window air conditioners also work in a similar method like split air conditioners. However, the major difference is that in split air conditioners, the complete assembly is divided into two parts (indoor and outdoor unit) while in window air conditioner, the complete assembly is situated in a single unit which is divided into two compartments.

Figure 3 illustrates the architecture of a window air conditioner (18) consisting of an air input (8) through air inlet (22) in front panel (21 ), air output (9) through air outlet (19) with the output direction controlled by horizontal blades (23), control panel (20) and unit cover (24). The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the air through the system.

Figure 4 illustrates the installation layout and working mechanism of a window air conditioner (18) by visualising air input (8), air output (9), air inlet (22), air filter (31 ), wall (30), evaporator coil (29), blower (28), motor (26), compressor (27), condenser coil (25), fan (32), outdoor air input (16) and outdoor air output (17). The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the air through the system.

Window AC units (18) are divided into two compartments. The room air enters (8) the unit (18) through air inlet (22) then passes through the air filters (31 ) enclosed in the front panel (21 ) and is then processed through the evaporator coil (29) by exchanging the heat of air to the coolant in evaporator coil (29) and then the air is circulated to the air outlet (19) by blower fan (28) driven by a motor (26) to provide an output (9) of cool air. The heat exchanged in the evaporator coil (29) is then transferred to the condenser coil (25) where the outdoor air input (16) is pushed through the condenser coil (25) with the help of a fan (32) to exchange heat and the air is then released (17) to the atmosphere. The coolant then flows from the condenser coil (25) and is processed by the compressor (27) and the cycle repeats to maintain the temperature. The complete unit is covered by a unit cover (24) and the direction of output air (9) is controlled though horizontal blades (23). The processing properties of the unit are controlled through the control panel (20) which consists of display and control buttons.

Figure 5 illustrates the architecture of an air cooler (33) consisting of an air input (8) through air inlet (39) and air output (9) through air outlet (38), water storage area (34), evaporation pad (35), vertical blades (37), horizontal blades (36) and control panel (40).

Figure 6 illustrates the working mechanism of an air cooler (33) by visualising air input (8), air output (9), evaporation pad (35), water pump (43), pump hose (41 ), water (44), water storage area (34), motor (45), fan (42) and horizontal blades (37). The arrows indicate the flow of the air through the system.

Air coolers (33) work on the basis of evaporation. The air inlet (39) provides air input (8) and then the air is passed through evaporation pads (35), where the heat from air is exchanged to the water flowing through the evaporation pad (35). The air is then circulated with the help of a fan (42) driven by a motor (45) which provides an air output (9) through air outlet (38). The air cooler (33) consists of a water storage area (34) from where the water (44) is recirculated to the evaporation pads (35) through pump hose (41 ) with the help of a water pump (43). The properties of the air cooler (33) unit can be controlled from the control panel (40) and the direction of the air output (9) is controlled by the horizontal blades (37) and vertical blades (36).

Figure 7a illustrates a few UV source devices with visualisation from different angels, such as quartz lamp (47) with a conventional method of installation of the baten (48) on the holder and the power for the same is supplied through electric wires (46). Similarly, LED based devices (49) and LED strip (50) which work on the basis of light emiting diodes (51 ) are also meant to be used in a similar manner as disclosed. These UV source devices are meant to release light of the ultraviolet range (between 100- 400nm specially UV-C between 200-280nm). The power of the device (measured in W{watt}) can vary as per the needs of the user.

Various devices are available that can generate ultraviolet range of electromagnetic radiation, such as LED, Quartz, Low pressure mercury lamp, Excimer Lamp, Pulsed Xenon Lamp, etc. and all such devices even if invented in future can be easily used in a similar manner as disclosed in this present disclosure and is/are within the scope of this disclosure. When the air is exposed to electromagnetic radiation of ultraviolet range, the microorganisms/pathogens in the same are eliminated by the following procedure :

The main effect of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation on biological systems works by two methods, (i) it produces a large number of free radicals that destabilise macromolecules and (ii) it is absorbed by the DNA molecules in the cells of microorganisms and cause alterations that damage the microorganism.

Short wavelength rays (such as UV) interact with water molecules in the cell to produce free radicals (-OH). Such free radicals lack an electron and attack other molecules such as cell proteins or DNA to absorb their electron. Many free radicals may retrieve electrons from the same large cell molecule and cause changes in the molecule hence making the microorganism disabled.

The most common change in the DNA molecule brought about by UV irradiation and consequently by the free radicals occur at locations on the molecule where two thymine (one of the bases that make up DNA) bases occur adjacent to each other. UV irradiation causes the two thymine bases to fuse to each other on the same strand. Such structures are called thymine dimers and cause a distortion in the shape of DNA. Thus, when next time it goes for DNA replication, a wrong base may be incorporated at the thymine dimer position on the strand being synthesised. This would constitute a site of mutation and when it involves a protein that plays a role in cell survival, it will be lethal. Hence exposing the air to ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation disinfects the air stream from any microorganisms/pathogens present in the same.

Apart from the main motive of disinfection of air, this method has additional benefits like reduction of odour from air due to exposure to UV radiation. Since, UV light interacts with water molecules in the air to produce free radicals (O- and -OH), these free radicals go on to oxidise the complex molecules found in the air and as an outcome, the end result is a sequential and instantaneous gas breakdown, which eliminates the air from odour causing molecules. Hence, this method is also effective in increasing the ambience of the surrounding. Also, UV light protects the exposed AC parts from mold formation by eliminating the mold forming microorganisms.

Figure 7b illustrates a moisture amplification device (1 a) consisting of an ultrasonic transducer (3a), water (2a), air inlet (4a), fan (6a), power supply (8a), water inlet (9a), water storage area (10a), and moisturised air outlet (1 1 a).

The moisture amplification device (1 a) has been designed to produce intensely moisturized air. The water (2a) from the water storage area (10a) is converted into minute (water) particles (5a) by the ultrasonic transducer (3a) which oscillates at ultrasonic frequency (greater than 20,000 hertz) and hence this forms an extremely fine mist of water which quickly evaporates with air flow, hence producing intensely moisturized air (13a) to feed into the system. Further, this intensely moisturized air (13a) is circulated with the help of a fan (6a) and is mixed with air coming from air inlet (4a) which leads to an output of intensely moisturized air (13a) via a moisturized air outlet (1 1 a). The water inlet (9a) provides consistent input of water (2a) into the device. The presence of fan (6a) allows fast mixing of air from air inlet (4a) and fine mist of water to produce intensely moisturized air (13a), thereby, further increasing the effectiveness of the UV based disinfecting mechanism. In one embodiment, the moisture amplification device (1 a) may be without the fan (6a). In absence of the fan (6a), the fine mist of water gets mixed with the air coming from air inlet (4a) and is naturally driven out through the moisturized air outlet (1 1 a). The absence of fan (6a) in the moisture amplification device (1 a) significantly reduces the size of the moisture amplification device (1 ), thereby, making the moisture amplification device (1 a) easily adaptable to any application where ultraviolet or ionization based disinfecting mechanism is used.

This intensely moisturised air (13a) from the moisture amplification device (1 a) is then further circulated with the air stream of the system and when exposed to UV radiation, the water molecules present in the airstream are broken down by the effect of UV radiation to produce hydrogen and hydroxide ions.

These free radicals are highly unstable and react with pathogens and render them inactive. This device can be used additionally to increase the efficiency of the system. Similar methods to increase moisture in air can be applied such as evaporation based amplification device which shall pass air through a wet membrane to increase moisture content and consequently increase the efficiency. Further, wh V iS^til in air conditioning systems, the water input can also be provided by the condensed water which is usually drained out.

In brief, the moisture amplification device (1 a) consisting of the water inlet (9a) and the ultrasonic transducer (3a) to create an output of intensely moisturized air configured to provide the intensely moisturized air to the system for disinfection of air flowing through AC systems.

The moisture amplification device (1 a) consists of the ultrasonic transducer (3a) to form an extremely fine mist of water to increase moisture content in air.

The moisture amplification device (1 a) consists of a porous membrane or wick instead of the ultrasonic transducer (3a) to evaporate water into the airstream.

The moisture amplification device (1 a) consists of the fan (6a) to induce air circulation to allow mixing of the air and the fine mist of water.

The moisture amplification device (1 a) consists of the water storage area (10a).

The moisture amplification device (1 a) consists of the water inlet (9a) to provide water input.

The moisture amplification device (1 a) consists of the air inlet (4a) to provide air input. Figure 8 illustrates the area for placing the UV source device in the indoor unit (1 ) of a split AC, demarcating the area through dashed lines (52) near air filter area and interior portion (53) of front panel (3) and (54) in the unit case. The figure also visualises the unit case (10) of the indoor unit (1 ) which can be roughly divided into two parts, one is the housing (55) of instruments like control panel, sensors, wiring, motor etc. and the second part is the housing (56) of instruments like evaporator coils, blowers, air filters, etc. The blower (57) is installed in the unit case and is liable for the circulation of air through the unit.

Figure 9 visualises a UV source device (58) (59) (60) placed on the area (52) (53) (54) demarcated in figure 8.

In a split AC, the air flows through the indoor unit (1 ) chronologically through air inlet (2), air filters (4), evaporator coil, blower (57) and then air outlet (5). The UV source device is placed in the indoor unit (1 ) such that the air is exposed to the UV radiation. Hence, a few exemplary placements have been visualised in Figure 9 such as the UV source device (58) (also, referred as a first device) is placed on the air filters, the UV source device (59) (also, referred as a second device) is displayed at the interior part of the front panel and the UV source device (60) (also, referred as a third device) is visualised at the bottom part of unit case behind the blower (57). In all these three visualisations, the sole purpose of the placement of the UV source device is to expose the flowing airstream to UV radiation. Also, since the UV source device is placed inside the indoor unit (1 ), it will also eliminate the risk of unnecessary leakage/escape of UV rays in the surroundings.

Furthermore, Figure 9 visualise a moisture amplification device (1 a) installed to provide intensely moisturised air (13a) into the split AC. The moisture amplification device (1 a) is installed in the AC unit (1 ) such that it provides an output of intensely moisturized air (13a) and the third device (60) (i.e., UV source device 60) is installed to irradiate the airstream with UV light and the air is circulated with the help of a blower (57). The intensely moisturized air (13a) from the moisture amplification device (1 a) is circulated with the air stream of the system and when exposed to UV radiation, the water molecules present in the airstream are broken down by the effect of UV radiation to produce hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Since the number of free radicals produced is directly proportional to moisture content in air, this disclosure further enhances the efficiency of the system.

Figure 10 illustrates the area for placing the UV source device in the window AC (18) by demarcating the area through dashed lines (61 ). The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the air through the system.

Figure 1 1 visualises a UV source device (62) (63) (64) placed in a window AC (18) on the area (61 ) demarcated in figure 10. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the air through the system.

In a window AC (18), the air flows through the unit (18) chronologically through the front compartment through air inlet (22), air filters (31 ), evaporator coil (29), blower (28) and then exits the unit (18) through air outlet (19). The UV source device shall be placed in the front compartment of the unit (18) such that the air stream is exposed to UV light. Figure 1 1 visualises three devices, the UV source device (62) (also, referred as a fourth device) placed near the blower (28), the UV source device (63) (also, referred as a fifth device) placed near the air outlet (19) and the UV source device (64) (also, referred as a sixth device) placed near the air filters (31 ). Hence, when the air flows through the window AC unit (18), it is exposed to UV light and hence the air is disinfected from pathogens.

Furthermore, Figure 11 visualise a moisture amplification device (1 a) installed to provide intensely moisturised air (13a) into the window AC (18). The moisture amplification device (1 a) is installed in the window AC unit (18) such that it provides an output of intensely moisturized air (13a) and the fourth device (62) (i.e., UV source device 62) is installed to irradiate the airstream with UV light. The intensely moisturized air (13a) from the moisture amplification device (1 a) is circulated with the air stream of the system and when exposed to UV radiation, the water molecules present in the airstream are broken down by the effect of UV radiation to produce hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Since the number of free radicals produced is directly proportional to moisture content in air, this disclosure further enhances the efficiency of the system.

Figure 12 illustrates the area for placing the UV source device in air coolers (33) by demarcating the area through dashed lines (65).

Figure 13 visualises a UV source device (66) (67) placed in an air cooler (33) on the area (65) demarcated in figure 12. The arrows indicate the flow of the air through the system.

In an air cooler (33), the air enters the unit through air inlet (39), then passes through evaporation pads (35) and then exits the unit (33) through air outlet (38). Figure 13 visualises two UV source devices, the UV source device (66) (also, referred as a seventh device) placed on the roof of the unit and the UV source device (67) (also, referred as an eighth device) placed above the air outlet (38). Similarly, if required, a water proof (weather proof) UV source device may be installed in the water storage area also for the same purpose. Hence, when the air flows through the air cooler unit (33), it is exposed to UV light and hence the air is disinfected from pathogens.

Furthermore, Figure 13 visualise a moisture amplification device (1 a) installed to provide intensely moisturised air (13a) into air cooler (33). The moisture amplification device (1 a) is installed in the air cooler (33) such that it provides an output of intensely moisturized air (13a) and the seventh device (66) (i.e., UV source device 62) is installed to irradiate the airstream with UV light. The intensely moisturized air (13a) from the moisture amplification device (1 a) is circulated with the air stream of the system and when exposed to UV radiation, the water molecules present in the airstream are broken down by the effect of UV radiation to produce hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Since the number of free radicals produced is directly proportional to moisture content in air, this disclosure further enhances the efficiency of the system.

In all the above mentioned units, the air already flows through the unit and hence no special change/amendment is required to be done on the AC unit for this disclosure to work. The main motive of this disclosure is to place a UV source device inside an AC unit such that the air flowing (also, referred as airstream) through the AC unit is exposed to UV radiation. Hence, the airstream will be disinfected from pathogens with the effect of UV light. For a better understanding of the same, Figure 14 illustrates a brief flowchart of the working method of this disclosure. Also, since the UV source device is placed inside the AC units, it eliminates the risk of unnecessary leakage/escape of UV rays which could lead to unnecessary exposure to nearby people and surroundings.

Additionally, photocatalyst materials such as titanium dioxide, strontium titanate, etc. can also be installed along with the UV source device in the AC unit in order to enhance the performance of the device by initiating the process of photocatalysis, which excites the UV light rays inbound on the photocatalyst material, which consequently increases the amount of free radicals and hence increases the efficiency of the system.

Additionally, the interior portion of the AC unit (such as interior portion of front panel, internal surfaces of the unit, etc.) can be covered/coated with reflective materials such that the UV light inbound to such surfaces is reflected, which would increase the intensity of the UV light within the system and hence increase the efficiency of the system.

Figure 15 illustrates a remote control (68) with a display (69) and control buttons (70) which is used to adjust the properties and operation of such units.

The UV source device can directly be connected to the respective power source and be switched on/off manually/automatically or it can also simply be connected along with the AC unit control panel/power source such that it switches on and off along with the AC unit. Such methods shall be beneficial and easy for installation of UV source device in already installed/active AC units. And for new/under manufacturing AC units, the UV source device can be inbuilt in the system by default and can be switched on/off in a similar manner as mentioned above. To further improve the facility of users, the UV source device can also be directly connected in the control panel of the system and the remote control of the unit may be incorporated with a control button to switch on/off the device.

Also, flow activated sensor for activation of the UV source device on airflow, etc. can also be installed in the path of airstream and can be connected to the UV source device to control the power supply to UV source device. Such systems are optional and can be installed additionally apart from the UV source device in order to increase the convenience for the use of the same.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of disinfecting air flowing through AC unit comprises the steps of : Installation of UV source device inside an AC unit such that the UV source device provides exposure of air to UV light while the air circulates through the AC unit. The air hence gets disinfected from microorganisms/pathogens by the effect of UV light.

If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not compulsorily required to be included or have the characteristic.

Exemplary embodiments have been described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments have been provided in order to make this disclosure thorough and complete in order to fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure/size).

Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognised as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognised that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition that persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.