Manufacturers of HVAC equipment expand the capabilities of technology by adding new useful features. An air conditioner with an ultraviolet lamp cools the air in the room, purifying it from pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The split system, equipped with a UV filter, creates a comfortable and safe environment.
UV in air conditioning systems
Cooling, heating, humidification and dehumidification of air - these functions have become a familiar feature set of a modern air conditioner. To create a healthy indoor climate, you need a high-quality filtration system. Climatic equipment controls the parameters of temperature, humidity and air purity. Coarse filters remove particles of dust, wool, fluff, but they are not designed to destroy harmful microorganisms. Installing an ultraviolet lamp in the air conditioner mechanism takes air purification to a new level.
The economical mode of operation of HVAC equipment involves an enclosed space. Cooled or heated air is driven through the heat exchanger, moving in a closed cycle.
Among the polluting substances, there are fungi, bacteria, viruses. Without air exchange, their concentration increases. Some of them are deposited on the details of the internal unit of the split system. Ultraviolet lamp disinfects equipment and indoor air.
Invisible rays
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is in the spectral region invisible to human eyes. Its ability to destroy pathogens was established by English scientists D. Downs and G. Blunt since 1877. Laboratory tests of UV lamps showed the complete elimination of air viruses when they are turned on. UVs began to be used in medical institutions, operating wards.
A trial installation of ultraviolet radiation in the school’s ventilation system yielded a positive result - the number of respiratory diseases among students was significantly reduced. The positive effect of invisible rays is verified by testing and years of use of this technology.
UVB effects on bacteria
Depending on the wavelength, ultraviolet radiation is divided into three ranges:
- Near ultraviolet UV-A (wavelength 315-400 nm) to a large extent reaches the Earth's surface.
- Rays UV-B (280-315 nm) - partially penetrate into the atmosphere.
- Far UV-C radiation (100-280 nm) is 90% delayed by the Earth’s atmosphere.
Microorganisms and bacteria are not adapted to electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 100-280 nm (UV-C). The most pronounced bactericidal effect is observed upon irradiation with a range of 205-315 nm. There is a destructive destruction of microorganisms at the cellular level. Changes in DNA are cumulative. Errors in the genetic structure lead to a slowdown in development, and after extinction. Studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses are sensitive to a wavelength of 254 nm.
An ultraviolet lamp in the air conditioner sterilizes it by 90% in one cycle of running the air mass. It negatively affects not only known viruses, strains of influenza and infections, but also pathogenic bacteria not studied by doctors. On the parts of the air conditioner in the summer there is moisture in the form of condensate. It actively multiplies microorganisms, pathogens of severe pneumonia (legionnaires' disease). Gram-negative sticks occur in branched conditioning systems.
The regular emergence of new viruses and known mutations poses a real threat to health. Installing an air conditioner with UV disinfecting air will create a pleasant and safe microclimate.
How does air purification
When the cooling / heating mode is activated, air from the room is blown through the heat exchanger and changes the temperature. In the process of moving it goes through several filtration systems. Cleaning begins with the collection of dust particles and other large debris. To destroy microorganisms and get rid of unpleasant odors, special treatment is necessary. One option is to install a UV lamp in the indoor unit of the split system, generating waves of 250-260 nm and 100-220 nm in length. Its radiation is directed to the back of the heat exchanger through which air passes. The size of the lamps used does not exceed 22.86 cm.
The second method is a photocatalytic filter. The air conditioner heat exchanger (plate and coil) is treated with a titanium dioxide-based semiconductor. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, oxidation and decomposition of pathogens, allergens, and toxic compounds occurs. Titanium dioxide is a catalyst that accelerates the process.
Benefits of UV Air Conditioners
- Mechanical and absorbent filter systems require regular replacement. They accumulate harmful substances. The ultraviolet lamp works with the same intensity, does not need maintenance and replacement.
- The self-cleaning function destroys the fungal spores that settle on the surface of the parts of the split system.
- UVI in the air conditioner kills viruses and bacteria, without affecting humans.
- In the process, climatic equipment destroys up to 99% of dangerous microorganisms in the room per day.
- Ionization filters and plasma cleaners emit ozone. In high concentration, this substance negatively affects the well-being of people. Using ultraviolet light to clean the air is completely safe.
- The number of viral and infectious diseases in apartments, child care facilities, offices where climate control equipment with UVI is installed is sharply reduced.
- Models of air conditioners with wide functionality operate in an energy-saving mode with low noise level.
Air conditioners with air sterilization function
Leading manufacturers of climate systems: Haier, AKIRA, General, Hitachi produce a whole line of models with a built-in ultraviolet air treatment function:
- Hitachi Luxury air conditioners - equipment operating in 4 modes (cooling / heating / drainage / ventilation), with low noise. The installation of the UV Air Cleaner LED provides disinfecting air treatment.
- Haier Lightera split system - the products of the series control the main parameters of the indoor microclimate - humidity, temperature, pollution level. The Nano-Aqva generator ionizes and moisturizes the air, a powerful UV lamp destroys harmful microorganisms.
- Air conditioners General Fujitsu Nocria - equipped with a self-cleaning antibacterial filter and 4 ultraviolet lamps. A special UV sterilizer prevents the development of bacteria on the nodes of the indoor unit. The supply of conditioned air is optimized, chilled flows horizontally, and heated vertically.
The only negative of air conditioners with an ultraviolet lamp is the high cost. Models with additional functions belong to the premium class and outperform budget options. In rooms of a small area, you can install a split system with a UV LED. It is inferior to blocks with a lamp in power, but cheaper.
