Manufacturers of HVAC equipment are expanding the capabilities of technology by adding new useful functions. An air conditioner with an ultraviolet lamp cools the air in the room, clearing it of harmful bacteria and viruses. The split system, equipped with a UV filter, creates a comfortable and safe environment.
Ultraviolet in air conditioning systems
The economical mode of operation of climatic technology assumes a closed room. The cooled or heated air is driven through the heat exchanger, moving in a closed loop.
Among the substances that pollute the environment, there are fungi, bacteria, viruses. Their concentration increases without air exchange. Some of them settle on the details of the indoor unit of the split system. The UV lamp disinfects equipment and indoor air.
Invisible rays
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is in the spectral region that is invisible to human eyes. Its ability to destroy pathogens was established by English scientists D. Downes and G. Blunt since 1877. Laboratory tests of UV lamps have shown the complete elimination of airborne viruses when they are turned on. UVI began to be used in medical institutions, operating rooms.
A trial installation of ultraviolet radiation in the school's ventilation system gave a positive result - the number of respiratory diseases among students has noticeably decreased. The positive effect of invisible rays has been proven through trials and years of use of this technology.
Effects of UVR on Bacteria
- Near ultraviolet UV-A (315-400 nm wavelength) reaches the Earth's surface to a large extent.
- UV-B rays (280-315 nm) - partially penetrate into the atmosphere.
- Far UV-C radiation (100-280 nm) is trapped by 90% 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 with irradiation in the 205-315 nm range. There is a destructive destruction of microorganisms at the cellular level. DNA changes are cumulative. Errors in the genetic structure lead to a slowdown in development, and then extinction. Studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses are sensitive to a wavelength of 254 nm.
The ultraviolet lamp in the air conditioner sterilizes 90% of the air mass in one cycle. It negatively affects not only known viruses, strains of flu and infections, but also pathogenic bacteria that have not been studied by doctors. In the summer, moisture remains on the air conditioner parts in the form of condensation. Microorganisms, causative agents of severe pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease) actively multiply in it. Gram-negative rods occur in branched air conditioning systems.
The regular emergence of new viruses and mutations of known ones poses a real threat to health. Installation of an air conditioner with UV disinfecting air will create a pleasant and safe microclimate.
How the air is cleaned
The second method is a photocatalytic filter. The heat exchanger of the air conditioner (plate and coil) is treated with titanium dioxide semiconductor. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, oxidation and decomposition of pathogens, allergens, 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 UV lamp works with the same intensity and does not need maintenance or replacement.
- The self-cleaning function destroys fungal spores that settle on the surface of the split system parts.
- UVR in the air conditioner kills viruses and bacteria without affecting humans.
- In the process of operation, climatic equipment destroys up to 99% of dangerous microorganisms in the room per day.
- Ionization filters and plasma purifiers produce 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 climatic equipment with UVI is installed is sharply reduced.
- Models of air conditioners with wide functionality operate in an energy-saving mode with a low noise level.
Air conditioners with air sterilization function
- Air conditioners Hitachi Luxury - equipment operating in 4 modes (cooling / heating / dehumidification / ventilation), with a low noise level. Installation of UV Air Cleaner LED provides disinfecting air treatment.
- Split system Haier Lightera - series products control the main parameters of the indoor climate - humidity, temperature, pollution level. The Nano-Aqva generator ionizes and humidifies the air, the powerful UV lamp destroys harmful microorganisms.
- General Fujitsu Nocria air conditioners are equipped with a self-cleaning antibacterial filter and 4 UV lamps. A special sterilizer with UVR prevents the development of bacteria on the units of the indoor unit. The supply of conditioned air is optimized, cooled air is supplied horizontally and heated vertically.
The only drawback of air conditioners with an ultraviolet lamp is the high cost. Models with additional features belong to the premium class and are more expensive than budget options. In small rooms, you can install a split system with a UV LED. It is inferior to blocks with a lamp in terms of power, but it is cheaper.
