Air ionization systems and methods
Ionization systems configured with a catalyst-bearing sleeve provide improved filtration while keeping ozone levels within acceptable limits. Modular configurations provide for serviceability and replaceability. System controls monitor particulates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors and adjust an ionization level accordingly for optimal performance.
1. An air ionization system, comprising:
(a) an ion generator that generates more negative ions than positive ions; the ion generator comprising:
(i) a stainless steel ion dispenser configured to receive electrical current responsive to operation of a control system;
(ii) an inner electrode electrically coupled to the ion dispenser, the inner electrode comprising a perforated aluminum sheet;
(iii) a glass tube disposed at least partially around the inner electrode; and
(iv) an outer electrode disposed at least partially around the glass tube, the outer electrode comprising a tubular stainless steel mesh screen; and
(b) an ozone removal assembly containing a catalyst for removal of ozone from the air, wherein the ion generator is disposed at least partially within the ozone removal assembly; and
wherein the ozone removal assembly comprises a first, inner tube that is configured to allow air to pass through, and a second, outer tube that at least partially surrounds the first, inner tube and that is configured to allow air to pass through.
2. The air ionization system of claim 1 , further comprising a control system that measures an ion count in the air and energizes the ion generator based at least in part on the measured ion count in the air.
3. The air ionization system of claim 2 , wherein the control system measures at least one of the following: an ozone level, an air temperature, a particulate level in the air, a carbon monoxide level in the air, and a humidity level in the air.
4. The air ionization system of claim 2 , further comprising a remote sensor in wireless communication with the control system, wherein the remote sensor measures at least one of an ozone level in the air, an air temperature, a particulate level in the air, a carbon monoxide level in the air, and a humidity in the air, and wherein the remote sensor communicates the measurements to the control system.
5. The air ionization system of claim 2 , wherein at least part of the control system is inside of a cabinet.
6. The air ionization system of claim 1 , wherein the ozone removal assembly comprises:
(a) a pair of end caps coupling the first, inner tube to the second, outer tube; and
(b) the catalyst is disposed between the first, inner tube and the second, outer tube.
7. The air ionization system of claim 6 , wherein the first, inner tube is comprised of a stainless steel mesh screen.
8. The air ionization system of claim 6 , wherein the second, outer tube is comprised of a stainless steel mesh.
9. The air ionization system of claim 1 , wherein the ion generator is tubular, the ozone removal assembly is tubular, and wherein the ion generator is disposed within the ozone removal assembly, and an airspace is defined between the ion generator and the ozone removal assembly.
10. The air ionization system of claim 9 , further comprising a fan that forces air into the airspace between the ion generator and the ozone removal assembly.
11. The air ionization system of claim 10 , wherein, responsive to operation of the fan, air enters the airspace, is negatively ionized responsive to operation of the ion generator, and exits the air ionization system by passing through the ozone removal assembly.
12. The air ionization system of claim 10 , further comprising an air filter disposed between the fan and the airspace.
13. The air ionization system of claim 12 , wherein the air filter comprises at least one of polypropylene or cotton.
14. The air ionization system of claim 10 further comprising a support plate to mount the air ionization system to an HVAC duct.
15. The air ionization system of claim 14 , wherein the ion generator and ozone removal assembly form a modular unit that may be removed from the air ionization system and replaced.
16. The air ionization system of claim 15 , wherein the modular unit that may be removed from the air ionization system and replaced includes the fan.
17. The air ionization system of claim 9 , wherein the airspace is cylindrical.
18. The air ionization system of claim 1 , wherein the ion generator is cylindrical.
19. The air ionization system of claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is granular.
20. The air ionization system of claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises one or more of manganese dioxide and copper oxide.
21. An air ionization system, comprising:
(a) an ion generator that generates more negative ions than positive ions;
(b) an ozone removal assembly containing a catalyst for removal of ozone from the air, wherein the ion generator is disposed at least partially within the ozone removal assembly;
(c) wherein the ion generator is tubular, the ozone removal assembly is tubular, and wherein the ion generator is disposed within, the ozone removal assembly, and an airspace is defined between the ion generator and the ozone removal assembly; and
wherein the ozone removal assembly comprises a first, inner tube that is configured to allow air to pass through, and a second, outer tube that at least partially surrounds the first, inner tube and that is configured to allow air to pass through.
22. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the control system measures an ion count in the air and energizes the ion generator based at least in part on the measured ion count in the air.
23. The air ionization system of claim 22 , wherein at least part of the control system is inside of a cabinet.
24. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the control system measures at least one of the following: an ozone level, an air temperature, a particulate level in the air, a carbon monoxide level in the air, and a humidity level in the air.
25. The air ionization system of claim 24 , further comprising a remote sensor in wireless communication with the control system, wherein the remote sensor measures at least one of an ozone level in the air, an air temperature, a particulate level in the air, a carbon monoxide level in the air, and a humidity in the air, and wherein the remote sensor communicates the measurements to the control system.
26. The air ionization system of claim 24 , wherein the control system energizes the ion generator based at least in part on one or more of the measured ozone level, air temperature, particulate level in the air, carbon monoxide level in the air, and the humidity level in the air.
27. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the ozone removal assembly comprises:
(a) a pair of end caps coupling the first, inner tube to the second, outer tube; and
(b) the catalyst being disposed between the first, inner tube and the second, outer tube.
28. The air ionization system of claim 27 , wherein the first, inner tube is comprised of a stainless steel mesh screen.
29. The air ionization system of claim 27 , wherein the second, outer tube is comprised of a stainless steel mesh.
30. The air ionization system of claim 21 , further comprising a fan that forces air into the airspace between the ion generator and the ozone removal assembly.
31. The air ionization system of claim 30 , wherein, responsive to operation of the fan, air enters the airspace, is negatively ionized responsive to operation of the ion generator, and exits the air ionization system by passing through the ozone removal assembly.
32. The air ionization system of claim 30 , further comprising an air filter disposed between the fan and the airspace.
33. The air ionization system of claim 32 , wherein the air filter comprises at least one of polypropylene or cotton.
34. The air ionization system of claim 33 , wherein the ion generator and ozone removal assembly form a modular unit that may be removed from the air ionization system and replaced.
35. The air ionization system of claim 34 , wherein the modular unit that may be removed from the air ionization system and replaced includes the fan.
36. The air ionization system of claim 30 further comprising a support plate to mount the air ionization system to an HVAC duct.
37. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the ion generator is cylindrical.
38. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the airspace is cylindrical.
39. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the catalyst is granular.
40. The air ionization system of claim 21 , wherein the catalyst comprises one or more of manganese dioxide and copper oxide.