"Low cost air quality device for virus removal from indoor air environment and public transport (EP/V049100/1)"
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets which linger in enclosed spaces, often exacerbated by HVAC systems. Although research to improve HVAC handling of SARS-CoV-2 is progressing, currently installed HVAC systems cause problems because they recirculate air and also use ineffective virus filters. This project will develop a novel method of eliminating SARS-CoV-2 and future viruses in enclosed spaces using Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology, previously employed to remove organic contaminants and compounds from air streams using the irradiation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces with ultraviolet (UV) lights causing the disintegration of organic compounds by reactions with oxygen (O) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). The O and OH reactions can also destroy viruses.
Using the established results from previous R&D, the project will develop a novel TiO2 coated copper fibre mop system, which will both act as a fan and provide the essential very large surface area for UV irradiation. Research will include optimizing UV frequencies, intensity, and improvement on photocatalytic oxidation by doping of TiO2 with metals, followed by in vitro studies investigating the effects on SARS-CoV-2, and other endemic coronaviruses. The rotating fibre fan, illuminated by a high intensity UV, allows viruses to be eliminated in an efficient, nearly silent system, adaptable for small or larger applications.
Engineering will include optimization of two demonstrators: a low-profile wall unit and free- standing floor unit. These low cost, efficient systems will be demonstrated to industry to allow rapid adoption for buildings and public transport systems.
Using the established results from previous R&D, the project will develop a novel TiO2 coated copper fibre mop system, which will both act as a fan and provide the essential very large surface area for UV irradiation. Research will include optimizing UV frequencies, intensity, and improvement on photocatalytic oxidation by doping of TiO2 with metals, followed by in vitro studies investigating the effects on SARS-CoV-2, and other endemic coronaviruses. The rotating fibre fan, illuminated by a high intensity UV, allows viruses to be eliminated in an efficient, nearly silent system, adaptable for small or larger applications.
Engineering will include optimization of two demonstrators: a low-profile wall unit and free- standing floor unit. These low cost, efficient systems will be demonstrated to industry to allow rapid adoption for buildings and public transport systems.
Organisations
Publications
Tapia-Brito E
(2023)
Experimental study of the purification performance of a MopFan-based photocatalytic air cleaning system.
in Building and environment
Tapia-Brito E
(2022)
Experimental Investigation of a MopFan-Based Photocatalytic Air Purification Device
in Future Cities and Environment
Wang Y
(2021)
Investigation on the Efficient Removal of Particulate Matter (PM) with Biomass-Based Aerogel
in Future Cities and Environment
| Description | In general, it was found that MopFan decreased the concentration of both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO). Reducing HCHO almost immediately and taking longer to reduce VOCs. Within two hours, this system lowered HCHO by 50% and VOCs by 23% approximately. |
| Exploitation Route | This project delivered the MopFan, a novel airborne virus removal system. Initial development concentrated on floor demonstrator units for building interiors. These will continuously remove VOCs, HCHO, viruses, bacteria, and particulate matter from the air. The MopFan can be scaled and used as a standalone unit in naturally ventilated buildings or integrated with existing building HVAC systems. Follow-on development would focus on mobile units, which are ideally suited for trains and other transport systems. These small, lightweight units will allow more normal capacities and restore the essential public trust in mass transit. They will also be suitable for offices and other workplaces where occupancy is presently restricted the need to socially distance. |
| Sectors | Environment,Healthcare |
| Description | MopFan website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of the dissemination activities a website was created for both the related scientific sector and the general public. The site has a page where the principle of operation of the photocatalytic air filter is explained in a simple way. The website also has a section where the publications generated from this project are displayed. Lastly, the website has the contact information of the researchers involved as well as a letterbox for questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| URL | https://mopfan.weebly.com |
| Description | Presented research and paper in an international conference- 19th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies(SET22) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | "Implementation of PV/T collectors, crystallisation controllable PCM storage and a second latent heat storage unit on a solar-assisted heat pump to provide heating demand for a dwelling" One of the findings of the project was presented at the conference. As the conference was international, participants were from several countries and organisations. The presentation was about synchronising the heating demand and supply using novel controlled crystallization latent heat storage. Around 50 people attended the presentation room and expressed their interest in the novel system and method. The work has been published in the proceeding book but the extended version will be submitted to a journal this year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://set2022.org/ |
| Description | Presented research and paper in an international conference- 19th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies(SET22) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | "A Clustering-Based Analysis of Heat Demand Profiles for Energy Storage and Demand Flexibility Operations" The presentation was about clustering the data of heating demand profiles of the buildings in the UK. It is a critical analysis for our demand-based heating system design. The audience showed their interest in the analysis because heating patterns are similar in other countries. Questions were about clustering techniques and applying them to different profiles. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://set2022.org/ |
| Description | Presented research and paper in an international conference- 19th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies(SET22) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | New Mop Fibre Air Cleaning and Filtration Unit with UV Lights for Poultry Farming |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://set2022.org/ |
| Description | Talk and presentation in SET conference 2022 in Turkey |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | This was a presentation of the preliminary testing outcomes of the development of a prototype of an air purification system based on photocatalisys oxidation unisg coated fibres to maximise the surface area to acheive a better reaction. This included engagement with postgraduate students, industry and professional practitioners in sustainable systems development to include discussions of commercial needs, development routes, and possible collaboration in future projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |