As airborne viruses such as covid 19 tend to spread with the movement of air born moisture particles it is state that air-conditioning con accelerate the rate of infection due to the movement of air flow and any water particles present within a confined area such as a work space or living space infecting multiple individuals, as such many have simply decided not to use air-conditioning and distribution out of fear of such an occurrence despite some areas where temperature regulation  is required both for product shelf stability and general comfort for staff and occupants, especially during this summer season. A solution would be the use of uv lamps similar to that us within healthcare facilities, but these are unsuitable for domestic use as they tend to be large and cumbersome with a rather expensive cost both in initial price and subsequent electrical input. We have come up with a conceptual solution that should allow the sterilization of circulating air passing through both new and old air-conditioning units at a relatively low cost, using readily available components and 3d printing technology.

The objectives we have set for ourselves for this concept consist of:

Ø Air purification of airborne pathogens

Ø Low cost

Ø Applicable to new and pre-existing air conditioning units

1. Air purification of air born pathogens:

Our system is comprised a 3D printed  cubed plastic case with 3 connection points ,2 are located a opposite ends with another connection point underneath ,internally there are 2 filters one of which is placed at a 30 degree angle In front of the entry connection point  while the other mirrors the first filter in front of the exit connection port. There are also 3 UV lights positioned within the case ,2 are located at both the entry a exit port so as to sterilize the 2 filters while the final UV light Is located above and in between the 2 filter as to simultaneously sterilize both filters and water created from condensation which in turn flow down the 3rd exit port bellow the case which I connected via flexible rubber tubing to the water reservoir of the air conditioning unit. The function of this set up begin with the connection of all ports via copper tubing ,where air is expelled from the air-conditioning unit through the intake to the case where it passes the first filter made of electrostatic fibers ,any pathogens or microbes are capture by the filter and sterilized by the UV light bellow the first filter and the UV above the 2 filters. The air then proceeds to pas through the second filter made from titanium dioxide which in turn is sterilized by the last UV light beyond which the air leaves through the exit port and back through the air-conditioning system.

2. Low cost:

All the components are simplistic and readily available. The 2 main components are the electrostatic\titanium dioxide filters and the UV lights ,the later of which is already being used to sterilize hospital and medical facility’s during these trying times, all contained in a 3D printed plastic case which both exit and entry pipes allow for easy instillation by substituting a small section of  existing piping along the main airflow line, allowing ease of removal post crisis.

3. Application to new and existing air conditioning units:

This conceptual system can be highly adaptable as our current configuration requires to be implemented into side by side vertical air flow pipes leading to the air conditioning unit, meaning that regardless of the make and size of the unit this system requires only the compatibility of size for both air intake and outtake piping to function. This however is not the only possible configuration, thanks to the simplicity of the system and the prove concepts used in already existing technology in use such as the effectiveness of filters and the us of UVlights, this system can be configured to suit many different units or air system configurations. Ad due to its external application it can be easily be repaired and maintain or even replaced by simple tubing one the threat of contagion has passed if deemed necessary.