DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air purification system for cleaning or purifying the ambient air in the surrounding of the vehicle.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTION
This invention takes priority from an earlier filed provisional patent application no. 201941022243 filed on June 4, 2019; which is incorporated herein as reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Release of harmful and toxic pollutants, gases, particles and contaminants into the atmosphere causes the degradation and contamination of the ambient air. The contaminated air leads to various health problems in living beings and also causes damage to the environment. The toxic exhaust gases released by the IC engine operated vehicles are one of the major sources responsible for contamination of the ambient air. Therefore, to clean the contaminated ambient air, the purification systems are utilized.
Air purification systems are not a new concept and they are widely used to clean and purify the environmental air. However, the existing air purification systems are stationary i.e. these systems are limited to the indoor air purification application and clean the polluted air present in the local ambiance around them while the outside air remains contaminated. Also, there are some air purifiers that are placed inside the cabin of the vehicle for cleaning the air inside the cabin however they require a large amount of energy and affects the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Further, by utilizing such types of air purification systems one can clean the air present inside the houses, offices, cabins and shopping centers etc. but the ambient air in the open public areas like streets, highways, parks etc remains contaminated.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved air purifying system to overcome the above mentioned problems
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to overcome prior art sufferings and develop a system arranged on a vehicle for purifying air surrounding the vehicle.
According to another object of the presently disclosed subject matter, an apparatus and a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle is disclosed.
According to another object of the presently disclosed subject matter, it refers to a system arranged on an vehicle for purifying air surrounding the vehicle comprising:
an inlet configured to suck air from the surrounding using kinetic energy of the moving vehicle ;
an air stabilizer unit configured to uniformly distribute particles of the air received from the inlet ;
a pre-heating unit configured to heat the air received from the air stabilizer unit, wherein the pre-heating unit utilizes the waste heat generated by the vehicle;
a filter unit configured to purify the air received from the air pre-heating unit; and
an outlet configured to deliver the purified air into the surrounding.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein a suction fan is configured to forcibly direct surrounding air into the inlet.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein speed of the suction fan is dependent on speed on the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the inlet is covered with a mesh to prevent leaves, air suspended substances, big dirt particles etc from entering the inlet
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the system further comprises a pre-filter unit.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the pre-heating unit is located before the pre-filter unit.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the pre-heating unit is located between the pre-filter unit and the filer unit.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the pre-filter unit is configured to remove coarse toxic particulates of air.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the filter unit is configured to remove fine toxic particulates of air.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the filter unit comprises atleast one graphene layer coated HEPA filter.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the pre-heating unit comprises heat exchanging tube, a valve, a pump, a reservoir and combinations thereof.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the system further comprises a control unit configured to control the functioning of the pre-heating unit.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the waste heat is the heat generated by vehicle components including but not limited to power unit, motor, battery, engine.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is an IC engine vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein an air quality monitor unit is configured to display air quality index (AQI).
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the air quality monitor unit includes a communication module to communicate with a remote workstation and transmit data.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the transmitted data includes but is not limited to filter usage, air quality index, type of filer, filter efficiency.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the system is IOT (internet of things) enabled.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the location of the system is dependent on the location of propulsion means of the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the system is located on a rear side of the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the system is located on the front side of the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying surrounding air by a vehicle; the method comprising the steps of:-
receiving air from the surroundings through an air inlet of the vehicle wherein the vehicle uses kinetic energy to suck air from the surrounding ;
distributing the received air particles uniformly in an air stabilizer unit;
pre-heating the air passing through the air stabilizer unit in an air pre-heating unit, wherein the pre-heating unit utilizes the waste heat generated by the vehicle;
purifying the heated air exiting from the air pre-heating unit in a filter unit;
delivering the purified air through an air outlet of the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, further comprising a suction fan configured to forcibly direct surrounding air into the inlet, wherein speed of the suction fan is dependent on speed of the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, further comprising a pre-filter unit configured to remove coarse toxic particulates of air.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the filter unit comprises atleast one graphene layer coated HEPA filter.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the pre-heating unit comprises air chamber, heat exchanging tube, a valve, a pump, a reservoir and a combination thereof.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, further comprising a control unit configured to control the functioning of the pre-heating unit.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, further comprising an air quality monitor unit for displaying air quality index (AQI).
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein air quality monitor unit includes a communication module to communicate with a remote workstation.
It is yet another object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method for purifying air surrounding the vehicle, wherein the method is IOT (internet of things) enabled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a smart air purification system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic layout of the smart air purification system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic layout of the smart air purification system (10) according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic layout of the smart air purification system (10) according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic layout of the smart air purification system (10) according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow chart of the smart air purification system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a remote communication capability of the smart air purification system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5A and Fig.5B illustrates a power train architecture of an electric vehicle with two different locations for mounting an electric motor and therefore the smart air purification system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig 6 illustrates a schematic layout of the smart air purification system (10) communicating with a remote workstation (102) according to an embodiment of the invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure. The same or similar elements and the elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions. The embodiments described herein with reference to drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.
Aspects of the present invention are best understood by reference to the figures and description set forth herein. All the aspects described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred aspects and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and the present invention herein includes all such modifications.
Several aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein. It is to be understood that these aspects may or may not overlap with one another. Thus, part of one aspect may fall within the scope of another aspect, and vice versa. Each aspect is illustrated by a number of embodiments, which in turn, can include one or more specific embodiments. It is to be understood that the embodiments may or may not overlap with each other. Thus, part of one embodiment, or specific embodiments thereof, may or may not fall within the ambit of another, or specific embodiments thereof, and vice versa.
A broad framework of the principles will be presented by describing various embodiments of this invention using exemplary aspects and represented in different drawing figures. For clarity and ease of description, each aspect includes only a few embodiments. Different embodiments from different aspects may be combined or practiced separately, to design a customized process depending upon application requirements. Many different combinations and sub-combinations of a few representative processes shown within the broad framework of this invention, that may be apparent to those skilled in the art but not explicitly shown or described, should not be construed as precluded.
Fig. 1 shows a smart air purification system (APS) (10) for purifying external ambient air surrounding a vehicle. The smart air purification system (10) brings down the level of airborne pollutants and toxic contaminants in the external ambient air surrounding a vehicle. It also informs the people about the quality of the air they are inhaling and indicates the nature of the risk they are prone to, for better awareness. The smart air purification system (APS) (10) comprises an inlet (11), an air stabilizer unit (12), a pre-heating unit (20), a filter unit (14), an air quality monitor unit (15) and an outlet (16). The inlet (11) sucks the surrounding air and directs air into the smart air purification system (10). The inlet (11) is arranged on the vehicle such that kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is utilized to suck air from the surrounding. As the vehicle moves the air gushes into the inlet (11) and further passes through various other units of the smart air purification system (APS) (10). According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a duct is used as the inlet (11), however, other suitable means obvious to a person skilled in the art can also be used.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (11) is covered by a mesh (not shown) to prevent leaves, air suspended substances, big dirt particles etc from entering the inlet (11).
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a suction fan (not shown) is installed at the inlet (11) which enables suction of surrounding air even when the vehicle is not in motion. The rotational speed of the suction fan is dependent on the speed of the vehicle. The suction fan is controlled by a controller (not shown) seated inside the vehicle. The controller is configured to take readings from a vehicle speed measuring device and control the rotation speed of the suction fan accordingly. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the suction fan is controlled manually by the driver of the vehicle.
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (11) comprises a flap mechanism (not shown) for opening/closing the entry of the inlet (11). The flap mechanism allows/blocks the entry of air into the inlet (11). The flap mechanism is controlled by a control unit (not shown). Other suitable mechanism for opening and closing of the entry of the inlet (11) obvious to a person skilled in the art, can also be used.
The functioning of the smart air purification system (APS) (10) is dependent on the kinetic energy of the air captured by the inlet (11) when the vehicle is moving. The varying velocity of the air leads to non-uniform distribution of pollutant particles across the filters thus resulting in inefficient filtration. A consistent air particle distribution is needed in the smart air purification system (APS) (10) for efficient filtration process, thus the air stabilizer unit (12) is positioned after the inlet (11) to uniformly distributes the air particles. From the air stabilizer unit (12) air passes through the pre-heating unit (20). The pre-heating (20) unit is configured to heat the air entering the filter unit (14) by utilizing waste heat generated by the vehicle.
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, the air stabilizer unit (12) is controlled by a control unit (not shown).
The filter unit (14) positioned after the pre-heating unit (20) removes the toxic and/or harmful contaminants present in the air. According to an embodiment of the present invention, smart air purification system (APS) (10) further comprises a pre-filter unit (13) located before the filter unit (14). The pre-filter unit (13) removes coarse toxic particulates such as but not limited to PM10 and the filter unit (14) removes the fine toxic particulates such as but not limited to PM2.5. The pre-filter unit (13) also reduces the working load on the filter unit (14).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit (14) has 99.99% efficiency. (above)
Filters of the different grades such as but not limited to group G for coarse dust particulates, Group F for fine dust particulates and Group H for micro-particulates can be used in the smart air purification system (APS) (10). The table below indicates the different grades of filters being considered for filter media material selection based on the arrestance efficiency and International classification:
No. Group of Filters Filter Class Arrestance Percentage (Ar %)
1 Group: G
Filters for coarse dust (10 µm) G2 to G4 70 - 90%
2 Group: F
Filters for coarse dust (1 µm) F6 to F9 65 - 90 %
3 Group: H
Filters for coarse dust (.01 µm) H11 to H14 97 - 99.97%
Table 1: International classification of air filters of atmospheric dust.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit (14) includes a graphene layer coated HEPA filters.
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit (14) and the pre-filter unit (13) are provided with sensors (not shown) for sensing properties and conditions of the the filter unit (14) and the pre-filter unit (13). The sensors sends the reading to a control unit (not shown) configured to calculate filter life, filter efficiency, filter temperature etc based on reading obtained by the sensors. Further, the control unit is configured to control the functioning of the filter unit (14) and the pre-filter unit (13)
It has been generally observed that if the temperature of the sucked surrounding air is very low, it results in conglomeration of different particulates inside the smart air purification system (10), thus reducing the purifying efficiency of the filter unit (14). To overcome this problem, the pre-heating unit (20) is provided before the filter unit (14) to heat the air passing through the filter unit (14).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pre-heating unit (20) is located between the pre-filter unit (13) and the filter unit (14).
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pre-heating unit (20) is located before the pre-filter unit (13).
The smart air purification system (10) comprises a control unit (28) configured to control the functioning of the the pre-heating unit (20). The control unit (28) comprises at least one of a microprocessor, a micro-controller, a PLC unit, a CPU or a combination thereof.
The vehicle comprises different components that generate excess heat during their functioning. All of the excess heat generated by these components is waste heat and these components require additional cooling systems for removing this waste heat. A unique aspect of the present invention is that this waste heat generated in the vehicle is utilized in the pre-heating unit (20) for the heating air thus increases the efficiency of the smart air purification system (APS) (10).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2A, the pre-heating unit (20) utilizes the heat generated by a power unit (26) of the vehicle. The pre-heating unit (20) comprises an air chamber (21), a heat exchanging tube (22), a valve (27), a pump (24) and a reservoir (23) which are inter-connected by tubes, allowing the circulation of a fluid between them. The reservoir (23) stores the fluid being used to heat the air in the pre-heating unit (20). The fluid in the reservoir (23) is pumped by the pump (24) which is controlled by the control unit (28). The control unit (28) is configured to receive readings from different temperature sensors (not shown) mounted on the vehicle and controls the pump (24) accordingly. The fluid pumped by the pump (24) is circulated around the power unit (26) to absorb amount of heat generated by the power unit (26) and this heated fluid is then circulated in the heat exchanging tube (22) placed inside the air chamber (21). As the air flows through the air chamber (21), heat from the heated fluid inside the heat exchanging tube (22) is transferred to the air entering the filter unit (14). The heat exchanging tube (22) is preferably made of a material that allows a high heat transfer rate between the fluid inside the heat exchanging tube (22) and the air. The fluid inside the heat exchanging tube (22) after heating the air in the air chamber (21) is transferred back to the reservoir (23).
The vehicle comprises various temperature sensors (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the power unit (26), the ambient air surrounding the vehicle, air entering the filter unit (14), fluid in the reservoir (23), fluid in the heat exchanging tube (22), fluid entering the valve (27) and other possible sensors. The control unit (28) is configured to receive readings from these sensors and control the pump (24) and the valve (27).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, heating of air in the air chamber (21) is not performed continuously with the working of the smart air purification system (10). The decision of heating the air in the air chamber (21) is taken by the control unit (28) on the basis of the temperature of the ambient surrounding air. A reference temperature value is inputted in the control unit (28). The control unit (28) receives readings from the ambient air temperature sensor and checks if the temperature of the ambient air is above the reference temperature value or not, and if the temperature of the ambient is below the reference temperature value then only then the air is heated in the air chamber (21). The reference temperature value can be decided on the basis of type of filter used, the pollution level in the surrounding, remaining life of filter, the place in which the vehicle is used, climatic conditions etc. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (28) itself calculates the reference value and controls the functioning of the pre-heating unit (20).
The control unit is further configured to control the valve (27) located between the power unit (26) and the heat exchanging tube (22). If heating of the air is required in the pre-heating unit (20), the valve (27) enables the flow of heated fluid from the power unit (26) to the heat exchanging tube (22) and if heating is not required, the valve (27) blocks the flow of heated fluid from the power unit (26) to the heat exchanging tube (22) and transfers the heated fluid from the power unit (26) back to the reservoir (23).
According to an embodiment of the preferred embodiment, a fluid cooling unit (not shown) is positioned between the valve (27) and the reservoir (23) for cooling the fluid entering the reservoir (23) from the valve (27). The fluid cooling unit is controlled by the control unit (28). The fluid cooling unit is preferably a radiator, however, other cooling units obvious to a person skilled in the art can also be used.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a cooling unit (not shown) is located between the heat exchanging tube (22) and the reservoir (23) for further cooling of the fluid entering the reservoir (23). The cooling unit is preferably a radiator, however, other cooling units obvious to a person skilled in the art can also be used. The cooling unit is controlled by the control unit (28).
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, an additional heating system (not shown), controlled by the control unit (28), is configured to provide heat to the pre-heating unit (20). According to another embodiment of the present invention, the additional heating system is positioned between the power unit (26) and the valve (27) for additional heating of the fluid coming from the power unit (26).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. According to a further embodiment of a present invention, the power unit (26) is motor of the vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is an IC engine vehicle. According to a further embodiment of a present invention, the power unit (26) is IC engine of the vehicle.
Various vehicles require a power unit cooling system for increasing the efficiency and safety of the power unit (26). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power unit cooling system is integrated with the pre-heating unit (20). The fluid in the reservoir (23) is circulated through the power unit (26) and absorbs heat from the power unit (26) thereby cooling it. This heated fluid heats the air in the air chamber (21) and the cooled fluid is transferred back to the reservoir (23).
According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2B, the pre-heating unit (20) uses waste heat from the power unit cooling system (40) of the vehicle. The pre-heating unit (20) comprises an additional heat exchanger (30) located inside the vehicle. The heat exchanger (30) takes heat from the fluid flowing in the power unit cooling system (40). The power unit cooling system (40) can be an oil based cooling system comprising an oil reservoir (41) and a radiator (42). The power unit cooling system (40) cools the power unit (26) by circulating cooling oil around the power unit (26) and cooling the heated cooling oil in the radiator (42). According to the present embodiment, the heated cooling oil coming from power unit (26) is circulated through the heat exchanger (30) before entering the radiator (42). The heat exchanger (30) is configured to take heat from the heated cooling oil coming from the power unit (26) and heat the fluid that is circulated through the heat exchanging tube (22). The heat exchanger (30) is preferably a cross-flow type heat exchanger, however, other heat exchangers obvious to a person skilled in the art can also be used.
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, power unit cooling system (40) is controlled by a control unit (not shown) and is connected to the control unit (28).
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, power unit cooling system (40) is also controlled the control unit (28).
The vehicle comprises various temperature sensors (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the power unit (26), ambient air surrounding the vehicle, air before entering the filter unit (14), fluid in the reservoir (23), fluid in the heat exchanging tube (22), fluid inside the heat exchanger (30), fluid entering the valve (27), cooling oil in the oil reservoir (41), cooling oil entering the heat exchanger (30), cooling oil exiting the heat exchanger (30) and other possible sensors. The control unit (28) is configured to receive readings from these sensors and control the pump (24), heat exchanger (30) and the valve (27), pre-filter (20) and other parts.
In the cold season or in relatively cooler areas of the world, there is a need for heating the air entering from the surrounding in the smart air purification system (10). Further, due to the cold ambient conditions, the power unit (26) does not generate much heat or even if it does, the heated cooling oil gets cooled before entering the heat exchanger (30). Similarly, the fluid heated in the heat exchanger (30) loses a considerable amount of heat before entering the heat exchanging tube (22). In such conditions the heat exchanger (30) as shown in fig. 2B fails to provide adequate heat to the fluid circulating through the heat exchanger (30). To overcome this problem an additional heater (60) is provided in the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2C.
The heater (60), controlled by the control unit (28), is configured to heat the fluid circulating through the heat exchanger (30) when desired. The smart air purification system (10) comprises various temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the power unit (26), the ambient air and the fluid in the heat exchanger (30). The control unit (28) is configured to receive temperature readings and estimate if the heat from the power unit (26) can sufficiently heat the fluid in the heat exchanger (30). Also, the control unit (28) calculates the temperature up to which the fluid should be heated in order to compensate for the loss of heat, from the fluid, before entering the heat exchanging tube (22). The heat exchanger (30) comprises a cross flow heat exchanging chamber(not shown) through which heated cooling oil and the fluid are circulated such that the fluid absorbs heat from the heated cooling oil. A temperature sensor detects the temperature of the fluid exiting the cross flow heat exchanging chamber and sends the readings to the control unit (28), which further detects if the fluid has been heated to the required temperature or not. If the fluid has not been heated to the required temperature, the control unit (28) turns on the heater (60) for further heating of the fluid. The heater (60) comprises heating coils placed around a tube carrying fluid exiting the cross flow heat exchanging chamber. The heating coils heat the fluid and once the desired temperature is reached, the fluid is circulated in the heat exchanging tube (22). Other suitable means for heating the fluid exiting the cross flow heat exchanging chamber obvious to a person skilled in the art, can also be used.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger (30) is also configured to receive heat from other heat generating component(s) (80) present in the vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the other heat generating component(s) (80) is battery of the vehicle.
The vehicle comprises various temperature sensors (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the power unit (26), ambient air surrounding the vehicle, air before entering the filter unit (14), fluid in the reservoir (23), fluid in the heat exchanging tube (22), fluid inside the heat exchanger (30), fluid entering the valve (27), cooling oil in the oil reservoir (41), cooling oil entering the heat exchanger (30), cooling oil exiting the heat exchanger (30), fluid exiting the cross flow heat exchanging chamber, other heat generating components (80) and other possible sensors. The control unit (28) is configured to receive readings from these sensors and control the pump (24), heat exchanger (30), heater (60), the valve (27) and other parts of the system.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2D, the vehicle is an electric vehicle comprising a battery pack (29). The electric vehicle comprises a heating unit (70) to prevent power loss and slow charging of the battery pack (29) during the cold season. The remaining heat left after heating the battery pack (29) is waste heat which can be utilized in the pre-heating unit (20). Fluid from the reservoir (23) flows into a plenum chamber (71) and is heated by the heating unit (70) which is controlled by the control unit (28). This heated fluid is circulated through the battery pack (29) such that heated fluid transfers heat to the battery pack (29). Afterward, the fluid is circulated through the heat exchanging tube (22) and provides the remaining heat to the air inside the air chamber (21).
Once the vehicle attains cruising speed, the battery pack (29) starts generating excess heat and requires cooling for proper functioning. In such conditions, the control unit (28) tuns off the heating unit (70) and circulates the fluid coming from the reservoir (23) around the battery pack (29). The fluid absorbs heat from the battery pack (29) and this heated fluid is circulated in the heat exchanging tube (22).
The control unit (28) is configured to continuously monitor the temperature of the battery pack (29) to control the pump (24), the valve (27) and the heating unit (70). Further the control unit (28) is also configured to receive temperature readings, of ambient air surrounding the vehicle, air before entering the filter unit (14), fluid in the reservoir (23), fluid in plenum chamber (71), fluid entering the valve (27) and and other possible sensors mounted in the vehicle.
Air from the pre-heating unit (20) is filtered in the filter unit (14) and is transferred to the air quality monitor unit (15). The air quality monitor unit (15) measures the air quality index (AQI) representing the quality of the purified air and displays the air quality index (AQI) to driver of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air quality monitor unit (15) is configured to measure the air quality index (AQI) of the external air surrounding the vehicle
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air quality monitor unit (15) is configured to measure air quality index (AQI) of the air exiting the smart air purification system (10).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air quality monitor unit (15) is configured to measure air quality index (AQI) of the air inside the cabin of the vehicle.
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, the air quality monitor unit (15) is controlled by a control unit (not shown).
As shown in Fig 6, the air quality monitor unit (15) comprises a communication module (100) to communicate with a remote workstation (102) and a communication tower (101) that enables communication between them. The communication module (100) transmits data related to the smart air purification system (10) to the remote workstation (102). The data transmitted is logged at regular intervals in the remote workstation (102) to remotely monitor the performance of the smart air purification system (10) based on the received data. The remote workstation (102) sends data and alerts such as but not limited to filter service request or filter replacement alert to the communication module (100). The data received from the remote workstation (102) is displayed to the driver of the vehicle on a display (not shown) located inside the vehicle. The data communicated between the communication module (100) and the remote workstation (102) can be but not limited to the performance of the smart air purification system (10), filter usage, AQI, type of filter, replacement cooling oil, replacement of fluid, filter efficiency, approx remaining time/ date to change filter etc.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the remote workstation (102) also establishes a communication link with a smart device (103) carried by a user (104) using a communication tower (101’). The remote workstation (102) transmits the real time monitoring data to the smart device (103) which is configured to display the received data to the user (104). The data can be the performance of the smart air purification system (10), filter usage, AQI type of filter, replacement cooling oil, replacement of fluid, filter efficiency, approx remaining time/ date to change filter etc.
The communication type between the remote workstation (102), communication module (100) and the smart device (103) can be any of the known telecommunication standards such as but not limited to GSM, LTE, UMTS, CDMA, Bluetooth. Wi-Fi, long-range radio networks or short-range radio networks etc.
According to another embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 4, the smart air purification system (10) of the present invention is IOT (internet of things) enabled, i.e it can perform functions such as but not limited to data storage, data processing, communication with smart devices and/or smartphones and operational control. The smart air purification system (10) can communicate data such as but not limited to the real time information about the air quality, can notify when it is time to change the filter or, can identify the location of the nearest service center to get the filter changed. A number of smart air purification systems (APS) are connected to a monitoring platform (105) which is configured to monitor the performance of smart air purification systems and communicate data, such as but not limited to filter usage, AQI, type of filter, replacement cooling oil, replacement of fluid, filter efficiency, approx remaining time/ date to change filter etc, to the user (104). IOT also enables the user (104) to remotely control the smart air purification system (10).
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the smart air purification system (10) comprises a combination of different sensors such as but not limited temperature sensors, pressure sensors, air quality sensors, air speed sensors etc configured to detect the proper functioning of the smart air purification system (10). These sensors can be mounted inside the inlet (11), air stabilizer unit (12), pre-filter unit (13), pre-heating unit (20), filter unit (14), air quality monitor unit (15) and outlet (16) for detecting proper functioning of the individual unit. The sensors are connected to a control unit (not shown), located inside the vehicle, for measuring the performance of the smart air purification system (10). An alert system is further connected to the control unit for alerting the driver when the replacement of the filter is required or a malfunction in the smart air purification system (10). The control unit can further comprise a communication module to communicate with a remote workstation.
The air from the air quality monitor unit (15) is transferred to the outlet (16). The outlet (16) is arranged on the vehicle to deliver the purified air at the desired space.
According to a another embodiment of the present invention, the outlet (16) comprises a flap mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing of the outlet (16). The flap mechanism allows/block the exit of air from the outlet (16). The flap mechanism is controlled by a control unit (not shown). Other suitable mechanism for opening and closing of the outlet (16) obvious to a person skilled in the art, can also be used.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the purified air is delivered into the cabin of the vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the purified air is delivered to the outside surrounding of the vehicle.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the preferred operational method of the smart air purification system (10) is shown in Fig. 3. At step (41), the inlet (11) draws the air inside the smart air purification system (10). The particles of the incoming air is uniformly distributed using the air stabilizer unit (12) at step (42). The air is passed through the pre-filter unit (13) at step (43), where the large size toxic contaminants such as but not limited to PM10 are removed from the air. At step (44), the air is heated by the pre-heating unit (20) to increase the randomness in the flow. At step (45), the air is passed through the filter unit (14) where the maximum number of fine and/or micro size toxic contaminants are removed from the air. The clean air would pass through the air quality monitor unit (15), at step (46), where the final AQI of the cleaned air can and be analyzed and then indicated inside the cabin as an indication of the filtration units. Afterward, the purified air is released into the atmosphere by the outlet (16). At step (47) the AQI values are logged at regular intervals and the performance of the smart air purification system (10) is remotely monitored and communicated to the user (104).
It is to be noted that Fig. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, FIG. 3, discussed above, illustrating the pre-heating unit (20) located between the pre-filter unit (13) and the filter unit (14) are only exemplary embodiments and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments comprising the pre-heating unit (20) located before the pre-filter unit (13) or pre-heating unit (20) located before a single filter unit (14) are also possible.
As described above, the disclosed invention comprises various control units for controlling the functioning of different components of the smart air purification system (10) along with other components. All these control unit are connected to each other and are configured to send/receive data among each other.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the smart air purification system (10) comprises a single control unit (not shown) configured to control the functioning of all the components described in the present invention. The control unit comprises at least one of a microprocessor, a controller, a PLC unit, or a combination thereof.
The location of the smart air purification system (10) in the vehicle depends on the location of other components of the vehicle, preferably on the location of propulsion means on the vehicle. When an electric motor is located on a front side of the vehicle, then the smart air purification system (10) will be located on the front side under a hood near the electric motor and if the motor is located on the backside of the vehicle then the smart air purification system (10) will be located on the decklid.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5A depicts the power train architecture of an electric vehicle with battery (51A) and electric motor (52A), located at front side of the vehicle, while Fig. 5B depicts the power train architecture of an electric vehicle with battery (51B) and electric motor (52B) located at back side of the vehicle, wherein the power train architecture further includes an inverter/converter module, high voltage charger, high voltage junction box and DC-DC converter etc. As shown in Fig. 5A, if the electric motor (52A) is located on the front side then the smart air purification system (10) will be located on the front side under a hood near the electric motor (52A). Similarly, as shown in Fig. 5B the electric motor (52B) is located on the rear side of the vehicle, therefore the smart air purification system (10) can be preferably located on the rear side of the vehicle to efficiently clean or purify the surrounding air of the vehicle.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the smart air purification system (APS) (10) is inbuilt in the vehicle during the manufacturing of the vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the smart air purification system (10) is mounted on an already manufactured vehicle.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape and size of the filters can be customized as per the mounting space available in the vehicle.
Although the invention has been described with regard to its embodiments, specific embodiments, and various examples, which constitute the best mode presently known to the inventors, it should be understood that various changes and modifications as would be obvious to one having the ordinary skill in this art may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. All changes that come with meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
,CLAIMS:1. A system for purifying air surrounding a vehicle, the system comprising:
an inlet configured to suck air from the surrounding using kinetic energy of the vehicle;
an air stabilizer unit configured to uniformly distribute particles of the air received from the inlet;
a pre-heating unit configured to heat the air received from the air stabilizer unit, wherein the pre-heating unit utilizes the waste heat generated by the vehicle;
a filter unit configured to purify the air received from the air pre-heating unit; and
an outlet configured to deliver the purified air into the surrounding.
2. The system according to claim 1, further comprises a suction fan configured to forcibly direct surrounding air into the inlet.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein speed of the suction fan is dependent on speed on the vehicle.
4. The system according to claim 1, further comprises a pre-filter unit configured to remove coarse toxic particulates of air.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit comprises atleast one graphene layer coated HEPA filter.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pre-heating unit comprises air chamber, heat exchanging tube, a valve, a pump, a reservoir and a combination thereof.
7. The system according to claim 1, further comprises a control unit configured to control the functioning of the pre-heating unit.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the waste heat is the heat generated by vehicle components including but not limited to power unit, motor, battery, engine.
9. The system according to claim 1, further comprises an air quality monitor unit for displaying air quality index (AQI).
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the air quality monitor unit includes a communication module to communicate with a remote workstation.
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is IOT (internet of things) enabled.
12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the location of the system is dependent on the location of propulsion means of the vehicle.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle.
14. A method for purifying surrounding air by an vehicle; the method comprising the steps of:-
receiving air from the surroundings through an air inlet of the vehicle wherein the vehicle uses kinetic energy to suck air from the surrounding ;
distributing the received air particles uniformly in an air stabilizer unit;
pre-heating the air passing through the air stabilizer unit in an air pre-heating unit, wherein the pre-heating unit utilizes the waste heat generated by the vehicle;
purifying the heated air exiting from the air pre-heating unit in a filter unit; and
delivering the purified air through an air outlet of the vehicle.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprises a suction fan configured to forcibly direct surrounding air into the inlet, wherein speed of the suction fan is dependent on speed of the vehicle.
16. The method according to claim 14, further comprises a pre-filter unit configured to remove coarse toxic particulates of air.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the filter unit comprises atleast one graphene layer coated HEPA filter.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the pre-heating unit comprises air chamber, heat exchanging tube, a valve, a pump, a reservoir and a combination thereof.
19. The method according to claim 14, further comprises a control unit configured to control the functioning of the pre-heating unit.
20. The method according to claim 14, further comprises an air quality monitor unit for displaying air quality index (AQI).
21. The method according to claim 14, wherein air quality monitor unit includes a communication module to communicate with a remote workstation.
22. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method is IOT (internet of things) enabled.