AreaLight

The "AreaLight" project develops an innovative solution for UVC disinfection of air and ventilation systems. This solution is specifically designed to serve as a long-lasting and sustainable supplement or replacement for conventional disposable HEPA (High Efficient Particulate Air) filters in various applications such as air conditioning systems, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and clean rooms, effectively and sustainably disinfecting indoor air. Additionally, it aims to disinfect filters, flexible ducts, and hoses for use in medical environments and public spaces.

Current ventilation and air purification systems often cause problems as microorganisms can settle and multiply in the ducts, hoses, and especially in the filters. Cleaning these devices is difficult due to their geometry, and filter replacement is cumbersome. Lack of maintenance can lead to supposed air purifiers effectively becoming sources of contamination.

The solution of the "AreaLight" project is based on the use of flexible light-emitting glass fibers and glass fiber hybrid fabrics for internal UVC disinfection. The glass fibers are introduced into the device either individually or as fiber fabric and emit their light uniformly along their entire length, thereby illuminating and disinfecting both flowing air and cavities. Additionally, air pre-filtration occurs through a particle filter made of glass fiber hybrid fabric, which continuously self-irradiates with UVC and thus self-disinfects.

The main objective of the project is to develop a uniformly radiating glass fiber for the short-wave UVC range and its integration into a fabric. Subsequently, these fibers and fabrics will be installed in an air purification system, and their effectiveness will be verified.