Korea Institute of Energy Research
Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER)
Photothermal-Based Technology for Inactivating Biological Hazardous Substances in Indoor Ventilation and Air Purification Systems
This technology uses visible or near-infrared light to irradiate viruses, bacteria, and mold trapped in a photothermal filter, instantly raising the filter’s surface temperature to a level that kills or inactivates the microorganisms. Unlike ultraviolet light, this technology penetrates deep into the filter, is harmless to humans, and received New Technology (NET) certification in 2022.
Technology Overview
This technology involves irradiating biohazards—such as viruses, bacteria, and mold—trapped in a photothermal filter (membrane) with visible or near-infrared light, instantly raising the surface temperature to a level that kills or inactivates the microorganisms.
It is implemented by integrating LED modules and photothermal filters into indoor ventilation and air purification devices, such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).
It consists of three main components: photothermal filter manufacturing technology, photothermal module structural design technology, and photothermal module control technology
Key Features of the Technology
Photothermal Filter Manufacturing Technology
Photothermal agent coating technology to maximize the virus and bacteria inactivation effect
Technology for identifying the optimal photothermal agent to reduce manufacturing costs
Technology for assessing the human toxicity of photothermal agents
Photothermal Module Structural Design Technology
LED Array Design Technology for Optimizing Sterilization Performance
Modular Design Technology Accounting for Filter Replacement and Maintenance
Flexible Module Layout Technology Accounting for Various Structural Constraints at Installation Sites
Internal module design and arrangement technology that accounts for airflow within ventilation systems
Photothermal Module Control Technology
LED Module Control Technology for Autonomous Control (Energy and Environment)
Technology Utilizing LED Module Heat to Prevent Condensation on Photovoltaic Filters
Technology for adjusting ventilation unit airflow based on LED module control
Technology for Optimizing LED Module Operating Time
Competitive Advantages of the Technology
Because it uses long-wavelength visible light and near-infrared light, it can penetrate deeper into the filter than ultraviolet light
By controlling the filter surface temperature using the photothermal effect, bacteria and viruses trapped in the filter can be directly eliminated
Visible light and near-infrared light are harmless to humans
Experimental and Validation Data
The photothermal filter reacts immediately upon exposure to visible light, and its surface temperature is easy to control, with high repeatability and sustainability
Virus inactivation: Influenza A 99.9%, COVID-19 99%
Bacterial inactivation: E. coli 99.9%
IP Status
| Patent Title | Application No. | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Control Unit for a Radiant Heat Filter-Type Ventilation System | 10-2025-0055933 | Application |
| Ventilation System Incorporating a Radiant HEPA Filter and a Fiber-Based Light Emitting System | 10-2647172 | Registration |
| Heat Recovery Ventilation System with a Built-in Dual-Sterilization Filter Utilizing the Radiant Heat Effect, and a Method for Preventing Condensation Using the Same | 10-2644139 | Registration |
| A Triboelectric Filter Capable of Sterilization via the Pyrothermal Effect | 10-2503214 | Registration |
Applications
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TRL Stage
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TRL Level 6
Production of pilot-scale prototypes and performance evaluation [TRL 6] Secured domestic original patents and obtained New Technology (NET) certification in 2022 Currently testing prototypes and preparing for pilot production