UV-C LED technology on the rise:
Revolution in efficiency
Regular cleaning and disinfection practices are part of the daily routine today, as the whole world is learning to live with the Corona virus. In addition to classic disinfection methods, more and more technology designed to provide better hygiene is becoming present in our everyday lives. UV-C radiation has already proven itself in numerous applications in the field for the disinfection of surfaces.*
Countless measures in our everyday lives are being launched to curb the Corona pandemic as a priority. Should SARS-CoV-2 eventually lose social attention, we already see many innovative cleaning tasks for UV-C LED technology, which we design and manufacture in-house for our customers.
Technical and price improvements for market maturity
Thanks to technical improvements, disinfection with UV-C LED radiation sources can now be implemented more safely, cost-effectively and practically. Thanks to rapid advances in LED technology, UV-C tubes containing mercury can now be advantageously replaced by UV-C LED systems in certain applications. In addition, there are new possibilities for targeted irradiation in the smallest installation space.
Three new applications with UV-C LEDs that ensure better hygiene in humid environments are presented below. The ideas of the concepts can be optimally adapted to the individual specifications of the end devices and implemented into market-free solutions as early as 2022.
UV-C LEDs for water disinfection in household appliances
The disinfection of water by irradiation with UV-C mercury lamps is already an established technology today. In order for UV-C LED technology to completely replace mercury lamps, the efficiency as well as the service life and not least the price must be further improved.
However, the state of development of UV-C LEDs already enables the disinfection of smaller quantities of water. In a tank volume of up to approx. 10 litres, microorganisms can be safely inactivated with UV-C radiation from LED sources.
A waterproof UV-C LED unit in a coffee machine or water dispenser can ensure clean water. The functionality is not susceptible to many switching cycles and provides full power immediately after switching on.
In addition to the water tank, it is also possible to sterilise small areas that are otherwise difficult to reach and where a few drops of water are always left behind, potentially providing a breeding ground for germs. The compact design of the UV-C LEDs allows them to be installed in the smallest of spaces, such as in the tap of a coffee machine or a water dispenser.
UV-C LEDs for water disinfection in the tap
According to the German Federal Environment Agency, tap water in Germany is of very good quality throughout the country. Nevertheless, in rare cases germs can settle in pipe systems and reach people through the tap water. As an additional protective measure, water disinfection in the tap is appropriate where there are people with an increased risk, such as elderly people or people whose immune system is weakened (hospital or care facilities).
In this application, the maximum flow rate of the water is relevant to achieve a safe result. The slower the water runs through the tap with a UV-C radiation source, the more thoroughly it can be freed from microorganisms. A longer residence time of the water within the system leads to a more intensive effect of the UV-C radiation. The UV-C unit can also be integrated at a different position in the water supply system.
UV-C LEDs for better hygiene and odour elimination in humid environments
Securely protected against water in a housing (IP67) with a radiation-permeable cover glass, a UV-C LED module can ensure thorough hygiene in humid environments. Depending on the installation space situation, the module can be optimally adapted to the cleaning tasks in its design and also in its radiation properties.
In a closed area, the UV-C radiation source can inactivate the number of microorganisms that grow over time with the surface irradiation. This also prevents the formation of odours, which can occur, for example, when a dishwasher is not used for a longer period of time.
This cleaning principle can also be transferred to industrial washing lines, refrigerators or ice cube machines.
Convincing advantages of UV-C LED technologies
UV-C LEDs from leading quality manufacturers are currently undergoing a rapid improvement with regard to all technical parameters, while at the same time the purchase price is falling. Higher manufacturing costs can be compensated with the design flexibility and technical advantages of UV-C LEDs.
- Very high dosage due to high radiation density with good beam formation
- Combination of different wavelengths to achieve the best result
- Fast switch-on and unlimited switching cycles for mobile, fast and automated applications
- Robust against physical stress and long system lifetime
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable: no mercury and no ozone, virtually maintenance-free
- Enables intelligent and safe use of UV-C radiation = control concepts that prevent contact with living creatures
and enable precise dosing (“As little as possible, as much as needed!”)
Webinar: Revolution of UV-C LED Efficiency
If you are interested, we would like to refer you to our recent webinar Revolution of UV-C LED Efficiency.
Our sales manager Mr Sparenborg presented the rapid technical progress of UV-C LED technology and new applications, but also gave an insight into our ongoing research projects.
* LUMITRONIX® project references are available on request
