Elevator Disinfection Made Easy with UV-B Light
In this video, we demonstrate a working prototype of a UV light-based disinfectant device that can be used to disinfect elevators. The device uses a UV-B bulb, an Arduino microcontroller, a PIR sensor, a Hall sensor, and a power supply. The device is enclosed in a plastic case.
The device works by emitting UV-B light, which has a wavelength of 280-315 nanometers. This wavelength of light is known to be effective at killing bacteria and viruses. The device is designed to be used in closed elevators with steel doors. For testing, we are using a 3.5 V single LED or a normal LED, but this would be replaced with an actual UV bulb during field trials.
The device uses two sensors to prevent unwanted exposure to occupants of the elevator. The first sensor checks the elevator door status to ensure that the UV exposure does not go outside the elevator. The second sensor detects human presence and turns off the UV light if someone enters the elevator.
The device is safe to use, and it is effective at killing bacteria and viruses. We have tested the device on a variety of surfaces, and it has been shown to be effective at killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
This device has the potential to revolutionize the way elevators are disinfected. It is a safe, effective, and economical way to kill bacteria and viruses in elevators. We believe that this device could help to reduce the spread of infection in public spaces and make elevators safer for everyone.
Problem statement
Public space like elevators, waiting rooms, public toilets, and warehouses are used frequently by a large number of people, the usage is usually unmonitored and can be used by healthy as well as infected people. This increases the chances of exposure and spread of infection of viruses like COVID19.
Solution
The solution is to use Ultra-violet light to disinfect the Public space like an elevator, waiting room, and godown. UV light requires only electricity as input and is more economical, easy to control without requiring human intervention, and works for a very long duration. For our project, we would limit the usage for Elevators only.
Background
In the past few months, we have been witnessing the spread of Coronavirus across the world. People are following guidelines to avoid getting infected. Public places like Malls, cinema halls, swimming pools, and gyms are shut down by the government in order to curb the escalation of COVID cases. However, it is not possible to completely avoid usage of utility spaces like elevators which are used commonly used in all residential and commercial complexes. These are confined spaces which can harbour the virus for a long time. Since they are used frequently it is difficult to sanitize it after every usage. Besides it not practical for everyone to use a complete PPE kit just to use an elevator. The only solution is to disinfect the spaces frequently. However, this is limited by the availability of manpower and disinfectants.
UV-C light in the range of 260 nm – 280nm is proven to have disinfectant properties. It is known to kill bacteria and viruses by altering the RNA. It is commonly used in Water filter and Operation Theatres in Hospitals.
Proposed solution
We can make a UV light-based disinfectant device using a UV-C bulb which emits light in the range of 260 nm - 280 nm along with Arduino Microcontroller, PIR sensor, Hall sensor, and power supply. A plastic case (body) to enclose all the equipment.
Components needed
For this project, we would need the following components
1) Arduino Microcontroller 1
2) IR obstacle senor
3) Hall sensor
4) UV – C LED (3.5V)
5) Power supply
Scope
The current utility is intended for use only in closed elevators with steel doors. Additional safety measures need to be in place for elevators with grill doors to prevent exposure outside the elevator. For testing we would be using 3.5 V single LED or a normal LED, to avoid unnecessary exposure. This can be replaced with an actual UV bulb during field trials.
Safety
UV light can harm humans and long exposure can result in damage to eyes and cause skin cancer. However mild light for a very short duration is not harmful. Preventive actions have to be taken during assembling, testing, and installation to avoid direct and long exposure. The device uses a sensor to detect human presence and door open status to switch off the UV light.
This device uses two sensors as failsafe to prevent unwanted exposure to occupants of the elevator.
The first step is to check the elevator door status to ensure the UV exposure does not go outside the elevator. The cycle repeats until the device is powered on.