GB2595652A

GB2595652A - An ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire and system

Info

Publication number: GB2595652A
Application number: GB2008157.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eric Walker Scot
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-01
Filing date: 2020-06-01
Publication date: 2021-12-08
Also published as: GB202008157D0

Abstract

A system for sterilising a volume, the system comprising at least one ultraviolet (UV) light sterilisation luminaire 10 comprising: a body 11, at least one electrical connection associated with the body 11, at least one UV light source 14 associated with the electrical connection 12, a controller 15 associated with the luminaire 10 to selectively activate the at least one UV light source 14 and at least one sensor 19 positioned relative to the volume to provide a decision gate for the controller 15 to activate the at least one UV light source 14. The system may further comprise at least one secondary illumination source 13 which is also selectively activated by the controller 15. Preferably the UV light source 14 emits UVC light and the secondary illumination source 13 may comprise at least one coloured light source e.g. blue. The sensor 19 may be one or more of a heat sensor, thermal sensor, motion sensor or volumetric sensor. The system may comprise a lock (27, fig. 5) which the controller 15 may operate while the UV light source 14 is operating.

Description

AN ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT STERILISATION LUMINAIRE AND SYSTEM Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of lighting apparatus and systems. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a luminaire which includes an ultraviolet light source and a secondary illumination source configured for controlled use of the luminaire.

Background to the Invention

Sterilisation is a key method for reducing the transfer of communicable diseases.

The term 'sterilization' describes a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life and is carried out in health-care facilities by physical or chemical methods.

Steam under pressure, dry heat, DO gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and liquid chemicals are the principal sterilizing agents used in health-care facilities.

Sterilization is intended to convey an absolute meaning. Unfortunately, however, some health professionals and the technical and commercial literature refer to "disinfection" as "sterilization" and items as "partially sterile." The term 'disinfection' typically describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. In health-care settings, objects usually are disinfected by liquid chemicals or wet pasteurization.

Each of the various factors that affect the efficacy of disinfection can nullify or limit the efficacy of the process.

Ultraviolet sterilisation is more commonly used to kill bacteria and viruses in water. It is often used to ensure safe drinking water from well, spring and borehole water supplies. Due to increased legislation, ultraviolet sterilisation is now regularly used in food and drink related industries.

Germicidal ultraviolet light bulbs are available in different forms.

Other devices for ultraviolet light sterilisation include handheld ultraviolet sanitizing wands, one of such has 30 LED bulbs that. create UV-C light so that when passed over a surface, sterilise the surface.

Smaitphone sterilising containers are also available. The PhoneSoap WirelessTM container uses four powerful ultraviolet bulbs and a mirrored interior to access the entirety of the exterior of a smartphone placed within the container. The CASETiFYIN1 UV Sanitizer is a larger device that can accept larger mobile smartphones. It can be used to sanitize jewellery, classes, wallets, watches and the like. This case uses six ultraviolet lights and claims to eradicate up to 99.9 percent of germs in just three minutes. Still further, the 59S1m UV Ultraviolet LED Sterilizer Sanitization Box lists applicable use for sterilisation of razors, nail scissors, glasses, and make up tools.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for sterilising a volume, the system comprising at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire comprising a body, at least one electrical connection associated with the body, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, a controller associated with the luminaire to selectively activate the at least one ultraviolet light source and at least one sensor positioned relative to the volume to provide a decision gate for the controller to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire comprising a body, at least one electrical connection associated with the body, at least one secondary illumination source associated with the electrical connection, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, and a controller associated with the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source to selectively activate the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a system for sterilising a volume, the system comprising at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire comprising a body, at least one electrical connection associated with the body, at least one secondary illumination source associated with the electrical connection, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, and a controller associated with the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source to selectively activate the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source and at least one sensor positioned relative to the volume to provide a decision gate for the controller to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.

Providing a luminaire with at least one ultraviolet light source and a controller to selectively activate the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source allows selective operation of the UV source from the luminaire. This allows selective activation of a sterilisation mode to be engaged to sterilise the volume. The at least one ultraviolet light source may sterilise at least one surface within the volume and/or the medium within the volume, for example, atmospheric air or a liquid, depending upon the application of the system.

Preferably, the luminaire and/or system of the invention will be used in relation to a volume that contains atmospheric air rather than a liquid.

The at least one secondary illumination source may be operated concurrently with the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source. At least one secondary illumination source may be provided and operated concurrently with the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source to demonstrate that the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source is operating as UV light is typically outside the normal visible spectrum of a human.

The at least one secondary illumination source may be activated only when the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source is not operating. In this configuration, the at least one secondary illumination source may be used (operated when the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source is not operating) to provide light to illuminate at least a part of the volume and when illumination is not needed, the controller may deactivate the at least one secondary illumination source and then activate the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source to sterilise at least one surface within the volume.

At least one secondary illumination source may be provided and operated concurrently with the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source to demonstrate that the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source is operating.

To clarify, the at least one secondary illumination source may provide normal Eat for illumination or provide a coloured light to indicate operation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.

If the at least one secondary illumination source provides normal light for illumination, then a tertiary coloured light source may be provided to emit coloured light to indicate operation of the at least one ultraviolet light source. Similarly, if the at least one secondary illumination source provides coloured light to emit coloured liaht to indicate operation of the at least one ultraviolet light source, then a tertiary 'white' light source may be provided for illumination.

Without wishing to be limited by theory, UV light covers a wavelength spectrum from 100 to 380 nm and is generally subdivided into three regions by 15 wavelength: UVA (320 to 400 nm), UVB (280 to 320 nm), and UVC (200 to 280 nm). The present invention preferably utilises UVC light.

At least one UV-LED is preferred over a UV lamp. UV-LEDs typically produce UV light at or above 250 nm up to approximately 280 nm.

Far-UVC light (207-222 nm) can be utilised.

The effectiveness of the UV sterilisation treatment at the microorganism(s) to be treated (incident fluence) will generally depend on the UV fluence (sometimes referred to as UV dosage), the microorganism(s) to be treated, the wavelength(s) of the ultraviolet light, and the UV source(s) as well as the medium through which the ultraviolet light travels to the organism(s) to be treated.

There is a relationship between the wavelength and the effective UV dose (fluence). For example, far-UVC may efficiently sterilise some airborne aerosolized viruses with a very low dose of 2 mJ/cm2 of 222-nm Eat.

For a given microorganism, the fluence-response relationship can depend markedly on the strain examined. For example, the fluence (UV dose) (mJ/cm2) for a given log reduction without photoreactivation of Aspergillus brasiliensis using a low-pressure (LP) monochromatic mercury arc lamp source is typically between 90 and 600 mJ/cm2. In contrast, the fluence (UV dose) (mJ/cm2) for a given log reduction without photoreactivation of Escherichia coil using a low-pressure (LP) monochromatic mercury arc lamp source is typically less than 15 mJ/cm2.

The at least one ultraviolet light source will preferably produce UV light at an effective level at the surface to be treated taking the at least the above listed factors into consideration in the design of the system including the at least one ultraviolet light source.

hi an embodiment, the at least one ultraviolet light source will produce UV light in the UVC spectrum at between 0.1 mJ/cm2 to 500 mJ/cm2 incident fluence. Preferably, the incident fluence will heat least 3 mJ/cm2. Typically, the incident fluence will be between 3 nil/cm2 and 300 nil/cm2. The incident fluence can generally be lowered if the volume contains atmospheric air rather than a liquid.

The at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire utilised in the present invention may be mounted anywhere relative to the volume to be treated. Typically, at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will be provided at an elevated position relative to the volume and directed downwardly. At least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will be provided at an elevated position relative to the volume and directed laterally or at an angle. At least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will be provided at a lower position relative to the volume and directed upwardly. At least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will be provided at a lower position relative to the volume and directed laterally or at an angle.

Preferably, more than one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire is provided relative to the volume to ensure that sufficient incident fluence is generated to treat any one or more surfaces within the volume, any articles or objects located within the volume and/or free space within the volume.

The volume to be treated may be large, for example a room or hall within a building, or small, for example, a display case or a bespoke sterilisation container. The volume is preferably defined by one or more walls so that the effectiveness of the at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire can be established to a degree of effectiveness. Any degree of effectiveness can be used but an effectiveness measure related to reduction of microorganisms is preferred.

In smaller volumes such as a display case or a bespoke sterilisation container, one or more a visually transparent, but UVC blocking portions may be provided in or as a part of or as one or more walls defining the volume so that an observer can see that the volume and any items(s) within are undergoing sterilistation. UVC cannot pass through materials such as glass, some acrylics and polycarbonates, and the like and any material such as these could be used.

The at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will preferably include at least two light sources, at least one of which is at least one ultraviolet light source.

The at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire preferably includes a body. The body is preferably the main structural component of the luminaire and other components of the luminaire are preferably mounted relative to the body. This will preferably allow the luminaire to he installed as a single unit.

The body may include a housing or be associated with a housing, for example, mounted within an external housing.

Typically, a housing within which the body is mounted is provided.

The housing may include a cover member. The cover member will normally he at least partially transparent at least to the spectrum of light from the one or more light sources covered by the cover member.

The cover member will normally be fitted relative to the housing to form an enclosure for the body and/or light source(s). The cover member will typically act to protect the light source(s) but allow access as required as well as to allow the light to pass through. The cover member will normally be releasably attached to the housing to allow selective access. A snap fit attachment may be used. One or more hinges may be used.

The at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire may further comprise at least one light diffuser or light diffusion arrangement. A light diffusion arrangement may be associated with the cover member for example.

The at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire may further comprise at least one reflector.

The system for sterilising a volume preferably includes at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire comprising a body, at least one electrical connection associated with the body, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, and a controller associated with the luminaire to selectively activate the at least one ultraviolet light source and at least one sensor positioned relative to the volume to provide a decision gate for the controller to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.

The at least one ultraviolet light source may be provided in any form. The ultraviolet light source will typically be or include at least one UVC-LED. Normally, multiple ultraviolet light sources will be provided to sterilise the volume. The multiple ultraviolet light sources will typically be oriented in different directions to ensure efficient treatment of one or more surfaces within the volume and/or one or more areas of the free space in the volume. Preferably, an adequate number/configuration of ultraviolet light sources will be provided to treat the entirety of the volume including any exposed surfaces and the free space of the volume.

Multiple ultraviolet light sources may be provided in one luminaire or multiple luminaires may be provided, each with at least one ultraviolet light source.

One or more ultraviolet light sources may be provided relative to the ceiling of the volume.

One or more ultraviolet light sources may be provided relative to the floor or base of the volume.

In configurations where multiple ultraviolet light sources are provided, the ultraviolet light sources will preferably be provided in an array. The array may be a regular array. The ultraviolet light sources will preferably be arranged to ensure efficient treatment of the entirety of the volume, or one or more areas or parts of the volume.

The ultraviolet light sources will normally be directed inwardly into the volume. At least some of the ultraviolet light sources may be oriented to be directed towards one or more surfaces within the volume.

One or more reflective surfaces or portions may be provided within the volume to reflect light within the volume.

The system typically includes at least one sensor. The function of the at least one sensor is preferably to provide a decision gate for the controller to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source. The at least one sensor will preferably collect or sense information in relation to the volume and provide the collected/sensed information to the controller so that the controller can determine when the at least one ultraviolet light source should be activated.

Any type(s) of sensor may be used. More than one sensor can be provided.

More than one type of sensor may be provided. If multiple sensors and/or multiple types of sensors are provided in relation to a single volume, the collected/sensed information will preferably he collected/sensed concurrently. The collected/sensed information will normally be provided to the controller for analysis. The controller may use the concurrently collected/sensed information to determine whether the at least one ultraviolet lamp should be activated. Utilising concurrently collected/sensed information allows the controller to cross-check the collected/sensed information in order to arrive at a more reliable/accurate decision on activation of the at least one ultraviolet lamp.

The at least one sensor may comprise at least one heat or thermal sensor. The or each at least one heat or thermal sensor will preferably detect the presence of heat signatures with a heat signature indicating the presence of a living creature (non-plant) within the volume which will preferably prevent activation of the at least one ultraviolet lamp.

The at least one sensor may comprise at least one motion sensor. The or each at 30 least one motion sensor will preferably detect the motion with a motion signature indicating the presence of a living creature (non-plant) within the volume which will preferably prevent activation of the at least one ultraviolet lamp.

The at least one sensor may comprise at least one volumetric sensor. The or each at least one volumetric sensor may preferably collect/sense information relating to the volume to be sterilised. The controller may use this collected/sensed information to determine operational parameters relating to the sterilisation such as number of ultraviolet light sources to be activated (if more than one is provided), the wavelength of operation (if adjustable), the time of operation and the like.

The system may additionally comprise a lock or lock system associated with at 10 least one access door to the volume. The controller may operate the lock or lock system to lock the at least one access door while the at least one ultraviolet lamp is operating.

In use, the controller will typically analyse the collected/sensed information to determine if it is appropriate to activate the at least one ultraviolet lamp. If the decision is made to activate the at least one ultraviolet lamp, the controller will typically first lock the lock or lock system associated with at least one access door to the volume, and then activate the at least one ultraviolet lamp.

The system may additionally comprise at least one cut-out switch, preferably associated with the at least one access door to the volume such that if the or any at least one access door is operated while the at least one ultraviolet lamp is operating, the controller will deactivate the at least one ultraviolet lamp. The at least one cut-out switch may be associated with the at least one access door lock and/or latch such that the operation of the at least one door may include unlocking the door but not opening the door. In other words, the at least one cut-out switch may be associated with the door lock so that if the door lock is unlocked, the at least one cut-out switch is actuated and the controller will deactivate the at least one ultraviolet lamp, preferably before the door is actually opened.

As outlined above, the luminaire and/or system may include at least one coloured light source. The at least one coloured light source will preferably operate concurrently with the at least one ultraviolet light source. The concurrent operation of the at least one coloured light source with the at least one ultraviolet light source will typically act to provide a visual notification that the at least one ultraviolet light source is operating.

The at least one coloured light source may be any colour that can be recognised visually. A blue coloured light is preferred as the wavelength of the blue light is closer to the wavelength of the UV light.

Typically, the components of the system will be connected together or at least connected to the controller so that the controller can control the operation of the components. The connection may be wired or wireless. If wireless, any appropriate communication protocol may be used. A controller may be provided for each luminaire.

A single controller may be provided for all luminaires in a system.

A control system including at least one computer software application may be provided. The at least one computer software application may operate on a system controller to control the operation of one or more luminaires provided relative to a volume. The system may be capable of remote control for example using one or more remote computer devices such as a smartphone or tablet for example, to communicate with the system controller to provide operating instructions.

The at least one computer software application may provide an operator with the ability to control one or more sterilisation parameters such as duration of the operation of the at least one UV light source, the number of UV light sources operated in relation to a volume, power supplied to the at least one UV light source, adjusting the wavelength of UV light or mix of wavelengths, manual start/stop' functionality, setting a timer for operation in off peak times (such as overnight for example), designating times as 'off peak' or any other parameter in relation to at least one ultraviolet light. sterilisation luminaire and/or the system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a luminaire according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a side view of the luminaire illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a sterilisation container including at least one luminaire according to an embodiment.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a sterilisation system for a room or similar including at least one luminaire according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a sterilisation system for a room or similar including at least one luminaire according to a further embodiment.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a sterilisation container including at least. one luminaire according to a further embodiment.

With reference to the accompanying figures, an ultraviolet fight sterilisation luminaire 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The illustrated luminaire 10 comprises a body in the form of a housing 11. The housing 11 has an electrical connection 12 associated to allow connection to a power supply such as mains power. A secondary illumination lamp 13 is associated with the electrical connection 12. An ultraviolet (UVC) lamp 14 is associated with the electrical connection 12. A controller 15 is provided which is associated with both the secondary illumination lamp 13 and the ultraviolet lamp 14 to selectively activate the secondary illumination lamp 13 and the ultraviolet lamp 14 As illustrated, the ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire includes two light sources, one of which is an ultraviolet lamp 14.

The secondary light source may be an illumination lamp 13 to provide lighting in normal operation (white light), to the volume in order to illuminate the volume. If the luminaire is provided in this configuration, the secondary illumination lamp 13 will typically be activated only when the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source is not operating. In this configuration, the at least one secondary illumination source may be used (operated when the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source is not operating) to provide light to illuminate at least a part of the volume and when illumination is not needed, the controller may deactivate the at least one secondary illumination source and then activate the at least one ultraviolet light (UV) source to sterilise at least one surface within the volume. A tertiary illumination source (a third light source) may be provided and operated concurrently with the ultraviolet lamp 14 to provide a visual confirmation (typically in the form of coloured light) that the ultraviolet lamp is operating.

In an alternative embodiment, the secondary light source may be a coloured light lamp 13 to provide visual confirmation (typically in the form of coloured light) that the ultraviolet lamp is operating. In this configuration, the secondary illumination source will normally be operated concurrently with the ultraviolet lamp 14 as UV light is typically outside the normal visible spectrum of a human. A tertiary illumination source (a third light source) may be provided and operated when the ultraviolet lamp 14 is not operating. to provide lighting in normal operation (white light), to the volume in order to illuminate the volume.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire 10 includes a body in the form of a housing 11. The housing 11 is preferably the main structural component of the luminaire 10 and other components of the luminaire 10 are preferably mounted at least partially within the housing 11 although one or more separators may be provided within the housing 11 to shield the controller 15 and electrical connection 12 for example. A reflector (not shown) may be provided as a separator. This will preferably allow the luminaire 10 to be installed as a single unit.

The housing 11 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a cover 16 attached to the housing 11 and movable between an open and a closed position. The cover 16 is at least partially transparent at least to the spectrum of light from the light sources covered by the cover 16.

The cover 16 is fitted relative to the housing to form an enclosure for the body and/or light source(s). The cover 16 is mounted to the housing 16 at one lower corner using one or more hinges 17 and a snap fit catch 18 is provided at an opposite corner to allow the cover 16 to be releasably opened and closed to allow selective access to the lamps 13, 14.

The present invention preferably utilises UVC light with a wavelength typically 30 between 200 to 280 nm.

At least one UV-LED luminaire is preferred over other types of UV lamp. UV-LEDs (or UVC-LEDs) typically produce UV light at or above 250 nm up to approximately 280 nm. Far-UVC light (207-222 nm) can be utilised.

The effectiveness of the UV sterilisation treatment at the microorganism(s) to be treated (incident fluence) will generally depend on the UV fluence (sometimes referred to as UV dosage), the microorganism(s) to be treated, the wavelength( s) of the ultraviolet light, and the UV source( s) as well as the medium through which the ultraviolet light travels to the organism(s) to be treated.

The ultraviolet lamp 14 used will preferably produce UV light at an effective level at the surface to be treated and/or the atmosphere within the volume taking the at least the above listed factors into consideration in the design of any system for use including the characteristics of the ultraviolet light source.

hi an embodiment, the at least one ultraviolet light source will produce UV light in the UVC spectrum at between 0.1 mJ/cm2 to 500 m.1/cm2 incident Iluence.

IS Preferably, the incident fluence will be at least 3 mile m2. Typically, the incident tluence will be between 3 mJ/cm2 and 300 mJ/cm2. The incident fluence can generally be lowered if the volume contains atmospheric air.

Example systems for sterilising a volume 22 are illustrated in Figures 3 to 6. Each of the systems illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 comprise a plurality of ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires 10, each comprising a body, an electrical connection associated with the body, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, and a controller associated with the luminaire to selectively activate the at least one ultraviolet light source. Each of the systems illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 also comprises at least one sensor 19 positioned relative to the volume 22 to provide a decision gate for the controller to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.

Smaller, possibly portable, sterilisation containers are illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 in which the volume is defined by the walls and door 20 of the container. These smaller sterilisation containers will typically be powered by a connection to a mains power supply (not shown).

The systems illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 are configured to sterilise a larger volume. In the case of Figure 4, a store or shop interior is illustrated in which a number of ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires 10 are provided, controlled by a central, system controller. In this embodiment, one or more of the existing light fittings 21 may be provided as ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires.

The ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires utilised in the present invention may be mounted anywhere relative to the volume to be treated. Typically, at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will be provided at an elevated position relative to the volume and directed downwardly. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, there are a pair of ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires 10 located in the roof of the container and directed downwardly. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 4, the luminaires are provided relative to the ceiling or in bulkheads in the store. Typically, the ceiling mounted luminaires are directed vertically downward and the bulkhead-mounted luminaires can be angled.

The system illustrated in Figure 5 is a variation including a plurality of UV-LEDs 23 mounted relative to a ceiling.

The system illustrated in Figure 6 is similar to that of Figure 4 but the door 20 to the container volume is the upper wall of the container and a plurality of UV-LEDs 23 are mounted on an underside of the door 20.

At least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire may be provided at a lower position relative to the volume and directed upwardly. At least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire will be provided at a lower position relative to the volume and directed laterally or at an angle.

In the system illustrated in Figure 3, there are a pair of ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires 10 located in the floor of the container and directed upwardly.

With the upper luminaires and because the volume of the container is quite small, the luminaires typically do not have to be angled in order to sterilise the entire volume.

In the case of the system shown in Figure 4, a number of ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires 10 are provided, some located as a part of the floor and directed upwardly and some located at the lower edge of cabinets and directed upwardly at an angle to ensure that the volume is flooded with UVC light for sterilisation.

The system illustrated in Figure 6 has an array of UVC-LEDs arranged in the base of the container. As with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, with the upper UVC-LEDs and because the volume of the container is quite small, the LEDs typically do not have to be angled in order to sterilise the entire volume. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 also has a platform 24 within the container upon which items to be treated can be placed to help ensure effectiveness to the treatment.

Preferably, the configuration of UV light sources, whether LEDs or luminaires (or a combination) is provided relative to the volume 22 to ensure that sufficient incident fluence is generated to treat any one or more surfaces within the volume 22, any articles or objects located within the volume 22 and/or free space within the volume 22.

As with all of the embodiments in Figures 3 to 6, the volume 22 is preferably defined by one or more walls so that the effectiveness of the at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire 10 can be established to a predetermined measure of effectiveness. Any measure of effectiveness can be used but an effectiveness measure related to reduction of microorganisms is preferred such as log reduction in number of microorganisms.

The at least one ultraviolet light source may be provided in any form. The ultraviolet light source will typically be or include at least one UVC-LED, provided as a part of a luminaire. Normally, multiple ultraviolet light sources will be provided to sterilise the volume. The multiple ultraviolet light sources will typically be oriented in different directions to ensure efficient treatment of one or more surfaces within the volume and/or one or more areas of the free space in the volume. Preferably, an adequate number/configuration of ultraviolet light sources will be provided to treat the entirety of the volume including any exposed surfaces and the free space of the volume.

The system also typically includes at least one sensor 19 to provide a decision gate for the controller 15 to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source. The at least one sensor 19 will preferably collect or sense information in relation to the volume 22 and provide the collected/sensed information to the controller 15 so that the controller 15 can determine when the at least one ultraviolet light source should be activated.

Any type( s) of sensor may be used. More than one sensor can be provided.

More than one type of sensor may be provided. If multiple sensors and/or multiple types of sensors are provided in relation to a single volume, the collected/sensed information will preferably be collected/sensed concurrently. The collected/sensed information will normally be provided to the controller for analysis. The controller may use the concurrently collected/sensed information to determine whether the at least one ultraviolet lamp should be activated. Utilising concurrently collected/sensed information allows the controller to cross-check the collected/sensed information in order to arrive at a more reliable/accurate decision on activation of the at least one ultraviolet lamp.

hi the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the system includes two different sensors.

One of the sensors is a heat or thermal sensor. The heat or thermal sensor will preferably detect the presence of heat signatures within the volume with a heat signature indicating the presence of a living creature (non-plant) within the volume which will preferably prevent activation of the ultraviolet light source. A motion sensor could be used in addition or instead of the heat or thermal sensor, to detect motion within the volume which will preferably prevent activation of the ultraviolet light source.

The other sensor in the system illustrated in Figure 5 is a volumetric sensor to collect/sense information relating to the volume 22 to be sterilised. The controller 15 may use this collected/sensed information to determine operational parameters relating to the sterilisation such as number of ultraviolet light sources to be activated (if more than one is provided), the wavelength of operation (if adjustable). the time of operation and the like.

The system may additionally comprise a lock 27 or lock system associated with at least one access door to the volume 22. The controller 15 may operate the lock 27 or lock system to lock the at least one access door while the at least one ultraviolet lamp is operating.

In use, the controller 15 will typically analyse the collected/sensed information to determine if it is appropriate to activate the at least one ultraviolet lamp. If the decision is made to activate the at least one ultraviolet lamp, the controller 15 will typically first activate the lock 27or lock system associated with at least one access door to the volume 22 to lock it against access, and then activate the at least one ultraviolet lamp preferably with the at least one coloured light source to provide the visual confirmation that the at least one ultraviolet lamp is active.

The system illustrated in Figure 6 comprises at least one cut-out switch or sensor 19, preferably associated with the door 20 to the volume 22 such that if the or any at least one access door 20 is operated while the at least one ultraviolet lamp is operating, the controller 15 will deactivate the at least one ultraviolet lamp.

The at least one coloured light source may be any colour that can be recognised visually. A blue coloured light is preferred as the wavelength of the blue light is closer 20 to the wavelength of the UV light.

The system, particularly a system designed for a larger volume such as a room or store or similar may include a central controller as well as the controller provided in each luminaire. Typically, the components of the system will be connected together or at least connected to the controller so that the controller can control the operation of the components. The connection may be wired or wireless. If wireless, any appropriate communication protocol may be used.

The system allows a completely building integrated system using UVC technology to sterilise, decontaminate and cleanse areas. Ceiling and floor mounted integrated luminaires may be provided and controlled by a software system to ensure human safety in the operation of the UV sterilisation system. This may be particularly useful for high use areas and/or areas that are likely to have increased numbers of microorganisms and/or where sterilisation is particularly important. Areas where sterilisation may be important include hotel rooms for example and cabins on vessels such as trains and ships. Larger scale systems could be used to cleanse retail outlets, shopping centres, public toilets, trains, buses, aircraft, cinemas, etc. In use, the system can preferably only be started (either by timer or manually) when the following sensors confirm to the controller that the circumstances are acceptable for operation: 1. Human/animal life is not present 2. Doors/windows are locked 3. Sterilisation parameters established and the program is set to initialise.

Using this technology, areas such as room or shops and even other enclosed volumes such as means of transport including buses, trains, and/or aircraft can be effectively sterilised with ultraviolet light whilst minimising the danger to living creatures.

The system will therefore preferably allow other advantages to be gained including un-manned sterilisation (via App, onsite/offsite/timer) data logging on the sterilisation (parameters such as when, and the sterilisation protocol used), reporting to a remote location and/or offsite electronic storage (cloud storage), the operation of the system can be logged to store details of the operation including when the volume was sterilised, the duration and other parameters. The logging of the use of the system will also allow other information to be stored such as for example, the lamp hours can be logged for maintenance intervals. Offsite data management and analysis of the system and/or its operation is possible. The log will preferably provide an auditable record of the operation of at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire and/or the system The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A system for sterilising a volume, the system comprising at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire comprising a body, at least one electrical connection associated with the body, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, a controller associated with the luminaire to selectively activate the at least one ultraviolet light source and at least one sensor positioned relative to the volume to provide a decision gate for the controller to activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.
2. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one secondary illumination source associated with the electrical connection, and wherein the controller is arranged to selectively activate the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source.
3. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source emits UVC light.
4. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source comprises at least one UV-LED.
5. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source emits far-UVC light.
6. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a sterilisation program is undertaken when the at least one ultraviolet light source is activated which is optimised to account for one or more of UV flucnce, at least one microorganism to be treated, and at least one wavelength of ultraviolet light to be used.
7. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source produces UVC light at between 0.1 mI/cm2 to 500 nil/cm2 incident fluence.
8. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire is provided at an elevated position relative to the volume and directed downwardly.
9. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire is provided at an elevated position relative to the volume and directed laterally or at an angle.
10. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire is provided at a lower position relative to the volume and directed upwardly.
11. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire is provided at a lower position relative to the volume and directed laterally or at an angle.
12. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is operated until an effectiveness measure related to reduction of microorganisms in at least one part of the volume is achieved.
13. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein multiple ultraviolet, light sterilisation luminaires are provided relative to the volume, each ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire with at least one ultraviolet light source.
14. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein multiple ultraviolet light sources are provided in the or each at least one ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire.
15. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in either claim 13 or claim 14 claims wherein the ultraviolet belt sources are provided in an array to effectively treat the entirety of the volume.
16. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the at least one ultraviolet light source is oriented to be directed towards one or more surfaces within the volume.
17. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein more than one sensor is provided.
18. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein more than one type of sensor is provided.
19. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein information which is collected/sensed is collected/sensed concurrently and the controller cross-checks the collected/sensed information in order to urive at a decision on activation of the at least one ultraviolet light source.
20. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensor is any one or more of at least one heat or thermal sensor or at least one motion sensor. at least one volumetric sensor.
21. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one volumetric sensor to collect/sense information relating to the volume to be sterilised and the controller utilises the collected/sensed information to determine operational parameters for the system.
22. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a lock or lock system associated with at least one access door to the volume and the controller so that the controller operates the lock or lock system to lock the at least one access door while the at least one ultraviolet light.source is operating.
23. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one cut-out switch associated with the at least one access door to the volume and the controller so that the controller deactivate the at least one ultraviolet lamp if the or any at least one access door is operated while the at least one ultraviolet lamp is operating.
24. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one secondary illumination source comprises at least one coloured light source operated concurrently with the at least one ultraviolet lieu source.
25. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein the at least one secondary illumination souicc is activated only when the at least one ultraviolet light source is not operating.
26. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in claim 25 further comprising at least one coloured light source for operation concurrently with the at least one ultraviolet light source.
27. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in claim 24 or claim 26 wherein the at least one coloured light is blue.
28. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed any one of the preceding claims wherein multiple ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaires are provided connected to a central system controller.
29. A system for sterilising a volume as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the volume contains atmospheric air.
30. An ultraviolet light sterilisation luminaire comprising a body, at least one electrical connection associated with the body, at least one ultraviolet light source associated with the electrical connection, at least one secondary illumination source associated with the electrical connection, and a controller associated with the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source to selectively activate the at least one secondary illumination source and the at least one ultraviolet light source.