Device for Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 Using UVC LEDs

Abstract

In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need for disinfecting devices that can be used both indoors and in transport. Currently, the most common of these devices are ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamps. However, they have significant disadvantages, such as short service life, presence of mercury, lack of flexible control, large dimensions, etc. The paper analyzes the sources of UV radiation to find an alternative to UV lamps. Although these elements currently have low efficiency and high cost, etc., it is proposed to use UVC LEDs as a UV source. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the general interest in the fight against viruses, as well as the ban on the use of mercury, investments have been attracted in the development of UVC LEDs, which will make them competitive in the future compared to germicidal lamps both in cost and efficiency. The paper presents a disinfection device developed on the basis of UVC LEDs. The principle of operation is described; the control system, the drawing, and the design of the UVC LED-based disinfection device are presented. Due to the described limitations of UVC LEDs, this design can be used for disinfection of small surface areas where frequent on/off switching is required and high power is not required.