The whole world is in a state of shock after the novel coronavirus pandemic impacted lakhs of people’s lives. So far, over 9.4 lakh people have passed away linked to coronavirus and over 30 million people were affected by the virus infection. Thankfully, over 20.4 million people have recovered from the deadly outbreak.
With COVID-19 continuing to spread across the world like wildfire, we’re all getting extremely cautious about the surfaces we touch, food we eat and even the air we breathe. Researchers claim that the COVID-19 is airborne. In such a situation, our fear of the virus increases even more.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, researchers at Lovely Professional University in India have developed a novel device to help disinfect air with the help of air conditioners. The device uses an asset of ultraviolet tubes to emit viruses in the air that emit rays in a special wavelength.
The special thing about this device is that it does not take time to boot and it becomes active with AC turned on. The sensing unit activates the tube of the device. An indicator has been placed inside the unit which slows when the tubes need to be replaced.
This device is being made by Mahesh Kotni, a student of BTech (Electrical and Electronic Engineering). For this Mahesh has worked under the guidance of Dr. Saurabh Lakhanpal Associate Professor and Additional Dean Student Welfare Head Mandeep Singh, Assistant Professor Rahul Amin Chaudhary of the University.
It took Mahesh a month to develop a working prototype of the device. The cost of each model of the device is between 1500 to 2000 rupees. Mahesh said that he expects prices to decrease further after mass production. This type of device can be helpful in closed places such as restaurants, gyms, or movie theaters where a large number of people often gather.
Kotni shares, “We developed this new device that helps in reducing the spread of the virus in closed places. Enclosed public areas, a category that basically includes all retail and F&B; has been severally affected by people’s unwillingness to set out despite them following social distancing norms as people fear contracting the virus from AC. This device can help to boost safety at all of these places.”
