UV-C LED technology on the rise: a revolution in efficiency

Regular cleaning and disinfection practices are now part of everyday life as the whole world is now learning to live with the Corona virus. In addition to the classic disinfection methods, more and more technology intended to ensure better hygiene is becoming a part of our everyday lives. UV-C radiation has already proven itself in numerous field applications for the disinfection of surfaces.

Technical and price improvements for market readiness

Thanks to technical improvements, disinfection with UV-C LED radiation sources can now be implemented more safely, cost-effectively and practically. Thanks to the rapid progress in LED technology, the mercury-containing UV-C tubes 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 of spaces.

Three new applications with UV-C LEDs are presented below, which ensure better hygiene in humid environments. The ideas of the concepts can be optimally adapted to the individual specifications of the end devices and converted into market-free solutions as early as 2022.

UV-C LEDs for water disinfection in household appliances

The sterilization of water by irradiation with UV-C mercury lamps is already an established technology. In order for UV-C LED technology to completely replace mercury lamps, efficiency, service life and, last but not least, price must improve even further.

However, the level of development of UV-C LEDs already enables the disinfection of smaller amounts of water. In a tank volume of up to approx. 10 liters, 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 performance immediately after switching on. In addition to the water tank, small areas can also be disinfected that are otherwise difficult to reach and where a few drops of water are left behind, which can provide a breeding ground for germs. The compact design of the UV-C LEDs enables installation 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 Federal Environment Agency, tap water in Germany is of very good quality everywhere. Nevertheless, in rare cases, germs can settle in pipe systems and reach people through the tap water. As an additional protective measure, water sterilization in the tap is appropriate where there are people with an increased risk, such as e.g. B. Elderly people or people whose immune system is weakened (hospital or nursing homes).

In this application, the maximum flow of the water is relevant in order to achieve a reliable 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 dwell 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 point in the water pipe system.

UV-C LEDs for better hygiene and odor elimination in humid environments

Safely protected against water in a housing (IP67) with a radiation-permeable cover pane, a UV-C LED module can ensure thorough hygiene in a humid environment. Depending on the installation space situation, the module can be optimally adapted to the cleaning task in terms of its design and radiation properties.

In a closed area, the UV-C radiation source with the surface irradiation can inactivate the growing number of microorganisms over time. This also prevents odors from forming, for example if a dishwasher is not used for a long period of time. This cleaning principle can also be transferred to industrial car washes, refrigerators or ice cube machines.

Convincing benefits of UV-C LED technologies

The UV-C LEDs from leading quality manufacturers are currently undergoing rapid improvement in all technical parameters, while the purchase price is falling at the same time. Higher manufacturing costs can be offset with the design flexibility and technical advantages of UV-C LEDs.

• Very high dosage due to high radiation density with good beam shaping
• Combination of different wavelengths to get the best result
• Fast turn-on and unlimited switching cycles for mobile, fast and automated applications
• Robust against physical loads and long system service life
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable: no mercury and no ozone, almost maintenance-free
• Enables intelligent and safe use of UV-C radiation = control concepts that prevent contact with living beings and enable precise dosing ("As little as possible, as much as needed!")