Whirlpool Corporation
ANTIMICROBIAL AIR DUCTS

Abstract:

A refrigerator includes a cabinet coupled to one or more doors forming a storage compartment and an air purifying duct system positioned in the storage compartment. The air purifying duct system includes an air duct in fluid communication with the storage compartment; a fan configured to circulate air between the storage compartment and air duct; a photocatalyst disposed on a portion of the interior surface; one or more LEDs positioned to project light across the air duct and onto the photocatalyst; and an air circulation path configured to direct pathogens within the storage compartment into the air duct using the fan and circulate purified air into the storage compartment.