Refrigerator air ionizer: principle of operation, types and specifications

Over time, unpleasant odors accumulate in the refrigerator, fungus and bacteria develop, which causes food to spoil faster. The solution can be an air ionizer for refrigerators, which successfully copes with overcoming the above problems.

purpose

A refrigerator is a closed space in which, sooner or later, chemical gaseous elements will begin to accumulate. The air is gradually polluted and is only slightly “purified” when the refrigerator is opened due to the fresh air from outside.

Under such conditions, the number of negatively charged ions is below normal. This affects the freshness of products and promotes the development of bacterial microorganisms. The ionizer is designed to solve these problems by constantly saturating the air with ions with a negative charge.

Additionally, the ionizer is capable of:

• reduce viral infections (including on products);
• neutralize allergens;
• increase the freshness of food, as well as minimize the rate of spoilage;
• clean the air from unpleasant odors;
• humidify the air in the refrigerator compartment, etc.

The principle of operation of the device

The ionizer is a small device that runs on batteries. It has a grid that is energized, which creates negatively charged ions. By itself, oxygen does not have the necessary properties, but circulating through the electric field created by the grid, the molecules are ionized.

In more detail, this process is as follows:

• inside the device in the grid area there are two electrodes with sharp ends;
• one of them has a positive charge, and the other is negative;
• when voltage is applied to them, a corona discharge is created;
• a certain amount of negatively charged ions appears in the process;
• they mix with oxygen molecules, saturating the air with ions.

It is important to note that bacteria live in many places, and are not the worst microorganisms. But if you give them the opportunity to develop, they will begin to negatively affect the products and cause them to spoil (which the ionizer also successfully copes with, significantly reducing the activity of bacteria in general).

The device can be located both inside the refrigerator and outside (on the door). It turns on by simply pressing the «Start» button.

Specifications

When choosing an ionizer for a refrigerator, you need to pay attention to 2 key indicators:

1. The number of ions produced. more precisely, the area covered by them. In refrigerators, it is measured in liters, as in the characteristics of ionizers.
2. Electricity consumption. By themselves, ionizers do not spend a lot of electricity, but if unnaturally high indicators are indicated on the box, you should refuse to buy.

Even the most powerful portable ionizer does not consume more than 10-15 W per hour of operation, and they are in the phase of active creation of ions for only 30 seconds (with pauses of 3-5 minutes). Monthly energy costs will be negligible, which is a big plus of these devices.

Types and features of ionizers

Ionizers are of different types. In general, there are 3 types of devices:

• electrostatic, with self-cleaning functions;
• unipolar, producing only negatively charged particles;
• bipolar, creating both negatively and positively charged particles.

It is impossible to say exactly what kind of model is best suited for the refrigerator. It all depends on the individual preferences of the owner.

Electrostatic filters

Such ionizers are able to very efficiently and effectively purify the air from dust, dirt, mold, etc. The main disadvantage is the weak formation of negatively charged ions.

The principle of their work is as follows:

1. The device is a set of metal plates with stretched metal threads.
2. A potential difference of several kW is created between them. This creates a strong electric field.
3. A corona charge is formed on the surface of the filaments, causing the creation of ionic particles.
4. Polluted air passes through them, and bad oxygen molecules (dust, odors), being ionized, settle on the plates.

Electrostatic ionizers qualitatively purify the air from unpleasant odors in the refrigerator.

But the amount of negatively charged ions released is too small, and therefore it is rational to use them for unpleasant odors, but nothing more.

Unipolar ionizers

Significantly increase the concentration of oxygen, produce a significant amount of ions, but do not do a very good job of purifying the air. They take significantly longer to remove unpleasant odors in the refrigerator.

Bipolar ionizers

Able to produce not only negatively, but also positively charged particles. They can work all day and do not need additional settings or actions. Such devices are able to extend the shelf life of products, prevent the formation of unpleasant odors.

The peculiarity of bipolar ionizers is as follows:

• due to the creation of a different charge of the particles, they are formed into radicals «OH» (oxygen and hydrogen);
• these radicals take hydrogen from proteins found on the surfaces of fungi, bacteria, and mold spores;
• bipolar devices not only fight microorganisms, but literally destroy them;
• The end product of this process is ordinary water.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ionizers in the refrigerator have a wide spectrum pluses:

• eliminate pathogens in the form of viruses, bacteria and allergens;
• neutralize unpleasant odors;
• increase the shelf life of products (due to the destruction of harmful microorganisms);
• reduce the harmful effects of toxins released into the air, for example, from plastic containers;
• the use of the device is safe for computers, microwave ovens and other household appliances;
• economical;
• easy to operate.

But minuses also exist:

• using the device in a refrigerator, if there is a low level of humidity, causes electrification of the air, the likelihood of a static discharge increases (not critical, but rather unpleasant);
• with frequent opening of the refrigerator, ions will enter the room, causing supersaturation of the air, which can cause respiratory diseases;
• it is necessary to carry out constant wet cleaning due to the dust accumulating during the cleaning process;
• some models produce ozone, the excess of which can lead to chemical poisoning.

Contraindications

There are strict contraindications for the use of air ionizers in residential premises (this also applies to refrigerators):

1. People with cancer. Ionized oxygen increases the activity of all cells and accelerates their growth. And the rapid development of malignant tumors and the spread of tumors is a bad idea for cancer patients.
2. Individual intolerance. If the air ionizer has not been used before, you need to make sure that there is no individual intolerance. People feel normal at low concentrations of ions. But we must not forget that the device significantly increases their content in the air.
3. Other health problems. Even a short exposure to an ionizer can cause a deterioration in well-being.

Having found changes in well-being, it would be more correct to turn off the device.

Side effects

When you turn on the device for the first time, you may experience side effects such as fatigue or dizziness. This is normal for an unprepared organism, accustomed to other conditions and air quality.

After a while (no more than 1-2 days), the body will begin to get used to it, and the side effects will stop bothering you.

But sometimes the state of health continues to deteriorate, and problems appear:

• with vision;
• with breath;
• heartbeat;
• pressure.

If there are any, you need to turn off the ionizer and consult a doctor. If a person sits in the kitchen and feels unwell, the refrigerator or ionizer could break. Negatively charged particles will enter the room, negatively affecting people.

Popular models of ionizers

It can be difficult to choose a suitable device for air ionization in the refrigerator, because each model has different characteristics, indicators, etc. In this case, an overview of the most popular models at the present time will help.

Aircomfort GH-2139 White

Pretty good air ionizer for the refrigerator. Capable:

• effectively eliminate odors;
• destroy pesticides and herbicides;
• reduce food spoilage, etc.

This unit is powered by 3 AAA batteries, which need to be replaced every 2-3 months (depending on the operating time and the quality of the batteries themselves).

Of the advantages, buyers note the possibility of buying not only just such a model, but also many others that have additional functions. They can be fans (they spread charged particles more strongly), devices for increasing the degree of purification, etc.

The model does not have a complex structure, and its price is in the range of 1,900-2,000 rubles.

ZENET XJ-2200

A more expensive model of an ionizer for a refrigerator (3,700-3,800 rubles) is characterized by increased energy consumption (25 W / h), but also more serious cleaning / ionization abilities.

Can be used in large rooms or offices, as it covers an area up to 25 square meters. m. Shows itself well in large refrigerators, constantly clogged with food (especially perishable).

ZENET XJ-100

Another model from the previous manufacturer, but much more budgetary (about 800 rubles). The device has all the necessary characteristics, is able to work with identical efficiency, but covers an area of ​​​​only 1 cubic meter. m (enough for a standard size refrigerator).

The downside is that it takes 4 batteries to operate with an identical lifespan (120 days). Nevertheless, this ionizer is very popular among buyers who note its high efficiency.

You need to purchase an air ionizer for the refrigerator, focusing on personal needs. If a small and compact device is enough, it is worth taking it. There is a wide variety of different types of models.