Ionization air purification system for the passenger cabin of a vehicle

An ionization air purification system for a passenger cabin of a vehicle comprising:

• an air ionization device for purifying an air stream while minimizing production of ozone as a by-product;
• and
• a control device configured to adjust a degree of ionization by modifying energy levels applied to the ionization device;
• wherein the air ionization device incorporates a glass or fiberglass dielectric member positioned between an anode and a cathode;
• wherein the air ionization device is configured to produce balanced quantities of both positive ions and negative ions occurring alternately so that the ions are dispersed in an alternate fashion to avoid re-combination and opportunity to form ozone;
• wherein the air ionization device is configured to operate at a voltage in a range of 1,350-4,500 VAC (volts alternating current) to minimize a conversion by free electrons of dioxygen to ozone,
• wherein in a first mode of operation, the control device is configured to control the passage of the air stream through the air ionization device to remove contaminants prior to entering into the passenger cabin of the vehicle, and to adjust the degree of ionization by modifying the energy levels applied to the ionization device proportional to a change in air flow dynamics and air quality;
• and
• wherein in a second mode of operation, the control device is configured to operate the air ionization device for a predetermined period of time with the vehicle turned off and with an air blower for the air stream turned off, in order to allow a concentration of ions from the air ionization device to interact with microbial contaminants in a cabin air filter.