FILTER UNIT FOR AN ACTIVELY VENTILATED AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filter structure for an actively ventilated air purification system with a filter substrate formed from at least one living moss, which is intended for ventilation along a thickness direction, and with a carrier structure on which the filter substrate is cultivated and arranged.

[0002] Such a filter structure is known from WO 2018 / 202571 A1 and is intended for use in an actively ventilated air purification system. The known filter structure comprises a filter substrate formed from at least one living moss, which is arranged on a carrier structure. A filter mat is provided as the carrier structure. The filter mat can contain mineral wool, coconut fibers, or glass fibers, the latter in the form of a suspended matter filter mat. It is generally known that, to produce the filter structure, the at least one living moss is cultivated on the carrier structure to form the filter substrate. During operation of the air purification system, an air mass flow is conveyed through the filter structure. For this purpose, the air purification system has a ventilation unit in the form of a fan. The conveyed air mass flow flows through or is ventilated through the filter substrate in its thickness direction.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a filter structure of the type mentioned above which enables efficient active aeration and at the same time improved cultivation of the living moss.

[0004] This object is achieved in that the carrier structure has a honeycomb structure formed from a plurality of honeycomb cells in which the filter substrate is cultivated and arranged and whose honeycomb walls extend parallel to the thickness direction of the filter substrate and are designed to be absorbent. The solution according to the invention avoids pressure losses during ventilation of the filter substrate. For this purpose, the invention provides that the carrier structure has a honeycomb structure with a specific design. This specific design provides that the honeycomb walls of the individual honeycomb cells of the honeycomb structure extend parallel to the thickness direction of the filter substrate. When the flow through the filter substrate is directed in the thickness direction of the filter substrate, comparatively low wall friction and dissipation occur on the carrier structure.This counteracts the aforementioned pressure losses and ultimately enables efficient, active ventilation of the filter structure. At the same time, the inventive solution enables a sufficient water supply for the living moss. For this purpose, the honeycomb walls are designed to be absorbent. Due to the absorbent design, the honeycomb walls can absorb water, store it, and release it to the living moss. This advantageously supplies the living moss with water. This enables an improved supply of nutrients and, consequently, improved cultivation of the living moss. The filter substrate can be formed from several living mosses of different species and / or genus. In addition to the at least one living moss, the filter substrate can comprise at least one further living plant. Preferably, the filter substrate consists of a living moss of exactly one species and genus.The honeycomb cells can each have a polygonal or round cross-section. The living moss is arranged in the honeycomb cells and preferably completely fills their volume. When assembled in the air purification system, the thickness direction of the filter substrate is preferably oriented parallel to an air mass flow conveyed through the filter substrate. The honeycomb cells are preferably open at end regions opposite one another in the thickness direction. The absorbent design of the honeycomb walls is preferably achieved by manufacturing the honeycomb walls from an absorbent material. Alternatively or additionally, the honeycomb walls can have an absorbent coating or the like.

[0005] In an embodiment of the invention, the honeycomb cells each form a continuous, longitudinally extending ventilation channel between an air inlet side and an air outlet side of the filter structure. Such a design of the honeycomb cells, open on both sides, can further reduce pressure losses. The air inlet side and the air outlet side are arranged on opposite end faces of the filter structure in the thickness direction of the filter substrate. During active ventilation of the filter structure, an air mass flow flows from the air inlet side through the filter substrate and exits the filter structure on the air outlet side. Preferably, the ventilation channels are each straight, longitudinally extending, although this is not mandatory.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the invention, the honeycomb walls are made of an absorbent material. This allows for simplified production, particularly compared to an absorbent coating of the honeycomb walls. The material is preferably a textile. The textile material can be, for example, a woven, knitted, or braided fabric. The textile material can be made of natural and / or synthetic fibers. Alternatively, the honeycomb walls can advantageously be made of paper, cardboard, and / or paperboard. The entire honeycomb structure is preferably made of absorbent material.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support structure is made from a three-dimensional knitted fabric. Three-dimensional knitted fabrics can also be referred to as 3D knitted fabrics or spacer knitted fabrics and are generally known as such. 3D knitted fabrics are used in particular in the upholstery of motor vehicle seats. Surprisingly, it has been found that producing the support structure from the three-dimensional knitted fabric offers particular advantages with regard to the cultivation of living moss. This is a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The three-dimensional knitted fabric can have courses, wales, and pile wales in a generally known manner. Preferably, the number of courses per centimeter and the number of wales per centimeter are coordinated with one another. In addition, the number of pile wales per square centimeter can be coordinated with the aforementioned ratio.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the wall thickness of the honeycomb walls is tailored to a required moisture content and / or the at least one living moss. A comparatively thick wall thickness enables the absorption, storage, and release of a comparatively large amount of moisture. A comparatively thin wall thickness enables the absorption, storage, and release of a comparatively small amount of moisture. By structurally adapting the wall thickness of the honeycomb walls, the support structure can thus be easily tailored to the species- and / or genus-specific properties of the at least one living moss. This allows for further improved cultivation.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the wall thickness is between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm. The inventors have recognized that this can achieve particular advantages.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the height of the honeycomb cells, extending in the thickness direction, is matched to the required filter performance per unit area. The filter performance per unit area of ​​the filter substrate is determined in particular by its thickness oriented parallel to the flow direction. In a conventional filter structure design with a flat, flatly arranged filter substrate, the thickness of the living moss or the filter substrate cannot be easily influenced. This is because the growth thickness or height of the living moss is usually limited by its specific biological properties. The inventive design of the support structure, in contrast, allows for simple structural adjustment of the height of the honeycomb cells and thus the thickness of the filter substrate. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the height is between 8.5 mm and 25 mm. The aforementioned range of values ​​for the height of the honeycomb cells has proven particularly advantageous in practice.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, a respective cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb cells, defined by the honeycomb walls, is adapted to the at least one living moss. The cross-sectional area can be comparatively smaller or larger depending on the species and / or genus of the living moss. This allows for further improved cultivation of the living moss.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the defined cross-sectional area is between 20.4 mm 2 and 88.6 mm 2 . By dimensioning the cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb cells within the aforementioned value range, a further improved cultivation of the living moss can be achieved.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the honeycomb structure is designed to be dimensionally flexible. "Dimensional flexibility" means that the honeycomb structure is elastically and / or plastically stretchable, compressible, and / or bendable. This allows the support structure to be easily adapted to the shape and / or form of an installation space of the air purification system intended to accommodate the filter structure. The dimensionally flexible design can be achieved in particular by an appropriate choice of material. For this purpose, the honeycomb structure is preferably made of a textile material, particularly preferably of a three-dimensional knitted fabric.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the honeycomb cells are uniformly designed. This allows for a locally uniform distribution of the filter properties. The honeycomb cells are preferably identical in size and shape.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the honeycomb cells each have a diamond-shaped cross-section. Such a design has proven particularly advantageous in practice. In particular, the diamond-shaped cross-section can achieve and / or support sufficient dimensional flexibility of the honeycomb structure.

[0017] The invention also relates to an air purification system with at least one filter structure according to the above description and with at least one ventilation unit provided for actively ventilating the at least one filter structure with an air mass flow. The ventilation unit is preferably designed in the form of a fan or ventilator. During operation of the air purification system, the ventilation unit conveys the air mass flow through the filter structure. The air mass flow can also be referred to as a conveying flow. This achieves active ventilation of the filter structure.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the honeycomb walls of the at least one filter structure are each oriented parallel to the air mass flow generated by the ventilation unit and flowing through the filter structure. This prevents unwanted pressure losses and achieves particularly efficient active ventilation.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, an atomization unit is assigned to the aeration unit, wherein the atomization unit is arranged upstream of the aeration unit in the flow direction of the air mass flow and is configured to atomize water to humidify the air mass flow. The atomization unit increases the humidity of the air mass flow conveyed through the filter structure by means of the aeration unit. To this end, the atomization unit atomizes water. This counteracts the disadvantageous drying out of the at least one living moss in a particularly simple but effective manner. To atomize the water, the atomization unit preferably has at least one atomization or spray nozzle, by means of which the water can be atomized and sprayed into the air mass flow. The atomization creates a water mist or water curtain, which increases the humidity of the air mass flow.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, a ventilated storage structure is assigned to the ventilation unit, wherein the storage structure is arranged downstream of the ventilation unit in the flow direction of the air mass flow and is designed to store and release moisture for humidifying the air mass flow. The storage structure is arranged between the ventilation unit and the at least one filter structure with respect to the flow direction of the air mass flow. The storage structure is designed to be ventilated, so that the air mass flow conveyed by means of the ventilation unit enters the storage structure at one end and exits therefrom at the other end in the direction of the at least one filter structure. For this purpose, the storage structure can in particular have a porous, open-pored, sponge-like, honeycomb-shaped or other shape that ensures ventilation. The storage structure is designed to store the moisture orof water. As a result of the active ventilation of the storage structure, the moisture stored therein is released into the air mass flow, thus humidifying it. This can counteract the undesirable drying out of at least one living moss in a particularly simple yet effective way.

[0021] Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated by the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an air purification system according to the invention, which is provided with several filter structures according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein individual components and / or sections are hidden in the drawing, Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of one of the filter structures according to Fig. 1 with a carrier structure and a filter substrate, Fig. 3 in a cut-off perspective detail view of an area III of the filter structures according to Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 in a schematically highly simplified cross-sectional representation of a partial area of ​​the carrier structure, Fig. 5 a schematically highly simplified and partially cut-off longitudinal sectional representation of the carrier structure and Fig. 6 a schematically highly simplified, flow diagram-like representation of a further embodiment of an air purification system according to the invention.

[0022] According to Fig. 1 An air purification system 1 is provided for filtering ambient air and, to this extent, for improving air quality in traffic-laden urban areas. The air purification system 1 has a plurality of filter structures 2, which in this case are arranged adjacent to one another on a substantially vertically extending support frame 3 in the width and height directions of the support frame 3. For reasons of improved clarity of illustration, only four filter structures 2 are shown here. In the embodiment shown, the support frame 3 is designed in the form of a screwed sheet metal profile construction and is supported on a horizontally oriented mounting surface 5 by means of two support frames 4.

[0023] In addition, the air purification system 1 has a plurality of ventilation units 6, wherein in the present case, each filter structure 2 is assigned a ventilation unit 6. In the embodiment shown, the ventilation units 6 are each designed in the form of an electrically driven fan 6. During operation of the air purification system 1, each ventilation unit 6 conveys an air mass flow M through the filter structure 2 assigned to it. In contrast to a mere wind-driven flow against the filter structures 2, this can thus also be referred to as active ventilation. During active ventilation, the filter units 2 are arranged in the thickness direction Z ( Fig. 2 ). In other words, the air mass flow M is directed parallel or antiparallel to the thickness direction Z.

[0024] As shown by the Fig. 2 und 3 As can be seen, the filter structures 2 each comprise at least one living moss 7, which is arranged and cultivated on a support structure 9 to form a filter substrate 8. The living moss 7 or the filter substrate 8 serves as an air filter for filtering the ambient air. The support structure 9 carries and supports the filter substrate 8 and simultaneously functions as a substrate during the cultivation of the living moss 7 to form the filter substrate 8.

[0025] To avoid repetition, only one of the filter structures 2 will be referred to below. Fig. 1 The relevant disclosure applies accordingly to the remaining filter structures 2 of the air purification system 1.

[0026] In order to enable the most efficient active aeration of the filter structure 2 and, at the same time, advantageous cultivation of the living moss 7, the support structure 9 has a specific honeycomb structure W. The honeycomb structure W is formed from a plurality of honeycomb cells 10. The living moss 7 or the filter substrate 8 is arranged and cultivated in the honeycomb cells 10. The honeycomb cells 10 are bordered by honeycomb walls 11. To avoid pressure losses during active aeration, the honeycomb walls 11 extend parallel to the thickness direction Z of the filter substrate 8. In addition, the honeycomb walls 11 are designed to be absorbent in a manner described in more detail below. Due to their absorbent design, the honeycomb walls 11 can absorb and store moisture, and release it to the living moss 7 or the filter substrate 8.This counteracts, in particular, the detrimental drying out of the filter substrate 8 and thus a lack of nutrients for the living moss 7. This enables particularly advantageous cultivation of the living moss 7 both during the cultivation of the filter substrate 8 and during subsequent filter operation.

[0027] In the embodiment shown, the honeycomb cells 10 each extend continuously between an air inlet side LE and an air outlet side LA of the filter structure 2. In this way, the honeycomb cells 10 each form a ventilation channel 12 that is open on both sides. During active ventilation of the filter structure 2 by means of the ventilation unit 6, the ambient air to be filtered flows from the air inlet side LE into the honeycomb cells 10 or the ventilation channels 12, is guided and filtered by the living moss 7 arranged in the honeycomb cells 10 or the ventilation channels 12, and exits the filter structure 2 on the air outlet side LA. In the embodiment shown, the honeycomb walls 11 are each straight and flat, so that the ventilation channels 12 run straight and without curvature.

[0028] In an embodiment not shown, the thickness direction Z can have a curved profile. In this embodiment not shown, the honeycomb walls 11 and the ventilation channels 12 are also curved.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the support structure 9 is made of a three-dimensional knitted fabric. The three-dimensional knitted fabric can also be referred to as a 3D knitted fabric or spacer knitted fabric. The three-dimensional knitted fabric has absorbent properties. The three-dimensional knitted fabric can be made of a textile material, in particular natural and / or synthetic fibers.

[0030] A based on the Fig. 4 und 5 The visible wall thickness T of the honeycomb walls 11 is not to scale. Depending on the dimensioning of the wall thickness T, the honeycomb walls 11 can absorb, store, and release a comparatively larger or smaller amount of moisture to the living moss 7. The wall thickness T can be structurally adjusted using simple means. In this way, the water-storing properties of the support structure 9 can be adapted to a specific species and / or genus and the associated specific water requirements of the living moss 7.

[0031] Furthermore, the support structure 9 has a height H extending in the thickness direction Z ( Fig. 5 ). The filter performance of the filter structure 2 can be easily varied by structurally adjusting the height H. This is because the height H is decisive for the volume of the living moss 7 or the filter substrate 8 arranged in the honeycomb cells 10. Depending on the volume of the living moss per unit area - relative to an XY plane - different filter performances result.

[0032] Furthermore, the honeycomb cells 10 each have a cross-sectional area Q delimited by the honeycomb walls 11. The cross-sectional area Q is to be understood in relation to an XY plane spanned between a longitudinal direction X and a transverse direction Y of the filter structure 2 ( Fig. 4 ). The cross-sectional area Q is tailored to the specific requirements of the species and / or genus of the living moss 7. Depending on the species and / or genus, comparatively narrow or wide honeycomb cells 10 may be advantageous for cultivating the living moss 7.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the honeycomb cells 10 each have an approximately diamond-shaped basic shape ( Fig. 4 ). However, such a design is not mandatory. In an embodiment not shown, the honeycomb cells can be triangular, pentagonal, or any desired polygonal, rounded, elliptical, or circular in cross-section, deviating from the present design.

[0034] The Fig. 2 The apparent mat-like shape of the filter structure 2 can be adapted to different installation situations as needed. This adaptability results from the flexible design of the support structure 9 and the inherent flexibility of the living moss 7. The flexible design of the support structure 9 results from the material selected for the honeycomb walls 11. In the embodiment shown, the entire support structure 9 is made of the aforementioned nonwoven fabric.

[0035] Based on Fig. 6 A schematically highly simplified and flowchart-like representation of a further embodiment of the air purification system is shown, in which an atomization unit 20 and a storage structure 30 are assigned to the ventilation unit 6. The atomization unit 20 is arranged upstream of the ventilation unit 6 in the main flow direction of the air mass flow M and is configured to atomize water to humidify the air mass flow M. By means of the atomization unit 20, water is atomized into a fine mist or water veil and introduced into the air mass flow M. This increases the air humidity of the air mass flow M and counteracts the drying out of the at least one living moss of the filter structure 2. To atomize the water, the atomization unit 20 can have at least one spray nozzle or the like.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, a storage structure 30 is also provided and arranged in the flow direction of the air mass flow M between the ventilation unit 6 and the filter structure 2. The storage structure 30 is designed to be ventilated, so that the air mass flow M conveyed by means of the ventilation unit 6 enters the storage structure 30 at one end and exits the storage structure 30 at the other end in the direction of the filter structure 2. The storage structure 30 is designed to store and release moisture or water for humidifying the air mass flow M. For this purpose, the storage structure 30 can in particular have a porous, open-pored, sponge-shaped, honeycomb-shaped or other design suitable for ventilation as well as storing and releasing water.

[0037] When using Fig. 6In the embodiment shown, the atomization unit 20 and the storage structure 30 are provided in combination, although this is not absolutely necessary. In an embodiment not shown, only the atomization unit is provided. In a further embodiment not shown, only the storage structure is provided.

Claims

1. A filter fabric (2) for an actively ventilated air purification system (1) having a filter substrate (8) formed from at least one live moss (7) and provided along a thickness direction (Z) for ventilation, and having a carrier fabric (9) on which the filter substrate (8) is cultivated and arranged, characterized in that the carrier fabric (9) has a honeycomb structure (W) formed from a plurality of honeycomb cells (10) in which the filter substrate (8) is cultivated and arranged and whose honeycomb walls (11) extend parallel to the thickness direction (Z) of the filter substrate (8) and are designed to be absorbent.

2. The filter fabric (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the honeycomb cells (10) each form a continuously and longitudinally extending ventilation duct (12) between an air inlet side (LE) and an air outlet side (LA) of the filter fabric (2).

3. The filter fabric (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the honeycomb walls (11) are made from an absorbent material.

4. The filter fabric (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier fabric (9) is made from a three-dimensional knitted fabric.

5. The filter fabric (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a wall thickness (T) of the honeycomb walls (11) is adapted to a required moisture quantity and / or to the at least one live moss (7).

6. The filter fabric (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the wall thickness (T) is between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm.

7. The filter fabric (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a height (H) of the honeycomb cells (10) extending in the thickness direction (Z) is adapted to a required filter capacity per unit of area.

8. The filter fabric (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the height (H) is between 8.5 mm and 25 mm.

9. The filter fabric (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective cross-sectional area (Q) of the honeycomb cells (10) enclosed by the honeycomb walls (11) is adapted to the at least one live moss (7).

10. The filter fabric (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the enclosed cross-sectional area (Q) is between 20.4 mm2 and 88.6 mm2.

11. The filter fabric (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the honeycomb structure (W) is designed in yielding form and / or that the honeycomb cells (10) are designed uniform and / or that the honeycomb cells (10) each have a rhombic cross-sectional form.

12. An air purification system (1) having at least one filter fabric (2) according to any of the preceding claims and at least one ventilation unit (6) provided for active ventilation of the at least one filter fabric (2) with an air mass flow (M).

13. The air purification system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the honeycomb walls (11) of the at least one filter fabric (2) are each oriented parallel to the air mass flow (M) effected by means of the ventilation unit (6) and flowing through the filter fabric (2).

14. The air purification system (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that an atomizing unit (20) is associated with the ventilation unit (6), wherein the atomizing unit (20) is upstream of the ventilation unit (6) in the flow direction of the air mass flow (M) and is configured to atomize water for moistening the air mass flow (M).

15. The air purification system (1) according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a ventilatable storage fabric (30) is associated with the ventilation unit (6), wherein the storage fabric (30) is downstream of the ventilation unit (6) in the flow direction of the air mass flow (M) and is configured to store and dispense moisture for moistening the air mass flow (M).