Filter system for an electronic equipment enclosure

Abstract

A filter system including a method for self cleaning the filter system of an electronic equipment enclosure where air flow is monitored either by monitoring fan performance or air flow velocity through the enclosure. The system includes two filters elements, an upstream ASHRAE or HEPA filter element to block particulate matter and a downstream PTFE filter element to block water vapor. The ASHRAE or HEPA filter element is relatively inexpensive and easy to clean. The PTFE filter element is more expensive and difficult to clean. Thus, the cheaper filter is used to protect the more expensive filter from contaminants and to increase its useful life. The method of self cleaning includes stopping the fan when a signal is received indicating a predetermined resistance to air flow which is a function of blockage of the filter elements, thereafter operating the fan at an increased rotational velocity to determine whether the fan itself is malfunctioning, thereafter slowing and stopping the fan to allow the fan to be reversed, rotating the fan in reverse for a predetermined period of time, such as five minutes, thereafter slowing and stopping the fan and returning the fan to its usual rotational velocity and direction. If the resistance to air flow is still above a predetermined level, the fan is again slowed, stopped and reversed and then returned to normal operation. The reversal operation can be conducted a multiple number of times, however, after a predetermined number, a signal is sent requesting maintenance.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Not applicable. STATEMENT RE FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to a filter system, and more particularly to a two filter element system for filtering particulate matter from an air flow path at an upstream location and water vapor at a downstream location. [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art [0006] Electronic equipment enclosures are often located out-of-doors. Examples of such electronic hardware are telecommunication equipment, cable television equipment and data transmission equipment. Often this class of equipment is referred to as “outside plant equipment” and / or “remote terminals.” Also, it is well known that this equipment generates heat and undesirable gas so that some sort of cooling and / or ventilation is required. Further, this outside plant equipment may be located just about any place on earth, where it may...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a filter system for electronic equipment enclosures that includes two filter elements: one for particulate matter and one for water vapor. This two-filter system blocks harmful contaminants from entering the enclosure and protects the more expensive water vapor filter from being damaged by the less expensive particulate filter. The invention also allows for the use of commercial grade components without the added cost of hardening them for harsh climatic deployments. Overall, the invention improves the efficiency and reliability of electronic equipment enclosures in various environments."

Problems solved by technology

Often this class of equipment is referred to as “outside plant equipment” and / or “remote terminals.” Also, it is well known that this equipment generates heat and undesirable gas so that some sort of cooling and / or ventilation is required.

For example, humidity, salt, fog, oil, dust, rain and the like tend to degrade the performance of and potentially destroy electronic equipment that has not been properly “hardened” to allow deployment in harsh environments.

Even some indoor environments are considered harsh.

Corrosion ensues and may be increased when contaminated with industrial pollutants, such as chlorides and sulfides.

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