Air filter with integrated sensor system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter module (100) for filtering air (101) from at least part of a building or air (101) from an exhaust air cleaning unit for a production process, wherein the filter module (100) has a filter body (110) which filters the air (101) flowing through it of air-accompanying substances, and has at least one sensor (112) having sensor electronics. The sensor (112) is configured to measure a value of an analysis parameter for the analysis of the air-accompanying substances and / or the quality of the air (101). The filter body (110) and the sensor (112) are designed and arranged with respect to each other such that, when air is flowing through the filter module (100), the value of the analysis parameter measured by the sensor (112) corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analysis parameter averaged over the total air flow. The filter body (110) is designed such that a pressure drop across the filter body (110) is less than 2500 pascal at an air volume per square metre of filter surface and hour below 450 m³ / (m²xh) and a speed of the volume flow is in the range from 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

Description

[0001] Air filter with integrated sensors

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a filter module and a method for filtering air from at least part of a building or from an exhaust air purification unit of a production process using at least one sensor with sensor electronics. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter system comprising the filter module.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Ventilation systems ensure the ventilation and de-aeration of rooms within buildings and contain filter systems for filtering pollutants from the air. The filter systems contain sensors that measure the quality of the air and the contaminants it carries. The ever-changing measurement requirements of sensors in ventilation systems are difficult to implement, as ventilation systems have a lifespan of 10 to 30 years, and their planning typically begins two years before commissioning. The ever-increasing demands on the accuracy of measured values ​​regarding airflow data are making it increasingly difficult to integrate sensor systems into ventilation systems that meet future measurement requirements over a long operating period and are low-maintenance or even maintenance-free.

[0006] In addition, the internal flow conditions change with the age of ventilation systems because the bare interior surfaces at the time of installation become covered with biofilm or solid deposits. This means that small sensors, in particular, do not have consistent operating conditions for measurements throughout the entire service life of a system. These problems arise in downstream areas, particularly at pipe bends. Since the initially scheduled cleaning of the interior surfaces of pipes in ventilation systems is very rarely carried out, dust deposits and biofilm formation can shift air vortex zones, thus distorting measured values.

[0007] Representation of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter solution which allows an exact analysis of the air to be filtered over the entire service life of a ventilation system.

[0009] This object is achieved with a filter module and a method for filtering air from at least part of a building or air from an exhaust air purification unit of a production process according to the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a filter module for filtering air from at least part of a building or from an exhaust air purification unit of a production process is described. The filter module has a filter body that filters the air flowing through it of contaminants, and at least one sensor with sensor electronics. The sensor is configured to measure a value of an analysis parameter for analyzing the contaminants and / or the air quality. The filter body and the sensor are designed and arranged in relation to one another such that, when air flows through the filter module, the value of the analysis parameter measured by the sensor corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analysis parameter averaged over the entire air flow. The filter body is designed such that a pressure drop across the filter body is less than 2500 Pascal at an air volume per square meter of filter area and hour of less than 600 m 3 / (m2 xh) and a volume flow velocity in the range 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

[0011] According to a further aspect, a filter system is described which has a control unit and at least one filter module as described above, wherein the at least one filter module is coupled to the control unit for exchanging analysis data, wherein the at least one filter module is coupled to the control unit for exchanging analysis data relating to the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality.

[0012] According to a further aspect, a method for filtering air from at least part of a building or air from an exhaust air purification unit of a production process with a replaceable filter module as described above is described.

[0013] A filter system according to the invention is typically used in buildings for filtering and purifying air, or also for purifying air in production processes in factories. For this purpose, a filter system comprises, for example, active flow generators, such as fans, or is integrated into a building's ventilation system, which, for example, has a central active flow generator.

[0014] The filter system comprises, for example, a housing in which a filter module is arranged or in which a plurality of filter modules are arranged in series along the direction of air flow through the filter system or parallel to the flow direction. The filter module comprises, for example, a flat filter material that is fixed in a circumferential support frame. The filter module can be designed as a pocket filter, with a plurality of pockets of filter material being fastened in the support frame and the air flow being introduced into the pockets to filter the incoming air. Furthermore, the filter module can also be designed as a cartridge filter, bag filter, candle filter, compact filter, or HEPA filter.

[0015] The filter module according to the invention and in particular the filter material is designed such that at a volume flow speed of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s through the filter body, the pressure drop of the air flowing through the filter body is less than 2500 Pascal at an air volume per square meter of filter area per hour of less than 600 m 3 / (m 2 xh). Accordingly, the filter module is designed to clean large air masses with low pressure loss. These values ​​can be adjusted structurally, particularly through the selection of the filter material and the corresponding pore sizes and fabric structures of the filter material.

[0016] The filter module, in particular, comprises the filter body with a filter area that performs the function of filtering the air. According to the invention, the sensor is arranged relative to the filter area such that, for a pressure drop range of 10 Pa to 450 Pa, in particular up to 250 Pa or even up to 150 Pa, the composition of the air flow at the sensor across the filter module changes little or less than 40% compared to the composition in the filter area. The sensor is configured relative to the filter area such that the air in the analysis area comes into contact with over 90% of the same airborne substances or air particles as in the filter area. The filter performance of the filter module according to the invention, in particular of the filter area, is measured, for example, according to EN ISO 16890 and is better than 50% for one of the classes "ISO Coarse," "ISO ePM10," "ISO ePM2.5," or "ISO ePM1."If the filter module is operated within these parameters, the arrangement of the sensor and the filter body proposed in the invention allows the sensor to come into contact with the same airborne substances and / or air quantities as the filter body to a greater than 90% extent.

[0017] This configuration is achieved, in particular, when the sensor is arranged and configured at a suitable position and of a suitable size in the filter body or the filter module. For example, the sensor is sufficiently spaced from the support frame of the filter module or from the edge of a flow channel in which the filter module is arranged in the filter system, in order to avoid edge flow characteristics that could cause a different composition of the airborne substances or air particles in the air or a different pressure drop range of the air relative to, for example, a central filter body.

[0018] Accordingly, the sensor is arranged, for example, at a distance of more than 0.5 cm, more than 1 cm, in particular more than 2 cm from an edge area or the outer air flow boundary of the filter body.

[0019] The inventive solution is suitable for filter modules, for example in the style of a pocket filter, or secondary filter systems. A secondary filter system generally describes an air circulation system with filtration for installation in a room. The secondary filter system can be mobile or stationary. In contrast, controlled residential ventilation, permanently installed, and piped ventilation systems are referred to as primary filter systems. In secondary filter systems, zones with laminar air flow can be created in which the corresponding filter module according to the invention is arranged. For example, a support frame of the filter material of the filter module forms a suitable mechanical strength platform so that the sensors can be attached directly or indirectly with sufficient vibration-free freedom (so that no element flutters in the airflow).This reduction of vibrations is particularly important when sensors that are sensitive to vibrations (e.g. MEMS or other electromechanical components) are used in the analysis area.

[0020] Due to the arrangement of the sensor, the filter module according to the invention provides integrated support for online or offline analysis of the pollutant load in the flowing air. Due to the arrangement of the sensor, it can, for example, determine measured values ​​from the air that are representative of the air flow, particularly in terms of time or quantity.

[0021] The sensor with its sensor electronics is configured to perform qualitative and / or quantitative measurements and analyses of the air and airborne substances, i.e. air particles or gaseous substances. The direct measurement of airborne substances or groups of airborne substances in the air stream can be provided using the integrated sensor. This can, for example, relate to the amount of fine dust of a certain diameter class. Furthermore, other foreign substances can be filtered out beforehand so that only the specific airborne substances reach the sensor. When turbulence is caused by turbulent air flows through the filter module, heavier substances (particles, molecules, aerosols, etc.) are moved away by centrifugal forces in the radial direction of a flow roller, which leads to a dehomogenisation of the air stream composition.By means of the air module according to the invention, a representative air flow composition can be measured by the sensor, even over the entire life cycle of the filter module, by ensuring the flow according to the invention despite any pressure differences. With conventional approaches, the flow conditions in a filter system are often unstructured, i.e., until now, it was not important to precisely design the flow conditions inside a pocket filter, for example, because it only had to filter. Areas of the filter area that are poorly positioned in terms of flow are occupied later, when the areas with good flow are already occupied, thereby increasing their flow resistance. The solution according to the invention ensures that the value measured by the sensor essentially corresponds to the mean value across the entire air flow. An exemplary measure for a homogeneous measurement is the prevention of air eddies in front of the sensor (e.g.This is achieved by positioning the sensor away from the edge of the airflow and / or using baffles for flow homogenization, etc.), since air vortices, for example, carry solids, heavier-than-air molecules, or aerosols away in the radial direction of the vortex. The sensor is thus positioned in areas where unwanted vortex formation in the airflow is reduced or eliminated.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure an analytical parameter of a gas, a liquid, and / or a solid as an air constituent and / or an air component, such as the CO2 concentration in the air. The analytical parameter defines, in particular, the chemical and / or physical properties of the air constituent, so that, taking the analytical parameters into account, energy consumption, savings potential, air pollution, and / or a CO2 footprint can be determined.

[0023] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sensors integrated into the filter module can record the following values ​​of the air flowing through the filter body: temperature, humidity, flow velocity, air volume, dew point, proportion of an airborne substance with a specific property. The sensor can be used to detect gas fractions, liquid fractions or solids in the air stream and, for example, to determine their chemical / physical properties, in particular quantities and / or (e.g., average) diameter. Based on these basic measured values, subsequent calculations such as a CO2 footprint, (energy) saving potential (e.g., depending on the pressure drop across the filter, which can be influenced by the filter material or filter change) or energy consumption can be calculated.

[0024] In particular, at least one sensor can detect a viral load in the air to be filtered. For example, a concentration of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 viruses, can be determined. A biosensor is located in the filter module. The air to be filtered flows over the biosensor. The biomarker can, for example, contain biomarkers that react with the viruses and produce corresponding measurable (e.g., optical) reactions.

[0025] The biosensor can operate based on the PCR test methodology (real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), which detects gene sequences of a virus, e.g., SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the biosensor can function like an antigen test and implement fluorescence- or chemiluminescence-based test procedures, in which, for example, the viral protein is detected using a specific staining.

[0026] In one embodiment, the biosensor can be designed as a waveguide interferometer. Such a photonic biosensor detects various light-based phenomena of viruses for the rapid detection and quantification of viruses or corresponding biomarkers. Among the various photonic biosensors, silicon photonic biosensors based on the principle of evanescent waves can be used. Furthermore, the biosensor can be designed as a nano-photonic biosensor based on interferometric bimodal waveguides (BiMWs). To capture and detect viruses from a sample, the surface of the BiMW sensor is modified with specific receptors that target external antigens of the virus, such as the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2.As the air to be filtered passes over the biosensor, the virus particles are captured by the receptors on the sensor surface, generating an interferometric signal that can be recorded in real time. The sensor's response is directly proportional to the virus concentration in the air to be filtered, thus enabling accurate quantification of the viral load in the air.

[0027] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter material of the filter body comprises a nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven fabric is configured with one layer, preferably with multiple layers. The filter body is arranged in the filter module in a particularly replaceable manner, wherein the nonwoven fabric is configured in particular as a disposable filter. A nonwoven fabric consists of fibers of limited length, continuous fibers (filaments), or cut yarns that are joined and bonded to form a nonwoven fabric (a fiber layer, a fiber pile). The interlinking of the fibers provides an air-permeable material with narrow, small-pore air passages, thereby achieving a good filtering effect, particularly of air particles.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module can be arranged replaceably in a filter system, wherein, in particular, the filter body is a disposable filter. The filter module has, in particular, an information element that transmits a signal indicating when the filter module needs to be replaced.

[0029] According to the exemplary embodiment, a filter module according to the invention is arranged in a replaceable manner within the filter system. For example, appropriate guide rails can be provided along which the filter module can be inserted into the operating position within the filter system. Furthermore, detachable fastening means, such as screws or clamp fasteners, can be provided to arrange the filter module in a modular and replaceable manner within the filter system.

[0030] By relocating at least parts of the sensors to the regularly replaced filter module, a filter system can be constructed such that the sensors can be renewed over the entire service life of the filter system by replacing the filter module, and worn, dirty or defective sensors can be easily replaced together with the filter module. The present invention therefore presents air filters, in particular designed as pocket filters, which have integrated sensors for determining parameters of the air flowing through. The system formed in this way allows the corresponding sensor components to be replaced at the same time as the filter module is changed. These sensor components are, for example, pre-calibrated, and thus no calibration or measurement is necessary in the filter system. In this way, sensor cleaning, preventative maintenance and recalibration of sensors can be dispensed with in a filter system.

[0031] For example, a humidity sensor can deviate by up to 5% over 20 years of aging. Within a year, the measurement accuracy remains virtually constant, or deteriorates by less than 0.25%. Thus, by replacing the filter module and sensor annually, high measurement accuracy can be maintained throughout the life cycle of a filter system.

[0032] Since a replaceable filter module (especially as a disposable filter) cannot be precisely adapted to the surrounding housing of the filter system, it is also advantageous if the filter module prevents possible air resonances. With filter materials made of regularly arranged filter media (e.g. woven, punched, etched, or drilled filters), there is a possibility that self-organizing effects of the air flow may cause resonances and thus negative effects (noise, redetachment of already embedded pollutants, particularly when starting and stopping the system, when physical measured values ​​vary, etc.). It has been shown that in the solution according to the invention, the use of a layer of nonwoven fabric dampens this vibration effect. This dampening occurs because fibers are irregularly and randomly laid down and adhered. This irregularity reduces the vibrational self-organization potential.This attenuation can be enhanced by using multiple nonwoven layers in the filter material structure, especially if these layers are made of at least slightly different nonwoven materials or layers. A difference can be created by the manufacturing of the nonwoven materials.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is located on the exhaust air side of the filter body. Placing the sensor on the supply air side of the filter system can lead to contamination of the sensor with foreign matter, which in turn leads to measurement errors or a slower response to measurement criteria (e.g., dust on a temperature sensor leads to insulation, which primarily disrupts the measurement dynamics). This can be resolved by placing the sensor on the exhaust air side of the filter system...

[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be operated discontinuously, in particular in a duty cycle of less than 1:10, in particular in a duty cycle of less than 1:100. A duty cycle of 1:10 means, for example, that out of 10 time units in which flow passes through the filter area, 1 time unit is flowed towards or through the sensor. This enables discontinuous measurement, in particular to save energy for the measuring system. For example, it may be sufficient for the sensor to measure only over a very short time with a long rest phase. Contamination of foreign substances in an air stream in particular usually occurs over a longer period of time. In this way, intermediate values ​​can be interpolated from individual measured values ​​without the need for continuous measurement.Good measurement results could be achieved with a duty cycle of less than 1:10, especially in a duty cycle of less than 1:100. It is particularly helpful if the duration of the measurement is minimal, for example, the measurement of a color change of an indicator or sensor can be determined with a measurement time of less than 10ms, in particular less than 50 microseconds, or less than 1 microsecond.

[0035] Additionally, energy consumption can be reduced by adjusting the duty cycle, meaning the sensor is operated cyclically but only for 1 / 10 or 1 / 100 (or even shorter) of the measurement interval. Even if the sensor's measurement speed is high (i.e., the measurement time is short), an accurate or even highly accurate measurement is still achieved due to the inertia with respect to changes in the airflow composition.

[0036] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor module has at least one further sensor with sensor electronics. In particular, more than three sensors with corresponding sensor electronics can be provided, which are configured to measure a value of an analysis parameter for the analysis of airborne substances and / or the air quality, wherein in particular one sensor represents a combination sensor which is configured to determine several analysis parameters. Energy-saving sensors are becoming increasingly smaller. These increasingly miniaturized sensors allow two, three or more than three different sensors to be integrated in the filter module. In particular, it has been shown that the use of combination sensors, which determine several measured variables with one sensor, is particularly advantageous because they only require the airflow continuity to be ensured at a specific location on the filter body.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor comprises a movable component. Certain sensors also frequently employ a movable component (e.g., a small fan that constantly regulates the flow rate at the same level, deflected mirrors or filters for spectrometers, or electromechanical distance changes [tunable frequency filters for MEMS-based spectroscopy]). Such components are particularly vulnerable to contamination or bearing wear. Their service life is therefore limited, and the period of guaranteed accurate measurements is significantly shorter than the service life of the filter system. Periodic filter module changes (e.g., monthly, semi-annually, annually) reset the aging or biasing (i.e., the continuous shifting of a measurement result over time) of the sensors to zero. Various sensors also utilize an integrated controller.This makes it very easy to send a signal that a filter module replacement is due (due to aging or a defective fault) or is due in the foreseeable future in the sense of preventive maintenance.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor electronics are configured to store the measured analysis parameters, wherein the filter module in particular comprises a coupling element that is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensor electronics and can be coupled to a connection of the filter system. The coupling element is in particular configured such that a detachable coupling can be provided between the filter module and the connection of the filter system.

[0039] The coupling element is particularly designed such that when the filter module is inserted into an operating position in the filter system, a connection can be automatically created between the filter system connection and the sensor electronics, wherein the coupling element is provided in particular on an exhaust air side of the filter body. An optional controller integrated in the filter module can also store sensor values ​​and subsequently forward them in the event of a communication interruption, or it is possible to read the data offline after the filter has been changed. Data can be transmitted wirelessly or wired (or in a combination of both). For a wired (data, power, configuration) electrical connection, the coupling element is advantageously used as an electrical plug-in connection, in particular an electrical connection that is automatically plugged and / or unplugged when the filter module is changed.To prevent the connector from becoming dirty from contaminated air (and thus unreliable), the connection is preferably mounted on the exhaust air side of the filter.

[0040] The coupling element serves for the signaling or electrical connection between the sensor and devices of the filter system. The coupling element is provided on the filter module, for example, on the support frame of the filter module, in such a way that, when the filter module is in an operating position in the filter system, it enables coupling with a corresponding coupling element of the filter system. The coupling element can be, for example, an electrical plug. By placing this plug connection, particularly in the exhaust air area of ​​the filter system, contamination of the plug connection can be reduced or prevented.

[0041] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure analysis parameters which determine an energy consumption and / or a CO2 footprint of the filter module and / or the filter system (150), wherein the analysis parameters are selected in particular to determine a recommendation regarding filter replacement and / or filter cleaning, in particular such that individual parameters are configurable. As occupancy increases, a filter module requires more and more energy for its intended use because the filter occupancy increases a delta p or a pressure drop across the filter module. Based on the data or analysis parameters, a recommendation regarding the optimal filter module replacement time (or cleaning time) can be determined and communicated, preferably such that individual parameters such as energy costs, savings potential, CO2 savings, CO2 certificate costs, etc. are configurable or ascertainable.

[0042] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure analysis parameters for analyzing fine dust, in particular the frequency of occurrence of fine dust, in particular the analysis of the frequency of diameter classes of particles of the fine dust and / or the composition of the fine dust, wherein the sensor is in particular configured to carry out the measurement in real time. A corresponding sensor for analyzing the fine dust particles in the supply air can be attached to the supply air side of the filter body. In contrast to a pipe or duct, the cross-section of the air duct is usually larger at filtering locations, which reduces the flow velocity for a given air throughput. A reduced flow velocity, in turn, leads to a more homogeneous air flow and to less turbulent air swirls (which, for example, radially push fine dust particles away).This ideally allows for measurements on the supply air side that relate to the particulate matter composition (diameter, quantity, substance analysis, etc.). The inventive external communication option also allows for real-time analyses of particulate matter pollution.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a dynamic pressure gauge and is particularly designed such that a static pressure upstream of the filter body and a static and dynamic pressure downstream of the filter body can be measured. If the air flow velocity is high enough, the differential pressure between a normal pressure tap upstream of the filter body and a dynamic pressure tube (or Pitot tube) downstream of the filter can be measured. The pressure at the Pitot tube is given by the sum of the static pressure and the dynamic pressure and is therefore higher than at the normal pressure tap upstream of the filter. This configuration creates an inverted or negative differential pressure across the filter and allows for the detection of clogged supply lines or valve malfunctions. This embodiment is said to be particularly suitable for retrofitting older systems.By using a controller in the filter module or filter system, it is possible to parameterize the response and / or limit values ​​in the filter system from the outside.

[0044] The sensor can, for example, have a microphone and detect the noise level in a room and, in particular, the location of a noise source. By measuring and evaluating the noise level in a room, conclusions can be drawn about the number and intensity of people speaking in the room and the ventilation output of the fan unit can be adjusted accordingly via the control unit, since the emission of aerosols by people increases with the volume of speech. In other words, the ventilation output can be controlled based on the noise level in the room. The more people speak, or speak loudly, the more aerosols are emitted and the higher the fan output can be, since the additional noise from devices such as the fan unit is then not noticed and does not cause any disturbance.If one or more people are sitting quietly in the room, the ventilation performance is reduced because it needs to be quiet for concentrated work, but also because hardly any aerosols are emitted.

[0045] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module has a signal transmission unit configured for wireless or wired signal transmission. The signal transmission unit is particularly configured to transmit the data (from the sensor) using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, or building management system protocols. Based on this data, a control unit can generate a warning signal and / or initiate a measure, particularly relating to the throughput through the filter module.

[0046] The signal transmission unit can, for example, be an antenna or a conductor-based system that signals the readiness of the ventilation system to receive data from the filter module. Such data can not only relate to parameters relating to the airborne contaminants in the air, but can also contain information and details about the filter module. For example, depending on the performance of a filter module used, the air volume through the filter module or the filter system can be adjusted. Furthermore, if a running time or occupancy density of the filter module is exceeded, a signal can be sent that can either be interpreted as a maintenance signal or used as a control signal to reduce the air throughput. One design variant of the signal transmission unit can be an RFID transponder (which, for example, also contains filter data in encrypted form).Furthermore, other communication mechanisms such as NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. can also be used. For wired communication, proprietary protocols and bus systems from building management systems (LON, EIB, etc.) are available. This mechanism also makes it possible to deliver a filter system in which functions are only activated if part of the unique ID is included in the agreed scope of delivery.

[0047] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter module has a receiving device configured to receive a unique ID, wherein the unique ID contains information regarding the location of the filter module. The receiving device is configured to read the unique ID from a QR code, a barcode, an OCR font, or an RFID tag. The receiving device is configured, in particular, to receive the unique ID via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, proprietary protocols, or protocols of building management systems, in particular LON or EIB, wherein the operation and / or configuration of the filter module can be adjusted based on the unique ID.

[0048] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the unique ID contains information regarding the installation location of the filter module in the filter system. This ID allows the operating parameters required for the specific operation to be preselected from a preconfigured operating mode of the filter system or filter module, or to retrieve stored data from a system configuration. Particularly when using encrypted protocols, this avoids reconfiguration when changing the filter, and a "plug and play" function can be implemented. Corresponding data can be transferred from the filter system or filter module during the change or via the cloud.The unique ID can be transferred to the filter system using mechanisms familiar to those in the field, such as QR codes, barcodes, OCR fonts (and their successors for machine-readable fonts), RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, proprietary protocols, or protocols from building management systems (LON, EIB, etc.). This mechanism also makes it possible to deliver a filter system in which functions are only activated if part of the unique ID is included in the agreed scope of delivery.

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter body comprises a pocket filter or a bag filter. In another particularly preferred embodiment, a filter system comprises several filter modules with pocket or bag filters. Instead of one of these pocket or bag filters, a functional unit can now be used for an additional function, such as a power supply unit or electrical supply unit. The resulting large installation volume allows, for example, a multitude of additional functions to be implemented. A lifetime battery allows easy retrofitting of existing filter modules with the solution according to the invention, without additional electrical and / or installation measures.

[0050] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter body has at least two nonwoven layers and a filter membrane arranged between the nonwoven layers, which are arranged in layers one above the other in a layered composite, wherein in particular the middle filter membrane of the layered composite has a larger surface area than the two outer nonwoven layers. In particular according to an exemplary embodiment, a first direction (e.g. X direction) and a second direction (e.g. Y direction) are defined, which span a plane, wherein the middle filter membrane is corrugated with wave sections such that the wave sections are arranged one behind the other along a first direction. The wave sections run irregularly and asymmetrically to one another, in particular within the plane. The filter body is arranged such that air can flow over the filter body along the first direction or along the second direction.For example, the x-direction is the direction of air flow, and the wave sections run perpendicular to the first direction along the second direction. The asymmetry of the wave arrangement and shape can be used to dampen vibrations. Alternatively, the filter body can also be exposed to air flow in the y-direction, parallel to the extension of the waves. The wave sections thus form, for example, a sharkskin-like ribbed structure, which reduces flow resistance. Depending on the inlet conditions (inlet cross-section, volume flow, depth of the filter material to be flowed through) into the filter body, one or the other design can be particularly advantageous. The asymmetry of the wave arrangement can be achieved through a self-organizing compaction process, in which the feed rate of the filter membrane is significantly higher than the feed rate of the two cover fleeces.The asymmetry of the wave arrangement is created by thermally fixing the three layers at a predetermined time. In addition to the advantages already described, this asymmetry has a stabilizing effect on deflections in the xy plane.

[0051] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter body has a thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm, in particular 3 mm to 7 mm, in the filter area. Additionally or alternatively, the number of wave sections is between 0.5 and 3 waves per cm. This allows a filter performance similar to a HEPA filter, but with a pressure drop in the range of a standard F7 filter (i.e., within the operating parameters of the inventive solution).

[0052] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter region is formed from a hydrophobic filter material. Furthermore, the filter region can be formed from natural fibers. The filter region can further contain a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene. In another example, the filter region contains cellulose, cotton, and / or hemp.

[0053] If the airflow to be filtered contains a high aerosol load, known filters can be prone to sudden moisture penetration. This can, on the one hand, statically increase the pressure drop across the filter, but can also, on the other hand, dynamically overwhelm any subsequent volume flow control using VAV in terms of its control speed due to the rapidly changing pressure conditions. The inventive solution can solve this problem through a suitable choice of filter material: Either a hydrophobic material (e.g. a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene, which is essentially free of polar groups) or an absorbent material with a specific (e.g. low) swelling tendency (e.g. a natural fiber, in particular a cellulose fiber, cotton or hemp) is used. This reduces the tendency for filter openings to become clogged with micro- or nanoscale water droplets.The fungicidal, virucidal and bactericidal properties of hemp have been shown to be beneficial and make it an ideal filter component.

[0054] On the one hand, the insertion of the sensor with the sensor electronics can impede the air flow, which leads to a greater pressure drop and thus to higher energy consumption. On the other hand, this issue can be compensated for by reducing the volume flow through the filter in the filter area. Using the solution according to the invention, a filter area with an oversized filter surface can be created (e.g., by wave-shaped integration of the filter membrane between two fleeces), which allows the volume flow per time and area to be reduced accordingly. Thus, during operation, air volumes (m 3 ) per hour and square meter of filter area below 450 m 3 , especially below 140 m 3 , preferably below 85 m 3, especially preferably below 50 m 3 This also leads to less rapid filter clogging, resulting in less frequent filter changes and less frequent cleaning processes, which in turn reduces operating resources.

[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter region is formed from a hydrophobic filter material. Furthermore, the filter region can be formed from natural fibers. The filter region can further contain a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene. In another example, the filter region contains cellulose, cotton, and / or hemp.

[0056] If the airflow to be filtered contains a high aerosol load, known filters can be prone to sudden moisture penetration. This can, on the one hand, statically increase the pressure drop across the filter, but can also, on the other hand, dynamically overwhelm any subsequent volume flow control using VAV in terms of its control speed due to the rapidly changing pressure conditions. The inventive solution can solve this problem through a suitable choice of filter material: Either a hydrophobic material (e.g. a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene, which is essentially free of polar groups) or an absorbent material with a specific (e.g. low) swelling tendency (e.g. a natural fiber, in particular a cellulose fiber, cotton or hemp) is used. This reduces the tendency for filter openings to become clogged with micro- or nanoscale water droplets.The fungicidal, virucidal and bactericidal properties of hemp have been shown to be beneficial and make it an ideal filter component.

[0057] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter module has a support frame, which can be fastened in particular to a housing of a filter system (e.g., replaceably). Furthermore, the filter module has a filter frame to which the filter body can be fastened, wherein the filter frame is arranged in particular in an replaceable manner on the support frame. Additionally or alternatively, the filter module has a sensor frame to which at least the sensor (or the further sensors) can be fastened, wherein the sensor frame is arranged in particular in an replaceable manner on the support frame. The support frame represents the structure that can transmit holding forces from the filter module and from the sensors. The support frame is fastened in particular to a housing of the filter system. The support frame can, for example, be arranged in an replaceable manner in the filter system, for example in the housing of the filter system, so that the entire filter module is replaceable.

[0058] The support frame provides a fastening device for the filter frame and the sensor frame. The filter frame and / or the sensor frame can be interchangeably attached to the support frame. This provides a modular system in which elements requiring maintenance, such as a filter module or a sensor, can be replaced without having to replace the entire filter module. If, for example, the filter body becomes clogged or obstructed, the filter frame can be detached from the support frame. A new filter body with a corresponding filter frame can then be interchangeably attached to the support frame. Accordingly, the sensor frame and sensors can also be replaced if a sensor is detected to be defective. The sensor frame can also be replaced without replacing the filter frame.Furthermore, a sensor can also be attached to the filter frame so that it can be replaced together with a replacement of the filter frame.

[0059] This creates a sustainable and efficient replacement or swap system so that only the components requiring maintenance or the defective components, such as a clogged filter body or a defective sensor, can be replaced without having to replace the remaining components as well. The sensor frame and the filter frame can be attached to the support frame, for example, using a screw connection. A common fastening element, such as a screw, can attach the sensor frame and the filter frame to the support frame at the same time. Other detachable fastening elements are also possible, such as a snap-in connection with a latching element, whereby a corresponding sensor frame or filter frame can be loaded into the support frame. Velcro connections can also be used to connect the filter frame and / or the sensor frame to the support frame.

[0060] In particular, the sensor frame is arranged between the support frame and the filter frame. The sensor can, for example, be attached to the frame itself. Furthermore, a spacer element can protrude from the sensor frame into the center of the sensor frame to space the sensor from an edge of the sensor frame.

[0061] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter module has a weighing device configured to weigh the filter occupancy, in particular such that any measurement value distortion caused by the pressure of the air flowing through the system can be compensated. With appropriate additional mechanisms, measurement value distortion caused by the pressure of the air resistance during operation of the filter system can be compensated. This also allows the detection of a high filter occupancy for a filter system operating mode with a low volume flow, which, with conventional filter monitoring, does not trigger the filter's differential pressure monitoring. In particular, the weighing device can have a floor contact when the filter module is installed in the housing of the filter system and thus transmit the weight of the filter module into the floor. This allows a weight measurement of the filter module to be carried out.According to another exemplary embodiment of the filter system, the control unit has a visualization unit configured to visualize the air quality and the analysis of the air particles, in particular depending on the location of the respective filter system. Furthermore, the control unit is configured, in particular, to generate a recommended course of action based on the air quality and the analysis of the airborne substances.

[0062] In a particularly preferred embodiment, several filter modules are operated together to clean the air from a single section of the building. These filter modules have corresponding additional equipment that can exchange data regarding air details, allowing air measurement data to be visualized at at least one location or for actions to be initiated based on this. Filters of a primary ventilation system, as well as filter systems of secondary ventilation systems, can form a network and interact with each other. In particular, location-dependent air quality can be visualized, a recommendation for action can be given, or a measure can be initiated (e.g., "Meeting room 2 has poor air" or "Air quality is low, please set the fan to one level higher").

[0063] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter system comprises a flow controller, for example, comprising a fan or other flow generator. The flow controller can be used to adjust the air flow velocity through the filter body and the air pressure on the supply air side of the filter body. The flow controller is configured to adjust a pressure drop difference between the supply air side and the exhaust air side in the filter area using mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control systems, such that a constant volume flow through the filter area can be adjusted, in particular based on subsequent adaptation based on measurement data.

[0064] The flow control systems, for example, feature a mechanical cross-sectional change at the inlet into the filter body, taking pressure drops in the filter area into account in such a way that the airflow component at the sensor remains similar and representative of the airflow component in the filter area. The pressure drop at the sensor can be adaptively adjusted depending on the pressure drop in the filter area.

[0065] For example, the control unit can take into account a pressure drop across the sensor in the measurement data. Furthermore, the analysis can function over a wide pressure drop range, for example, by taking the pressure difference into account during post-processing of the measurement data by the control unit (e.g., by continuously recording the pressure difference and incorporating this data into the evaluation).

[0066] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the flow control is configured such that a volume flow per square meter of filter area of ​​the filter module is below 140 m 3 / h, especially below 85 m 3 / h, preferably under 50m 3 / h, is adjustable.

[0067] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the flow control is configured such that the velocity of the volume flow is adjustable in the range 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s, in particular 0.2 m / s to 3.4 m / s, in particular between 0.3 m / s and 2.8 m / s, and / or the pressure drop across the filter module in at least one operating mode is adjustable below 450 Pa, in particular below 250 Pa, preferably below 150 Pa. If the filter system is operated within these characteristic values, the measures proposed in the invention (or a combination thereof) can ensure that, as mentioned, the sensor comes into contact with over 90% of the same accompanying substances and amounts of accompanying substances as the average value in the entire air flow. Furthermore, the composition of the air flow at the sensor changes only insignificantly with a pressure drop variation of 50 Pa to 450 Pa.The inventive solution is particularly suitable for filter systems with a pressure drop across the filter system of less than 2500 Pa, since only then do the inventive optimizations of the flow resistance come into effect. Particularly good results are achieved when the pressure drop in one operating mode is less than 450 Pa, in particular less than 250 Pa, preferably less than 150 Pa.

[0068] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter module further comprises a receiving device with a receiving area for receiving the filter module, wherein at least one of the receiving areas is configured to receive a filter module or a functional unit, wherein the functional unit in particular comprises a power supply device for supplying the sensor and the sensor electronics with electrical energy. The receiving device of the filter system can, for example, be designed with guide rails which are arranged on a housing of the filter system and along which a filter module or a functional unit can be inserted into the operating position within the filter system. Furthermore, for example, releasable fastening means, such as screws or clamp closures, can be provided as a receiving device in order to arrange the filter module or the functional unit in a modular and interchangeable manner in the filter system.The functional unit can, for example, represent a supply unit for electrical energy, such as a battery pack. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter module further comprises a memory module for storing data, wherein the data is indicative of the values ​​of the analysis parameters, in particular at least one analysis parameter selected from the group consisting of air flow through the filter system, temperature of the air flowing through, pressure of the air flowing through, in particular absolute pressure and / or differential pressure, filter occupancy of the filter body, humidity of the air flowing through, aerosol load of the air flowing through or the PM content, wherein the memory module is designed such that the memory module can be coupled to a readout device outside the filter system for reading out the data.

[0069] Especially under particularly demanding operating conditions, it can be interesting to save individual recording details in a memory module and to parameterize the data. On the one hand, this concerns details of the measurement method, in particular temporal changes in measured values ​​and, for example, the number of times limit values ​​have been exceeded. On the other hand, it also concerns the storage and subsequent comparison of a large number of different parameters, e.g., air flow, temperature, pressure (especially absolute pressure and / or differential pressure), filter occupancy, humidity, aerosol pollution, PM content [in particular, how much of which diameter class]. Such a data set can then be transmitted via a signal transmission unit, or stored in the memory module and read out after the end of the filter module's service life. Furthermore, usage data of the filter module, such as usage duration and usage intensity (e.g.,The flow control data can be stored. Based on this data, for example, consumption statements can be created for the use of the filter module, which can then be billed to the user of the filter module. The creation of consumption statements is particularly useful in rental properties, where each tenant receives a consumption statement assigned to them based on their use of the filter module.

[0070] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the filter module further comprises a covering device which is configured to selectively cover an air inlet on a supply air side of the filter system, wherein the covering device is in particular configured such that when the filter module is changed, the covering device automatically covers the air inlet.

[0071] Since the inventive solution incorporates high-quality sensors into the filter module, which can be recycled if necessary, a further embodiment incorporates a protective function against recontamination of the environment or sensors by foreign substances embedded in or adhering to the filter. This function can be activated during filter replacement, in particular, it is carried out automatically. For example, in the case of a pocket filter, this can be a roller shutter-like or slider-like cover device that covers the filter inlet or outlet of the filter system when the filter module is pulled out. The cover device can also be temporarily attached using adhesive or Velcro fasteners during a replacement.

[0072] It should be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is thus possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments can be regarded as obviously disclosed to a person skilled in the art with the embodiments explicitly described here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with device claims and other embodiments of the invention with method claims. However, upon reading this application, it will immediately become clear to a person skilled in the art that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter of the invention, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter of the invention is also possible.

[0073] Short description of the drawings

[0074] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a filter system with a filter module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0076] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a filter material for the filter body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of waveforms of the filter material according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a filter module with a dynamic pressure gauge according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a filter system with a filter module and several filter bodies according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a modular filter module according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a side view of the modular filter module of Fig. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] Detailed by exem

[0082] Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The representations in the figures are schematic.

[0083] Fig. 1 shows a filter system 150 with a filter module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter system 150 comprises a control unit 130 and at least one filter module 100, wherein the at least one filter module 100 is used to exchange analysis data required to support the analysis of airborne contaminants and / or air quality.

[0084] The filter module 100 comprises a filter body 110, which filters the air 101 flowing through it of contaminants, and at least one sensor 112 or further sensors 113 with sensor electronics. The sensor 112 is configured to measure a value of an analysis parameter for analyzing the contaminants and / or the air quality of the air 101. The filter body 110 and the sensor 112 are designed and arranged relative to one another such that, when air flows through the filter module (100), the value of the analysis parameter measured by the sensor 112 corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analysis parameter averaged over the entire air flow. The filter body 110 is designed such that a pressure drop across the filter body 110 is less than 2500 Pascal at an air volume per square meter of filter area and hour of less than 600 m 3 / (m 2xh) and a volume flow velocity in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s. The filter system 150 has a housing in which a filter module 100 is arranged. A filter module 100 according to the invention is arranged interchangeably in the filter system 150. For example, corresponding guide rails can be provided, along which the filter module can be inserted in the insertion direction 107 into the operating position within the filter system 150.

[0085] The filter system 150 has a flow controller 140, for example, comprising a fan or other flow generator. The flow controller 140 can be used to adjust a flow velocity of the air 101 through the filter body 110 and an air pressure of the air 101 on the supply air side 102 of the filter body 110. The flow controller 140 is configured to adjust a pressure drop difference between the pressure p1 of the supply air side 102 and the pressure p2 of the exhaust air side 103 in the filter area 111 and at the sensors 112, 113, in particular by means of mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control systems, such that a constant volume flow through the filter area 111 and at or through the sensors 112, 113 can be adjusted, in particular based on subsequent adaptation based on measurement data.

[0086] The filter module 100 comprises a flat filter material that is secured in a receiving device, e.g., a circumferential support frame. The filter module 100 can be designed as a pocket filter, wherein a plurality of pockets 114 of filter material are secured in the support frame, and the air flow is directed into the pockets 114 to filter the incoming air 101.

[0087] The filter module 100, in particular, has the filter area 111, which performs the function of filtering the air 101. The sensors 112, 113 are sufficiently spaced from the support frame of the filter module 100 or from the edge of a flow channel in which the filter module 100 is arranged in the filter system 150, in order to avoid edge flow characteristics that could cause a different composition of the air particles in the air or a different pressure drop range of the air 101 relative to, for example, a central filter area.

[0088] The sensors 112, 113 serve to measure at least one parameter of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air 101. The direct measurement of foreign substances or groups of foreign substances in the air stream can be provided by means of one of the sensors 112, 113. The sensor 112, 113 can comprise a MEMS sensor. Furthermore, one of the sensors 112, 113 can be configured in particular such that it can be used for a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis (FTIR) and / or a near-infrared spectroscopy analysis. The sensors 112, 113 can, for example, form a resistance sensor for measuring the airborne substances and / or the air quality. In this case, a trigger substance can, for example, additionally be used to measure the presence of certain foreign substances in the air 101.

[0089] The filter module 100 has a communication unit 122 for communicating data relating to the airborne substances and / or the air quality to a control unit 130 of the filter system 150, in particular for controlling the filter module 100. The communication unit 122 is configured to send information about the airborne substances and / or the air quality to the control unit 130 or also control signals, which can be created based on measured parameters, in order to generate, for example, control signals relating to indication signals (alarm signals) or air flow control signals to which the control unit 130 sends them.

[0090] The filter module 100 further comprises a coupling element 106, which is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensors 112, 113 and can be coupled to a connection of a filter system 150. The coupling element 106 is particularly designed such that a detachable coupling can be provided between the sensors 112, 113 and the connection of the filter system 150. Furthermore, the coupling element 106 is particularly designed such that when the filter module 100 is inserted into an operating position in the filter system 150, a coupling can be automatically created between the connection of the filter system 150 and the sensors 112, 113. The coupling element 106 is provided on an exhaust air side 103 of the filter body 110.The coupling element 106 is provided in particular on the filter module 100, for example on the support frame of the filter module 100, in such a way that in an operating position of the filter module 100 in the filter system 150, a coupling with a corresponding coupling element of the filter system 150 is enabled.

[0091] The filter module 100 further comprises a weighing device 108 configured to weigh the filter occupancy, in particular to compensate for any measurement distortion caused by the pressure of the air 101 flowing through the system. When the filter module 100 is installed in the housing of the filter system 150, the weighing device 108 is in contact with the ground and thus transmits the weight of the filter module 100 into the ground. This allows a weight measurement of the filter module 100 to be performed.

[0092] The filter module 100 has a receiving device 120 configured to receive a unique ID, wherein the unique ID includes information regarding the location of the filter module 100. The receiving device 120 can be configured to read the unique ID from a QR code, a barcode, an OCR font, or an RFID tag. Furthermore, the receiving device 120 can be configured to receive the unique ID via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, proprietary protocols, or protocols from building management systems, in particular LON or EIB. Based on the unique ID, the operation and / or configuration of the filter module 100 can be adjusted. For example, the unique ID includes information regarding the installation location of the filter module 100 in the filter system 150.This ID allows the operating parameters required for the specific operation to be preselected from a preconfigured operating mode of the filter system 150 or the filter module 100 or to retrieve stored data of a system configuration.

[0093] The filter module 100 further comprises a transmitting device 121 for transmitting filter body-related data, wherein the transmitting device 121 is configured to transmit the data using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, or building management system protocols. Based on this data, the control unit 130 can generate a warning signal and / or initiate a measure, which in particular relates to the throughput through the filter module 100.

[0094] The transmitting device 121 can, for example, be an antenna or a conductor-based system that signals the readiness of the ventilation system or filter system 150 to receive data from the filter module 100. Such data can not only relate to parameters relating to the contaminants in the air 101, but can also contain information and details of the filter module 100. For example, depending on the performance of a filter module 100 used, the air volume through the filter module 100 or the filter system 150 can be adjusted. Furthermore, if a running time or occupancy density of the filter module 100 is exceeded, a signal can be sent that can either be interpreted as a maintenance signal or used as a control signal to reduce the air flow rate. The sensor 112 can, for example, be supplied with electrical energy by an electrical supply unit 104.By means of signal connections 105, corresponding signals can be transmitted, for example, between the sensor 112, the communication unit 122, the transmitting device 121, and the receiving device 120. The control unit 130 can have a (possibly spatially remote) visualization unit configured to visualize the air quality and the analysis of the air particles or airborne substances, in particular depending on the location of the relevant filter system 150. Furthermore, the control unit 130 is configured in particular to generate a recommended action based on the air quality and the analysis of the airborne substances.

[0095] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a filter material for the filter body 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter body 110 has, particularly in the filter area 111, a plurality of filter layers arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the air 101 through the filter. In particular, the first filter layer facing the supply air side 102 filters more coarsely than at least one of the second filter layers following the first filter layer in the flow direction. Thus, larger particles can be filtered first, while smaller particles flow through the first layers and are only later filtered out by the finer layers.

[0096] The filter body 110 or a layer has, in particular in the filter area 110, a fleece as filter material, wherein the fleece has in particular an entire layer or a plurality of layers.

[0097] The filter body 110 comprises at least two nonwoven layers 201, 203 and a filter membrane 202 arranged between the nonwoven layers, which are arranged one above the other in a layered composite in a third direction z, wherein, in particular, the middle filter membrane 202 of the layered composite has a larger surface area than the two outer nonwoven layers 201, 203. The middle filter membrane 202 has corrugated sections arranged one behind the other along a first direction x.

[0098] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of waveforms of the filter material according to an exemplary embodiment. The wave sections run irregularly and asymmetrically to one another, particularly within the plane. The filter body 110 is arranged such that air can flow over the filter body 110 along the first direction x or along the second direction y. For example, the x-direction is the air flow direction of the air 101, and the wave sections run transversely to the first direction x along the second direction y. The asymmetry of the wave arrangement and shape can be used for vibration damping.

[0099] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a filter module 100 with a dynamic pressure gauge 402 as a sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. The dynamic pressure gauge 402 is designed such that a static pressure upstream on the supply air side 102 in front of the filter body 110 and a static and dynamic pressure downstream on the exhaust air side 103 after the filter body 110 can be measured. If the air flow velocity is high enough, the differential pressure p1-p2 can be measured between a normal pressure tap upstream of the filter body 110 (pressure p1) and a dynamic pressure tube (or Pitot tube) downstream of the filter body 110 (pressure p2). The pressure at the Pitot tube is given by the sum of the static pressure and the dynamic pressure and is therefore higher than at the normal pressure tap upstream of the filter body 110.This configuration creates an inverted or negative differential pressure across the filter body 110 and allows for the detection of clogged supply lines or valve malfunctions. Furthermore, a sensor 112 is shown, which is arranged, in particular, at a distance a of more than 0.5 cm from the edge or support frame of the filter body 110, which acts as an outer airflow boundary 401, so that no edge effects with airflow turbulence occur at the sensor 112.

[0100] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a filter system 150 with a filter module 100 and a plurality of filter bodies 110, 610 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter bodies 110, 610 each consist, for example, of pocket filters or a bag filter, with at least one filter body 610 consisting, for example, exclusively of a functional module configured to integrate additional functions in addition to filtering.

[0101] For example, at least one filter body 610 consists exclusively of a power supply unit 611, which is particularly designed to provide a power supply for a predetermined service life of the filter module 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the filter module 100 has corresponding filter bodies 110, 610 arranged serially one behind the other.

[0102] The energy or power generation unit 611 is configured, for example, to generate energy by means of the air flow through the filter module 100 and / or by means of electromagnetic waves, which energy is used in particular to operate the sensors 112, 113.

[0103] 6 and 7 show a schematic representation of a modular filter module 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter module 100 has a support frame 603, which can be fastened in particular to a housing of a filter system 150. The support frame 603 can be exchangeably arranged on a sensor frame 602, to which the sensors 112, 113 are fastened. In addition, a filter frame 601, to which the filter body 110 is fastened, can be exchangeably fastened to the support frame 603 and / or the sensor frame 602. The support frame 603 represents a fastening device for the filter frame 601 and the sensor frame 602. The filter frame 601 and / or the sensor frame 602 can be exchangeably fastened to the support frame 603. If the filter body 601 needs to be replaced, the filter frame 601 can be detached from the support frame 603. The sensor frame 602 may remain attached to the support frame 603.Furthermore, the sensor frame 602 with the sensors 112, 113 can also be replaced without having to replace the filter frame 601.

[0104] The sensor frame 602 is arranged, for example, between the support frame 603 and the filter frame 601. The sensor 112 can be attached, for example, to the sensor frame 302. Furthermore, a spacer element 604, such as a support rod, can protrude from the sensor frame 602 toward the center to space the sensor 112 from an edge of the sensor frame 602.

[0105] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be considered as limiting. List of reference symbols:

[0106] 100 filter module 201 outer fleece layer

[0107] 101 Air 202 Filter membrane

[0108] 102 Supply air side 203 Outer fleece layer

[0109] 103 Exhaust air side

[0110] 104 electrical supply unit 401 external air flow limitation

[0111] 105 Signal connection 402 Pitot pressure gauge

[0112] 106 coupling element

[0113] 107 Insertion direction 601 Filter frame

[0114] 108 Weighing device 602 Sensor frame

[0115] 603 support frame

[0116] 110 Filter body 604 Spacer element

[0117] 111 Filter area

[0118] 112 Sensor 610 additional filter body

[0119] 113 additional sensor 611 power supply unit

[0120] 114 Pocket a Distance air flow restriction

[0121] 120 receiving device x first direction

[0122] 121 Signal transmission unit y second direction

[0123] 122 Communication unit z third direction pl pressure supply air side

[0124] 130 Control unit p2 pressure exhaust air side

[0125] 140 Flow control

[0126] 150 filter system

Claims

Patent claims 1. A filter module (100) for filtering air (101) from at least part of a building or air (101) from an exhaust air purification unit of a production process, wherein the filter module (100) comprises a filter body (110) that filters the air flowing through (101) of airborne substances, and at least one sensor (112) with sensor electronics, which is configured to measure a value of an analysis parameter for the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air (101), wherein the filter body (110) and the sensor (112) are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that, when air flows through the filter module (100), the value of the analysis parameter measured with the sensor (112) corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analysis parameter averaged over the entire air flow, wherein the filter body (110) is designed in such a way,that a pressure drop across the filter body (110) is less than 2500 Pascal with an air volume per square meter of filter area and hour of less than 600 m, 3 / (m 2 xh) and a volume flow velocity in the range 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

2. Filter module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (112) is configured to measure an analysis parameter of a gas, a liquid and / or a solid as an air constituent and / or an air constituent, wherein the analysis parameter defines in particular the chemical and / or physical properties of the air constituent, so that, taking into account the analysis parameters, an energy consumption, a savings potential, an air pollution and / or a CO2 footprint can be determined.

3. Filter module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (112) is designed to measure at least one analysis parameter relating to the temperature of the air, the humidity of the air, the flow velocity of the air, the air quantity of the air through which it can flow, the dew point of the air, a proportion of an airborne substance in the air (101) and an analysis parameter of the airborne substance.

4. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter material of the filter body (110) comprises a nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven fabric is configured with one layer, preferably with several layers.

5. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter module (100) can be arranged replaceably in a filter system (150), wherein in particular the filter body (110) is a disposable filter, wherein the filter module (100) has an information element which transmits a signal indicating that the filter module (100) needs to be replaced.

6. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor (112) is arranged on an exhaust air side (103) of the filter body (110).

7. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor (112) is operable discontinuously, in particular in a duty cycle of less than 1:10, in particular in a duty cycle of less than 1:

100.

8. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one further sensor (113) with sensor electronics, in particular more than three sensors (112, 113) with corresponding sensor electronics, which are configured to measure a value of an analysis parameter for the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air (101), wherein in particular one sensor (112, 113) represents a combination sensor which is configured to determine a plurality of analysis parameters.

9. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor (112) comprises a movable component.

10. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor electronics are designed to store the measured analysis parameters, wherein the filter module (100) in particular has a coupling element (106) which is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensor electronics and can be coupled to a connection of the filter system (150), wherein the coupling element (106) is in particular designed such that a detachable coupling can be provided between the filter module (100) and the connection of the filter system (150), wherein the coupling element (106) is in particular designed such that when the filter module (100) is introduced into an operating position in the filter system (150), a coupling can be automatically generated between the connection of the filter system (150) and the sensor electronics, wherein the coupling element (106) is in particular provided on an exhaust air side (103) of the filter body (110).

11. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sensor (112) is placed more than 0.5 cm, in particular more than 1 cm, further in particular more than 2 cm from the outer air flow boundary (401) of the filter body (110).

12. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sensor (112) is configured to measure analysis parameters which determine an energy consumption and / or a CO2 footprint of the filter module (100) and / or the filter system (150), wherein the analysis parameters are in particular selected to determine a recommendation regarding filter replacement and / or filter cleaning, in particular that individual parameters are configurable.

13. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sensor (112) is configured to measure analysis parameters for analyzing fine dust, in particular the frequency of occurrence of fine dust, in particular the analysis of the frequency of diameter classes of particles of the fine dust and / or the composition of the fine dust, wherein the sensor (112) is in particular configured to carry out the measurement in real time.

14. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sensor (112) is a dynamic pressure gauge (402) and is in particular designed such that a static pressure upstream of the filter body (110) and a static and dynamic pressure downstream of the filter body (110) can be measured, and / or wherein the sensor (112) has a microphone which is configured to detect the noise level in a room such that the number and intensity of people speaking in the room can be determined by measuring and evaluating the noise level in the room.

15. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a signal transmission unit (121) which is designed for the wireless or wired transmission of signals, wherein the signal transmission unit (121) is in particular set up to send the data by means of R.FID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN or building management technology protocols, wherein on the basis of this data a warning signal can be generated by means of a control unit (130) and / or a measure can be taken which in particular relates to a throughput through the filter module (100).

16. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a receiving device (120) which is designed to receive a unique ID, wherein the unique ID comprises information regarding the location of the filter module (100), wherein the receiving device (120) is designed to read the unique ID from a QR code, a barcode, an OCR font or an RFID tag, and / or wherein the receiving device (120) is designed to receive the unique ID via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, proprietary protocols or protocols of building management systems, in particular LON or EIB, wherein the operation and / or the configuration of the filter module (100) can be set based on the unique ID.

17. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the filter body (110) comprises a pocket filter or a bag filter.

18. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the filter body (110) comprises at least two nonwoven layers (201, 203) and a filter membrane (202) arranged between the nonwoven layers (201, 203). which are arranged in layers one above the other in a layered composite, wherein in particular the middle filter membrane (202) of the layered composite has a larger surface than the two outer nonwoven layers (201, 203).

19. Filter module (100) according to claim 18, wherein a first direction and a second direction span a plane, wherein the central filter membrane (202) is corrugated with wave sections such that the wave sections are arranged one behind the other along a first direction, wherein the wave sections run irregularly and asymmetrically to one another, in particular within the plane, and wherein the filter body (110) is arranged such that the filter body (110) can be flowed over with air (101) along the first direction or along the second direction.

20. Filter module (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the filter body (110) has a thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm, in particular of 3 mm to 7 mm, and / or wherein the number of wave sections is between 0.5 and 3 waves per cm.

21. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the filter body (110) is formed from a hydrophobic filter material, and / or wherein the filter body (110) is formed from natural fibers, and / or wherein the filter body (110) contains a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene, and / or wherein the filter body (110) contains cellulose, cotton and / or hemp.

22. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a support frame (603), which can be fastened in particular to a housing of a filter system (150), a filter frame (601), to which the filter body (110) can be fastened, wherein the filter frame (601) is arranged in particular in an exchangeable manner on the support frame (603), and / or a sensor frame (602), to which at least the sensor (112) can be fastened, wherein the sensor frame (602) is arranged in particular in an exchangeable manner on the support frame (603).

23. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising a weighing device (108) which is arranged to weigh the Filter occupancy, in particular that a measurement value distortion due to the pressure of the air flowing through the system (101) can be compensated.

24. Filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the filter body (110) comprises a pocket filter, a cartridge filter, a tube filter, a candle filter, a compact filter or a HEPA filter.

25. Filter system (150) comprising a control unit (130) and at least one filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the at least one filter module (100) is coupled to the control unit (130) for exchanging analysis data relating to the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air (101).

26. Filter system (150) according to claim 25, wherein the control unit (130) comprises a visualization unit configured to display the air quality and the analysis of the airborne substances. visualize, in particular location-dependent at the location of the relevant filter system (150), wherein the control unit (130) is in particular configured to generate a recommendation for action based on the air quality and the analysis of the airborne substances.

27. Filter system (150) according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising a flow control (140), wherein by means of the flow control (140) a flow velocity of the air (101) through the filter body (110) and an air pressure of the air (101) on the supply air side (102) of the filter body (110) are adjustable, wherein the flow control (140) is configured to adjust a pressure drop difference of a pressure drop between the supply air side (102) and the exhaust air side (103) of the filter body (110), in particular by means of a mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control system.

28. Filter system (150) according to claim 27, wherein the flow control (140) is configured such that a volume flow per square meter of filter area of ​​the filter module (100) is below 140 m 3 / h, in particular below 85 m3 / h, preferably below 50 m3 / h.

29. Filter system (150) according to claim 28, wherein the flow control (140) is configured such that the speed of the volume flow in the range 0.2 m / s to 3.4 m / s, in particular between 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s, in particular 0.3 m / s to 2.8 m / s, and / or the pressure drop across the filter module (100) in at least one operating mode is adjustable below 450 Pa, in particular below 250 Pa, preferably below 150 Pa.

30. Filter system (150) according to one of claims 25 to 29, further comprising a receiving device having receiving regions for receiving the filter module (100). At least one of the receiving regions is configured to receive a filter module (100) or a functional unit, the functional unit in particular comprising a power supply device for supplying the sensor (112) and the sensor electronics with electrical energy.

31. Filter system (150) according to one of claims 25 to 30, further comprising a memory module for storing data, wherein the data is indicative of the values ​​of the analysis parameters, in particular at least one analysis parameter selected from the group consisting of air flow through the filter system (150), temperature of the air flowing through, pressure of the air flowing through, in particular absolute pressure and / or differential pressure, filter occupancy of the filter body (110), humidity of the air flowing through, aerosol load of the air flowing through and PM content, wherein the memory module is designed such that the memory module can be coupled to a readout device outside the filter system (150) for reading out the data.

32. Filter system (150) according to one of claims 25 to 31, further comprising a cover device configured to selectively cover an air inlet on a supply air side (102) of the filter system (150), wherein the covering device is configured in particular such that when the filter module (100) is changed, the covering device automatically covers the air inlet.

33. Method for filtering air (101) from at least a part of a Building or air (101) of an exhaust air purification unit of a production process with a replaceable filter module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 24.

Images