Sensor-integrated air filter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter module (100) for filtering air (101) in at least a portion of a building or an exhaust air purification unit of a production process, the filter module (100) comprising a filter body (110) for filtering the air (101) flowing with airborne substances and at least one sensor (112) with sensor electronics. The sensor (112) is configured to measure values of analytical parameters for analyzing the airborne substances 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 the value of the analytical parameter measured by the sensor (112) when the air flows through the filter module (100) corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analytical parameter averaged over the entire air flow. The filter body (110) is designed to filter air with a filter area of 1 square meter and an air flow rate of 450 m per hour. 3 / (m 2 ×h) and a pressure drop across the filter body (110) of less than 2500 Pascals for volumetric flow velocities in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter module and a method for filtering the air of at least a part of a building or an exhaust air purification unit of a production process using at least one sensor with sensor electronics.The present invention further relates to a filter system comprising the filter module. [Background technology]

[0002] Ventilation systems ensure the ventilation and exhaust of spaces within buildings and include filter systems to filter harmful substances from the air. These filter systems include sensors that measure air quality and airborne substances carried with the air. The requirements for the measurement tasks of ventilation system sensors change rapidly and are difficult to implement, given that the service life of a ventilation system is 10-30 years and planning typically begins two years before operation begins. The ever-increasing demands for measurement accuracy related to data from the airflow make it increasingly difficult to integrate sensor systems into ventilation systems that meet future measurement requirements over long operating periods and require low or no maintenance.

[0003] Furthermore, as ventilation equipment ages, the internal flow conditions change as biofilm and solid deposits cover the blank internal surfaces at installation. This means that measurements will not operate under the same operating conditions over the entire service life of the equipment, especially for small sensors. This problem occurs especially in downstream areas where the pipes are bent. Because the internal surfaces of ventilation pipes are rarely cleaned as originally planned, dust accumulation and biofilm formation can shift the air vortex zones and distort measurements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a filter solution that allows for an accurate analysis of the air being filtered over the entire service life of the ventilation installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by a filter module and a method for filtering the air of at least part of a building or the air of an exhaust air purification unit of a production process according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a filter module for filtering air in at least a part of a building or in an exhaust air purification unit of a production process. The filter module comprises a filter body for filtering air flowing with airborne substances and at least one sensor with sensor electronics. The sensor is configured to measure values of analytical parameters for the analysis of airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air. The filter body and the sensor are designed and arranged relative to one another such that, when air flows through the filter module, the value of the analytical parameter measured by the sensor corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analytical parameter averaged over the entire air flow. The filter body is suitable for a filter area of 1 square meter and an air volume of 600 m per hour. 3 / (m 2 × h) and a pressure drop across the filter body of less than 2500 Pascals for volumetric flow velocities in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

[0007] According to another aspect, there is provided a filter system comprising a control unit and at least one filter module as described above, At least one filter module is coupled to the control unit for exchanging analytical data relating to the analysis of airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air.

[0008] According to another aspect, a method is provided for filtering the air of at least a portion of a building or an exhaust air purification unit of a production process using the replaceable filter module described above.

[0009] The filter system according to the invention is typically also used to filter and purify air in buildings or to purify air in production processes in factories, for which purpose the filter system is integrated into the ventilation system of the building, for example with an active flow generator, such as a ventilator, or for example with a central active flow generator.

[0010] The filter system may have, for example, a housing in which one filter module is arranged, or in which multiple filter modules are arranged in series along the direction of air flow through the filter system or in parallel with respect to the flow direction.

[0011] A filter module may, for example, comprise a flat filter material secured to a circumferentially extending support frame. The filter module may be designed as a pocket filter, where multiple pockets of filter material are attached to the support frame and airflow is directed into the pockets to filter the incoming air. Additionally, filter modules may be designed as cartridge filters, bag filters, candle filters, compact filters, and HEPA filters.

[0012] The filter module, in particular the filter material, according to the present invention has a pressure drop of 600 m3 / hour for a filter area of 1 square meter and an air volume flow rate of 600 m3 / hour for air flowing through the filter body when the volume flow speed through the filter body is between 0.1 m / s and 5 m / s. 3 / (m 2 x h) of less than 2500 Pa. The filter modules are therefore used to purify large air masses with low pressure loss. These values can be adjusted structurally, in particular by the choice of filter material and the corresponding pore size and structure of the filter material.

[0013] The filter module has a filter body including a filter region, which in particular serves to filter the air. According to the invention, the sensor is arranged relative to the filter region such that the pressure drop across the filter module is in the range of 10 Pa to 450 Pa, in particular up to 250 Pa or up to 150 Pa, the composition of the air flow at the sensor changes little or by less than 40% compared to the composition in the filter region, and the sensor is designed relative to the filter region such that more than 90% of the air in the analysis region comes into contact with the same airborne substances or air particles as in the filter region. The filter performance of the filter module, in particular the filter region, according to the invention is measured, for example, according to EN ISO 16890, and is greater than 50% for one of the classes "ISO Coarse", "ISO ePM10", "ISO ePM2.5" or "ISO ePM1".

[0014] When the filter module is operated within these characteristic values, the arrangement of the sensor and filter body proposed in the present invention allows the sensor to come into contact with more than 90% of the same airborne substances and / or air volume as the filter body.

[0015] This configuration is particularly achieved when the sensor is appropriately sized and positioned and designed in the filter body or filter module. To avoid edge flow characteristics that would cause a different composition of airborne substances or air particles or a different air pressure drop range relative to the central filter body, the sensor is positioned at a sufficient distance from the support frame of the filter module or from the edge of the flow path in which the filter module is located in the filter system. Thus, the sensor is positioned, for example, at a distance of more than 0.5 cm, more than 1 cm, and in particular more than 2 cm from the edge region of the filter body or the outer air flow boundary.

[0016] The solution according to the present invention is suitable for filter modules, such as pocket filters, or secondary filter systems. Secondary filter systems generally refer to air circulation systems that are installed in a space and filter air. Secondary filter systems can be mobile or fixed. In contrast, controlled residential ventilation systems, such as fixedly installed and piped ventilation systems, are called primary filter systems. In secondary filter systems, zones with laminar airflow can be provided, within which corresponding filter modules according to the present invention are placed. For example, the support frame of the filter material of the filter module provides a suitable mechanical reinforcement platform, allowing sensors to be directly or indirectly mounted with sufficient vibration immunity (and thus without the elements wobbling in the airflow). This vibration reduction is also particularly important when vibration-sensitive sensors (e.g., MEMS or other electromechanical components) are used in the analysis area.

[0017] The filter module according to the invention provides integrated support for online or offline analysis of the pollutant load of the flowing air, in particular by virtue of the arrangement of sensors, which make it possible to determine from the air measured values representative of the air flow, in particular in terms of time or quantity.

[0018] The sensor with sensor electronics is configured to perform qualitative and / or quantitative measurement and analysis of air and airborne substances, i.e., air particles or gaseous substances. The integrated sensor can be used to provide a direct measurement of airborne substances or groups of airborne substances in the airflow. This can correspond, for example, to the amount of fine dust particles of a specific diameter class. Furthermore, other foreign objects can be pre-filtered, for example, so that only specific airborne substances impinge on the sensor. When vortices are generated by the turbulent air flow through the filter module, centrifugal force pushes heavier substances (particles, molecules, aerosols, etc.) radially away from the fluid column, which causes the airflow composition to become inhomogeneous. By ensuring fluid flow in accordance with the present invention, even in the presence of pressure differences, the air module of the present invention also allows the sensor to measure a representative airflow composition throughout the life cycle of the filter module.

[0019] In conventional approaches, the flow conditions within a filter system are often unstructured; that is, until now, for example, a pocket filter only needed to filter, so it was not important to accurately design the flow conditions within it. Poorly positioned areas of the filter area would subsequently become blocked if well-flowing areas were already blocked, thereby increasing the flow resistance of these areas. The solution according to the present invention ensures that the value measured by the sensor substantially corresponds to the average value of the entire airflow. An exemplary measure for uniform measurement is to prevent air vortices in front of the sensor (e.g., by positioning the sensor away from the edge of the airflow and / or by using a guide plate to homogenize the flow), since air vortices would, for example, push solids, heavier-than-air molecules, or aerosols away in the radial direction of the vortex. Therefore, the sensor is positioned in an area where undesirable vortex formation in the airflow is reduced or even impossible.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure analytical parameters of gases, liquids and / or solids as airborne substances and / or air components, such as the CO2 concentration in the air. The analytical parameters in particular define chemical and / or physical properties of the airborne substances, whereby energy consumption, savings potential, air pollution and / or CO2 footprint can be determined taking the analytical parameters into account.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment, the following values of the air flowing through the filter body can be detected by sensors integrated into the filter module: temperature, humidity, flow rate, air volume, dew point, and the proportion of airborne substances with specific properties. The sensors can be used to detect gaseous, liquid, or solid components in the airflow and to detect, for example, their chemical / physical properties, particularly their quantity and / or (e.g., average) diameter. Based on these basic measurements, further calculations can be made, such as the CO footprint, (energy) savings potential (e.g., depending on the filter material or the pressure drop across the filter, which can be influenced by filter replacement), or energy consumption.

[0022] In particular, at least one sensor can be used to detect the viral load in the air being filtered. For example, the concentration of a virus, such as the SARS-CoV2 virus, can be determined. In this case, a biosensor is arranged in the filter module. The air being filtered flows over the biosensor. The biomarker can, for example, react with the virus and produce a corresponding measurable (e.g., optical) response.

[0023] Biosensors can function based on PCR testing (real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), which detects the genetic sequence of a virus, such as the Sars-CoV2 virus. Furthermore, biosensors can function like antigen tests, for example, by implementing fluorescence- or chemiluminescence-based testing methods, which are detected based on the specific coloration of viral proteins.

[0024] In one embodiment of the biosensor, it can be designed as a waveguide interferometer. Such photonic biosensors recognize various light-based phenomena of viruses in order to rapidly detect and quantify the viruses or corresponding biomarkers. Among the various photonic biosensors, silicon photonic biosensors based on the principle of evanescent waves can be used.

[0025] Furthermore, biosensors can be designed as nanophotonic biosensors based on interferometric bimodal waveguides (BiMWs). To capture and detect viruses from a sample, the surface of a 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 soon as the air to be filtered flows over the biosensor, viral particles are captured by the receptors on the sensor surface, generating an interference signal that can be recorded in real time. The sensor response is directly proportional to the virus concentration in the air being filtered, for example, allowing for accurate quantification of the viral load in the air.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter material of the filter body comprises a nonwoven fabric, which is formed in one layer, preferably in several layers. The filter body is arranged in a filter module, in particular so that it can be replaced, and the nonwoven fabric is particularly designed for disposable filters. The nonwoven fabric consists of fibers of limited length, continuous fibers (filaments) or cut yarns, which are combined and bonded to form a nonwoven fabric (fiber layer, fiber pile). The fibers are bonded together to provide a breathable material with narrow, small-pore air passages, which allows for good filtering, especially of air particles.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module can be arranged exchangeably in the filter system, in particular the filter body is a disposable filter, the filter module in particular having an information element for transmitting a signal that it is time to replace the filter module.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the filter module according to the invention is arranged in a replaceable manner in the filter system. For example, corresponding guide rails can be provided along which the filter module can be inserted into an operating position in the filter system. Furthermore, for example, removable mounting means, such as screws or clamping fasteners, can be provided for modularly and replaceably arranging the filter module in the filter system.

[0029] By transferring at least part of the sensor system to a filter module that is replaced periodically, the filter system can be designed in such a way that sensors can be renewed by replacing the filter module throughout the service life of the filter system, and accordingly, blocked, dirty, or defective sensors can be easily replaced along with the filter module. Thus, the present invention provides an air filter, particularly designed as a pocket filter, with an integrated sensor for determining parameters of the flowing air. This system allows, for example, for the simultaneous replacement of corresponding sensor components that are pre-calibrated and therefore do not need to be calibrated or measured in the filter system during the replacement of the filter module. In the filter system, for example, cleaning of the sensor, advance maintenance of the sensor, and recalibration can be omitted.

[0030] For example, a humidity sensor can have an error of up to 5% over 20 years. Within one year, the measurement accuracy remains fairly constant or decreases by less than 0.25%. Therefore, if you replace the filter module and sensor together every year, you can maintain high measurement accuracy over the life cycle of the filter system.

[0031] Because replaceable filter modules (especially disposable filters) cannot be precisely fitted to the housing surrounding the filter system, it is further advantageous if the filter modules prevent possible air resonance. In filter materials made of regularly spaced filter media (e.g., woven, punched, etched, or perforated filters), the self-organizing effects of airflow can cause resonance and associated negative effects (noise, re-release of embedded harmful substances, especially during start-up and shutdown of the equipment, fluctuations in physical measurements, etc.). In the solution according to the present invention, the use of nonwoven layers has been shown to dampen this vibration effect. This damping occurs due to the irregular and random placement and attachment of fibers. This irregularity reduces the likelihood of self-organization of vibrations. This damping can be enhanced if multiple nonwoven layers are used in the construction of the filter material, especially if they have at least slightly different nonwoven materials or layers. The manufacturing of the nonwoven material can make a difference.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is arranged on the exhaust side of the filter body. Arranging the sensor on the intake air side of the filter system can lead to foreign matter adhering to the sensor, which can also lead to measurement errors and slower reaction times to the measurement standard (for example, dust on the temperature sensor can cause insulation, which among other things also impairs the measurement dynamics). This can be solved by arranging the sensor on the exhaust side of the filter system.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be operated intermittently, particularly with a duty cycle of less than 1:10, particularly less than 1:100. A duty cycle of 1:10 means, for example, 10 time units of flow through the filter area and 1 time unit of flow toward or through the sensor. This allows for intermittent measurements, particularly saving energy in the measurement system. For example, it may be sufficient to perform sensor measurements for very short periods with long pauses. The very load of foreign matter in the airflow typically occurs over a relatively long period of time. Intermediate values can also be interpolated from individual measurements without the need for continuous measurements. Good measurement results can be obtained with a duty cycle of less than 1:10, particularly less than 1:100. In this case, it is particularly useful when the duration of the measurement is minimal, for example, when a sudden change in the color of the indicator or sensor can be confirmed within a measurement time of less than 10 ms, particularly less than 50 microseconds, or even less than 1 microsecond.

[0034] Furthermore, energy consumption can be reduced by adapting the duty cycle, i.e. the sensor operates periodically, but only for 1 / 10 or 1 / 100 of the time (or even shorter measurement intervals). If the sensor has a fast measurement speed (i.e. short measurement time), accurate or highly accurate measurements will be made due to the inertia associated with changes in the composition of the airflow.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor module comprises 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 values of analytical parameters for the analysis of airborne substances and / or air quality of the air, in particular one sensor being a combination sensor configured to sense multiple analytical parameters.

[0036] Energy-saving sensors are becoming increasingly miniaturized. These increasingly miniaturized sensors make it possible to integrate two, three or even more different sensors into a filter module. In particular, the use of combined sensors, which detect several measurands in one sensor, has proven to be particularly advantageous, since it is only necessary to ensure the continuity of the air flow at a specific location in the filter body.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor has moving components. Certain sensors often use moving components (e.g., small fans that constantly adjust the flow rate to the same level, deflection mirrors for spectrometers or electromechanical distance changes, or filters (tunable frequency filters for MEMS-based spectroscopy)). Such components are particularly at risk from contamination or bearing wear. Therefore, their service life is limited, and the time during which accurate measurements are guaranteed is much shorter than the service life of the filter system. By periodically replacing the filter module (e.g., monthly, semi-annually, or annually), the sensor's aging or bias (i.e., the continuous deviation of the measurement result over time) starts again from "zero." Various sensors also use integrated controllers. This makes it very easy to signal when the filter module needs to be replaced (due to aging or fault detection) or is imminent in the context of preventive maintenance.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor electronics is designed to store the measured analytical parameters, and the filter module has a coupling element that is in particular mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensor electronics and that can be coupled to a connection of the filter system, the coupling element being in particular designed to provide a releasable coupling between the filter module and the connection of the filter system.

[0039] The coupling element is designed to automatically generate a connection between the filter system's connections and the sensor electronics when the filter module is introduced into its operating position within the filter system, and the coupling element is provided, in particular, on the exhaust side of the filter body. An optional controller integrated into the filter module can store the sensor values and transfer them later if communication is interrupted, or the data can be read offline after a filter replacement. Data transmission can be performed both wirelessly and via a wire (or a combination of both). In the case of a wired electrical connection (data, energy, configuration), the coupling element is advantageously used as an electrical plug connector, in particular as an electrical connector that is automatically plugged in and plugged out when the filter module is replaced. To prevent the plug-in device from being contaminated by the loaded air (and thus reducing reliability), the connector is preferably attached to the exhaust side of the filter.

[0040] The coupling element serves for a signal-technical or electrical connection between the sensor and the device of the filter system. The coupling element is provided in particular on the filter module, for example on the support frame of the filter module, so as to enable coupling with a corresponding coupling element of the filter system in the operating position of the filter module in the filter system. The coupling element can be, for example, an electrical plug.

[0041] By locating this plug connector in particular in the exhaust area of the filter system, contamination of the plug connector can be reduced or prevented.

[0042] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure analytical parameters that detect the energy consumption and / or CO footprint of the filter module and / or filter system (150), and the analytical parameters are selected to detect recommendations regarding filter replacement and / or filter cleaning, particularly where the individual parameters are configurable. As the filter module becomes increasingly clogged, it requires more energy for its intended use because the filter blockage increases the delta p or pressure drop across the filter module. Based on the data or analytical parameters, recommendations regarding the optimal filter module replacement (or cleaning) time can be detected and communicated, preferably where the individual parameters, such as energy cost, potential savings, CO reduction, CO certificate cost, etc., are configurable or detectable.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure analytical parameters for analyzing fine dust, in particular the frequency of occurrence of fine dust, in particular the frequency of diameter classes of fine dust particles, and / or the composition of fine dust, the sensor being particularly configured to perform measurements in real time. A corresponding sensor for analyzing fine dust particles in the supply air can be attached to the supply air side of the filter body. Unlike pipes or ducts, the cross-sectional area of the air guide is often larger at the filter location, which reduces the flow velocity for a given air throughput. The reduced flow velocity also results in a more uniform air flow and fewer turbulent air vortices (vortices that, for example, displace fine dust particles radially). This ideally allows measurements related to the composition of fine dust (diameter, amount, material analysis, etc.) to be performed on the supply air side. The possibility of external communication according to the present invention also allows for real-time analysis of the fine dust load.

[0044] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a dynamic pressure gauge, specifically designed to measure the static pressure upstream before the filter body and the static and dynamic pressure downstream after the filter body. If the air flow velocity is sufficiently high, the differential pressure can be measured between the normal pressure tap upstream before the filter body and the dynamic pressure tube (or Pitot tube) downstream after the filter. The pressure at the Pitot tube is the sum of the static and dynamic pressures and is therefore higher than the normal pressure tap before the filter. This configuration creates a reverse or negative pressure differential across the filter, making it possible to detect blockages in the supply line or valve failures. This embodiment should be particularly suitable for retrofitting older installations. Using a controller (Kontroller) in the filter module or filter system allows for external parameterization of the filter system's response and / or limit values.

[0045] For example, the sensor can have a microphone and can detect the noise level in the space and, in particular, the location of the noise source. By measuring and evaluating the noise level in the space, the number and density of people speaking in the space can be estimated. Since aerosol emissions by people increase with the volume of their speech, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation unit can be adapted to this via a control unit. In other words, the control of the ventilation capacity can be adjusted to the noise level in the space. The more people who are talking or speaking loudly, the more aerosols are emitted, and in this case, the fan capacity can be increased because the additional sound of equipment such as a fan unit is not perceived or disturbing. If one or more people are sitting quietly in the space, the ventilation capacity is reduced due to the need for quietness to concentrate and work, but in this case, almost no aerosols are emitted.

[0046] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module comprises a signal transmission unit designed for wireless or wired signal transmission, the signal transmission unit being in particular configured to transmit (sensor) data using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN or building management technology protocols, on the basis of which a warning signal can be generated by the control unit and / or measures can be taken, in particular regarding the throughput of the filter module.

[0047] The signal transmission unit can be, for example, an antenna- or conductor-based system that signals that the ventilation system is ready to receive data from the filter module. Such data can include parameters related to the airborne substances in the air, as well as information and details about the filter module. For example, the airflow can be adapted by the filter module or filter system depending on the performance of the filter module used. Furthermore, if the filter module's service life or blockage density is exceeded, a signal can be emitted that can be interpreted as a maintenance signal, but can also be used as a control signal to reduce the air throughput. An alternative embodiment of the signal transmission unit can be an RFID transponder (e.g., also carrying the filter data in encrypted form). Furthermore, other communication mechanisms, such as NFC, Bluetooth, or WLAN, can also be used. For wired communication, proprietary protocols as well as bus systems of building management systems (e.g., LON, EIB, etc.) can be used. This mechanism also makes it possible to ship filter systems that are only enabled when part of the unique ID is included in the agreed-upon accessories.

[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module comprises a receiving device designed to receive a unique ID, the unique ID containing information about the location of use of the filter module, the receiving device being designed to read the unique ID from a QR code, a barcode, an OCR font or an RFID tag, in particular via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, a proprietary protocol or a building management system protocol, in particular LON or EIB, and is able to adjust the operation and / or configuration of the filter module based on the unique ID.

[0049] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the unique ID contains information about the installation location of the filter module within the filter system. This ID allows for preselection of the operating parameters required for a specific operation from preconfigured operating modes of the filter system or filter module, or for retrieving saved system configuration data. Using encrypted protocols, in particular, it is possible to avoid reconfiguration during filter replacement and achieve a "plug-and-play" functionality. The corresponding data can be transmitted by the filter system or filter module upon replacement or transferred via the cloud. The unique ID can be transmitted to the filter system using mechanisms known to those skilled in the art, such as QR codes, barcodes, OCR fonts (and their successors for machine-readable fonts), RFID, NFC Bluetooth, WLAN, proprietary protocols, or building management system (LON, EIB, etc.) protocols. This mechanism also makes it possible to ship filter systems whose functionality is only enabled if part of the unique ID is included in the agreed-upon accessories.

[0050] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter body comprises a pocket filter or a bag filter. In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the filter system comprises a plurality of filter modules, each of which comprises a pocket filter or a bag filter. Instead of one of these pocket or bag filters, a functional unit for additional functions, such as an energy supply unit or an electrical supply unit, can be used here. The resulting large structural volume allows, for example, multiple additional functions to be realized. The long-life battery allows for easy retrofitting of existing filter modules with the solution according to the invention without requiring additional electrical and / or installation technical measures.

[0051] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter body has at least two nonwoven fabric layers arranged one above the other as a layer composite, and a filter membrane arranged between the nonwoven fabric layers. In particular, the middle filter membrane of the layer composite has a larger surface area than the two outer nonwoven fabric layers. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, a first direction (e.g., X-direction) and a second direction (e.g., Y-direction) forming a plane are defined. The middle filter membrane includes corrugated sections, which are designed to be corrugated so that the corrugated sections are arranged one behind the other along the first direction. The corrugated sections extend irregularly and asymmetrically relative to each other within the plane. The filter body is arranged so that air can flow over it along either the first direction or the second direction. For example, the X-direction is the direction of incoming air, and the corrugated sections extend along the second direction transverse to the first direction. The asymmetry of the corrugation arrangement and shape can be utilized for vibration damping. Alternatively, air can flow over the filter body in the Y-direction, thus parallel to the extension of the waves. The corrugated sections thus form a riblet structure, e.g., like sharkskin, which reduces flow resistance. Depending on the inlet conditions to the filter body (inlet cross-sectional area, volumetric flow, depth of the passing filter material), one or the other embodiment may be particularly advantageous. The asymmetry of the corrugation arrangement can be achieved by a self-assembly compression process, in which the feed rate of the filter membrane is much higher than the feed rate of the two covering nonwovens. The asymmetry of the corrugation arrangement is created by heat-setting the three layers at a predetermined time. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, this asymmetry has the effect of stabilizing deflection in the xy plane.

[0052] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter body has a thickness in the filtering area of 2 mm to 10 mm, in particular 3 mm to 7 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the number of corrugated sections is 0.5 to 3 waves per cm. This allows for a filtering performance similar to that of a HEPA filter with a pressure drop in the range of a typical F7 filter (i.e., within the operating parameters of the solution according to the invention).

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter region is made of a hydrophobic filter material. Furthermore, the filter region can be made of natural fibers. The filter region can further comprise a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene. In another example, the filter region comprises cellulose, cotton, and / or hemp.

[0054] When the aerosol load in the airflow to be filtered is very high, known filters can tend to quickly become wet. This can increase the pressure drop across the filter statically, while dynamically, due to very fast changes in the pressure situation, the subsequent volumetric flow control by the VAV can be overly demanding in terms of its control speed. The solution according to the present invention can solve this problem by appropriately selecting the filter material, i.e., using a hydrophobic material (e.g., polyolefins, especially polypropylene, substantially free of polar groups) or a hygroscopic material with a special (e.g., deep) swelling tendency (e.g., natural fibers, especially cellulose fibers, cotton, or hemp). This reduces the tendency for the filter openings to fill with micro- or nano-scale water droplets. The bactericidal, virucidal, and bactericidal properties of hemp are advantageous, making it an ideal filter component.

[0055] On the one hand, the insertion of a sensor with sensor electronics impedes the air flow, which leads to a larger pressure drop and therefore to higher energy consumption, but on the other hand, this problem can be compensated for again by reducing the volume flow through the filter in the filter area. The solution according to the invention makes it possible to provide a filter area with an extra-large filter area (for example by integrating a filter membrane in a corrugated form between two nonwoven fabrics), which allows a corresponding reduction in the volume flow per time and per area. During operation, the air volume (m ) per time and per square meter of filter area is 3 ) for 450m 3 Less than 140m, especially 3 Less than 85m, preferably 3 Less than 50m is particularly preferred 3This simultaneously reduces the rate at which the filters become clogged, thereby requiring less frequent filter changes or cleaning processes, which also reduces operational resources.

[0056] 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 comprise a polyolefin, particularly polypropylene. In another example, the filter region comprises cellulose, cotton, and / or hemp.

[0057] When the aerosol load in the airflow to be filtered is very high, known filters can tend to quickly become wet. This can increase the pressure drop across the filter statically, while dynamically, due to very fast changes in the pressure situation, the subsequent volumetric flow control by the VAV can be overly demanding in terms of its control speed. The solution according to the present invention can solve this problem by appropriately selecting the filter material, i.e., using a hydrophobic material (e.g., polyolefins, especially polypropylene, substantially free of polar groups) or a hygroscopic material with a special (e.g., deep) swelling tendency (e.g., natural fibers, especially cellulose fibers, cotton, or hemp). This reduces the tendency for the filter openings to fill with micro- or nano-scale water droplets. The bactericidal, virucidal, and bactericidal properties of hemp are advantageous, making it an ideal filter component.

[0058] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module has a support frame that can be (e.g., replaceably) mounted in particular to the housing of the filter system. Furthermore, the filter module has a filter frame to which the filter body can be mounted, the filter frame being particularly replaceably arranged on the support frame. Additionally or alternatively, the filter module has a sensor frame to which at least a sensor (or further sensors) can be mounted, the sensor frame being particularly replaceably arranged on the support frame. The support frame is a structure that can transmit the holding force of the filter module and the sensor. The support frame is particularly attached to the housing of the filter system. The support frame can, for example, be replaceably arranged in the filter system, for example in the housing of the filter system, so that the entire filter module can be replaced.

[0059] The support frame is a mounting device for the filter frame and the sensor frame. The filter frame and / or the sensor frame can be replaceably mounted on the support frame. This allows for a modular system in which elements to be maintained, such as the filter module or the sensor, need to be replaced without replacing the entire filter module. For example, if the filter body becomes clogged or blocked, the filter frame can be removed from the support frame. A new filter body with a corresponding filter frame can then be replaceably mounted on the support frame. Therefore, if a sensor defect is identified, the sensor frame can also be replaced together with the sensor. The sensor frame can be replaced without replacing the filter frame. Furthermore, the sensor can also be mounted on the filter frame, allowing the sensor to be replaced together with the filter frame.

[0060] Thus, a sustainable and efficient replacement or exchange system is provided, which allows only the components that need to be maintained or that are defective, such as a clogged filter body or a faulty sensor, to be replaced without the remaining components also having to be replaced.

[0061] The sensor frame and the filter frame can be attached to the support frame, for example, by a screw connection. The sensor frame and the filter frame can be attached to the support frame simultaneously by a common attachment means, for example, screws. Furthermore, other detachable attachment means are possible, such as a locking connection using locking elements, which allows the corresponding sensor frame or filter frame to be locked to the support frame. Hook-and-loop fasteners can also be used to connect the filter frame and / or the sensor frame to the support frame.

[0062] In particular, the sensor frame is disposed between the support frame and the filter frame. The sensor can be attached to the sensor frame itself, for example. Furthermore, a spacer element can protrude from the sensor frame toward the center of the sensor frame to space the sensor away from the edges of the sensor frame.

[0063] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module has a weighing device configured to weigh filter blockage, in particular to compensate for measurement distortion due to the air pressure flowing through the system. Using a corresponding additional mechanism, compensation for measurement distortion due to air resistance pressure can be achieved during operation of the filter system. This allows for the detection of high filter blockage even in low volumetric flow operating modes of the filter system, which do not trigger differential filter pressure monitoring in normal filter monitoring. In particular, the weighing device can contact the ground when the filter module is installed in the filter system housing, thereby introducing the force of the filter module's weight into the ground. This allows for a weight measurement of the filter module to be performed.

[0064] According to another exemplary embodiment of the filter system, the control unit comprises a visualization unit configured to visualize an analysis of air quality and air particles, in particular depending on the location of the current location of the associated filter system. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to generate recommendations for actions, in particular based on the analysis of air quality and airborne substances.

[0065] In a particularly preferred embodiment, several filter modules work together to purify the air from one part of a building. These filter modules have corresponding additional equipment that can exchange data on the air details, thereby making it possible to visualize the air measurement data at least in one place or to initiate actions depending on it. In this case, the primary ventilation filters and the secondary ventilation filter systems, as well as all of them, can form a network and interact with each other. In particular, this allows for the visualization of the air quality depending on the location and for recommendations to take action to be issued or measures to be initiated (e.g., "bad air in conference room 2" or "air quality is low, please increase the fan level by one level").

[0066] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter system includes a flow controller, which may include, for example, a ventilator or other flow generator. The flow controller can be used to adjust the air flow rate through the filter body and the air pressure on the intake side of the filter body. The flow controller is configured to adjust the pressure drop difference between the intake side and the exhaust side of the filter area using a mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control system so that a constant volumetric flow through the filter area can be adjusted, particularly based on subsequent adaptation using measurement data.

[0067] The flow control system may, for example, have a mechanical cross-sectional change at the inlet to the filter body, and the pressure drop in the filter area is taken into account so that the airflow rate at the sensor remains similar and representative of the airflow rate at the filter area. The pressure drop at the sensor can be adaptively adapted according to the pressure drop in the filter area.

[0068] The control unit can take into account, for example, that the pressure drop at the sensor is taken into account in the measurement data of the sensor. Furthermore, the analysis can function over different pressure drop ranges, for example by taking pressure differences into account by the control unit in the post-processing of the measurement data (for example by permanently recording the pressure differences and taking these data into account when evaluating).

[0069] According to another exemplary embodiment, the flow controller is configured to provide a volumetric flow of 140 m per square meter of filter area of the filter module. 3 / h or less, especially 85m 3 / h, preferably less than 50m 3 It is configured so that it can be adjusted to less than / h.

[0070] According to another exemplary embodiment, the flow controller is configured so that the volumetric flow velocity is adjustable in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s, in particular 0.2 m / s to 3.4 m / s, in particular 0.3 m / s to 2.8 m / s, and / or the pressure drop across the filter module in at least one operating mode is adjustable to less than 450 Pa, in particular less than 250 Pa, preferably less than 150 Pa. When the filter system is operated within these characteristic values, the measures proposed in the present invention (or a combination thereof) can ensure that the sensor comes into contact with more than 90% of the same entrained substances and entrained substance amounts as the average value of the entire air flow, as described above. Fluctuations in the pressure drop between 50 Pa and 450 Pa result in only slight changes in the composition of the air flow at the sensor. The solution according to the present invention is particularly suitable for filter systems with a pressure drop across the filter system of less than 2500 Pa, since only in this case the optimization of the flow resistance according to the present invention becomes effective. Particularly good results are achieved if the pressure drop in the operating mode is less than 450 Pa, in particular less than 250 Pa, preferably less than 150 Pa.

[0071] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module further comprises a receiving device including receiving areas for receiving the filter module, at least one of the receiving areas being configured to receive a filter module or a functional unit, in particular a power supply device for supplying electrical energy to the sensor and sensor electronics. The receiving device of the filter system can, for example, be designed with guide rails arranged on the housing of the filter system, along which the filter module or functional unit can be inserted into an operating position in the filter system. Furthermore, the receiving device can be provided with detachable mounting means, such as screws or clamp fasteners, for modular and exchangeable positioning of the filter module or functional unit in the filter system. The functional unit can, for example, be an electrical energy supply unit, such as a battery pack.

[0072] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module further comprises a memory module for storing data, the data representing the value of at least one analytical parameter selected from the group consisting of the air throughput of the filter system, the temperature of the flowing air, the pressure of the flowing air, in particular the absolute pressure and / or differential pressure, the filter blockage of the filter body, the humidity of the flowing air, the aerosol load of the flowing air or the PM content, and the memory module is designed so that it can be coupled to a reading device external to the filter system in order to read the data.

[0073] Precisely under particularly demanding operating conditions, it can be important to store individual detection details in a storage module and parameterize the data. On the one hand, this applies to details of the measurement method, especially the change in measured values over time, and, for example, the number of limit value exceedances. On the other hand, this applies to a number of different parameters, such as air throughput, temperature, pressure (especially absolute pressure and / or differential pressure), filter blockage, humidity, aerosol load, and PM content (especially how much for each diameter class). Such data sets can also be transmitted using the signal transmission unit or stored in the storage module and read out at the end of the filter module's useful life. Furthermore, filter module usage data, such as the usage period and the degree of usage (e.g., of the flow controller), can be stored in the storage module. Based on this data, for example, a usage invoice for the filter module's usage can be generated and the filter module user can be charged. Usage invoice generation can be used particularly in rental properties, whereby each tenant receives a usage invoice allocated according to their filter module usage.

[0074] According to another exemplary embodiment, the filter module further comprises a cover device configured to selectively cover the air inlet on the supply air side of the filter system, the cover device being configured in particular such that the cover device automatically covers the air inlet when the filter module is replaced.

[0075] Since the solution according to the invention integrates a potentially recyclable high-value sensor system into the filter module, in another embodiment a protection function against recontamination of the surrounding environment or the sensor by foreign objects embedded in or adhering to the filter is integrated, which can be activated, particularly automatically, when the filter is replaced. For example, in the case of a pocket filter, this can be a roller blind-like or sliding 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 during replacement using an adhesive bond or hook-and-loop fastener.

[0076] It should be noted that the embodiments described herein represent only a limited selection of possible variations of the present invention. Therefore, the features of the individual embodiments can be combined with one another in any suitable manner, and thus the explicit variations herein should be considered to have clearly disclosed to those skilled in the art a multitude of different embodiments. In particular, some embodiments of the present invention are recited in apparatus claims, and other embodiments of the present invention are recited in method claims. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless otherwise specified, any combination of features belonging to different subject matters of the present invention is possible in addition to any combination of features belonging to one subject matter of the present invention.

[0077] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0078] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a filter system with a filter module according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a filter material of a filter body according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a corrugation of a filter material according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4]1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a filter module with a dynamic pressure gauge according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a filter system with one filter module and multiple filter bodies according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular filter module according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates a side view of the modular filter module of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] The same or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference signs. The illustrations in the figures are schematic.

[0080] 1 illustrates a filter system 150 including a filter module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter system 150 includes a control unit 130 and at least one filter module 100 for exchanging analytical data necessary to assist in the analysis of airborne substances and / or air quality.

[0081] The filter module 100 comprises a filter body 110 for filtering the air flow 101 of airborne substances, and at least one sensor 112 or further sensors 113 including sensor electronics. The sensor 112 is configured to measure the value of an analytical parameter for the analysis of the airborne substances 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 analytical parameter measured by the sensor 112 corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analytical parameter averaged over the entire air flow. The filter body 110 is suitable for a filter area of 1 square meter and an air volume of 600 m per hour. 3 / (m 2×h) and a pressure drop across the filter body 110 of less than 2500 Pascals for volumetric flow velocities in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

[0082] The filter system 150 has a housing in which the filter module 100 is arranged, whereby the filter module 100 according to the invention is arranged exchangeably 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 filter system 150 to its operating position.

[0083] The filter system 150 includes a flow controller 140, which may comprise, for example, a ventilator or other flow generator, that can regulate the flow rate of the air 101 through the filter body 110 and the air pressure of the air 101 on the intake side 102 of the filter body 110. The flow controller 140 is configured to adjust, in particular by means of a mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control system, the pressure drop difference between the pressure p1 on the intake side 102 and the pressure p2 on the exhaust side 103 of the filter area 111 and the sensors 112, 113, such that a constant volumetric flow over or through the filter area 111 and the sensors 112, 113 can be adjusted, in particular based on subsequent adaptation using measurement data.

[0084] The filter module 100 comprises a flat filter material secured to a containment device, such as a perimeter-extending support frame. The filter module 100 may be designed as a pocket filter, with multiple pockets 114 of filter material attached to the support frame and into which airflow is directed to filter the incoming air 101.

[0085] The filter module 100 has, among other things, a filter area 111 that serves to filter the air 101. The sensors 112, 113 are located a sufficient distance from the support frame of the filter module 100 or from the edge of the flow path in which the filter module 100 is located in the filter system 150 to avoid edge flow characteristics that would cause, for example, a different composition of air particles in the air or a different pressure drop range of the air 101 relative to the central filter area.

[0086] The sensors 112, 113 are used to measure at least one parameter of airborne substances and / or air quality of the air 101. One of the sensors 112, 113 can provide a direct measurement of a foreign object or group of foreign objects in the airflow. The sensors 112, 113 can include MEMS sensors. Furthermore, one of the sensors 112, 113 can be configured to be used, in particular, for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and / or near-infrared spectroscopy. The sensors 112, 113 can, for example, form resistive sensors to measure airborne substances and / or air quality. In that case, a trigger substance, for example, can be additionally used to determine the presence of a specific foreign object in the air 101.

[0087] The filter module 100 comprises a communication unit 122 for communicating data relating to airborne substances and / or 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 transmit information relating to airborne substances and / or air quality to the control unit 130, or also to transmit control signals to the control unit 130, which may be generated based on the measured parameters, for example to generate control signals relating to indicator signals (alarm signals) or air flow control signals.

[0088] The filter module 100 further comprises coupling elements 106 that are mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensors 112, 113 and that are couplable to connections of the filter system 150. The coupling elements 106 are particularly designed to provide a releasable coupling between the sensors 112, 113 and the connections of the filter system 150. Furthermore, the coupling elements 106 are particularly designed to automatically create a coupling between the connections of the filter system 150 and the sensors 112, 113 when the filter module 100 is introduced into its operating position within the filter system 150. The coupling elements 106 are provided on the exhaust side 103 of the filter body 110. The coupling elements 106 are particularly provided on the filter module 100, for example on a support frame of the filter module 100, so as to be able to couple with corresponding coupling elements of the filter system 150 when the filter module 100 is in its operating position within the filter system 150.

[0089] The filter module 100 further comprises a weighing device 108 configured to weigh the filter blockage, in particular to compensate for distortions in measurements due to the pressure of the air 101 flowing through the system. The weighing device 108 contacts the ground when the filter module 100 is installed in the housing of the filter system 150, thereby introducing the force of the weight of the filter module 100 into the ground, thereby allowing a weight measurement of the filter module 100 to be performed.

[0090] The filter module 100 includes a receiving device 120 designed to receive a unique ID, which contains information about the location of use of the filter module 100. The receiving device 120 can be designed 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 designed to receive the unique ID via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, a proprietary protocol, or a building management system, particularly LON or EIB. The operation and / or configuration of the filter module 100 can be adjusted based on the unique ID. For example, the unique ID contains information about the installation location of the filter module 100 in the filter system 150. This ID allows preselecting the operating parameters required for a specific operation from preconfigured operating modes of the filter system 150 or the filter module 100, or recalling saved system configuration data.

[0091] The filter module 100 further comprises a transmitting device 121 for transmitting filter body related data, the transmitting device 121 being configured to transmit data using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN or building management technology protocols. Based on this data, a warning signal can be generated by the control unit 130 and / or measures can be taken, particularly regarding the throughput of the filter module 100.

[0092] The transmitting device 121 can be, for example, an antenna or conductor-based system that signals that the ventilation equipment or filter system 150 is ready to receive data from the filter module 100. Such data can contain parameters related to the airborne substances in the air 101, as well as information and details about the filter module 100. For example, the air volume through the filter module 100 or filter system 150 can be adapted depending on the performance of the filter module 100 used. Furthermore, if the filter module 100's service life or blockage density is exceeded, a signal can be emitted that can be interpreted as a maintenance signal, but can also be used as a control signal to reduce the air throughput. The sensor 112 can be supplied with electrical energy, for example, by an electrical supply unit 104. Corresponding signals can be transmitted via a signal connection 105 between the sensor 112, the communication unit 122, the transmitting device 121, and the receiving device 120, for example.

[0093] The control unit 130 may comprise a (possibly geographically remote) visualization unit configured to visualize the air quality and the analysis of air particles or airborne substances, in particular depending on the location of the current location of the associated filter system 150. Furthermore, the control unit 130 is configured to generate recommendations for actions based in particular on the air quality and the analysis of airborne substances.

[0094] 2 shows a schematic diagram of the filter material of a filter body 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter body 110, particularly in the filter region 111, has multiple filter layers arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the air 101 passing through the filter, with the first filter layer facing the intake air side 102 filtering more coarsely than at least one second filter layer following the next first filter layer in the flow direction. Thus, coarser particles can be filtered first, while smaller particles flow through the first layer and are then filtered out only by the finer layers.

[0095] The filter body 110 or layer has a nonwoven fabric as filter material, especially in the filter region 110, and the nonwoven fabric especially has only one layer or several layers.

[0096] The filter body 110 comprises at least two nonwoven fabric layers 201, 203 arranged one above the other in layers in the third direction z as a layer composite and a filter membrane 202 arranged between the nonwoven fabric layers, in particular the middle filter membrane 202 of the layer composite having a larger surface area than the two outer nonwoven fabric layers 201, 203.

[0097] The intermediate filter membrane 202 has corrugated sections arranged front to back along a first direction x.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of corrugations in a filter material according to an exemplary embodiment. The corrugated sections extend irregularly and asymmetrically relative to one another, particularly in a plane. The filter body 110 is arranged so that air can flow over the filter body 110 along a first direction x or along a second direction y. For example, the x direction is the airflow direction of air 101, and the corrugated sections extend along a second direction y transverse to the first direction x. The asymmetry in the wave arrangement and shape can be utilized for vibration damping.

[0099] 4 shows a schematic diagram of the filter module 100 with a dynamic pressure gauge 402 as a sensor, according to an exemplary embodiment. The dynamic pressure gauge 402 is designed to measure the static pressure upstream of the intake side 102 before the filter body 110, and the static and dynamic pressure downstream of the exhaust side 103 after the filter body 110. When the airflow velocity is high enough, a differential pressure p1-p2 can be measured between the normal pressure tap upstream before the filter body 110 (pressure p1) and the dynamic pressure tube (or Pitot tube) downstream after the filter body 110 (pressure p2). The pressure at the Pitot tube is the sum of the static and dynamic pressures, and therefore will be higher than the normal pressure tap before the filter body 110. This configuration creates a reverse or negative pressure differential across the filter body 110, making it possible to detect blockages in the supply line or valve failures.

[0100] Further, the sensor 112 is shown positioned at a distance a of more than 0.5 cm from the edge or support frame of the filter body 110, which in particular serves as the outer airflow boundary 401, so that the sensor 112 is not subject to edge flow effects associated with turbulent airflow.

[0101] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a filter system 150 including a filter module 100 and multiple filter bodies 110, 610 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter bodies 110, 610 may each comprise, for example, a pocket filter or a bag filter, and at least one filter body 610 may comprise only a functional module configured to integrate additional functions beyond filtration. For example, at least one filter body 610 may comprise only a power supply unit 611, which is specifically designed to provide a power supply for the filter module 100 over a predetermined service life. In the exemplary embodiment, the filter module 100 includes filter bodies 110, 610 arranged in series one behind the other.

[0102] The energy or power generation unit 611 is configured to obtain energy, for example, by the air flow through the filter module 100 and / or by electromagnetic waves that are used to operate the sensors 112, 113, among others.

[0103] 6 and 7 show schematic diagrams of a modular filter module 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter module 100 has a support frame 603 that can be attached to, among other things, the housing of the filter system 150. The support frame 603 can be interchangeably arranged with a sensor frame 602 to which the sensors 112, 113 are attached. Furthermore, the filter frame 601 to which the filter body 110 is attached can be interchangeably attached to the support frame 603 and / or the sensor frame 602.

[0104] The support frame 603 is a mounting device for the filter frame 601 and the sensor frame 602. The filter frame 601 and / or the sensor frame 602 can be replaceably mounted to the support frame 603. When the filter body 601 needs to be replaced, the filter frame 601 can be removed from the support frame 603. The sensor frame 602 can remain attached to the support frame 603. Furthermore, the sensor frame 602 can also be replaced together with the sensors 112, 113 without the need to replace the filter frame 601.

[0105] The sensor frame 602 may be disposed, for example, between the support frame 603 and the filter frame 601. The sensor 112 may be attached, for example, to the sensor frame 302. Additionally, a spacer element 604, such as, for example, a support rod, may protrude centrally from the sensor frame 602 to space the sensor 112 away from the edges of the sensor frame 602.

[0106] Additionally, it is to be noted that "comprises" does not exclude other elements or steps, and that the singular does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it is to be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other of the above examples. Reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting. (Other possible items) (Item 1) A filter module (100) for filtering air (101) in at least part of a building or in an exhaust air purification unit of a production process, said filter module (100) comprising: a filter body (110) for filtering the air (101) flowing through the air-accompanying substance; at least one sensor (112) configured to measure values of analytical parameters for the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air (101), the sensor (112) comprising sensor electronics; the filter body (110) and the sensor (112) are designed and arranged relative to one another such that the value of the analytical parameter measured by the sensor (112) when air flows through the filter module (100) corresponds to more than 90% of the value of the analytical parameter averaged over the entire air flow; The filter body (110) has a filter area of 1 square meter and an air volume of 600 m per hour. 3 / (m 2 ×h) and a pressure drop across the filter body (110) of less than 2500 Pascals for volumetric flow velocities in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s. (Item 2) the sensor (112) is configured to measure analytical parameters of gases, liquids and / or solids as air-accompanying substances and / or air components; said analytical parameters in particular define the chemical and / or physical properties of said air-borne substances, whereby energy consumption, potential savings, air pollution and / or CO2 footprint can be determined taking said analytical parameters into account; Item 1. The filter module (100) according to item 1. (Item 3) the sensor (112) is designed to measure at least one analytical parameter related to the air temperature, the air humidity, the air flow rate, the air volume of the flowing air, the air dew point, the proportion of airborne substances in the air (101), and analytical parameters of the airborne substances; Item 3. The filter module (100) according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The filter material of the filter body (110) comprises a nonwoven fabric, The nonwoven fabric is formed of one layer, preferably multiple layers. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) The filter module (100) is replaceably positionable within a filter system (150); In particular, the filter body (110) is a disposable filter; The filter module (100) has an information element that signals when it is time to replace the filter module (100). The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) The sensor (112) is disposed on the exhaust side (103) of the filter body (110). The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) The sensor (112) is operable intermittently, in particular at a duty cycle of less than 1:10, in particular at a duty cycle of less than 1:100; The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) at least one further sensor (113) with sensor electronics, in particular more than three sensors (112, 113) with corresponding sensor electronics, configured to measure values of analytical parameters for the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air (101), In particular, the sensors (112, 113) are combination sensors configured to sense multiple analytical parameters; The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) The sensor (112) has a moving component element. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) the sensor electronics is configured to store the measured analytical parameters; The filter module (100) has, in particular, a coupling element (106) that is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensor electronics and that is connectable to a connection of the filter system (150), the coupling element (106) is specifically designed to provide a releasable coupling between the filter module (100) and the connection of the filter system (150); the coupling element (106) is specifically designed to automatically create a coupling between the connection of the filter system (150) and the sensor electronics when the filter module (100) is introduced into an operating position in the filter system (150); The coupling element (106) is provided in particular on the exhaust side (103) of the filter body (110). The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) the sensor (112) is positioned at a distance of more than 0.5 cm, in particular more than 1 cm, and more particularly more than 2 cm from the outer air flow boundary (401) of the filter body (110); The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 12) the sensor (112) is configured to measure an analytical parameter that senses the energy consumption and / or CO2 footprint of the filter module (100) and / or the filter system (150); the analysis parameters are selected in particular to detect recommendations regarding filter replacement and / or filter cleaning, in particular in that case the individual parameters are configurable; The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 13) The sensor (112) is configured to measure an analytical parameter for analyzing fine dust; In particular, an analysis of the occurrence frequency of said fine dust, in particular the frequency of particle diameter classes of said fine dust and / or the composition of said fine dust, The sensor (112) is particularly configured to perform the measurements in real time. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 12. (Item 14) the sensor (112) is a dynamic pressure gauge (402) specifically designed to measure the upstream static pressure before the filter body (110) and the downstream static and dynamic pressure after the filter body (110); and / or the sensor (112) comprises a microphone configured to detect a noise level within the space so as to measure and evaluate the noise level within the space and thereby determine the number and density of speakers within the space; The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 13. (Item 15) It further comprises a signal transmission unit (121) designed to transmit signals wirelessly or by wire, the signal transmission unit (121) is configured to transmit data in particular using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN or building management technology protocols, Based on said data, a warning signal can be generated by the control unit (130) and / or measures can be taken, particularly related to the throughput of said filter module (100). The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 14. (Item 16) a receiving device (120) designed to receive the unique ID; The unique ID includes information about the location where the filter module (100) is used, 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 the receiving device (120) is designed to receive the unique ID via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, a proprietary protocol, or a protocol of a building management system, in particular LON or EIB; The operation and / or configuration of the filter module (100) can be adjusted based on the unique ID. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 15. (Item 17) The filter body (110) comprises a pocket filter or a bag filter. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 16. (Item 18) The filter body (110) comprises at least two nonwoven fabric layers (201, 203) arranged one above the other as a layer composite, and a filter membrane (202) arranged between the nonwoven fabric layers (201, 203), In particular, the intermediate filter membrane (202) of the layer composite has a larger surface area than the two outer nonwoven layers (201, 203), The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 17. (Item 19) the first direction and the second direction form a plane; the intermediate filter membrane (202) includes corrugated sections and is designed to be corrugated such that the corrugated sections are arranged back and forth along a first direction; the corrugated sections extend irregularly and asymmetrically relative to one another, in particular in the plane, The filter body (110) is arranged so that air (101) can flow over the filter body (110) along the first direction or along the second direction. Item 19. The filter module (100) according to item 18. (Item 20) the filter body (110) has a thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm, in particular 3 mm to 7 mm; and / or The number of the corrugated sections is 0.5 to 3 waves per cm. Item 19. The filter module (100) according to item 19. (Item 21) the filter body (110) is made of a hydrophobic filter material; and / or the filter body (110) is made from natural fibers; and / or the filter body (110) comprises a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene; and / or The filter body (110) comprises cellulose, cotton and / or hemp. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 20. (Item 22) a support frame (603) that can be attached in particular to the housing of the filter system (150); A filter frame (601) to which the filter body (110) can be attached, a filter frame (601) arranged in particular replaceably on said support frame (603), and / or a sensor frame (602) on which at least the sensor (112) can be mounted, a sensor frame (602) particularly replaceably arranged on the support frame (603), The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 20. (Item 23) and a metering device (108) configured to measure filter blockage, in particular to compensate for distortions in measurements due to the pressure of the air (101) flowing through the system. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 22. (Item 24) 24. The filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 23, wherein the filter body (110) comprises a pocket filter, a cartridge filter, a bag filter, a candle filter, a compact filter, or a HEPA filter. (Item 25) A filter system (150) comprising: a control unit (130); At least one filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 24, The at least one filter module (100) is coupled to the control unit (130) for exchanging analytical data relating to the analysis of airborne substances and / or air quality of the air (101), a filter system (150). (Item 26) the control unit (130) comprises a visualization unit configured to visualize the analysis of the air quality and the airborne substances, in particular depending on the current location of the associated filter system (150); The control unit (130) is particularly configured to generate recommendations for actions based on the air quality and the analysis of the airborne substances. Item 26. The filter system (150) according to item 25. (Item 27) Further comprising a flow controller (140); The flow rate controller (140) can be used to adjust the flow rate of the air (101) through the filter body (110) and the air pressure of the air (101) on the air intake side (102) of the filter body (110), The flow controller (140) is configured to adjust the pressure drop difference between the intake side (102) and the exhaust side (103) of the filter body (110), in particular by using a mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control system. 27. The filter system (150) according to item 25 or 26. (Item 28) The flow controller (140) controls the volumetric flow of the filter module (100) to 140 m3 per square meter of filter area. 3 / h, in particular less than 85 m / h, preferably less than 50 m Item 28. The filter system (150) according to item 27. (Item 29) the flow controller (140) is adapted to adjust the velocity of the volumetric flow in the range of 0.2 m / s to 3.4 m / s, in particular 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s, in particular 0.3 m / s to 2.8 m / s, and / or to adjust the pressure drop across the filter module (100) in at least one operating mode to less than 450 Pa, in particular less than 250 Pa, preferably less than 150 Pa; Item 29. The filter system (150) according to item 28. (Item 30) a receiving device having a receiving area for receiving the filter module (100); At least one of the receiving areas is configured to receive a filter module (100) or a functional unit; the functional unit is in particular a power supply for supplying electrical energy to the sensor (112) and the sensor electronics, 30. The filter system (150) according to any one of items 25 to 29. (Item 31) further comprising a storage module for storing data; The data represent values of the analytical parameters, and in particular at least one analytical parameter is selected from the group consisting of the air throughput of the filter system (150), the temperature of the flowing air, the pressure of the flowing air, in particular the absolute pressure and / or the differential pressure, the filter clogging of the filter body (110), the humidity of the flowing air, the aerosol load of the flowing air, and the PM content, The storage module is designed to be connectable to a reader external to the filter system (150) for reading the data. The filter system (150) according to any one of items 25 to 30. (Item 32) a cover device configured to selectively cover an air inlet on the air intake side of the filter system; The cover device is particularly configured so that when the filter module (100) is replaced, the cover device automatically covers the air inlet. A filter system (150) according to any one of items 25 to 31. (Item 33) A method for filtering air (101) in at least part of a building or air (101) in an exhaust gas purification unit of a production process using a replaceable filter module (100) according to any one of items 1 to 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100 Filter Module 101 Air 102 Air intake side 103 Exhaust side 104 Electrical Supply Unit 105 Signal Connections 106 Coupling Elements 107 Insertion direction 108 Weighing device 110, 610 Filter body 111 Filter Area 112 Sensors 113 More Sensors 114 pockets 120 receiving device 121 Transmitting Device 122 communication unit 130 Control Unit 140 Flow Controller 150 Filter System 201 outer nonwoven layer 202 Filter membrane 203 outer nonwoven layer 401 outer airflow boundary 402 Dynamic pressure gauge 601 Filter Frame 602 Sensor Frame 603 Support Frame 604 Spacer Element 611 Power Supply Unit a Distance Airflow Boundary x first direction y second direction z Third direction p1 Air supply pressure p2 Exhaust pressure

Claims

1. 1. A filter module for filtering the air of at least a part of a building or an air exhaust purification unit of a production process, said filter module comprising: a filter body for filtering the air flowing through the air-accompanying substance; at least one sensor configured to measure values of analytical parameters for analyzing the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air, the sensor comprising sensor electronics; the filter body and the sensor are designed and positioned relative to one another such that the value of the analytical parameter measured by the sensor as air flows through the filter module corresponds to greater than 90% of the value of the analytical parameter averaged over the entire airflow; The filter body has a filter area of 1 square meter and an air volume of 600 m per hour. ３ / (m ２ x h) and a pressure drop across the filter body of less than 2500 Pascals for volumetric flow velocities in the range of 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

2. the sensor is configured to measure analytical parameters of gases, liquids and / or solids as air-accompanying substances and / or air components; said analytical parameters in particular define the chemical and / or physical properties of said air-borne substances, whereby energy consumption, potential savings, air pollution and / or CO2 footprint can be determined taking said analytical parameters into account; The filter module of claim 1 .

3. The sensor is designed to measure at least one analytical parameter related to the temperature of the air, the humidity of the air, the flow rate of the air, the air volume of the flowing air, the dew point of the air, the proportion of airborne substances in the air, and analytical parameters of the airborne substances; The filter module of claim 1 .

4. The filter material of the filter body comprises a nonwoven fabric, The nonwoven fabric is formed of one layer, preferably multiple layers. The filter module of claim 1 .

5. The filter module may be replaceably positioned within a filter system; In particular, the filter body is a disposable filter; the filter module has an information element that signals when it is time to replace the filter module; The filter module of claim 1 .

6. The sensor is disposed on the exhaust side of the filter body. The filter module of claim 1 .

7. the sensor is operable intermittently, in particular with a duty cycle of less than 1:10, in particular with a duty cycle of less than 1:100; The filter module of claim 1 .

8. at least one further sensor with sensor electronics, in particular more than three sensors with corresponding sensor electronics, configured to measure values of analytical parameters for the analysis of the airborne substances and / or the air quality of the air, In particular, the sensor is a combination sensor configured to sense multiple analytical parameters. The filter module of claim 1 .

9. the sensor having a moving component element; The filter module of claim 1 .

10. the sensor electronics is configured to store the measured analytical parameters; the filter module has in particular a coupling element which is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the sensor electronics and which can be coupled to a connection of the filter system, the coupling element is particularly designed to provide a releasable coupling between the filter module and the connection of the filter system, the coupling element is designed in particular to be able to automatically create a coupling between the connection of the filter system and the sensor electronics when the filter module is introduced into an operating position in the filter system, The coupling element is provided in particular on the exhaust side of the filter body. The filter module of claim 5 .

11. The sensor is positioned at a distance of more than 0.5 cm, in particular more than 1 cm, more in particular more than 2 cm from the outer air flow boundary of the filter body; The filter module of claim 1 .

12. the sensor is configured to measure an analytical parameter that senses the energy consumption and / or CO2 footprint of the filter module and / or the filter system; the analysis parameters are selected in particular to detect recommendations regarding filter replacement and / or filter cleaning, in particular in that case the individual parameters are configurable; The filter module of claim 5 .

13. The sensor is configured to measure an analysis parameter for analyzing fine dust; In particular, an analysis of the occurrence frequency of said fine dust, in particular the frequency of particle diameter classes of said fine dust and / or the composition of said fine dust, the sensor is particularly adapted to perform the measurements in real time, The filter module of claim 1 .

14. the sensor is a dynamic pressure gauge, specifically designed to measure the upstream static pressure before the filter body and the downstream static and dynamic pressure after the filter body; and / or the sensor comprises a microphone configured to detect a noise level within the space so as to measure and evaluate the noise level within the space to determine the number and density of speakers within the space; The filter module of claim 1 .

15. further comprising a signal transmission unit designed to transmit signals wirelessly or by wire; the signal transmission unit is configured to transmit data in particular using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN or building management technology protocols, - on the basis of said data, a warning signal can be generated by a control unit and / or measures can be taken, in particular related to the throughput of said filter module; The filter module of claim 1 .

16. a receiving device designed to receive the unique ID; The unique ID includes information about the location where the filter module is used; the receiving device is designed to read the unique ID from a QR code, a barcode, an OCR font, or an RFID tag; and / or the receiving device is designed to receive the unique ID via NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, a proprietary protocol or a building management system, in particular via a LON or EIB protocol; The operation and / or configuration of the filter module may be adjusted based on the unique ID. The filter module of claim 1 .

17. The filter body includes a pocket filter or a bag filter. The filter module of claim 1 .

18. The filter body has at least two nonwoven fabric layers arranged one above the other as a layer composite and a filter membrane arranged between the nonwoven fabric layers, In particular, the middle filter membrane of the layer composite has a larger surface area than the two outer nonwoven layers. The filter module of claim 1 .

19. the first direction and the second direction form a plane; the intermediate filter membrane includes corrugated sections and is designed to be corrugated such that the corrugated sections are arranged back and forth along a first direction; the corrugated sections extend irregularly and asymmetrically relative to one another, in particular in the plane, the filter body is arranged so that air can flow over the filter body along the first direction or along the second direction.

20. The filter module of claim 18.

20. the filter body has a thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm, in particular 3 mm to 7 mm, and / or The number of the corrugated sections is 0.5 to 3 waves per cm.

20. The filter module of claim 19.

21. the filter body is formed from a hydrophobic filter material; and / or the filter body is made from natural fibers; and / or the filter body comprises a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene, and / or The filter body comprises cellulose, cotton and / or hemp. The filter module of claim 1 .

22. a support frame which can be attached in particular to the housing of the filter system; A filter frame to which the filter body can be attached, a filter frame, in particular exchangeably arranged on said support frame, and / or a sensor frame to which at least the sensor can be attached, a sensor frame, which is particularly exchangeably arranged on the support frame; The filter module of claim 1 .

23. and further comprising a metering device configured to measure filter blockage, in particular to compensate for distortion of measurements due to the pressure of the air flowing through the system. The filter module of claim 1 .

24. 10. The filter module of claim 1, wherein the filter body comprises a pocket filter, a cartridge filter, a bag filter, a candle filter, a compact filter, or a HEPA filter.

25. 1. A filter system comprising: A control unit; At least one filter module according to any one of claims 1 to 24, A filter system, wherein the at least one filter module is coupled to the control unit for exchanging analytical data relating to an analysis of airborne substances and / or air quality of the air.

26. the control unit has a visualization unit configured to visualize the analysis of the air quality and the airborne substances, in particular depending on the location of the associated filter system, The control unit is particularly configured to generate recommendations for actions based on the air quality and the analysis of the airborne substances.

26. The filter system of claim 25.

27. Further comprising a flow controller; the flow controller can be used to regulate the flow rate of air through the filter body and the air pressure on the air supply side of the filter body; The flow controller is configured to adjust the pressure drop difference between the intake air side and the exhaust air side of the filter body, in particular by using a mechanical and / or mechatronic flow control system.

26. The filter system of claim 25.

28. The flow controller controls the volumetric flow of the filter module to 140 m per square meter of filter area. ３ / h, particularly less than 85 m / h, preferably less than 50 m 28. The filter system of claim 27.

29. the flow controller is adapted to adjust the velocity of the volumetric flow in the range of 0.2 m / s to 3.4 m / s, in particular 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s, in particular 0.3 m / s to 2.8 m / s, and / or to adjust the pressure drop across the filter module in at least one operating mode to less than 450 Pa, in particular less than 250 Pa, preferably less than 150 Pa; 29. The filter system of claim 28.

30. a receiving device having a receiving area for receiving the filter module; At least one of the receiving areas is configured to receive a filter module or a functional unit; the functional unit is in particular a power supply for supplying electrical energy to the sensor and the sensor electronics, 26. The filter system of claim 25.

31. further comprising a storage module for storing data; The data represent values of the analytical parameters, in particular at least one analytical parameter is selected from the group consisting of air throughput of the filter system, temperature of the flowing air, pressure of the flowing air, in particular absolute pressure and / or differential pressure, filter clogging of the filter body, humidity of the flowing air, aerosol load of the flowing air, and PM content; the storage module is designed to be connectable to a reading device external to the filter system for reading the data; 26. The filter system of claim 25.

32. a cover device configured to selectively cover an air inlet on the intake side of the filter system; The cover device is particularly configured so that when the filter module is replaced, the cover device automatically covers the air inlet.

26. The filter system of claim 25.

33. Method for filtering the air of at least part of a building or of an exhaust air purification unit of a production process using a replaceable filter module according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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