Precipitator unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration systems, particularly electro filters, face challenges in achieving high separation efficiency for nano-sized particles at high air flow velocities without significant pressure drop, and are not adaptable to non-circular air flow ducts, leading to reduced performance in standard HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage electro filter design featuring cylindrical precipitators with high-ohmic material electrode elements, including cardboard coated with a thin plastic layer, arranged in a cartridge with a cone-shaped duct to maintain air flow efficiency and separation capacity, even in square or rectangular air flow ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cylindrical precipitators with high-ohmic electrode elements are used, then separation capacity is improved, but adaptability to non-circular ducts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The precipitator is divided into multiple cylindrical modules that can be arranged in parallel within the duct. Each cylinder maintains its optimal circular geometry for high separation capacity while the modular arrangement adapts to non-circular duct cross-sections, resolving the contradiction between geometric optimization and duct adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical precipitator design is made universal by creating a modular system that can be configured in different arrangements (single cylinder, multiple cylinders in parallel, stacked configurations) to fit various duct shapes and sizes, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple installation scenarios
2Productivity
If air flow velocity is increased, then productivity is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transition to a cylindrical geometry changes the flow dimensionality and distribution patterns, allowing air to flow through multiple gaps between the cylinder and duct walls. This multi-dimensional flow path reduces resistance and pressure drop while maintaining high velocity capability, as the flow is distributed across multiple parallel channels rather than a single planar path
3Manufacturing precision
If electrode elements are made from high resistivity material, then separation capacity is improved, but risk of short-circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive spacer or support structure is introduced as an intermediary between the high-voltage electrode elements. This intermediary physically separates the electrodes and prevents direct contact, eliminating the short-circuit risk while allowing the high-resistivity electrode material to maintain its high separation capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode elements are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components made from high-resistivity material. Rather than attempting to make them permanently reliable through complex protective measures, the system accepts that they may fail and are simply replaced, which is more economical and reliable than attempting to prevent all failure modes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances air filtration efficiency by maintaining high separation capacity and reducing pressure drop, allowing for increased air flow area and velocity, while being adaptable to various duct shapes and sizes, thus improving indoor air quality effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a two-stage electro filter design featuring cylindrical precipitators with high-ohmic material electrode elements
Implementation Method 2
air to be cleaned from electrically charged particles is intended to flow through the unit
Data Source
AI summary
Precipitator unit of a two-stage electro filter where air to be cleaned from electrically charged particles is intended to flow through the unit. Said unit comprising at least two cylindrical precipitators (10, 11) that each comprise at least two electrode elements arranged at a gap distance from each other. Each one of the precipitators (10, 11) is also intended to be connected to a high voltage source. The respective electrode elements of a precipitator (10, 11) are connected to different poles of the high voltage source. The main planes of the precipitators (10, 11) are axially spaced in the air flow direction and a cone shaped duct (21) extends between the circumference of the first precipitator (10) and a center opening (13) of the second precipitator (11). A first amount of polluted air flows across the area of the first precipitator (10) and continues afterwards through the inside of the cone shaped duct (21) and out of the unit through the center opening (13) of the second precipitator (11). A second amount of polluted air flows outside the circumference of both the first precipitator (10) and the cone shaped duct (21) in order to be cleaned by the second precipitator (11).