Electrostatic Air Filter Reactivation for Lasting Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtering systems in vehicles and air conditioners do not achieve a long-lasting and effective filtration of particles and ions, as they rely on continuous ionization and filtration without a mechanism for sustained electrostatic charge buildup.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a filter with electrically conductive and dielectric sections, where the filter is electrically connected to a counter electrode in the ionizer during a reactivation mode to build up electrostatic charges, enhancing filtration efficiency in synergy with air charge carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is continuously connected to the counter electrode for electrostatic charge buildup, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is connected to the counter electrode periodically in reactivation mode rather than continuously. The control unit switches the filter between operating mode (disconnected) and reactivation mode (connected) at predefined intervals, maintaining electrostatic charge while reducing continuous energy consumption and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection state of the filter is dynamically changed between connected and disconnected states based on operational requirements. The control unit adjusts the connection timing and duration to optimize filtration efficiency while managing energy usage
2Productivity
If the filter operates in continuous ionization mode, then the particle removal is maintained, but the service life of the filter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between operating mode with shorter duration and reactivation mode with longer duration. During reactivation mode, the filter builds up electrostatic charge which extends its effective service life, while still maintaining particle removal capability through periodic activation
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters (voltage, connection state) of the filter are changed between operating modes to optimize both particle removal efficiency and service life. The control unit adjusts these parameters to prevent filter saturation and extend operational duration
3Reliability
If the filter is electrically connected to the counter electrode, then the electrostatic charge buildup is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection for charge buildup is activated periodically rather than continuously. The control unit enables connection during reactivation mode and disables it during operating mode, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient electrostatic charge for effective filtration
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
This approach results in a longer-lasting and improved filtration effect, as the electrostatic buildup in the filter medium synergizes with air charge carriers to enhance particle removal without continuous operation, thus extending the filter's service life.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode (5) that has at least one emitter (7), and a counter electrode (6), between which there is a voltage for generating a corona discharge in the air
Implementation Method 2
the electrical connection of the filter to the counter electrode results in an electrostatic buildup of charge carriers in the filter medium, also referred to below as filter charge carriers
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering system for filtering air is provided, which contains a filter and an electrode assembly downstream of the filter that contains an electrode and a counter electrode for an ionizer, between which there is a voltage for generating a corona discharge when in operation. An improved and lasting filtering effect is obtained in that the counter electrode is connected electrically to the filter in the reactivation mode. An air conditioner and a vehicle that has such a filtering system.