AHU Pre-filter Aided by Acoustic Vibration System Coupled with Novel Retractable Main Filter (REF:C-0018)
E&M InnoPortal Trial Project Ref. No.:

Overview

Air quality has become an important issue worldwide since the outbreak of the pandemic. With air purifiers and ventilation systems installed in almost all premises nowadays, an efficient and energy-saving filter system is crucial to safeguard people's health in an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way. "Air Filter 2.0" is an invention aiming to reduce fan energy consumption and improve the filtration efficiency of main filters in air handling units (AHU), by combining the applications of the patented vibration-enhanced "Acoustic-aided air filtering technology" and the newly developed retractable mechanism.

Problem Addressed Currently, 40% of global carbon emission is contributed by buildings, 15% of building energy is consumed by ventilation, and 10-20% of ventilation energy is consumed to overcome air filter resistance. Moreover, 80% of the lifecycle cost of an air filter is on energy. The Air Filter 2.0 system can enhance filtration efficiency by 20%, improve filtration performance by up to 44%, lower pressure drop by 60%, improve energy efficiency by up to 50% and reduce consumable cost by 40%.
Innovation The Acoustic vibration system (Acoustic-aided air filtration technology) induces rapid vibrational motions on airborne particles when they pass through the air filter's fibre layer. This mechanism enhances the filtration and energy efficiencies of the air filter without increasing its pressure drop. To further enhance energy efficiency, a novel retractable mechanism with logic control is included. A real-time monitoring particle concentration sensor is installed at the upstream of the AHU, with a motorised hinge which automatically control the main filter like a valve. Operation status and data are accessible online through data-logging. When the upstream particle concentration is lower than a certain level, the main filter will be retracted. Thus, clean air will not pass through the filter, saving a huge amount of fan energy.
Key Benefits
  • Acoustic vibration, the sixth air filtration mechanism, generates additional turbulence to significantly lengthen airborne particles' traveling distance, thus increasing the chances of their entering the boundary layers of filter fibers
  • Enhances the efficiencies of both AHU pre-filter and main filter. With the pre-filter removing more dust and coarse particles from the air stream, the main filter's lifespan can be extended and its replacement frequency can be reduced
  • With highly customisable sizes, the system is retrofittable to existing equipment such as air purifiers and AHUs in various buildings, vehicles and industrial areas for air pollution control
Patent and Award
  • US Patent: US10159925B2
  • EU Patent: EP3192580
  • CN Patent: CN 106955540 B
  • International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2021 (Silver Medal)
Project Reference Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Headquarters