NSTU-NETI proposed using an electrofilter to purify the air from microorganisms and dust in medical institutions. Its advantages include high efficiency, low noise and environmental friendliness. Three patents have been obtained for the invention.
According to Evgeny Porsev, Professor of the Department of Electrotechnical Complexes, Doctor of Technical Sciences, and Boris Malozemov, Associate Professor of the Department of Electrotechnical Complexes, Candidate of Technical Sciences, special systems are needed to purify the air of medical institutions that can retain harmful microorganisms such as spores of pathogenic fungi and viruses, which are thousands of times smaller than industrial dust particles and suspensions. To filter the air, scientists have proposed using an electrostatic precipitator, which creates a corona electric current that burns out spores and viruses by thickening the current lines in their bodies.
"The principle of operation of the electrostatic precipitator is based on the effect of an electric field on charged particles. A corona discharge is created in the electrostatic precipitator, which charges dust particles and microorganisms. Then a ponderomotor force acts on these charged particles, which draws them into an area with a high field strength and attracts them to oppositely charged surfaces — precipitation electrodes, separating them from the air flow. The destruction of microorganisms occurs due to the condensation of electric current lines inside their bodies. This phenomenon leads to the local release of a large amount of energy, which physically destroys the pathogen," said Evgeny Porsev.
The electrostatic precipitator is a cone articulated with a cylinder. When the filter is running, the air flow swirls without forced ventilation, due to the use of ponderomotor forces. A system of charging electrodes made of blade plates is installed in the vertical cylindrical housing. The plates are connected in pairs in parallel in such a way that the pointed part is in one case a negative electrode, and in the other case a positive one. A recycling bin is also included in the design. The electrostatic precipitator itself provides the necessary pressure to move air through its structure due to the "electric wind".
"The electrofilter is structurally simple — the blades and plates are unified and have a simple shape, and the cylindrical body is smooth from the inside, it does not have any technological features. The device can be made of inexpensive materials such as plexiglass and polypropylene. Thanks to the design, it is possible to produce electrostatic precipitators in a wide form factor range for various consumers," Boris Malozemov emphasized.
In addition to the simplicity and cheapness of materials, the advantages of the electrostatic precipitator include energy efficiency, low noise and environmental friendliness. The device does not need powerful fans to drive air through dense filters, the use of ponderomotor forces and "electric wind" to create pressure makes the system more autonomous in terms of energy consumption. The design does not require forced ventilation, which reduces noise levels. Environmental friendliness is ensured due to the fact that the electrostatic precipitator does not use chemical reagents or disposable filters that need to be disposed of.
The use of an electrofilter is not limited to medical institutions. It can be used where cleaning from dust and microorganisms is necessary: in industrial enterprises, in agriculture, in transport systems and at home.
Work on upgrading the filter continues: design solutions, usability and consumer qualities, as well as the energy efficiency of the development are being honed.
Earlier, NSTU-NETI developed a compact ionizer for air purification and protection from viruses and bacteria.