SE1650245A1 - Air filter arrangement, device and system - Google Patents
Air filter arrangement, device and system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- SE1650245A1 SE1650245A1 SE1650245A SE1650245A SE1650245A1 SE 1650245 A1 SE1650245 A1 SE 1650245A1 SE 1650245 A SE1650245 A SE 1650245A SE 1650245 A SE1650245 A SE 1650245A SE 1650245 A1 SE1650245 A1 SE 1650245A1
- Authority
- SE
- Sweden
- Prior art keywords
- air filter
- air
- sensor device
- air flow
- arrangement
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 413
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004220 aggregation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
- F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
- F24F11/39—Monitoring filter performance
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
- B01D35/14—Safety devices specially adapted for filtration; Devices for indicating clogging
- B01D35/143—Filter condition indicators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/0084—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours provided with safety means
- B01D46/0086—Filter condition indicators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/42—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
- B01D46/44—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof controlling filtration
- B01D46/444—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof controlling filtration by flow measuring
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/42—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
- B01D46/44—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof controlling filtration
- B01D46/446—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof controlling filtration by pressure measuring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
- F24F8/108—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering using dry filter elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
- F24F2110/30—Velocity
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
- Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an air filter arrangement (20) configured to fit in an air flow passage. The air filter arrangement comprises an air filter framework (21) and at least one filter medium (22) capable of removing particulate material and/or airborne molecular contamination, AMC, from an air flow received at the air flow passage. An air filter sensor device (24), configured to determine an operating state of the air filter arrangement, is provided in the air filter framework (21). The air filter sensor device (24) includes air flow determining means for determining an air velocity of the air flow at the air filter arrangement (20).The invention also relates to air filter sensor device, a method performed in the air filter sensor device, a computer program product and a system for air filter management comprising the air filter sensor device.(Figure 2)
Description
Air filter arrangement, device and system TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an air filter arrangement configured to fit in an air flowpassage and an air filter sensor device arranged to be provided in such an air filterarrangement. The disclosure also relates to a method performed in an air filter sensor device and a system for air filter management comprising such an air filter sensor device.BACKGROUND ART Controlled supply of clean air is essential in a variety of applications such as buildingventilation systems, and air supply to clean processes or industrial installations. lt is desirableto filter the inlet air for the purposes of removing various particles and/or gaseous matter andthe like which may be entrained in the air, and thereby provide conditioned inlet air accordingto specified quality requirements. For this purpose, filter arrangements are provided at the airflow inlet to an application. The filters are arranged so that inlet air generally passes through a series of filters to remove contaminant matter from the air.
As can be appreciated, filters in such arrangements gradually accumulate matter from the airand as this matter accumulates on the filter the resistance to flow of air through the filterincreases. Filter arrangements are clogged up by particles trapped in the air filters but also byenvironmental conditions such as fog, rain, snow, and the like. The clogging may reducefiltration and operating efficiency while increasing the overall pressure drop. An increase ofthe pressure drop over the filter arrangement implies an inlet air pressure loss that may affect operations at a receiving end, e.g., the operation of an industrial installation.
A filter has a technical lifespan during which it functions adequately. The lifespan depends ondifferent factors such as particle concentration in the air, the flow of air etc. The technicallifespan may be determined from measurements performed on the filter air flow and pressuredrop. However, from an economical perspective, it may be advisable to make a filterreplacement prior to the point when the filter is at the end of its technical lifespan. A numberof techniques to estimate an optimal filter use time are available using combinations of data in the assessment of the use time. 2Access to reliable sensor data is a key to determine optimal filter use time. However,installation of sensors is usually time-consuming and there are also drawbacks in the accuracyprovided from known sensor installations, especially for the assessment of air flow/air velocityin an air flow passage where air speed is slow and requiring highly sensitive sensors. This isalso true for air handling units that are decentralized or rebuilt, where it may prove difficult toimplement measurement systems in an easy and cost effective way with the drawback thatimportant measurement data, such as air flow, may be ignored when assessing operating state of a filter.
Techniques for determining life cycle cost for an air handling unit are readily available, such asthrough SE537506 describing a method of determining an optimal time for operating a filter ina ventilation system in order to save costs and leave as little carbon dioxide footprint aspossible. However, while there are methods and systems for determining life cycle cost, the sensor data used in these systems are usually inadequate especially when considering air flow.
Since air flow is an important factor for determining the technical lifetime and energyconsumption ofa filter, and depends on highly local environmental conditions, there is a needfor improved accuracy with regard to air flow data. Furthermore, there is a need to provide foreasier replacement of sensor devices, prior to the sensor device producing unreliable resultsdue to such wear, aggregation of particulate material in the sensor or other factors that may impair the accuracy of the sensor.
Thus, there is a need for improvements relating to gathering of sensor data, and in particularfor gathering accurate air flow data that may be used for estimating a filter operating state, e.g. in an air filter management system.SUMMARY lt is an object of the present invention to improve gathering of sensor data for an air filterarrangement configured to fit in an air flow passage. ln particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve gathering of air flow data at an air filter arrangement.
This object is achieved by an air filter arrangement configured to fit in an air flow passage. Theair filter arrangement comprises an air filter framework and at least one filter medium capable of removing particulate material and/or airborne molecular contamination, AMC, from an air 3flow received at the air flow passage. An air flow sensor device, configured to determine anoperating state of the air filter arrangement, is provided in the air filter framework. The airfilter sensor device includes air flow determining means for determining an air velocity of the air flow at air filter arrangement..
The present invention provides the specific advantages of providing the air filter arrangementwith an air filter sensor device so that the sensor data retrieved with the sensor specificallyrelates to the air flow through the air filter arrangement and the face velocity of this air flow.The providing of an air filter sensor device in the air filter arrangement, e.g. in a locationdownstream of a filter medium, has the positive implication that the air filter arrangementserves as a conditioner of the air flow, thereby improving accuracy for the air flowdetermination. I\/|ounting of the air filter sensor device in the air filter frame work alsocontributes to simplified and more cost effective implementation of local measurement points in an air filter management system.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the air flow determining means comprise knownmeans for determining an air velocity for an air flow, such as a thermal anemometer, turbine aflemOmetef, ültfaSOfïlC aflemOmetef.
According to a further aspect, the air flow determining means comprise measuring meansconfigured to determine dynamic pressure or a pressure pulse attributable to a vortex patterninduced in the air flow at the air filter arrangement. A structural element of the air filter framework may be configured to induce the vortex pattern in the air flow.
The determining of air velocity from a pressure pulse attributable to a vortex pattern inducedin the air flow, e.g. by a structural element of the air filter framework, provides the advantageof a measurement relevant for the air flow at the air filter arrangement, as compared to priorart measurements derived in the outer surroundings of an air filter arrangement. The filterarrangement serves as a conditioner of the air flow. Furthermore, using a structural elementof the air filter frame work to generate the vortex pattern provide the benefit of trulydetermining air flow sensor data relevant for determining the operating state of the air filter alTa Hgemefit. 4According to another aspect of the disclosure, the air filter sensor device is attached to thestructural element. Thus, the air filter sensor device may be configured as a separate entitythat is attachable to previously installed air filter arrangements thereby enabling air filter management also for air filter systems that were not originally configured in this regard.
According to an alternative aspect of the disclosure, particularly advantageous when replacingan air filter arrangement, the air filter sensor device may be integrated in the air filterframework of the air filter arrangement. Integrating the air filter sensor device provides for a very simple and cost effective installation.
According to aspects of the invention, the air filter arrangement further includes one or morefurther sensors arranged to gather sensor data representative of an operating state of the airfilter arrangement, said further sensors configured to measure at least one of pressure drop,temperature, humidity, particle concentration and gas concentration. Preferably, these sensor devices are comprised in the air filter sensor device.
An air filter arrangement comprising a compact air filter sensor device comprising a set ofsensors providing sensor data required for air filter management provides significantimprovements to monitoring and control of air filter parameters in an air handling unit and asolution to the need of implementing a measurement system that combines cost effectiveness with accuracy.
The present invention also relates to an air filter sensor device arranged to be provided in anair filter arrangement comprising an air filter framework and at least one filter medium. Theair filter sensor device is configured to be provided in the air filter framework. Air flowdetermining means for determining an air velocity of an air flow at the air filter arrangement is included in the air filter sensor device.
The present invention further relates to a system for air filter management comprising an airfilter control station and one or more of said air filter sensor devices. The air filter controlstation is provided at a location remote from the one or more air filter sensor devices. Each airfilter sensor device comprises a communication unit for wired or wireless transmission ofsensor data to the air filter control stations. Thus, a system is provided with a central node in which sensor data is aggregated from a plurality of local nodes. The aggregated data provides 5the ability to base life expectancy on input from a plurality of air filters in operation, whichmay significantly improve air filter management for the individual air filter arrangements as well as creating insights to development of next generation products.
The present invention also relates to a method performed in an air filter sensor device of thesystem for air filter management and a computer program product comprising program that,when executed, causes an air filter sensor device to execute the method. Said methodcomprises gathering of sensor data representative of an operating state of an air filterarrangement provided in an air flow passage to/from an air filter arrangement provided in anair flow passage to/from an industrial installation, the air filter arrangement comprising an airfilter framework and at least one filter medium capable of removing particulate materialand/or airborne molecular contamination, AMC, from an air flow received at the air flowpassage. The method further comprises determining, based on the gathered sensor data,operating state information of the air filter arrangement, the operating state informationincluding an air velocity of the air flow at the air filter arrangement and a pressure drop overthe filter medium. The operating state information is transmitted to a receiving air filter control station.
The air filter sensor device, the system for air filter management, the method performed in anair filter sensor device and the computer program product all display corresponding advantages as those that have been mentioned for the air filter arrangement.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the exampleembodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference charactersrefer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.
Figure 1 is an example view of an air flow passage to an application;Figure 2 is an example view of an air filter arrangement containing an air filter sensordevice;Figure 3 is a block diagram for an air filter sensor device 6 Figure 4 is a block diagram for a system for air filter management; Figure 5 is a flow diagram of exemplary method steps performed in an air filter sensordevice; Figure 6 is a flow diagram of exemplary method steps performed in an air filter management system using an air filter sensor deviceDETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings. The devices and method disclosed herein can, however, berealized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspectsset forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout. Theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosureonly, and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Figure 1 illustrates an example view of an air flow passage 1 to an application 2, such as abuilding ventilation system, an air supply to clean processes or an air supply to an industrialinstallation. A combustion turbine power plant, a turbine powered compressor station or aturbine powered mechanical drive are examples of such an industrial installation. Laboratoryenvironments for chemicals, biochemical and or manufacturing semiconductors, pharmaceuticals represent examples of areas requiring clean process environments.
Ambient air is supplied to the application through an air intake 3. While being readilyavailable, a problem with an ambient air supply is that the ambient air contains at least somedegrees of material that may be contaminating. A supply of ambient air to the applicationconsequently implies a supply of contaminating material. One or more air filter arrangements4 in the air flow inlet to the application provide means to overcome the problems associated with using ambient, impure air As disclosed in Figure 1, an air filter arrangement 4 is positioned in the air flow inlet 1 to the application 2. The disclosed air filter arrangement 4 comprises an air filter medium 5. 7Embodiments comprising a plurality of air filter media or air filter units are of course alsowithin the scope of the present invention, e.g. a plurality of air filter units with varying filterqualities, e.g., a coarse air filter unit of a lower filter class, an intermediary air filter unit and afinal filter unit capable of filtering out particles of very small sizes. This means that coarsermaterials such as e.g. insects or sand particles can be entrapped by a particle filter unit closerto the air intake 3, while small particles such as salt and airborne molecular contamination,AMC, is removed from the air stream in a more downstream filter unit. The air filter mediumhas an upstream surface directed towards the air intake 3 and a downstream surface directedtowards the application 2, by which is meant that the upstream surface is the side of the filterunit that is first reached by the air flow and the downstream surface is on the side where theair stream leaves the filter unit after having passed through a filter medium in the filter unit.Other air filter arrangements 4 are also possible, e.g. air filter arrangements 4 comprising filterunits positioned in a V-shape with a peak facing the incoming air flow and air filterarrangement containing any number of filter units. Ambient air is supplied to the application 2through the air flow inlet 1. The air filter medium provides for filtering with specific characteristics with regard to susceptibility for clogging and changes in pressure drop.
When in operation, contaminants in the ambient air are removed in the filtration process. Thisimplies that the contaminants are retained in the air filter arrangement 4, while the cleanedair is allowed to pass into the application 2. An effect of the filtration and the retaining ofcontaminants in the filter medium 5 is that this will eventually need replacement due to clogging up from said contaminants.
Figure 2 is an example view of an air filter arrangement 20, such as that of Figure 1. The airfilter arrangement 20 is configured to fit in the air flow inlet to an application, such as anindustrial installation, a clean process or a building ventilation system. The air filter arrangement comprises a filter medium as described in relation to Figure 1.
The air filter arrangement 20 comprises an air filter framework 21 and at least one filtermedium 22 which is fastened in the air filter framework in a conventional installation. The airfilter medium 22 is arranged to remove particulate material and/or airborne molecularcontamination, AMC, from an air flow received in an air flow passage wherein the air filter arrangement is fitted. The air filter framework is configured to be tightly joined to an air flow 8inlet or air flow passage to the application so that the air supply to the application is providedonly through the filter arrangement 20. The air filter arrangement 20 also comprises an airfilter sensor device 24 that is provided in the air filter framework 21 and is configured todetermine an operating state of the air filter arrangement. Said air filter sensor device 24includes air flow determining means for determining an air velocity of the air flow received at the at least one filter medium.
Thus, the air filter arrangement is provided with an air filter sensor device so that the sensordata retrieved with the sensor specifically relates to the air flow through the air filterarrangement 20, the air filter sensor device 24 providing a simplified and more cost effectiveimplementation of local measurement points in an air filter management system including theair filter arrangement. The positioning of the air filter sensor device in the air filterarrangement, e.g., in a downstream or upstream position in relation to the filter medium, hasthe positive implication that the air filter arrangement serves as a conditioner of the air flow, thereby improving accuracy for the air flow determination.
The air flow determining means of the air filter sensor device 24 preferably comprisesmeasuring means configured to determine a pressure pulse attributable to a vortex patterninduced in the air flow at the air filter arrangement. However, other air flow determiningmeans may also be used in order to determine an air velocity of the air flow in the air filterarrangement. Such other air flow determining means comprise a thermal anemometer, aturbine anemometer, and ultrasonic anemometer or measuring means configure to determine dynamic pressure. ln the disclosure of Figure 2, the air filter sensor device 24 is attached to a structural element23 of the air filter framework, such as a lath at a downstream or upstream receiving side of theair filter arrangement 20. The air filter sensor device 24 may be attached by snapping the airfilter sensor device 24 to the structural element 23 by means of two or more resilient armsextending from a body including the flow determining means. According to another aspect ofthe disclosure, the air filter sensor device 24 is integrated with the air filter framework 21 andarranged at a downstream or upstream receiving side of the air filter arrangement. ln thelatter case, the exterior of the air filter arrangement does not reveal the existence of the air filter sensor device. lt should be understood that the air filter sensor device could be 9removably attached to the air filter arrangement so that the air filter device 24 is removedwhen removing the air filter arrangement and then subsequently reinstalled when providing anew air filter arrangement ln another embodiment the air filter sensor device will be fixed to the air filter framework and replaced upon replacement of the air filter arrangement. ln accordance to the embodiment of Figure 2, the air filter sensor device 24 is attached to aupstream or downstream side of the air filter arrangement, but it should be appreciated thatthe air filter sensor may also be attached within the air filter framework. ln the disclosure ofFigure 2, the structural element is capable of inducing a vortex pattern in an air flow receivedin the air flow passage where the air filter arrangement is fitted. According to an aspect of thedisclosure, the air filter sensor device 24 may also be configured to induce a vortex pattern in the air flow when contained in an air filter arrangement.
While not apparent from Figure 2, the air filter arrangement 20 may further include one ormore additional sensors that are arranged to gather sensor data representative of anoperating state of the air filter arrangement. The further sensors are configured to measureany combination of a pressure drop, temperature, humidity, particle concentration and gasconcentration; thereby enabling access to a comprehensive set of parameters for the operating state.
Consequently, with the present invention, the air filter arrangement will serve as ameasurement platform and the air filter framework does not only serve to hold the filtermedium, but is also a vortex inducing body enabling use of measurements based on Vortexshedding. ln addition, the air filter arrangement serves as a conditioner of the air flow creatingan air flow pattern prior to the measurement point of the sensor device; thereby contributingto the needed accuracy of the measurement that also benefits from being performable at alower cost than in previously known solutions. Another benefit of the present air filter sensor device is that there is no pressure loss in the system due to sensors and flow conditioners.
Figure 3 discloses a block diagram of an air filter sensor device 30 configured to be containedin an air filter arrangement, such as the air filter arrangement 4 of Figure 1 or the air filterarrangement 20 of Figure 2. The air filter sensor device 30 includes air flow determiningmeans 31a for determining an air velocity of the air flow received at the air flow inlet.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the air flow determining means 31a is a vortex sensor configured to determine a pressure pulse attributable to the vortex pattern. According toanother aspect of the disclosure, the air flow determining means is a pitot tube configured todetermine an air speed of the air flow received at the air flow inlet. Use of other types ofanemometers is of course also within the scope of the present invention, e.g., thermalanemometers, sonic anemometers, turbine anemometers, or any other type of anemometer that may be fitted into a compact air filter sensor device 30.
According to further aspects of the disclosure, the air filter sensor device 30 further includesone or more further sensors 31b,c representative of an operating state of the air filterarrangement, e.g., said further sensors configured to measure at least one of pressure drop,temperature, humidity, particle concentration and gas concentration. Such further sensors 31b,c may also be incorporated into a compact housing.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the air filter sensor device 30 also comprises amicroprocessor 32 arranged to process sensor data received from said sensors 31a-c, and acommunication unit 33 arranged to transmit processed sensor data to a receiving air filtercontrol system. Hence, the air filter device may be configured as a smart device includingcontrol circuitry, i.e., a microprocessor, for on-site processing of sensor data. Themicroprocessor 32 of the air filter sensor device 30 is arranged to receive or obtain data fromthe set of sensors 31a-c, e.g., on a continuous basis recording values according topredetermined time intervals. According to aspects of the disclosure, the microprocessor 32 isembodied in a printed circuit board with a CPU that collects signals and records the data every20 minutes. The microprocessor is arranged to perform a Fast Fourier transform on one of thesignal outputs resulting in a discrete peak value that may be stored in a memory of the airfilter device and/or transferred to the air filter control station. Data storage of approximately500kB per month is expected for each air filter device, thus, a memory is also foreseen in theair filter sensor device. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the air filter sensor devicealso comprises a communication unit 33, e.g., user equipment arranged to transmit thecollected data on a regular basis, e.g. by using a wireless link in machine to machinecommunication. The communication unit 33 in the air filter device may be configured totransmit the processed sensor data to a receiving air filter control station. The processed sensor data may also be communicated to a receiving air filter control station capable of processing of sensor data received from a plurality of air filter sensor devices, e.g., a plurality 11of devices located at the same industrial installation or at varying industrial installations. Thecommunication unit 33 may be any type of wireless communication unit configured formachine to machine communication, e.g. using WiFi, GSM, LTE or any type of suitable wirelesstechnology. According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is also a power supply orpower reservoir for each air filter device to power the communication unit, the sensors andthe microprocessor. All entities are configured for low power consumption, so that the batteryis able to provide power all through the intended use time of the air filter arrangementholding the air filter device 30. Thus, the present invention provides for a ”smart” air filterarrangement that significantly will improve the ability to retrieve relevant measurements during air filter management.
The air filter sensor devices may not only be used for the purpose of determining a lifeexpectancy of an air filter, but may also function to provide an air handling unit with feedbackso that a fan or other air regulation device may be operated based on output from the air filtersensor device, e.g., to control a power increase in a fan in order to increase or maintain an air flow to the receiving application.
Figure 4 discloses an exemplary block diagram of a system 40 for air filter managementcomprising an air filter control station 42 and one or more air filter sensor devices 41a,b. lnthe air filter management system 40, each air filter sensor device 41a,b is to be provided in anair filter arrangement configured to fit in an air flow passage to an application, e.g., anindustrial installation, a building ventilation system or a clean room air supply system. The airfilter control station of the system may be provided at a location remote from the one or moreair filter arrangements, e.g., in an operations control environment of the industrial installationor as a software application accessible through a computer, tablet or mobile device. Each airfilter sensor device of an air filter arrangement comprises a communication unit for wired orwireless transmission of sensor data to the air filter control station. Hence, a communication link is established between air filter sensor devices and the remote control station.
The air filter sensor devices of the system may be contained in air filter arrangements locatedat different geographical locations, such as in air filter arrangements located at differentcombustion turbine power plants. The air filter control station is configured to compile data from a plurality of air filter devices, preferably air filter devices of differing locations and to use 12the compiled data in order to establish a reliable estimate for a remaining life span and cost ofoperating the corresponding air filter arrangements. The filter further comprises a set ofsensors, a microprocessor and a communication unit. As mentioned above, aspects relating toclogging and pressure drop vary between the filter units of the disclosed filter arrangement.Consequently, the system for air filter management may comprise a set of sensors arranged ina plurality of air filter devices comprising sensors positioned on or in the vicinity of one ormore specific filter units or a single air filter device comprising a greater number of sensorspositioned on or in the vicinity of several filter units in the filter arrangement. The one or moreair filter devices are arranged to gather sensor data representative of the operating state ofthe air filter arrangement. By sensor is meant a device comprising one or more sensing probesand an instrument capable of sensing a condition to be monitored. The output obtained fromeach sensor is an output value corresponding to the measured condition, e.g. airflow of cubicmetres per hour, relative air humidity in percent, dust concentration of grams of dust per cubic metre and a pressure drop in pascals (dP).
The air filter sensor device containing the sensors is included in the air filter arrangement, e.g.,on an upstream side or on a downstream side. The air filter sensor device may also receiveadditional input from sensors positioned outside of the air filter arrangement, e.g. somesensors positioned on an upstream side of the air filter arrangement, while others are placedon the downstream side. As disclosed, air filter sensor devices may be arranged on two ormore filter units in the filter arrangement. Thus, the output from the air filter control stationmay include input from a plurality of air filter devices in the same air filter arrangement, butrelating to an operating state of different filter units in the air filter arrangement. The input forthe respective air filter devices to a receiving air filter control station may vary in that differentair filter devices may include different sensors, but where the input for the respective air filterdevices differs with regard to the sensor data input, e.g., content of particles and pressuredrop. The use of a plurality of air filter devices allows for a more detailed and balancedinformation of the condition of individual filter units when having multiple filter units in a filterarrangement, providing information on which filter that may be most economical to change and also viable estimates on a remaining lifetime on the present filter units.
The air filter devices are arranged to collect air filter data, but may according to aspects of the disclosure also collect performance related data. Such data may also be retrieved to the air 13filter control station directly from an operation environment of the application, e.g., in a combustion turbine power plant.
The block diagram of Figure 4 discloses an example system 40 for air filter managementcomprising two air filter devices 41 a,b provided at air filter arrangements of uncorrelated airflow passages to respective applications and an air filter control station 42. According to anaspect of the disclosure, each air filter device 41a,b is embodied as described with referenceto Figure 3. According to an aspect of the disclosure, each air filter device 41a,b is integratedwith a respective air filter arrangement, e.g. being part of a structural element of an air filter framework.
Even though the block diagram discloses a direct wireless link 43 between the air filter sensordevice and the air filter control station, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that theentities may communicate by means of a multitude of wireless nodes so that wirelesscommunication is used for delivering data from the air filter sensor devices to a receivingcontrol station, but that wireless links may not be needed in every communication instancefrom the air filter sensor device 41a,b to the air filter control station 42. lt should also beunderstood that the air filter control station may include one or more cooperating entities,where a user interface may be provided as an application in a computer, mobile phone or on atablet, while the actual processing is performed in a cloud environment, e.g., by cooperatingservers located in different locations or in a same geographical location. For the case of failedtransmission, local storage for up to 6 months data is also foreseen in the air filter device. Asmentioned, the air filter sensor device also comprises a memory arranged to provide for such local storage.
The system 40 for air filter management comprises a plurality of air filter devices 41a,b and anair filter control station 42. Each air filter device 41a,b is provided at an air filter arrangementin an air flow inlet to an industrial installation, which air filter arrangement comprises at leastone filter medium capable of removing particulate material and/or airborne molecularcontamination, AMC, from an air flow received at the air flow inlet. Each air filter sensordevice 41a,b comprises a set of sensors, i.e. at least flow determining means for determiningair velocity and preferably also sensors to determine pressure drop over the air filter arrangement containing the air filter sensor device, arranged to gather sensor data 14representative of an Operating state of the air filter arrangement. Each air filter sensor device41a,b further comprises a microprocessor and a communication unit. The air filter controlstation 42 also comprises a communication unit arranged to receive sensor data from theplurality of air filter sensor devices 41a,b. The air filter control station provides a user interfacefor selecting an air filter arrangement of an air filter device 41a,b. Processing circuitry of theair filter control station is arranged to estimate a life expectancy of the selected air filterarrangement based on the sensor data received from the air filter sensor device 41a,bcontained in the air filter arrangement and on the sensor data received from one or more other air filter sensor devices 41a,b.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the air filter sensor device comprises one or more ofthe following sensors: a temperature and humidity sensor, pressure drop sensor(s), ambientdust sensor and an air flow sensor. Thus, the air filter sensor device may provide acomprehensive set of sensor data required in management of the air filter arrangements. lnthe air flow sensor, air speed is analysed by a custom vortex flowmeter. A pressure sensorinstalled facing away from the airflow is used to determine pressure variations and thefrequency of these variations. A Fast Fourier Transform, FFT, is performed for the input fromthe pressure sensor and used to determine the main frequency of vortex shedding caused by the moving air. From this frequency, the speed of moving air can be determined.
Input from the air flow measurements may also be used when estimating a pressure loss and apressure loss trend, dP trend. The dP trend depends on the pressure loss due to dust loadingin the filter, but also to pressure loss due to humidity and rain. Pressure loss due to dustloading in the filter may be correlated to dust concentration (g/m3) and airflow (ms/hour). The pressure loss due to humidity may be estimated from a correlation to humidity.
According to the principles of the present invention, the air filter arrangement is used as awell-defined measurement platform for measuring a broad range of sensor data. Hence, theair filter arrangement is no longer used only for filtration, but in this case the grid of the airfilter arrangement may be used for inducing a vortex in the air stream entering the air filterarrangement. Components contained in the air filter device, and consequently also in the airfilter arrangement, are used to generate more accurate life cycle cost estimates based on highly reliable sensor data.
The air filter devices are used to gather the sensor data that is transmitted to an air filtercontrol station on a regular basis. Each operator of the application is able to access datarelating to conditions of their specific application from the air filter control station. Accordingto an aspect of the disclosure, a communications interface to the air filter control station is provided by means of a web site or an application for a tablet.
The collected data is processed in the air filter control station. Such processing impliescorrecting data for flow conditions, creating historical trend lines for pressure drop, dP, basedon measured data, and forecast future dP based on the historical trend lines. ln acommunication interface of the air filter control station, the end user may receive visualinformation on an operating state of the filter and operational aspects such as time until thefilters need to be replaced due to technical reasons, i.e. pressure loss; time until filterreplacement is recommended for commercial reasons; cost savings for making the filter replacement based on commercial reasons rather than technical reasons.
Figure 5 discloses a flow diagram of exemplary method steps performed in an air filter sensordevice of the system for air filter management disclosed in Figure 4. The air filter sensor deviceis configured to obtain S51 sensor data representative of an operating state of an air filterarrangement provided in an air flow passage to/from an industrial installation; the air filterarrangement comprising an air filter framework and at least one filter medium capable ofremoving particulate material and/or airborne molecular contamination, AMC, from an airflow received at the air flow passage. The air filter sensor device further comprises amicroprocessor configured to process the obtained sensor data to determine S52 operatingstate information representing an operating state of the air filter arrangement where the airfilter sensor device is located. The air filter sensor device transmits S53 the operating stateinformation to a receiving remote air filter control station. The transmission of processedsensor data may be wireless and performed over a wireless link from the air filter sensor device to a receiving wireless access node enabling access to a data network and Internet.
A computer program product is also provided which is arranged to perform the above disclosed method steps when executed in an air filter device.
Figure 6 discloses a flow diagram of an example method performed in an air filter control station for air filter management in an air filter management system. The disclosed method 16steps relate to operations in an air filter control station 42 of the air filter management system40 disclosed in Figure 4. ln its most general context, the method comprises receiving S61sensor data from a plurality of air filter devices. According to an aspect of the disclosure, theair filter sensor devices may also be arranged to receive S62 performance data relevant for theapplication wherein the air filter arrangement is operated. ln a further step, the air filtercontrol station receives a filter condition query S63 relevant for a selected air filterarrangement of one or more air filter devices in the air filter management system. The airfilter control station processes the query and provides operating state information S64, e.g.,remaining life time or life expectancy of the selected air filter arrangement, based on sensordata received from that air filter device and possibly also from sensor data received from oneor more other air filter devices. The query is received S63 over a user interface accessible tousers having access to a login and password. Such users include application owners, but alsofilter maintenance personnel. The estimate for a life expectancy of the selected filterarrangement may either be performed upon receipt of data in the system, i.e., for any filter inthe air filter arrangement as soon as new data is entered into the system or on receipt of a query relating to life expectancy of a given filter.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the air filter control station may be a cloudapplication wherein data is collected and analyzed at regular intervals, e.g., once per day. Eachcustomer receives a login and password that gives them access to filter data. The customer isable to determine the condition of every air flow inlet to the application, the technical lifetimeof the filter arrangement and the economic lifetime for the filter arrangement, i.e., the pointin time when the cost of maintaining the filter in further operation surpasses the cost forexchanging the filter. Data from the air filter control station may also be accessible to filterreplacement providers so that they are able to improve service with regard to aftermarketfilter replacement sales, but also to suggest amendments to the filter configurations based on historical performance data.
The air filter device and the air filter management system disclosed in the description aboveprovides access to more reliable filter data in the air filter management system. Furthermore,the provisioning of an air filter arrangement that encompasses the air filter sensor device enables fast and cost effective installation or replacement of an air filter sensor device.
Claims (1)
1. 7CLAll\/IS 1. An air filter arrangement (20) configured to fit in an air flow passage, the air filter arrangement (20) comprising an air filter framework (21) and at least one filter medium(22) capable of removing particulate material and/or airborne molecular contamination,AMC, from an air flow received at the air flow passage, characterised in that an air filtersensor device (24), configured to determine an operating state of the air filterarrangement (20), is provided in the air filter framework (21) and that the air filter sensordevice (24) includes air flow determining means for determining an air velocity of the air flow at the at the air filter arrangement (20). The air filter arrangement (20) of claim 1, wherein the air flow determining meanscomprises a thermal anemometer, turbine anemometer, ultrasonic anemometer ormeasuring means configured to determine dynamic pressure or a pressure pulse attributable to a vortex pattern induced in the air flow. The air filter arrangement (20) of claim 2, wherein the air filter framework (21) comprises a structural element (23) configured to induce said vortex pattern. The air filter arrangement (20) of claim 3, wherein the air filter sensor device (24) is attached to said structural element (23). The air filter arrangement (20) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air filter sensor device is integrated in the air filter framework (23). The air filter arrangement (20) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the air filterarrangement (20) further includes one or more further sensors arranged to gather sensordata representative of an operating state of the air filter arrangement, said further sensorsconfigured to measure at least one of pressure drop, temperature, humidity, particle concentration and gas concentration. 10. 11. 12. 13 18The air filter arrangement (20) of claim 6, wherein the air filter sensor device (24) comprises said one or more further sensors. The air filter arrangement (20) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the air filterarrangement is configured to fit in an air flow passage to/from an industrial installation, a building or a clean process environment. An air filter sensor device (24) arranged to be provided in an air filter arrangement (20),comprising an air filter framework and at least one filter medium, characterised in that theair filter sensor device (24) is configured to be provided in the air filter framework (21) andthat the air filter sensor device includes air flow determining means for determining an air velocity of an air flow at the air filter arrangement (20). An air filter sensor device of claim 10, wherein the air flow determining means comprises athermal anemometer, turbine anemometer, ultrasonic anemometer or measuring meansconfigured to determine dynamic pressure or a pressure pulse attributable to a vortex pattern induced in the air flow at the air filter arrangement (20). The air filter device of claim 11, wherein the air filter device is configured to induce said VO FteX Patte FH . The air filter sensor device of any of claims 9-11, wherein the air filter sensor devicefurther includes one or more further sensors arranged to gather sensor datarepresentative of an operating state of the air filter arrangement, said further sensorsconfigured to measure at least one of pressure drop, temperature, humidity, particle concentration and/or gas concentration. .The air filter sensor device of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the air filter sensor device further comprises a microprocessor arranged to determine operating state informationbased on gathered sensor data and the determined air velocity of the air flow in the airpassage, and a communication unit arranged to transmit operating state information to a receiving air filter control system. 19 14. A system for air filter management comprising an air filter control station (42) and one ormore air filter sensor devices (41a,b) according to c|aim 9-13, characterized in that the airfilter control station (42) is provided at a location remote from the one or more air filtersensor devices (41a,b) and in that each air filter sensor device (41a,b) comprises a communication unit for transmission of sensor data to the air filter control station. 15. A method performed in an air filter sensor device of the system for air filter managementaccording to c|aim 14, the method comprising: - obtaining (S51) sensor data representative of an operating state of an air filterarrangement provided in an air flow passage to/from an industrial installation, theair filter arrangement comprising an air filter framework and at least one filtermedium capable of removing particulate material and/or airborne molecularcontamination, AMC, from an air flow received at the air flow passage; - determining (S52), based on gathered sensor data, operating state information ofthe air filter arrangement, the operating state information including an air velocityof the air flow at the air filter arrangement (20)and a pressure drop over the filtermedium; and - transmitting (S53) the operating state information to a receiving air filter control station. 16. A computer program comprising computer program code which, when executed, causes an air filter sensor device to execute the method according to c|aim 15.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1650245A SE1650245A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2016-02-24 | Air filter arrangement, device and system |
| PCT/SE2017/050162 WO2017146633A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2017-02-20 | Air filter arrangement, device and system |
| TW106106208A TW201742661A (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2017-02-23 | Air filter arrangement, device and system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1650245A SE1650245A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2016-02-24 | Air filter arrangement, device and system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| SE1650245A1 true SE1650245A1 (en) | 2017-08-25 |
Family
ID=58213309
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1650245A SE1650245A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2016-02-24 | Air filter arrangement, device and system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| SE (1) | SE1650245A1 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW201742661A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017146633A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2023212115A1 (en) * | 2022-04-29 | 2023-11-02 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Air filtration monitoring system |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019141618A1 (en) * | 2018-01-19 | 2019-07-25 | Jens Neumann | Filter having a volume flow sensor and signalling device |
| US10704798B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2020-07-07 | Wayne Roen | Environmental monitoring system |
| US20220026088A1 (en) * | 2018-12-19 | 2022-01-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Geofencing-enhanced monitoring of air filters |
| CN111594916B (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2021-12-28 | 佛山市万物互联科技有限公司 | Control method of air conditioner, air conditioner and storage medium |
| CN114471003B (en) * | 2022-02-10 | 2023-10-13 | 江苏月璐新材料科技有限公司 | Efficient compression method for realizing air separation |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5461368A (en) * | 1994-01-11 | 1995-10-24 | Comtech Incorporated | Air filter monitoring device in a system using multispeed blower |
| US20050108996A1 (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2005-05-26 | Latham Steven R. | Filter system for an electronic equipment enclosure |
| US20120145010A1 (en) * | 2009-08-27 | 2012-06-14 | Yoshiro Yamamoto | Air cleaner |
| SE537506C2 (en) | 2011-12-19 | 2015-05-26 | Dinair Ab | Procedure for optimizing the useful life of filters between filter changes in a ventilation system |
-
2016
- 2016-02-24 SE SE1650245A patent/SE1650245A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2017
- 2017-02-20 WO PCT/SE2017/050162 patent/WO2017146633A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-02-23 TW TW106106208A patent/TW201742661A/en unknown
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2023212115A1 (en) * | 2022-04-29 | 2023-11-02 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Air filtration monitoring system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| TW201742661A (en) | 2017-12-16 |
| WO2017146633A1 (en) | 2017-08-31 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA3013201C (en) | System, method and computer program product for air filter management | |
| SE1650245A1 (en) | Air filter arrangement, device and system | |
| US20210207833A1 (en) | Device and method for monitoring hvac air filter | |
| US10724927B2 (en) | Filter replacement lifetime prediction | |
| US10646809B2 (en) | Air filter condition sensing | |
| US20200256578A1 (en) | Air filter condition sensing | |
| US20160209316A1 (en) | Method for determining the fouling ratio of at least one filter of a ventilation system and associated ventilation system | |
| EP3465018A1 (en) | Air purifier | |
| US10137397B2 (en) | Filter systems | |
| CN108361916B (en) | Intelligent real-time air duct filter screen blockage degree judging system and method | |
| JP7210820B2 (en) | ONLINE DIAGNOSTIC METHOD AND ONLINE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR FILTER | |
| CA3019239A1 (en) | Method of optimizing filter life cycle between replacements and system for monitoring a ventilation system | |
| US20210060474A1 (en) | Method for predicting the service life of a filter | |
| US20220290886A1 (en) | Filter Monitoring Device, Air Flow System and Corresponding Methods | |
| BR112018017295B1 (en) | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING AIR FILTER AND MEMORY STORAGE MEDIUM | |
| KR102586859B1 (en) | System and method to manage power consumption of air conditioners based on air quality measurement for net zero | |
| JP7190363B2 (en) | Filter monitoring system | |
| Hamann et al. | Filter replacement lifetime prediction | |
| da Silva et al. | A wireless network web-based monitoring solution for indoor environmental quality and energy performance assessment of buildings | |
| Beaty | Data Center Alphabet Soup. |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAV | Patent application has lapsed |