Filter-free air purifier that reduces ultrafine particles being deployed in Korea’s public spaces

Excessive-capacity filter-free ultrafine particle discount know-how is now being deployed in subways, colleges, shops, and different giant public amenities, considerably enhancing the dwelling atmosphere for residents.

The analysis group led by Dr. Hak Joon Kim, Principal Researcher on the Division of City Setting Analysis of the Korea Institute of Equipment & Supplies (KIMM), has developed an eco-friendly air purification technology that reduces ultrafine particulate issues with out using filters.

This state-of-the-art filter-free air purification system makes use of electrostatic force whereas minimizing ozone era. By incorporating microfiber discharge electrodes and nonmetallic carbon plates, the system operates on low present but removes greater than 90% of ultrafine particles.

Moreover, it resolves the ozone concern inherent in standard electrostatic strategies, with an ozone emission stage beneath 5 ppb—solely one-tenth of the focus discovered on the whole atmospheric situations.

This know-how is especially efficient in giant areas, providing environment friendly air purification with out the drawbacks of conventional filter-based techniques. Typical air purifiers with filters endure from decreased airflow as a result of clogging and require pricey replacements.

In distinction, KIMM’s know-how doesn’t hinder airflow, enabling the environment friendly purification of enormous volumes of air whereas eliminating the necessity for filter alternative, thus considerably decreasing upkeep prices. In subway tunnel purposes, the system doesn’t require ducts, chopping manufacturing prices by greater than 30%.

The know-how has been efficiently examined in subway tunnels at Seodaejeonnegeori Station, Oryong Station, and Jung-gu Workplace Station in Daejeon.

A filter-free air air purifier designed for colleges can be beneath CA certification course of and is about for wider deployment, with pilot installations at present underway in an elementary school in Busan. Moreover, a pilot check within the HVAC system of a division retailer in Gyeonggi-do confirmed its positive particulate matter discount effectiveness in industrial settings.

Principal Researcher Dr. Hak Joon Kim of KIMM said, “This is the only technology that has fundamentally solved the ozone emission issue, which has long been a barrier to applying electrostatic methods indoors. Moreover, it is economically viable, reaching the break-even point within approximately three years after initial deployment.”

He added, “We are preparing for broader adoption through the Designation of Innovative Products, KC Certification for electrical safety, and CA Certification for air purifiers.”

KIMM President Seog-Hyeon Ryu commented, “Having researched electrostatic technology for over 20 years, KIMM has successfully developed a world-class ultrafine particle reduction technology, which has been validated through two years of pilot testing for both safety and effectiveness. Moving forward, we will expand its application to more public facilities, contributing to the health and well-being of the public.”

This analysis was performed with assist from a significant undertaking of KIMM, particularly the “Development of Core Mechanical Technologies for Smart Air Conditioning Systems to Control Infections and Pollution in the Post-Pandemic Era,” in addition to the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Development of a Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Passive Ultrafine Dust Reduction Technology for Subways” undertaking.

The know-how’s innovation and excellence have been acknowledged when it acquired the Frederick G. Cottrell Award on the seventeenth Worldwide Convention on Electrostatic Precipitation, 2024. It has since been transferred to air air purifier corporations for commercialization.