Electrostatic Air Filtration Technology for HVAC
Modern HVAC systems must handle increasingly demanding air quality requirements, with particulate removal needs ranging from PM2.5 to ultrafine particles below 0.1 microns. Traditional mechanical filtration faces inherent limitations in capturing these smaller particles without creating substantial pressure drops that reduce system efficiency and increase energy consumption.
The fundamental challenge lies in achieving high filtration efficiency for sub-micron particles while maintaining acceptable pressure drops and system performance across varying environmental conditions.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including external charging precipitators, multi-electrode configurations, temperature-responsive ionization systems, and integrated desiccant technologies. These and other approaches demonstrate how electrostatic filtration can be optimized for practical HVAC applications while addressing both efficiency and energy consumption concerns.
1. Air Conditioner with External Charging Electrostatic Precipitator and Upstream Electrode Configuration
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2025
Air conditioner with an electrostatic precipitator that improves air purification efficiency by utilizing an external charging mechanism. The air conditioner features a housing with a suction panel and a fan, which generates air flow through the suction panel. An electrostatic precipitator is positioned inside the housing with a discharge electrode and an upstream electrode. The upstream electrode creates an electric field between the discharge electrode and the suction panel, allowing ions generated by the discharge electrode to be directed into the suction panel. This external charging mechanism enables the precipitator to charge aerosols in the air outside the housing, improving air purification efficiency compared to traditional internal charging methods.
2. Vehicle Air Conditioning System Air Filter with Downstream Ionizer and Upstream Counter Electrode for Enhanced Electrostatic Particle Separation
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2025
Air filter device for vehicle air conditioning systems that enhances electrostatic separation of filter elements through a novel ionization and polarization mechanism. The device comprises an ionizer positioned downstream of the filter element, where an electrode generates a corona discharge. An upstream counter electrode, connected to a high-voltage power source, provides an additional electrostatic field. The ionizer and counter electrode are strategically positioned to create an electrostatic field that enhances the separation performance of the filter element, particularly for particles with high electrostatic charges. This approach enables improved filter performance and service life, even in aged filter elements, by leveraging the combined effects of ionization and polarization.
3. Automotive Air Filter with Ionizer and Multi-Electrode Configuration for Enhanced Electrostatic Dust Charging
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2025
Air filter device for automotive air conditioning systems that improves dust removal efficiency through electrostatic charging. The device incorporates an ionizer with multiple spray electrodes, a counter electrode upstream of the ionizer, and a second electrode downstream of the ionizer. The counter electrode creates an electric field that enhances particle charging and polarization in the filter element, while the second electrode provides a separation barrier. The ionizer generates ions in the air path, which are then directed to the counter electrode, creating an electric field that enhances dust separation. The device's design enables continuous dust removal through electrostatic charging and polarization, even in applications where conventional filter elements struggle to capture fine dust.
4. Motor Vehicle HVAC System with Integrated Ionizer for Electrostatic Particle Charging in Filters
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2025
A motor vehicle HVAC system that achieves high filtration efficiency through electrostatically charged particle filters. The system incorporates an ionizer that generates an electric field for particle charging, which restores the original electrostatic properties of the filter material. This ionizer can be integrated into the existing air filtration system, eliminating the need for additional components. The charged filter material enhances its filtration performance by capturing larger particles, while maintaining its original flow characteristics.
5. Vehicle Air Conditioning Air Filter with Integrated Ionizer and Electrostatic Filter Element
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, 2025
Air filter device for vehicle air conditioning systems that incorporates an ionizer and electrostatic filter element. The device features a flow path where airflow passes through the ionizer, which generates corona discharge in the airflow. This ionized airflow then passes through the electrostatic filter element, where electrostatic charges are generated. The airflow then continues through the ionizer and filter element, creating an electrostatic field that enables effective electrostatic separation of particles. The ionizer and filter element are connected to a high-voltage power source, with the filter element's surface serving as the counter electrode.
6. Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning System with Upstream Electrostatic Filters in Air Supply Channel
AUDI AG, 2024
Air conditioning system for motor vehicles that utilizes electrostatic filters in the air supply channel upstream of the blower. The system integrates electrostatic filters into the air supply channel before the blower, allowing them to capture airborne contaminants before they reach the blower. This approach enables the use of existing air conditioning units while maintaining high air quality performance.
7. Compact Air Conditioning System with Integrated Multi-Layer Filter Assembly
厦门呼博仕智能健康科技股份有限公司, 2022
A compact air conditioning system that integrates a filter assembly within the air conditioner itself. The system comprises a casing with integrated filter slots, featuring a primary filter, electrostatic precipitator, and medium-efficiency filter in a layered configuration. The filter assembly is sealed and connected to the fresh air system and temperature/humidity control system. The system achieves improved filtration efficiency while maintaining compactness, with the primary filter providing high efficiency while the electrostatic precipitator and medium-efficiency filter offer additional cleaning capabilities.
8. Air Purification System with Dual-Mode Electrostatic Precipitator and Ionizer
DORNIER NO LIMITS GMBH, 2022
Air purification system for closed spaces like aircraft cabins and vehicle interiors that simultaneously cleans air and maintains air quality. The system employs an electrostatic precipitator module with an ionizer that generates ozone through electrical discharges. During normal operation, the module separates airborne contaminants from clean air. However, during room cleaning, the module reverses its operation to deliver ozone-rich air against the main flow direction, creating an electrostatic field that enhances the cleaning process. This dual-mode operation enables comprehensive air purification while maintaining a controlled ozone concentration.
9. Integrated Air Environment System with Air Conditioner, Fresh Air Device, Electrostatic Precipitator, and Air Quality Sensor
SHENZHEN ENVICOOL HEALTH ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 深圳市英维克健康环境科技有限公司, 2021
Air environment machine that enhances indoor air quality through comprehensive purification and ventilation. The machine integrates an air conditioner, a fresh air device, and an electrostatic precipitator, with an air quality sensor that continuously monitors indoor air quality. The machine employs a primary effect filter with honeycomb-shaped dust suction holes to capture airborne contaminants, while the fresh air device provides a continuous supply of clean air. The electrostatic precipitator captures airborne pathogens and microorganisms. The machine's air quality sensor continuously monitors indoor air quality, enabling real-time adjustments to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
10. Electrostatic Dust Removal Air Intake Device with Non-Linear Air Inlet Surfaces and Integrated Cleaning Mechanism
佛山市云米电器科技有限公司, Chen Xiaoping, CHEN XIAOPING, 2020
A wide air inlet surface type electrostatic dust removal air intake device that improves air quality by utilizing a unique electrostatic dust removal mechanism with non-linear air inlet surfaces. The device features a main body with an electrostatic dust removal mechanism integrated into the air inlet channel, where the electrostatic precipitator has air inlet surfaces with non-linear edges. This design enables the electrostatic precipitator to effectively capture airborne dust particles while minimizing the generation of electrostatic charges within the air intake system, thereby reducing dust entry into the device and improving user comfort. The device also incorporates a cleaning mechanism that removes accumulated dust from the electrostatic precipitator's surface, ensuring optimal performance and maintaining the device's electrostatic properties.
11. Air Inlet Device with Integrated Electrostatic Dust Removal and Closeable Baffle Mechanisms
佛山市云米电器科技有限公司, Chen Xiaoping, CHEN XIAOPING, 2020
Electrostatic dust removal type air inlet device with improved air quality management. The device comprises a main body, an electrostatic dust removal mechanism, and a closeable baffle mechanism. The electrostatic dust removal mechanism is integrated into the air inlet channel, while the closeable baffle mechanism seals the inlet and prevents dust from entering the device. The electrostatic dust removal mechanism uses electrostatic adsorption to capture airborne particles, while the baffle mechanism ensures dust-free operation. The device incorporates a maintenance cleaning system to remove long-term electrostatic dust accumulation.
12. Automotive Air Conditioner Ventilation System with Integrated Purification Modules and Adjustable Airflow Control
天津宏泰空调净化设备有限责任公司, TIANJIN HONGTAI AIR CONDITIONER PURIFICATION EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2020
A ventilation and purification system for automotive air conditioners that enhances indoor air quality while maintaining airflow efficiency. The system comprises a ventilation duct with strategically positioned sliding grooves and fixed rods, a fixed fan assembly, and a network of air purification components including a dust filter, electrostatic adsorption module, activated carbon adsorption module, and plasma generator. The system's unique design allows for precise control of airflow and air quality while maintaining the vehicle's airflow path.
13. Electret Filter Material with Nanofiber and Non-Woven Fabric Layers for Enhanced Charge Retention
ZHEJIANG JIAHAI NEW MAT CO LTD, 2019
Electret automotive air conditioner filter material that combines high-performance nanofibers with advanced electrostatic charging for enhanced filtration efficiency. The material comprises a matrix layer of viscose fiber non-woven fabric, a middle layer of electrospun TPU nanofibers, and a bottom layer of polypropylene fiber non-woven fabric. The TPU nanofibers serve as a superfilter layer, while the PP fiber non-woven fabric provides a bottom layer. This sandwich structure enables effective charge retention and ionization, maintaining high filtration performance even under dynamic conditions.
14. Air Filter with Tubular Electrostatic Fiber Filter and Integrated Ventilation Path
KIM DONG-KYU, 2019
An air filter for heating and cooling systems that enables efficient dust removal while maintaining air flow. The filter comprises a housing with a tubular body and an electrostatic fiber filter unit formed of a tubular body and an electrostatic fiber filter body. The filter housing features a ventilation path that connects the filter housing opening to the suction unit, enabling dust particles to be captured while maintaining airflow. The electrostatic fiber filter body is formed with a filter support member and filter fiber body, with a separation plate separating the support from the housing. The housing cap supports the electrostatic fiber filter unit, providing a secure mounting system while maintaining airflow.
15. Air Conditioner with Integrated Electrostatic Filter and Ionization System
GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2019
Air conditioner with electrostatic purification system that incorporates a high-performance electrostatic filter or dust collector in the air intake path. The filter utilizes a proprietary electrostatic material with built-in ionization capabilities to capture airborne contaminants, while the ion generator in the duct produces both positive and negative ions to enhance purification efficiency. The system integrates with the air handling system to provide comprehensive indoor air purification while maintaining efficient airflow.
16. Automobile Air Conditioner with Integrated Electrostatic Precipitator and Layered Soft Filter Element
WUHU DEXIN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CO LTD, 2018
Automobile air conditioner with electrostatic dust removal through a novel air intake structure that integrates an electrostatic precipitator between the air duct inlet and the soft filter element. The electrostatic precipitator captures airborne dust particles, significantly reducing the need for frequent filter replacements. The soft filter element, comprising activated carbon and fragrance layers, provides effective air filtration while the electrostatic precipitator enhances dust capture. This integrated design enables the air conditioner to maintain optimal cabin air quality while minimizing maintenance requirements.
17. Air Intake Structure with Electrostatic Precipitator and Sequential Filter Layers for Dust Removal
WUHU DEXIN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CO LTD, 2018
Automobile air conditioner with electrostatic dust removal through a novel air intake structure. The structure comprises a duct with a soft filter element, an activated carbon filter layer, and an electrostatic precipitator positioned between the inlet end of the duct and the filter element. The electrostatic precipitator captures airborne dust particles, significantly reducing their accumulation in the filter element. This design enables the soft filter element to maintain optimal performance while minimizing filter replacement frequency.
18. Automotive Air Conditioner with Integrated Electrostatic Precipitator and Movable Dust Control Cover
WUHU DEXIN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CO LTD, 2018
Automotive air conditioner with electrostatic dust removal through a novel air intake system that integrates a soft filter element with an electrostatic precipitator. The system features a movable cover that can be controlled by the air conditioner's controller to maintain optimal airflow while preventing dust ingress. The electrostatic precipitator captures airborne dust particles before they reach the filter element, significantly reducing filter maintenance needs. The cover's operation is synchronized with the air conditioner's operational state, with the cover closed during non-operational periods to prevent dust accumulation. This integrated approach enables both improved filter life and reduced filter replacement frequency.
19. Electrostatic Particle Separator with Self-Cleaning Collecting Electrode for Vehicle Ventilation Systems
PARAGON AG, 2018
A device for separating ultrafine particles (UFP) from air flow in motor vehicle ventilation and climate control systems that achieves enhanced separation efficiency while minimizing maintenance requirements. The device incorporates a collecting electrode that is charged negatively, with the electrode's surface facing the evaporator of the system. The collecting electrode is designed to automatically clean itself through condensation water, which forms on the evaporator surface. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for regular maintenance of electrostatic separation devices, while maintaining separation efficiency.
20. Air Conditioner with Electret Filter Positioned Between Air Inlet and Heat Exchanger
HITACHI JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING CO LTD, 2017
Air conditioner design with improved dust collection capability without degrading air conditioning performance. It uses an electret filter, which is an electrostatic filter made of a synthetic polymer with an electrostatic charge, instead of a conventional filter. The electret filter is placed between the air inlet and the heat exchanger, blocking the entire flow path. This allows all the air to pass through the filter, improving dust collection. However, the electret filter has lower pressure drop compared to conventional filters, mitigating the decrease in airflow and heat exchange efficiency. It also prevents condensation issues as there is no restriction on airflow.
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