SBIR-STTR Award

This work is focused on the development of an effective methodology for evaluating the performance of vehicle air cleaner when subjected to vibration levels experienced in vehicles. We will verify the relationship between vehicle vibrating loads and the performance of advanced filters. Currently, advanced air filter media claims that the air filters provide improved performance when evaluated in vehicles where vibration effects through vehicle operation are on-going. The first question addressed in this work is whether this claim can be validated through single panel pleated design experiments. Performance is defined by filter efficiency and dust capacity/service life. We will conduct simultaneous full-scale air cleaner performance/vibration evaluations between current production and the best performing advanced air cleaner filter media. The second question is whether repeated shock loads have an influence on the performance of air filters. Each shock event makes the vehicle components including air filters vibrate at their natural frequencies. Assuming the effect of vehicle vibration or shock loads on the performance of filters is positive, the third question is if one can optimize the performance of such filters by subjecting them to intentional localized vibrations and controlled shock events. Ultimately, we will develop an innovative Vibrating Air Filters (VAF) applicable to ground vehicles. The latter has high potential for both military and commercial applications. High performance air filters have applications in commercial aircraft, space vehicles, automobiles, marine systems, watercraft, industrial environments, and processing and power generation industries. A modified version of the proposed work may be used in buildings, bridges, and offshore oil platforms where large air filters are used. An important and large commercial application for the proposed work may be found in manufacturing and processing plants

Currently, makers of advanced air filter media claim that the air filters provide improved performance when evaluated in vehicles where vibration effects through vehicle operation are on-going. This claim was validated through simple experiments in the Phase I work. The goal of this project is threefold. First, we will develop an effective methodology for evaluating air cleaner vibration levels experienced in vehicles to verify performance of advanced filter media. Second, we will optimize the required vibration/shock profiles that maximize air filter performance, dust capacity, and service life when placed in a vibrating environment. Third, we will develop high performance air filter media, housings, and/or assemblies with built-in miniaturized vibrating elements. To maintain high performance under all operating and environmental conditions, the proposed Intelligently Vibrating Air Filters will operate under its intentionally generated vibrations. In Phase II, we will conduct simultaneous full-scale air cleaner performance/vibration evaluations between current production and the best performing advanced air cleaner filter media. We will also explore whether repeated vehicle shock loads have an influence on the performance of air filters. Ultimately, we will develop the innovative Intelligently Vibrating Air Filters applicable to the Army ground vehicles, such as HMMWV.

Benefits:
High performance air filters have applications in both military and commercial markets including aircraft, space vehicles, automobiles, marine systems, watercraft, industrial environments, and processing and power generation industries. A modified version of the proposed work may be used in buildings, bridges, and offshore oil platforms where large air filters are used. An important and large commercial application for the proposed work may be found in manufacturing and processing plants.

Keywords:
Vibrating Air Filters, Vehicle Vibration/Shock Profile, Energy Flow Control