Dan Krupp, director of sales and engineering at Universal Air Filter, recently presented a webinar hosted by the Solar Power World team outlining the most essential considerations regarding specification and design of air filters and filter assemblies. What follows is taken from this discussion.
Dan Krupp, director of sales and engineering at Universal Air Filter
Cooling and filtration systems are found in almost all power generating equipment. These generation systems are susceptible to overheating as well as accumulating corrosive combinations of salt, dust and moisture which can wreak havoc on sensitive electrical equipment.
Too often OEM filters are inadequately designed to provide the necessary protection and cooling that power generation equipment like a PV solar inverter requires. This oversight can lead to a necessary retrofitting of a new assembly, more servicing expenses to keep the system operational and even a drastic loss in power production.
The OEM design specification process recommended by Universal Air Filter instructs OEM engineers to consider filtration early in the design process. Begin by collecting all the applicable industry standards and guidelines for enclosures and equipment. Also consider flame retardant standard, since there are filtration products on the market which can slow or stop a fire if it breaks out. Protecting the electrical hardware within a system is cheaper than replacing it.
Next, select the shape and size of the filter assembly. During this phase, keep in mind ideal pressurization restrictions for the equipment. An assembly that uses a fan to push air through the system can provide more complete filtration and preserve equipment even in harsh environments, but these assemblies take up more space. Another option is to go with a fan placed at the exhaust end of a chassis which will pull air through the system. Such an assembly can provide increased cooling, because it pulls in air from every crevice of the equipment. The downside is that much of this air does not pass a filter and can bring in destructive materials. Of course, a combination of these two assemblies can be very effective, but it requires more attention to pressurization and overall size of the equipment enclosure. Also you should consider whether any extra handles or tabs will be necessary for inspection and maintenance of the filter system.
At this point you can select the desired color and medium for the filter. The color of an air filter can be selected based off simple aesthetic preference, but keep in mind that a lighter color can also make inspection and maintenance easier. Again, filter media come in a range of options. There are filters specifically designed for electromagnetic interference shielding and corrosion protection. For especially harsh outdoor enclosures, UAF offers a line of pleated Outside Plant (OSP) filters.
Metal filters are the most durable, reusable and ideal for harsh environments. High-efficiency filters can dramatically extend the operating life of equipment, capturing dust, mold and pollen. Electrostatic filters are durable and lightweight. They are effective in preventing acid/alkali corrosion and are bleach resistant. They are also reusable and sustainability friendly. Along with EMI shielding and OSP filters, UAF offers filters with Pyrocide technology which can help contain a fire should one break out.
Finally, whichever filtration assembly you decide on, make sure replacement filters are readily available for the customer or OEM servicer. And remember that filters should be cleaned or replaced every three to six months in order to maintain optimal power generation.
For more detailed information watch the full webinar here.