Continuous Ionization System for Electrostatic Collection of Bioaerosols in Building Protection Applications

This proposal presents a method and technology for continuous ionization of bio-aerosols and airborne particles in building protection applications to enable effective removal of the ionized particles from the air flow by an electrostatic collection device. The proposed ionization method is based on a concept of combining a novel method of direct induction charging by an electric field with diversion of the air streamlines into many small passageways where field shapers are used to amplify the field intensity. No replenishing of consumables is needed for this process, it does not generate ozone and the efficient ionization in its low pressure-drop passageways consumes less power than HEPA filtration for building HVAC systems. The main objective of the proposed effort will be to demonstrate the ionization performance of a prototype that will be designed, built and tested in autonomous and continuous operation mode during a period of one week, including air monitoring to detect any ozone levels over the normal. The prototype features and the test results conducted in Phase I will be summarized in a final report, including evaluation of the induction charging characteristics for various types and sizes of particles.