Intelligently Vibrating Air Filters

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.