The objective of this project, EW-201724, is to demonstrate novel nano-enabled HVAC air filtration systems which will reduce energy consumption and overall operational cost of heating, cooling, and air purification in buildings. The air filter systems will be installed into the air handling units of the military facilities including office buildings, hospitals, laboratories, among other facilities. The expected results are that the facilities will be more energy efficient and will provide the occupants with a more comfortable and healthy environment than would be realized using conventional air filtration technologies. If successful, the documented approach and lessons learned will be applicable to many other new and existing buildings throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). The project will demonstrate improved energy efficiency and reduced life cycle cost in a variety of DoD environments by quantifying energy use, pressure drop across filter, filtration performance, dust loading capacity, among other parameters, and its economic impact on overall cost to DoD.

A small-diameter continuous nanofiber structure with small interstitial spaces is able to capture dust, dirt, oil mist, smoke particles, and other contaminants in larger quantities than a filter medium based on large-diameter fibers. These ‘side-by-side’ demonstrations will compare the energy efficiency and life cycle cost of using nano-enabled air filters against conventional air filters. This project will measure filter efficiency and pressure drop across air filters, blower motor power consumption, the dust loading capacity of air filters, temperature, relative humidity, and the labor associated with air filter installation and disposal. Data from the test will be used to develop life cycle cost and overall operational cost of using the nano-enabled air filters.

The nano-enabled air filter is expected to reduce the heating and cooling energy requirement by 8% compared to standard air filtration technologies. The nano-enabled air filter will capture more particles and last longer than the filters currently being installed. Overall, the system will maintain occupant comfort, minimize the risk of mold and mildew problems, reduce facility energy usage, extend filter life, and reduce maintenance costs.