American Association for Aerosol Research - Abstract Submission

AAAR 39th Annual Conference
October 18 - October 22, 2021

Virtual Conference

Abstract View


Continuing Development and Testing of the Electrostatic Battery for Emissions Control (ESBEC)

TAEWON HAN, Gediminas Mainelis, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

     Abstract Number: 129
     Working Group: Control and Mitigation Technology

Abstract
We recently developed a novel diesel emissions control device, Electrostatic Screen Battery for Emissions Control (ESBEC), where diesel exhaust particles are removed using an electrostatic mechanism. As part of the continuing development of this technology, we have made the following changes to ESBEC’s design: 1) metal collection screens with high porosity for a more even distribution of captured diesel exhaust, 2) redesigned screen holder for easy assembly, 3) device’s body constructed from heat-resistant materials (up to 460 oF). The size of the current ESBEC prototype is 3 inches in diameter and 10 inches in length. ESBEC was challenged with diesel particulate matter (DPM) exhausted from a diesel electric power generator (6000-watt diesel generator) operated with no electrical load. Tested mass concentrations were 38-187 mg/m3 and the air flow rates passing through ESBEC were 220-410 L/min; these long-term tests were conducted over 8 days (about 49 hours of sampling and measurement). The collection efficiency of ESBEC was determined every 30 to 60 minutes by comparing DPM concentration upstream and downstream of ESBEC using a pDR-1200 photometer.

The average ESBEC collection efficiency of close to a 100% was maintained for 26 hours, during which 60 g of DPM was accumulated. After that, its performance gradually decreased as more DPM was accumulated (up to 102 g); after 47 hours of operation, ESBEC’s collection efficiency decreased to CARB (California Air Resources Board) Level 3 (85%) and the pressure drop across it increased to 57 Pa. The collection efficiency was restored when the charger section was cleaned using isopropyl alcohol for 10 min. In the next tests, we will investigate the removal of DPM from ESBEC’s collection screens as a function of different loading/washing protocols.