Air Filter Solutions For Solar Power

Equipment

This webinar will be available afterwards at www.solarpowerworldonline.com & email

Q&A at the end of the presentation

Hashtag for this webinar: #SolarWebinar

Before We Start

Moderator

Kathie ZippSolar Power World

Presenter

Dan KruppUniversal Air Filter

Air Filter Solutions for Solar Power Equipment 2014

Today’s presentation…

Air Filters in Solar Energy Systems• Types of equipment• Contamination & system failure

System Design Considerations• Industry standards and compliance• Thermal management / pressure drop

Air Filter Specification Process• Air filter frames and media• Special shaped filters to accommodate chassis

Other Design Factors• Complementary system features / components• Design partner offerings

Overview

Air Filters in Solar Energy Systems

Utility Scale Grid Applications

Schneider Electric Conex Core XC Series – PV Inverter

Utility Scale Grid Applications

SatconEquinox PV Inverter

Utility Scale Grid Applications

Power-OneAurora PV & Wind

Utility Scale Grid Applications

EatonS-Max Series Grid Tied Inverters

Utility Scale Grid Applications

American SuperconductorD-VAR Grid Stabilizer

Enclosure Door SolutionsUAF filters prevent energy production loss

Filters for enclosure doors

Filters for power transformation, communications, and other interior equipment (ABB, AEG, Rittal, etc…)

Enclosure Door FiltersOEM-supplied air filters have not proved acceptable with:

Contamination control

Durability

Serviceability

Interior Enclosure FiltersWhen enclosure door filters fail:

Unfiltered air enters the enclosure

Negatively impacts smaller cabinet air intake filters

Electrical panels overheat and fault

Energy production fails

Representative Power-Gen Applications

Wireless Base StationPhoto Voltaic Wind Energy

Contamination Wrecks Equipment

Air Filters Get Dirty

Quadrafoam keeps out dust and moths.

Very clean inside thanks to Quadrafoam.

Green Washable FiltersSave Money & Improve Efficiency

Clean and re-install air filters

Avoid purchasing, inventory, distribution costs

Last several years depending on environment

Sustainability-friendly

Reduce waste

Air Filter Maintenance Keep cooling air quality high and reduce energy

consumption

Replace / clean air filters as dirty air filters block airflow

Improve equipment energy efficiency. Replacing dirty, clogged filters lowers energy consumption by 5% to 15%

Avoid equipment failure

System Design Considerations

System Design ConsiderationsYou need to design a solar power chassis… Enclosure size

Density – electronics and components

Fan ratings – power and noise

Fan or blower locations

Industrial designs

And don’t forget the… Air filter – fit , form, function

Industry Standards and Classifications

UL 1741 Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment

NEMA 3R Outdoor Enclosures

NEMA 12 Indoor Enclosures

IP 54 Ingress Protection Rating

UL 94 HF-1Component plastics flame spec

UL 900Air filter flame spec

Mil-SpecApplying commercial standards where appropriate

Total Thermal System ManagementThermal management... Intake / Exhaust

Air flow path

Hot / cold aisles

Thermal analysis software libraries... 6 Sigma

FloTHERM

IcePak

MacroFlow

Total System Pressure DropSystem Components affect airflow

Power supplies

Perforated metal

Card guides

EMI / Faraday cages

Industrial designs / bezels / plenums

Air filters

Fan/Filter System RelationshipFan / blower location…

Push = Pressurization

Pull = Evacuation

Push + Pull

Pressurization

Pros:

All air is filtered in harsh environments

Air straightening

Pressure equalization

Cons:

Higher pressure drop through filter

Space requirements

Maximize plenum between fan and filter

Evacuation

Pros:

Maximize cooling air

Saves space

Lower filter pressure drop

Cons:

Not all air is filtered

Potential air bypass

Limited air straightening / pressure equalization from filter

Pressurization + Evacuation

Pros:

Maximum cooling air

Bigger air filters

Cons:

More space

Higher power requirements

Increased noise

Air Filter Spec Process

Framed Filter Assembly OptionsAir filter frame features… Thin, low profile frame

• < 0.25” thick• Edge to edge filtration• Extended filter surface area

Consider chassis structure• Align filter structure with chassis obstructions• Special shape filter to accommodate chassis

Filter removal and installation features• Accessories – tabs, handles, thru holes, captive fasteners• Ease of maintenance

Solar Equipment Filter ProductsMetal Mesh Air Filters

Rugged frame assemblies

Outdoor and other harsh environments

Available with integrated EMI shielding

Washable and reusable

Ultra-thin options for limited space applications

Solar Equipment Filter ProductsHigh Efficiency Air Filters

Extends equipment operating life

Enhances air quality

Custom MERV 11, 13 & 15

Captures dust, mold & pollen

Commercial / industrial applications

Rigid aluminum frame and robust media for durability

Solar Equipment Filter ProductsElectrostatic Air Filters High strength

Light weight

Abrasion resistant

Acid / alkali / bleach / solvent resistant

Mildew resistant

FDA approved

UV protected

Reduce waste / sustainability friendly

EMI Air Filters & Vents

In addition to air filters, UAF offers custom:

Air filters with EMI shielding capabilities

EMI vent panels

Honeycomb Fireblock Panels

Watch the PyroCide Video - next slide

OSP Filter Specs

UPE Membrane Filter Media(Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene with Microglass backer)

Standard 7.5 pleats per inch

Pleat depths from 1.00” – 4.00”

Additional OSP Filter Features Cleanable open-cell polyurethane foam pre-filter

Available with RoHS compliant corrosion resistant finish

Medium density urethane foam interlocking gasket

OSP Filter PerformanceWind Driven Rain TestFilters have been Tested and Certified to meet the requirements of GR-487 Section 3.28.1

OSP Filter PerformanceRain Intrusion TestFilters have been Tested and Certified to meet the requirements of GR-487 Section 3.28.2

OSP Filter PerformanceSalt Fog TestingFilters have passed a 168 hour (7-day) Salt Fog Test using a 5% salt fog concentration per ASTM B-117

Air Filter Specification Process Determine standards & specifications – NEMA/IP, UL1741,RoHS, CE

Understand flame rating requirements – UL 94 Select air filter dimensions (length, width, thickness) Select appropriate framed air filter model Determine handles / tabs or other fixture add-ons Select flame retardant media (thickness and porosity) Calculate linear airflow velocity Calculate maximum filter initial resistance Select media color and special metal finishes Prepare filter drawing – 3D CAD / online tools Free prototypes – test and evaluation

Air Filter Media Selection

Many filter configurations…and colors… NEBS air filter assembly requirement

• GR-63 R4-61 – UL 94 HF-1• GR-63 R4-19 – 65% avg dust arrestance (<2U)• GR-63 R4-20 – 80% avg dust arrestance (<3U)

Media to fit within frame profile• 0.125”, 0.25” and 0.5” thick for most applications• Multiple porosities and/or densities available• Reduce pressure drop / maximize airflow

Industrial Design or maintenance considerations• Colors to best fit system aesthetics / bezel• Lighter colors for quick and easy maintenance inspection

Other Design Factors

Electrical Enclosure – Fire Safety

Electrical Enclosure – Fire Safety

Fire audits have confirmed the effectiveness of UAF flame retardant air filters Example of UAF filters containing

the spread of fire to neighboring telecom enclosures

Maintenance / Sustaining Engineering

Address air filters in maintenance procedures

Recommend cleaning / replacementclean: every 3-6 months…replace: every 2-3 years

Offer replacements

Kit replacements in appropriate quantities with other components and maintenance instructions

Compliance

UAF Products Comply:

UL 94 recognition

UL 900 registration

EU Directive 2002/95/EC

China RoHs

EU No. 1907/2006 REACH

Power-Gen Air Filters

Prototypes in 5 days

UL Listed and CE Certified

Support compliance to UL 1741

EMI shielding available

Special metal finishes for corrosion protection / enhance EMI

Outside plant membrane filters for harsh environments

Servicing OEM & Aftermarket

UAF’s target customer is OEM thermal / mechanical design engineer focused on forced air cooling in electronics enclosure applications

Authorized by the equipment OEMs to service their customers and ensure timely replacement filter supply

Review Consider air filters early in the design process Understand industry & customer requirements Analyze custom enclosure configuration for total system

thermal and design management Specify filter utilizing the latest technological innovations,

including EMI shielding Ensure customers can acquire replacements

UAF - APAC

Established in 2007

In-country support for OEM Production Procurement

Asia Pacific and China region

Support solar energy operators and OEM manufacturers

UAF - EMEA

Established in 2008

In-country support for design centers

and filter procurement

Netherlands based for Europe and Israel

Support solar energy operators and OEM manufacturers

Universal Air Filter Co.

Thank you for attending. For webinar materials and information go to:

www.uaf.com/webinar

On Spec, On Time…Every Time

1624 Sauget Industrial Parkway, Sauget, IL 62206

P: 618.271-7300 | F: 618.271.8808 | www.uaf.com

Questions?Solar Power WorldKathie Zipp kzipp@solarpowerworldonline.com Phone: 440.234.4531Twitter: @SolarKathieZ

Universal Air FilterDan Krupp dankrupp@uaf.com Phone: 618.271.7300

Thank You This webinar will be available at

www.solarpowerworldonline.com & email

Tweet with hashtag #SolarWebinar

Connect with Twitter: @SolarPowerWrld

Facebook: …/SolarPowerWorld

LinkedIn: Solar Power World Group

Discuss this on EngineeringExchange.com