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 [email protected] Phone: 440.234.4531Twitter: @SolarKathieZ
Universal Air FilterDan Krupp [email protected] Phone: 618.271.7300
Thank You This webinar will be available at
www.solarpowerworldonline.com & email
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