Numerical analysis on the electrostatic capture of airborne nanoparticles and viruses in a homemade particle concentrator without a unipolar charger

A numerical analysis on the electrostatic capture of airborne viruses and nanoparticles in a homemade particle concentrator without a unipolar charger using commercial CFD software (CFD-ACE+) was presented. We simulated the effects of inlet/outlet configurations and particle diameters on the collection efficiency of the particle concentrator, and the simulation was in good agreement with the experimental measurements. We investigated the effects of the electrode arrangement on the collection efficiency. We also discussed the maximum collection efficiency and the relationship between the electric field intensity, the positions of the simulated particles on the inlet surface, and the collection efficiency.

► We presented numerical analyses on the electrostatic capture in a concentrator.
► The electrostatic concentrator concentrated particles on small electrodes.
► The electrode arrangements to enhance the collection efficiency were discussed.
► The capture of the particles was related with their positions on the inlet surface.
► The maximum collection efficiencies depended on the electrode arrangement.