Novel electrodes of an electrostatic precipitator for air filtration

•An ESP with foam-covered collecting electrodes is presented.•The collection efficiency of a foam-covered ESP is of up to 99%.•The effects of key design variables on the collection efficiency of an ESP are studied.

Using electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) in filtration systems results in higher system energy efficiency than fiber-based filters, but particle re-entrainment could lower the collection efficiency of ESPs. This paper demonstrates a novel ESP that utilizes foam-covered collecting electrodes to reduce particle re-entrainment and enhance collection efficiency. Particles that settle down within the pores of the foam are less likely to re-enter the airflow. Results show that foam-covered ESPs have 99 percent collection efficiency. Parametric plots demonstrate the effects of the key design variables, such as corona voltage, repelling voltage, and free airflow velocity on collection efficiency.