Simulation and evaluation of filter life of household air purifiers

This investigation proposes a model to predict the dynamic performance of air purifiers based on EnergyPlus, and validates the model with the measurement data. Then the model is adopted to simulate the dynamic performance of the air purifier used in the same typical residential apartment located in three different cities. The evaluation parameters include indoor fine particle (PM2.5) concentration, clean air delivery rate (CADR), noise level, filter life and replacement bill. The replacement schemes of the filters of air purifiers to meet different needs are put forward, and their economy is evaluated. The results reveal that the annual replacement of filters in Shenyang, Tianjin and Chengdu is the most economic means to get indoor PM2.5 concentrations within the acceptable levels, based on the atmospheric pollution conditions in 2016, if the filter life is set to that when the CADR is approximately one-half of its initial value. If higher indoor air quality or lower noise is required, the filters shall be replaced every 3-9 months, which results in the energy consumption and replacement bill increasing by at least 40%.