Session: 08-02 Alternative Energy Conversion Techniques

Paper Number: 108223

108223 - Design and Fabrication of Optimized Retrofit Electrostatic Precipitator As Exhaust Particulate Filter for Diesel Engine 

One of the main contributors to the production of particulate matter and toxic materials that are harmful for both human health and the environment is industrial boilers, along with transportation. The potential for numerous health and environmental problems is directly correlated with the particle size. There is increasing evidence that due to their high concentration of organic compounds and pro-oxidative potential, the smallest pollutant particles are the most hazardous. The particles also frequently settle on surfaces like machines and buildings, where they may create slight discoloration and obstruct the
equipment's ability to operate properly. These issues highlight the need for new and innovative technology to reduce emissions of solid aerosol particulates. One technology that can be used to remove dangerous solid particles from flowing gases that are released into the atmosphere is the electrostatic precipitator or ESP. It operates on the electrostatic precipitation principle, whereby the separation of particulate matter from flue gas is brought by the electrostatic attraction and repulsion of like and unlike charges. To separate dust, fume, or mist from a gas stream, it utilizes a high-voltage electrostatic field. ESP comprises vertical parallel plates and a ground collector that serves as the positive and negative electrodes. A corona discharge is created when a gas enters a strong negative electric field, transforming the gas from an insulating state to a conducting state. Free electrons produced by a corona discharge stick to the solid particles and give them a negative charge. The strong negative electrical field repels the negatively charged solid particulates while the strong positive electrical field attracts the solid particulates, thus forming a dust layer on the collecting plate. This technology is mainly used in large industries such as thermal power plants for air pollution control. In this study, a scaled-
down and retrofit version of conventional ESP, that may be installed in the exhaust pipe of automobiles, specifically diesel engines, will be designed and fabricated in order to capture air pollution particulates using the principle of electrostatic precipitation. Utilization of retrofit Electrostatic Precipitator has been shown to significantly reduce the contribution of transportation to air pollution. Additionally, the result shows that ESP can effectively remove most of the particulate matter emitted into the atmosphere.

Presenting Author: Karylle Lucero Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Presenting Author Biography: Highly-motivated and committed Mechanical Engineering Student with an outstanding academic record. Dynamic, innovative and capable of adapting to any circumstances. Have a strong ability to apply basic engineering principles to address technical problems and effectively communicate concepts and ideas.