AUDI

Audi AG, in conjunction with MANN+HUMMEL, has developed a new microparticle filter for electric vehicles

The German automaker Audi AG, in conjunction with MANN+HUMMEL, has developed a new microparticle filter for electric vehicles, called the Audi Urban Purifier.

This new filter is located in the front area of ​​the vehicle and can trap particles from the environment, similarly to the fixed filter systems that are already used in some cities, and not only guarantees the absorption of microparticles generated by the very car in which it is installed, but also absorbs those generated by other vehicles. The filter is made up of 15% recycled material, and the entire system is 60% recyclable.

85% of the microparticles that are generated by road traffic come from 3 main sources: the road, tires and brake abrasion. Within the particles, the smallest, barely perceptible to the naked eye, have an approximate diameter of 10 micrometers and therefore can be easily inhaled by passers-by.

This new filter is part of a pilot project that was launched 2 years ago, in 2020 and will last four years.

As we mentioned at the beginning, the filter is integrated into the front air intake area, in front of the radiator, which minimizes the modifications to a vehicle for its adaptation, which in turn reduces costs. Audi AG explains that the filter element is controlled via the adjustable cooling air intake, working similarly to a vacuum cleaner.

Audi, which has been testing this filter on a test fleet of Audi e-tron vehicles, explains: “While driving, the filtering is done passively by the movement of the vehicle, capturing even the smallest particles. Another possibility is filtering during stationary charging of electric car batteries. The fan that these vehicles already have transports the ambient air through the radiator; the system takes advantage of this process and actively filters the air that flows through it, using this special filter that ensures the retention of the smallest particles, even when the vehicle is stationary. This is ideal for application in urban environments, where microparticle contamination is much higher than in rural areas.”

After more than 50,000 kilometers of endurance tests, those responsible for these tests concluded that the new filter has no negative effects on the electric vehicle, even on very hot days or during rapid battery charging. In addition, life cycle analysis of the entire filtration system showed that it removes 14.9 kilograms of CO2 equivalent.

Also according to Audi, “The system is so effective that, depending on the usage scenario, the particles generated while driving the Audi e-tron are completely filtered out in a highly polluted city like Stuttgart. In even more polluted cities, such as Beijing, fine particle emissions can be actively and passively absorbed by up to three vehicles, in a typical scenario. To make the system even more efficient, Audi is working with MANN+HUMMEL to connect it with existing sensors such as weather stations. In addition, it is planned to develop in-vehicle display logic that allows passengers to determine when the system is active and how much has been leaked already."

Speaking about the new filter, AUDI AG Fastening Systems Development Project Manager Fabian Groh had this to say: “This particulate filter is an example of our quest for win-win innovation and successful collaboration with specialized providers. At present, we have launched many activities on our own initiative. We anticipate that it will also become a legal requirement in the future."

by Ezequiel Cuevas