The large-capacity, filter-free ultrafine dust reduction technology developed by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (hereinafter referred to as KIMM) is being introduced to major public facilities such as subways, schools, and department stores, contributing to improving the people's living environment. This technology is expected to be used efficiently in large indoor spaces as it boasts world-class air purification performance and cost-effectiveness.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials recently announced that the research team led by Kim Hak-jun, a senior researcher at the Urban Environment Research Lab, has developed an electrostatic-based air purification technology that can reduce ultrafine dust without a filter.

This technology, which operates at low current using ultrafine discharge electrodes and non-metallic carbon plates, can remove over 90% of ultrafine dust.

In addition, it solved the ozone problem of the existing electrostatic method by lowering the ozone generation concentration to 1/10 of the normal atmospheric level (5 ppb or less).

This technology significantly reduces maintenance costs as there are no filter replacement costs, and it enables efficient air purification as it does not reduce air flow even in large spaces.

In particular, the device for subway tunnels does not require ducts, so production costs can be reduced by more than 30% compared to existing devices.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials has completed verification of its effectiveness in the tunnel sections of the Daejeon Subway Stations of Seodaejeon Negeori, Oryong, and Jung-gu Office, and is currently conducting verification tests by installing a filter-less air purifier developed for school use in an elementary school in Busan.

The test was also completed at the A Department Store air conditioner in Gyeonggi Province, confirming the effect of reducing fine dust in public facilities.

This product is scheduled to be distributed widely after undergoing CA certification and verification.

The Korea Mechanical Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. was recognized for the economic feasibility and innovation of this technology by the International Electrostatic Precipitator Society and received the 'Frederick G. He won the 'Cottrell Award'.

In addition to achieving economic feasibility that can reach the break-even point within about three years after initial introduction, we are preparing for systematic distribution through KC certification for electrical appliance safety and CA certification for air purifier group quality.

Kim Hak-jun, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, said, “This is the only technology that fundamentally solves the ozone generation problem caused by the existing electrostatic method,” and added, “We are actively pursuing commercialization through technology transfer with companies specializing in reducing ultrafine dust.”

Ryu Seok-hyun, the president of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, said, “We will contribute to the promotion of national health with the world’s best fine dust reduction technology developed after more than 20 years of research,” and “We plan to expand the application of this technology to more public facilities in the future.”

This study was conducted with the support of the basic project of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials and the Ministry of Science and ICT, and was conducted with the goal of developing an eco-friendly smart air conditioning system for post-pandemic response.