Electrostatic Precipitators as an Indoor Air Cleaner: A Literature Review

Many people spend most of their time in an indoor environment. There is a positive relationship between indoor environmental quality and the health, wellbeing, and productivity of occupants in buildings. The indoor environment is affected by pollutants, such as gases and particles. Pollutants can be removed from the indoor environment in various ways. Air cleaning devices are commonly marketed as benefitting the removal of air pollutants and consequently, improving indoor air quality. Depending on the type of cleaning technology, air cleaners may generate undesired and toxic by-products. Different air filtration technologies such as electrostatic precipitators have been introduced to the market. The electrostatic precipitator (ESP) has been used in buildings because it can remove particles while only causes low pressure drops. Electrostatic precipitators can be either in-duct or standalone units. This review aims to give an overview of ESP use, methods for testing this product, the performance of existing ESPs in removing pollutants, their by-products, and the existing market for ESPs.