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Project # 10
Make your own air purifier: State-of-the-air review and performance testing of do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners
| Team Lead: | Rafi Uddin |
| Other Team Members: | |
| Faculty Advisor(s): | Dr. Insung Kang |
| Department: | CE |
| Project Type: | Graduate Student |
| Title: | Make your own air purifier: State-of-the-air review and performance testing of do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners |
| Abstract: | Frequent wildfire smoke and respiratory pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 highlight the urgent need for low-cost, readily accessible indoor air filtration solutions. While high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers are commercially available, high expense and inconsistent performance limit their broader adoption. In contrast, do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners (typically using box fans and furnace air filters), have gained attention in recent years for their affordability and easy assembly. However, little is known about the effectiveness of different DIY air cleaner designs, which vary widely in filter and fan options, leading to differences in performance. Therefore, this study reviews the current state of knowledge on DIY air cleaner efficiency and presents performance testing results of various configurations, focusing on filtration efficiency and noise levels. Results are expected to show that optimized designs, particularly those using MERV-13 and activated carbon filters, can significantly improve indoor air quality (IAQ) comparable to commercial HEPA purifiers. Findings will further inform best-practice guidelines for low-cost IAQ management, promoting better occupant health in homes, schools, and public spaces. |
| Poster: | View Poster #10 (PDF) |
| Judges Scoring: | Submit Evaluation (judges only) |