Abstract
Individuals spend a large amount of time in indoor environments, and hence along with thermal comfort, modern generation HVAC systems have to maintain a high degree of air quality. A brief overview of contaminant particle removal is presented. Recent literature indicates that there will an increased demand for removal of ultrafine particles (nanoparticles) due to their increased potential to cause adverse health effects. Current devices have a minima in collection efficiency in these size ranges. A description of a new technology based on an electrostatic collector enhanced by soft x-ray irradiation is provided. The system is effective for removal of particles and contaminant gases. Along with indoor environments in offices and residential buildings, there is a need for such technologies in car, bus and aircraft cabins; microelectronics processing industry and hospitals.