FF 91 Cabin Air Filtration System — The Right Of Everyone To Live, Move And Breathe More Freely
Since 2014, when Faraday Future (FF) was founded, we have been committed to developing innovative technologies that not only redefine mobility and connectivity in the automotive space but also serve to improve people’s health. We believe everyone has the right to breathe clean air. But in too many parts of the world, the predominant view is of a skyline thick with smog and pollution. As a forward-thinking leader in clean energy electric vehicle “EV” technology, we are confident we can reverse this adverse trend. By exploring renewable materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and developing new clean energy technologies, we are confident we can leave this planet a better place than we found it.
Particle pollution is responsible for about 2.1 million deaths worldwide each year and often leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Especially dangerous, particles under 2.5µm can deeply penetrate the lungs, leading to serious respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and — in extreme cases — potentially lead to lung cancer.
At FF, we believe that our drivers and passengers deserve the best air quality possible.
In order to achieve this objective, our vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art air filtration technologies that are centered on three major solutions:
- A HEPA system
- An ionizer component
- A smart-control strategy
A HEPA System:
In partnership with the most recognized filtering company worldwide, MANN+HUMMEL, FF has developed an industry-leading new type of cabin air filter that improves cabin air quality.
Most vehicles use filters that remove dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants, usually larger than 3µm, in order to purify the air coming in the cabin. More modern and sophisticated filters also can remove certain scents from the environment.
Some vehicles in the marketplace feature HEPA filters but not full HEPA systems. This leads to particles leaking around the filter and entering the cabin due to cracks found in the conventional foam-seal solution.
FF vehicles are the first in the automotive market to offer a full HEPA system, which is designed to filter ultra-fine dust particles in an airtight way by using an alternative sealing solution; all the air entering the vehicle must pass through this advanced filter, preventing the ingress of harmful particles into the cabin (the HEPA system blocks 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3µm).
Because HEPA filters add resistance to airflow, the HEPA system has been fine-tuned to maximize efficiency in three stages. The first filter eliminates harmful gases and odors using an activated carbon element. The second filter (HEPA grade) separates the fine dust particles. Lastly, the air is then routed through an air duct designed to optimize airflow.
An Ionizer Component:
In order to protect the air quality and health of our passengers, FF vehicles feature an ionizer, which removes particles from the air. The particles are electrically charged when going through the ionizer and are deposited on nearby surfaces. The ionizer is also extremely efficient in eliminating or deactivating bacteria and has the potential to even remove viruses from the air.
Having this component is especially advantageous for particles that enter the cabin without being filtered by the HEPA system, such as when the doors or windows open.
A Smart Control Strategy:
Although FF’s air purifying system is sophisticated, we believe the user experience should be seamless. We designed and implemented this new system with an online detection of the filter service life, which is based on data supplied by an integrated pressure sensor; this information is then displayed to the driver and to the service center so that the user knows exactly when the filter needs to be replaced to help maintain pure air quality and the best air conditioning performance possible.
FF also designed an automated switch from “Fresh Air” to “Recirculation” mode when smelly and noxious gases are detected in the environment using an air quality sensor, which guarantees that bad scents never enter the cabin.
FF vehicles are designed to make the safety and health of their passengers their top priority. Over the past five years, FF has worked tirelessly to optimize their vehicles’ HEPA system, ionizer, and smart control strategy. As a company dedicated to technologically-advanced EVs, FF looks forward to leading the advancement of these air-purifying technologies so that automotive industry leaders can learn and work together to make the world’s air as clean and breathable as the cabin air in our vehicles.
References:
https://www.mann-hummel.com/en/areas-of-expertise/solutions-for-alternative-drives/nothing-gets-past/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213340/
About the Author
Nicolas Bel is an avid enthusiast for all-things automotive, including EV’s, his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship led him to his role as Senior Lead Thermal Engineer at Faraday Future; his responsibilities include development, integration, and validation of thermal components and systems (e.g., cooling of the car battery, motor and electronics, and air conditioning). He has a Master’s degree in Product Development Engineering from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from ENSAM ParisTech.
