Unexplored aspects of unipolar ionizer characteristics in context of indoor air cleaning

Indoor air pollution affects human health via acute and chronic exposure. Traditionally, filter systems have been used for indoor air cleaning; however, issues like filter life and routine maintenance remain associated with their operation. Ionizers are emerging as a potential candidate for indoor air cleaning. A major part of previous studies intended to "project ionizers as air cleaners" focus on particle removal in different conditions. But indices representing charge effects have not been given due attention. This study focuses on the measurement of spatial profile of ion concentration and aerosol current around a single ionizer and a circular array of five ionizers. The distribution of ion concentration around the system/array was found to be isotropic in the absence of ventilation. Aerosol current values under ionizer action have been measured for the first time. Results obtained from this work could be instrumental for the design of future ionizer systems with improved efficacy.