Optimization of Air Filtration Systems and the Energy-Saving Value of Nanofiber Filter Media in the Photovoltaic Industry — Advantages of NanoFiltech’s Four-Layer Nanofiber Air Filter Material in Photovoltaic Manufacturing
Created on 12.02
1. Overview: Cleanroom Demands in Photovoltaic Manufacturing
The photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing chain is extensive — from polysilicon purification to module encapsulation — and every process step is closely tied to air cleanliness and airflow control. As PV technologies evolve toward higher efficiency, lower defect rates, thin-film architectures, and intelligent production, environmental control in cleanrooms has become essential to improving yield and reducing operating costs.
In this context, HVAC air filtration systems in PV facilities must maintain high air purity while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance costs. Filters made with NanoFiltech’s four-layer nanofiber composite media (PET substrate + nanofiber layer + PP meltblown layer + PET spunbond layer) — in both V-bank and panel types — are increasingly replacing traditional fiberglass media as the preferred choice for modern PV manufacturing.
2. Key Stages of High-Density Air Filtration Demand in the PV Industry
(1) Polysilicon/Monocrystalline Silicon Purification and Ingot Pulling
Process characteristics:Involves hydrogenation, chlorination, and reduction reactions under high temperature, requiring extremely pure gases and dust-free air.Filtration requirements:Prevention of airborne impurities or particulates from contaminating silicon surfaces, which can lead to oxidation or impurity deposition.Filter configuration:Typically F7–H13-grade filters with high density and continuous year-round operation.Energy impact:Nanofiber media can reduce system pressure drop by 25–35%, saving 8–12% of fan energy. Excellent heat and moisture resistance extends filter life to 1.5× that of fiberglass.
(2) Wafer Cutting and Polishing
Process characteristics:Generates fine particles from slurry and mechanical abrasion; inadequate cleanliness can cause microcracks and surface contamination.Filtration requirements:Stable airflow and low pressure drop to prevent secondary dust dispersion.Filter configuration:Medium to high-efficiency (F8–H13) filters with high FFU density and frequent replacement cycles.Energy impact:Nanofiber surface filtration prevents dust from embedding inside the media, ensuring easy cleaning and stable resistance. Fan load drops by ~10%, translating into annual electricity savings of tens of thousands of RMB.
(3) Solar Cell Processing (Diffusion, Etching, PECVD Coating, Screen Printing)
Process characteristics:The most filtration-intensive stage, requiring cleanroom levels from Class 1000 to 10000. Processes are highly sensitive to particles smaller than 0.3 μm.Filtration requirements:Stable ultra-clean airflow to prevent micro-particle contamination and coating defects.Filter configuration:High-density V-bank HEPA filters (H13–H14) — typically 30–50 units per 100 m².Energy impact:At the same efficiency level, nanofiber media lower initial resistance from 110 Pa to 80 Pa,• Fan power consumption decreases by ~10%• Filter lifespan extends by ~40%• Disposal cost reduces by ~30%For a 10 GW cell production facility, this translates to 200–300 MWh of annual energy savings.
(4) Module Encapsulation and Lamination
Process characteristics:Areas involving EVA film, glass, backsheet, and aluminum frame assembly require protection from particle adhesion and static attraction. High human activity increases dust load.Filtration requirements:Localized clean airflow to prevent embedded particles and encapsulation defects.Filter configuration:Commonly F7–H13 panel or V-bank filters.Energy impact:Low-pressure-drop nanofiber filters enable more stable HVAC operation. They resist humidity-induced collapse that often affects fiberglass filters. Maintenance intervals extend by ~30%, reducing system downtime.
(5) Photovoltaic Glass and Backsheet Production
Process characteristics:Includes coating, spraying, and curing steps — highly sensitive to airborne dust and organic aerosols.Filtration requirements:Stable airflow with high-efficiency particle capture to prevent optical surface defects.Filter configuration:F9–H14 filters with high operational density and heavy load.Energy impact:Nanofiber composite media offer smoother airflow distribution and lower operational resistance, reducing fan fluctuation and extending filter life.PET and PP materials are incinerable, making waste treatment simpler and cutting post-use disposal costs by ~35%.
(6) Thin-Film PV Cells (CIGS, Perovskite, CdTe, etc.)
Process characteristics:Extremely sensitive vacuum deposition and coating environments; some materials are chemically aggressive.Filtration requirements:H14–U15 ultra-high-efficiency filters with low pressure drop and chemical resistance.Energy impact:Nanofiber media maintain filtration stability even under corrosive conditions, reducing system pressure fluctuations and extending service life by 40%+, minimizing equipment downtime and maintenance costs.
3. Economic and Sustainability Benefits
Category | Traditional Fiberglass Media | Nanofiber Composite Media | Improvement |
Initial Pressure Drop | 90–120 Pa | 60–80 Pa | ↓ 30% |
Average Fan Energy Consumption | 100% | 88–92% | ↓ 9–12% |
Filter Lifespan | 6–9 months | 9–12 months | ↑ 1.4× |
Heat & Moisture Resistance | Average | Excellent | + |
Disposal Cost | High | Low | ↓ 30–40% |
Total Annual OPEX | Baseline | Reduced by 8–10% | ↓ |
For a 10 GW PV module plant, HVAC air filtration typically consumes 1000–1500 MWh annually. By adopting nanofiber composite filters, the plant can save 50–100 MWh of electricity per year, along with substantial reductions in filter replacement and waste disposal costs.
4. Conclusion
Cleanroom management in the photovoltaic industry is shifting from simple dust control to energy-efficient and sustainable cleanliness management.NanoFiltech’s four-layer nanofiber air filter media (PET substrate + nanofiber layer + PP meltblown layer + PET spunbond layer), applied in V-bank and panel air filters, deliver significantly lower pressure drop, higher stability, and longer lifespan across all key PV manufacturing stages — from silicon purification to cell processing, module encapsulation, and thin-film production.
This marks not just an evolution in filtration technology but a crucial step toward greener, more efficient, and sustainable photovoltaic manufacturing.
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HQ: Room 907, Tower A, No. 999 Jinzhong Road, Changning, Shanghai, China
Factory Ⅰ：No.7, No.4885 of Pingshan Rd., Pinghu, Jiaxing ,Zhejiang, China
Factory Ⅱ: A06, Tuolingtou Industrial Zone, Yangquan, Shanxi, China
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