LUDWIGSBURG - Filtration specialist Mann+Hummel has been working with car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz to develop two fine dust particle filters that offset the vehicle's particulate emissions by more than 50%.

The two filters, a frontend module and underbody solution, are equipped on the Mercedes Benz Van technology demonstrator, the Sustaineer (Sustainability Pioneer), providing a tangible impression of just how sustainability in urban delivery operations may look in the future.

"We are very pleased to be part of such a promising project that uses different solutions to improve air quality. Our two fine dust particle filters significantly improve the fine dust balance. The poorer the air quality, the more effective is the filtration," explained Markus Kolczyk, vice president, Original Equipment Global Engineering at Mann+Hummel. "Laboratory tests and simulations confirmed this effect several times. Emission-free driving and delivery in the inner city are therefore within reach.”

The underbody fine dust particle filter is located in the area of the rear axle. This is exactly where one of the biggest concentrations of particulate matter in the vicinity of the vehicle can be found. The passive filter traps the particles stirred up by the moving van and other vehicles. An optimised air duct system ensures the best possible cleansing effect. The filter needs to be replaced once a year.

The second filter is integrated in the frontend module and works in combination with the existing extractor fan to filter fine particles from the air. This means that it not only purifies the air using the airflow around the vehicle when driving, but also filters particulates from the surrounding air when the vehicle is travelling at low speed or being charged while stationary.

Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with a fine particle sensor. This can measure the concentration of fine particles in the air and control the filtration level accordingly in order to maintain a target state. This also allows the vehicle to be used as a mobile monitoring station. The filter elements can easily be removed and replaced during annual servicing.

The frontend module and underbody filters reduce fine particulate emissions in the direct vicinity of the vehicle up to a particle size of ten micrometres (PM10) by over 50% – 35% during charging and 15% while driving. The efficiency of the filtration system increases further when there is a higher level of particle pollution. This means that in urban areas with poorer air quality, far greater quantities of fine particles can be filtered out.