MESP® A New Generation of Electronic Air Filtering
Micro-Electrostatic Precipitation (MESP®) is an advanced electronic air purification technology built on the principles of electrostatic precipitation, but engineered to eliminate the historical drawbacks of legacy ESP systems. It delivers high-efficiency particulate capture, microbial inactivation, ultra-low pressure drop, and safe long-term performance for modern HVAC applications.
Introduction
Micro-Electrostatic Precipitation (MESP®) represents a new generation in advanced electronic air purification. Building on the foundational principles of Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) technology, but engineered to eliminate ESP’s legacy drawbacks, MESP achieves high-efficiency particulate removal, powerful microbial inactivation, and ultra-low operating cost while maintaining exceptional safety.
MESP® effectively captures PM2.5, fine particles, dust, pollen, smoke, soot, fungal spores, and bio-aerosols. At the same time, its patented design enables virus and bacteria deactivation, zero meaningful ozone production, and no arcing or sparking, addressing the historical limitations associated with earlier electronic filtration systems.
The result is an air-cleaning platform suitable for modern HVAC systems, demanding indoor-air-quality environments, and long-term sustainable operation.
Particle Charging
In an MESP® system, air first passes through a charge grid that produces a controlled corona discharge. This discharge emits high-energy electrons at approximately 10.2 kV, initiating an avalanche effect in which electrons collide with air molecules and generate a dense field of negative ions.
As the ions migrate away from the corona zone, they attach to airborne particulate matter, including ultrafine particles, aerosols, and pathogens, imparting a strong negative charge.
Electrostatic Capture
Charged particles are drawn into a honeycomb-structured collection module composed of rows of narrow polymer tubes, each with a 1.8 mm internal spacing. Within each tube, insulated electrode sheets generate a powerful electric field.
- Particles are pulled toward positively charged surfaces
- They adhere to the internal tube walls
- They remain immobilized due to strong Coulombic attraction
- No arcing
- No sparking
- No unsafe current levels
- Dramatically reduced ozone generation
Unlike conventional ESP devices, the polymer tube insulation prevents current flow between electrodes even under high voltage. As a result, the system achieves high voltage with extremely low current ensuring safe and stable operation.
Schematic Diagram of MESP®
MESP uses a charge grid to generate a corona discharge and release high energy electrons with a voltage of -10.2KV. These electrons form an avalanche effect and generate more and more electrons. Finally they collide with air molecules to produce lots of negative ions.
Once away from the corona zone, the negative ions are attracted to the surrounding air, negatively charging the air molecules, which then move towards the MESP positive plate under the action of a strong electric field.
The fine particles will block the negatively charged air molecules from flying and stick them together. The fine particles continue to absorb negatively charged molecules until they are saturated. The fine particles thus carry enough negative charges.
Once the fine particles carry enough negative charges, they move to the positive plate under the action of the dense MESP matrix electric field – and are firmly attracted by it.
How MESP® Eliminates Viruses and Bacteria
Instantaneous Inactivation in the High Voltage Field
As bacteria, viruses, and other bio-aerosols pass through the MESP charging zone, the intense Coulomb forces:
- Disrupt bacterial cell walls
- Damage viral protein shells
- Destroy structural integrity
- Inactivates microorganisms instantaneously
Continuous Inactivation on the Filter Surface
Captured microorganisms remain exposed to the electrostatic field within the dust-collection module which over time:
- The electrical impact continues damaging microbial structures
- Organic material becomes carbonized
- Pathogens lose viability and cannot re-aerosolize
Why MESP® Outperforms Traditional Technologies
Compared to Mechanical Filters
- Captures ultrafine particles that pass through MERV filters
- Very low pressure drop
- Washable and reusable (10+ year lifespan)
- No recurring filter replacement costs
- No landfill waste
Compared to Legacy Systems
- No arcing or sparking
- Negligible ozone generation
- Ultra-stable high-voltage operation
- Safe polymer tube insulation design
- No electrode damage
Watch MESP® in Action
Where MESP® Is Installed
MESP® technology can be integrated across multiple HVAC configurations, allowing building owners and engineers to improve indoor air quality, reduce pressure drop, and support long-term system efficiency.
Air Handling Units
Installed within central air handling systems to reduce fan energy demand, improve particulate capture, and support large-scale building air quality performance.
- Commercial buildings
- Hospitals and healthcare
- Airports and transportation hubs
Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems
Applied in outdoor air and make-up air systems where efficient particulate control and low resistance are critical to ventilation performance and operating cost.
- Ventilation-heavy buildings
- Hospitality and education
- Fresh air optimization projects
Fan Coil Units
Integrated into decentralized terminal equipment to provide localized clean air delivery while helping maintain airflow and reducing recurring replacement maintenance.
- Hotels and guest rooms
- Multifamily residential
- Healthcare patient areas
HVAC Retrofit Applications
MESP® is suitable for retrofit strategies where owners want to upgrade filtration and sustainability performance without the energy penalty of conventional high-resistance media filters.
- Energy-efficiency upgrades
- ESG and IAQ improvement plans
- Existing building modernization
Technology Comparison
MESP® combines high-efficiency particulate removal with ultra-low pressure drop, reusable operation, and safe long-term performance—making it fundamentally different from conventional mechanical and legacy electronic filtration technologies.
| Performance Criteria | MESP® | HEPA | MERV Filters | Legacy ESP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Particle Removal | High | Very High | Moderate to High | Variable |
| Pressure Drop | Ultra-Low | High | Moderate to High | Low |
| Energy Impact on HVAC Fan | Low | High | Moderate to High | Low |
| Washable / Reusable | Yes | No | No | Sometimes |
| Recurring Replacement Cost | Low | High | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Landfill Waste | Minimal | High | High | Low |
| Arcing / Sparking Risk | No | No | No | Possible |
| Ozone Generation | Negligible | None | None | Can Be Significant |
| Suitability for HVAC Retrofits | Excellent | Limited by resistance | Common but energy intensive | Limited by safety and stability concerns |
Interested in MESP® Technology?
Contact AirFidelity to learn how MESP® filtration can improve indoor air quality, reduce HVAC energy consumption, and support your building’s sustainability goals.
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