Dielectric barrier discharge pump apparatus and method

Abstract

A dielectric element barrier discharge pump for accelerating a fluid flow. In one embodiment the pump has a first dielectric layer having a first electrode embedded therein and a second dielectric layer having a second electrode embedded therein. The first and second dielectric layers are further supported apart from one another to form an air gap therebetween. A third electrode is disposed at least partially in the air gap upstream of the first and second electrodes, relative to a direction of flow of the fluid flow. A high voltage supplies a high voltage signal to the third electrode. The electrodes cooperate to generate opposing asymmetric plasma fields in the gap that create an induced air flow within the gap. The induced air flow operates to accelerate the fluid flow as the fluid flow moves through the gap.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to a pump and more particularly to a dielectric barrier discharge pump apparatus and method capable of generating a fluid jet through the creation of an asymmetric plasma field without the moving parts typically associated with a fluid pump. Background technique [0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information to which the present disclosure is related and may not constitute prior art. [0003] In many applications, it is desirable to be able to accelerate fluid flow (such as air flow, exhaust flow, gas flow, etc.) in a pipe or other form of restricted area in which the fluid flows, or to create a Fluid jets, or forming jets of fluid for aerodynamic control or propulsion purposes. In some cases, it is particularly difficult to use existing pumps or similar devices. One reason is that it is very difficult to physically install a pump in a pipe or conduit. Another challenge is that t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In some cases it is particularly difficult to use existing pumps or similar

One reason is that it is very difficult to physically install a pump in a pipe or conduit

Another challenge is that the pump may need to be of a physical size that significantly blocks fluid flow through the tubing, or conversely requires that the diameter of the tubing or conduit be unacceptably large

Additionally, existing pumps may be required to be driven by electric motors, which will often have multiple moving parts

The presence of multiple moving parts in the motor or in the pump itself will result in required periodic maintenance and / or repairs which would be difficult and time consuming if the pump were installed in a pipe or conduit

Existing pumps can also be noisy and have significant weight, limiting their use in various applications

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