Optoelectronic plasmonic cluster generating device and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a photoelectric plasma cluster generating device and refrigeration plant relates to food preservation technical field. Specifically including high voltage power supply and fresh -keeping lamp, and fresh -keeping lamp is connected with high voltage power supply electricity, and fresh -keeping lamp includes lamp tube, emitter and opposite pole, and lamp tube is the transparent structure of hollow, and inside fills with inert mixed gas, and emitter sets up in lamp tube, and opposite pole sets up in the outer wall of lamp tube, and the emitter forms the alternating electric field with opposite pole between, to stimulate inert mixed gas and radiate ultraviolet light, and ultraviolet light ionizes the air outside fresh -keeping lamp, is used for generating plasma cluster. Emitting pole and inert mixed gas are all sealed in the inside of lamp tube, make emitting pole work in a stable, dry, and the environment of isolation with outside air, avoided the electrode crystallization or oxidation corrosion problem that air humidity led to, ensured that the device can long -term stably output ultraviolet light, greatly prolonged the service life and improved the reliability of performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food preservation technology, and in particular to a photoelectric plasma cluster generator and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Photoelectric plasma structures generate highly active plasma clusters and utilize active particles such as hydroxyl radicals to destroy the cell membranes and DNA of bacteria, molds, and viruses, thereby achieving efficient preservation and environmental purification.

[0003] In existing technologies, high-voltage corona discharge technology is commonly used. This method typically involves placing one or more needle-shaped discharge electrodes inside the refrigerator. By applying a high voltage of several thousand volts, the electrode tips are directly discharged into the air. This process ionizes the air, producing ozone and a small amount of negative ions. Ozone is a strong oxidant and can indeed kill bacteria and decompose some ripening agents such as ethylene, thus playing a certain role in preservation. However, this method still has some shortcomings, as follows: Because the discharge electrodes are exposed to the humid environment inside the refrigerator for extended periods, dust and moisture from the air tend to accumulate at the tips, and even crystallization can occur. These deposits can severely affect the discharge effect and lead to performance degradation. In addition, the discharge electrodes themselves, such as the positive high-voltage electrodes, will undergo an oxidation reaction with oxygen in the air during the discharge process. Over time, the electrodes will be corroded, shortening the lifespan of the entire device. Furthermore, tip discharge also produces ozone, and high concentrations of ozone can produce a strong, irritating odor, affecting the user experience. Excessive ozone also poses a potential risk to human health.

[0004] Therefore, this application aims to solve the problems of easy oxidation, short lifespan, and high ozone concentration of discharge electrodes. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a photoelectric plasma cluster generator and a cooling device, which aims to solve the problems of easy oxidation of discharge electrodes, short lifespan, and high ozone concentration in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a photoelectric plasma cluster generating device, including a built-in high-voltage power supply, and further comprising: A food preservation lamp, which is electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply; The preservation lamp includes: The lamp tube is a hollow, transparent structure filled with an inert gas mixture. An emitter, which is sealed and assembled inside the lamp tube and electrically connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply; The opposite pole is disposed on the outer wall of the lamp tube and electrically connected to the negative pole of the high-voltage power supply; An alternating electric field is formed between the emitter and the counter electrode to excite the inert gas mixture to radiate ultraviolet light for ionizing the air outside the preservation lamp.

[0007] Furthermore, the pores of the emitter are coated with noble metal and alkaline earth metal oxides.

[0008] Furthermore, the emitter includes a bottom layer, an auxiliary thermal activation layer, and an electron emission layer connected in sequence.

[0009] Furthermore, the food preservation lamp includes a ceramic substrate, the emitter is disposed on one side of the ceramic substrate, the opposite electrode is disposed on the other side of the ceramic substrate, and the lamp tube covers the side of the ceramic substrate facing the emitter.

[0010] Furthermore, the preservation lamp includes a ceramic substrate, the emitter is disposed on one side of the ceramic substrate, the lamp tube covers the side of the ceramic substrate facing the emitter, and the opposite electrode is disposed on the outer surface of the lamp tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the side of the ceramic substrate facing the emitter is coated with an ultraviolet light reflective layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the end of the emitter is provided with a connecting piece made of molybdenum metal, which is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply.

[0013] Furthermore, the high-voltage power supply includes: Inverter circuits are used to convert DC input voltage into high-voltage AC voltage; and An oscillation circuit is electrically connected to the inverter circuit and is used to control the output frequency of the high-voltage AC voltage.

[0014] Furthermore, the wavelength range of the ultraviolet light is from 120 nm to 310 nm.

[0015] This application also discloses a refrigeration device, including a housing and a photoelectric plasma cluster generator as described above disposed within the housing.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages: This invention seals both the emitter and the inert gas mixture inside the lamp tube, allowing the emitter to operate in a stable, dry environment isolated from the outside air. When a high-voltage power supply is connected to the emitter and the opposite electrode, an alternating electric field is formed between them, exciting the inert gas mixture to radiate ultraviolet light. This avoids electrode crystallization or oxidation corrosion caused by air humidity, ensuring that the device can output ultraviolet light stably for a long time, greatly extending its service life and performance reliability.

[0017] This invention generates ultraviolet light in the 120nm-310nm wavelength range by exciting a specific inert gas mixture. This ultraviolet light is then used to irradiate and ionize the air inside the refrigerator. By precisely selecting the gas ratio and electric field parameters, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light can be controlled, allowing its energy to decompose water and oxygen molecules in the air, generating a large number of plasma clusters composed of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. The ozone concentration produced in this process is relatively low. Therefore, while achieving efficient sterilization and preservation by decomposing organic matter, it does not produce a pungent ozone odor, resulting in a better odor-eliminating effect. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the internal structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the food preservation lamp of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the emitter structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a circuit structure block diagram of the power supply section of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. High-voltage power supply; 201. Input power supply; 202. Inverter circuit; 203. Oscillator circuit; 204. Step-down filter device; 3. Preservation lamp; 301. Ground wire; 302. Opposite pole; 303. High-voltage input line; 304. Connecting piece; 305. Lamp tube; 306. Emitter; 3061. Bottom layer; 3062. Auxiliary thermal activation layer; 3063. Electron emission layer; 307. Ceramic substrate; 4. Ion diffusion window; 5. Fixed terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to explain this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on this utility model.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, this application discloses a photoelectric plasma cluster generating device, including a high-voltage power supply 2 and a preservation lamp 3. The preservation lamp 3 is electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply 2. The preservation lamp 3 includes a lamp tube 305, an emitter 306, and a counter electrode 302. The lamp tube 305 is a hollow transparent structure and is filled with an inert gas mixture. The emitter 306 is sealed inside the lamp tube 305 and electrically connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply 2. The counter electrode 302 is disposed on the outer wall of the lamp tube 305 and electrically connected to the negative terminal of the high-voltage power supply 2. An alternating electric field is formed between the emitter 306 and the counter electrode 302 to excite the inert gas mixture to radiate ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light photoionizes the air outside the preservation lamp 3 to generate a plasma cluster.

[0027] Specifically, the photoelectric plasma cluster generator of this application is preferably placed in a refrigeration device, such as a refrigerator, to meet daily food preservation needs. The photoelectric plasma cluster generator can be installed in the air duct of the refrigerator's cold compartment or variable temperature compartment. When the refrigerator's fan is working, cold air flows over the surface of the photoelectric plasma cluster generator, and the generated plasma clusters can be evenly distributed to all corners of the refrigerator by the airflow. The photoelectric plasma cluster generator mainly includes a high-voltage power supply 2 and a preservation lamp 3. In this embodiment, the preservation lamp 3 has a cylindrical structure and includes a hollow and transparent lamp tube 305. The lamp tube 305 is preferably made of quartz glass, which has excellent ultraviolet light transmittance.

[0028] In practical use, the positive and negative terminals of the high-voltage power supply 2 are connected to the emitter 306 and the opposite terminal 302, respectively, forming a circuit. The high-voltage power supply 2 provides voltage to the emitter 306, causing an alternating electric field to be generated between the emitter 306 and the opposite terminal 302. Under the action of the electric field, the inert gas mixture is excited to radiate ultraviolet light. When the ultraviolet light irradiates the air, it photoionizes the oxygen and water vapor in the air to generate plasma, further sterilizing, deodorizing, and preserving freshness. Sealing the emitter 306 and the inert gas mixture inside the lamp tube 305 provides a stable, dry environment for the emitter 306, isolating it from the outside air. This avoids electrode crystallization or oxidation corrosion caused by air humidity, ensuring that the photoelectric plasma cluster generator can output ultraviolet light stably for a long time, greatly extending its service life and performance reliability.

[0029] like Figure 3As shown, the emitter 306 is made of a porous material. The pores of the emitter 306 are coated with noble metals and at least one alkaline earth metal oxide selected from strontium oxide, calcium oxide, and barium oxide. An emitter 306 is positioned on the central axis of the lamp tube 305. This emitter 306 can be a fine porous nano-ceramic rod with a diameter less than or equal to 1 mm. In preparing the ceramic rod, alumina and zirconium oxide nanoparticles can be mixed with an organic binder, extruded, and then sintered at high temperature. The organic binder volatilizes, forming a porous structure with numerous micron-sized pores. Then, using impregnation and calcination processes, an electron emission layer 3063 is attached to the pores and surface of the ceramic rod.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the emitter 306 further comprises the following three layers from the inside out: a bottom layer 3061, an auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062, and an electron emission layer 3063, specifically: First, a conductive underlayer 3061 is deposited on the inner wall of the porous ceramic rod by chemical plating or vacuum evaporation. The material can be silver or nickel. The function of the underlayer 3061 is to form a low-resistance electrical connection path to ensure that the current can be transmitted to the emitter 306 without attenuation.

[0031] Secondly, an auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062 is deposited on the bottom layer 3061, and the auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062 is located on the inner wall of the bottom layer 3061. The auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062 is composed of a semiconductor material doped with carbon nanotubes, which have excellent electrothermal conversion characteristics. At the moment of device startup, the high-voltage power supply 2 can output a pulse current. When the pulse current flows through the auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062, it causes the temperature of the auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062 to rise slightly.

[0032] Finally, the final electron emission layer 3063 is prepared on the inner wall of the auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062. The electron emission layer 3063 is the same as in Example 1, and is composed of nanoparticles of noble metals such as platinum and alkaline earth metal oxides such as strontium oxide.

[0033] The emitter 306 has a three-layer structure, with each layer functioning independently while also promoting each other. When the preservation lamp 3 is cold-started, the small amount of Joule heat generated by the auxiliary thermal activation layer 3062 can provide initial energy for the electron emission layer 3063, promoting the excitation and escape of electrons and providing an auxiliary excitation effect for the gas discharge process.

[0034] In the typical low-temperature, high-humidity environment inside a refrigerator, the initial threshold voltage for gas discharge increases, making startup difficult. The structure of this embodiment effectively reduces the voltage required for cold starts, achieving stable ultraviolet light output power in a shorter time. The startup process is smoother, and the impact on the electrodes is reduced, contributing to a longer overall lifespan for the device.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, a connecting piece 304 is provided at the end of the emitter 306. The connecting piece 304 is preferably a molybdenum sheet. The molybdenum sheet is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the external high-voltage power supply 2. The thermal expansion coefficient of the molybdenum sheet is very close to that of quartz glass, so it is not easy to generate stress and crack during glass sintering and sealing. The positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply 2 is connected to the emitter 306, and the ground wire 301 is connected to the opposite terminal 302, thereby forming an electric field between the emitter 306 and the opposite terminal 302.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the relative electrode 302 is preferably made of titanium-nickel-molybdenum alloy and is formed into a metal mesh surrounding the lamp tube 305. The titanium-nickel-molybdenum alloy has excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. The metal mesh is connected to the grounding terminal of the high-voltage power supply 2.

[0037] Before the 305 lamp tube is encapsulated, it needs to be evacuated to a high vacuum and then filled with an inert gas mixture. The inert gas mixture consists of xenon (Xe), argon (Ar) and hydrogen bromide (HBr), and their volume ratio is precisely controlled at 1:3:6 by a mass flow meter. The total gas pressure after filling is maintained at about 500 Pa.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the high-voltage power supply 2 is electrically connected to the preservation lamp 3, and the high-voltage power supply 2 is used to continuously power the preservation lamp 3. The high-voltage power supply 2 receives safe DC power from the refrigerator, that is, the input power supply 201 of this application, and converts it into high-voltage AC power through the inverter circuit 202, and then passes through an oscillation circuit 203 to set the output frequency. The inverter circuit 202 can be composed of a push-pull driver chip and a transformer, and the oscillation circuit 203 can be a 555 timer circuit or an oscillator integrated in the driver chip. In this embodiment, the AC voltage output by the power supply 200 is 2500V and the frequency is 3000Hz.

[0039] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in addition to the above, the high-voltage power supply 2 also includes a step-down filter device 204, which is connected to the inverter circuit 202 to filter out noise such as voltage spikes in the inverter circuit 202 so as not to affect the normal power supply of the preservation lamp 3. The high-frequency voltage output by the oscillation circuit 203 is electrically connected to the high-voltage input line 303 of the emitter 306, and the ground line 301 is electrically connected to the opposite pole 302.

[0040] During operation, the high-frequency high voltage output from the high-voltage power supply 2 is applied between the emitter 306 and the counter electrode 302, creating a strong alternating electric field inside the lamp tube 305. This electric field excites the inert gas mixture to undergo glow discharge, radiating ultraviolet light with a wavelength range of 120nm-310nm. This 120nm-310nm ultraviolet light penetrates the quartz glass lamp tube 305 and irradiates the air flowing over its surface. Water and oxygen molecules in the air absorb the energy of the ultraviolet light, decomposing and ionizing to generate plasma clusters containing hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. These highly reactive plasma clusters diffuse with the airflow, thereby sterilizing, deodorizing, and preserving the food inside the refrigerator.

[0041] Example 2 like Figure 4 As shown, the food preservation lamp 3 in this embodiment has a flat structure, specifically a flat ceramic substrate 307, such as alumina ceramic. An emitter 306 is fabricated on one side of the ceramic substrate 307 through processes such as screen printing. The emitter 306 can be made into an S-shaped or serpentine structure, and the material can also be a porous material slurry with attached noble metal and alkaline earth metal oxides.

[0042] On the other side of the ceramic substrate 307, a metal plate is printed or bonded as a counter electrode 302. Then, a quartz glass cover is used to cover the side with the printed emitter 306, and the edge of the glass cover is hermetically sealed to the ceramic substrate 307 using glass solder to form a sealed cavity, such as by using a brazing method. Before sealing, the cavity is also evacuated and filled with a specific ratio of inert gas mixture.

[0043] This flat-plate design is compact and space-saving, allowing for easy mounting on the inner wall or shelf of the refrigerator while also increasing the heat dissipation area. Its working principle and effects are essentially the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Example 3 like Figure 4As shown, this embodiment is an improvement on Embodiment 2. The difference is that in this embodiment, the opposing electrode 302 is no longer a metal layer printed on the back of the substrate, but is directly fabricated on the outer surface of the lamp tube 305. During substrate fabrication, an ultraviolet reflective layer is pre-coated and sintered on the surface of the ceramic substrate 307 that supports the emitter 306. The main component of this reflective layer can be barium sulfate or high-purity titanium dioxide. To avoid obstructing the ultraviolet light emission path, the opposing electrode 302 is a transparent conductive film, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) film deposited by magnetron sputtering, or a more UV-resistant doped zinc oxide film. The transparent opposing electrode 302 is preferably mesh-like to ensure good conductivity.

[0045] During operation, the ultraviolet light emitted from the emitter 306 passes directly outward through the transparent opposing electrode 302 and the lamp tube 305, becoming effective output. Photons emitted inward toward the ceramic substrate 307 are reflected again by the reflective layer, changing direction and emitting outward, thus being reused. Utilizing reflected photons significantly improves light energy utilization. With the same power consumption, a higher concentration of plasma clusters can be generated, resulting in stronger sterilization and deodorization capabilities. To achieve the same preservation effect, this embodiment can operate at a lower power, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, a 12V DC power supply is connected as the input power source 201. Input power source 201 supplies power to the high-voltage power source 2 and passes through an EMI filter circuit to reduce interference to other circuits in the refrigerator. Input power source 201 is connected to inverter circuit 202, which can be a half-bridge or full-bridge driven controller to drive a high-frequency transformer for voltage boosting. The transformer output is high-voltage AC power. Oscillator circuit 203 is electrically connected to inverter circuit 202 and can be integrated into the controller.

[0047] Building upon this, we can add a control module, which could be a simple microcontroller. We can also install a gas sensor, such as a TVOC sensor, inside the refrigerator.

[0048] The control module receives signals from the TVOC sensor. When a user places strongly scented foods, such as onions or seafood, inside, or when food begins to show initial signs of spoilage, the TVOC concentration in the air increases. When the TVOC sensor detects that the concentration exceeds a preset threshold, the control module activates the high-voltage power supply 2, connecting the inverter circuit 202 and the oscillation circuit 203 to quickly turn on the preservation light 3 to purify the air in the refrigerator. When the TVOC concentration is low, the control module can disconnect the high-voltage power supply 2 and the inverter circuit 202 to maintain standby mode, or operate intermittently at very low power to maintain a basic preservation environment.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application also discloses a refrigeration device, which includes a housing 1 and a high-voltage power supply 2, a preservation lamp 3, and an ion diffusion window 4 installed inside the housing 1. A fixed terminal 5 is also provided on the outer wall of the housing 1 to facilitate the installation of the device with the required equipment. The high-voltage power supply 2 supplies power to the preservation lamp 3. The ion diffusion window 4 is located at the preservation lamp 3 to facilitate the ionization of oxygen and water by the ultraviolet light emitted by the preservation lamp 3, ensuring that plasma can flow from the ion diffusion window 4 into the refrigeration device and improving the diffusion range of the plasma.

[0050] The preferred refrigeration equipment is a refrigerator. The aforementioned photoelectric plasma cluster generator is installed inside the refrigerator. Based on Embodiment 3, the control module can also control the high-voltage power supply 2 to operate in two or more different modes. When the refrigerator door is opened or closed, this can be determined by the door switch signal, or by the TVOC sensor detecting a rapid increase in pollution concentration. In this mode, the control module controls the high-voltage power supply 2 to operate at its rated power, for example, an output voltage of 2800V and a frequency of 3500Hz. In this mode, the preservation lamp 3 generates a high concentration of plasma clusters to quickly kill bacteria carried by newly placed food and purify the air. When the refrigerator door is closed for an extended period and the air quality is good, the control module can control the high-voltage power supply 2 to operate at a lower power, for example, by using PWM to control the high-voltage power supply 2, reducing its voltage output to 1500V and its frequency to 1000Hz. In this mode, the preservation lamp 3 generates a lower concentration of plasma clusters, sufficient to inhibit the slow reproduction of bacteria, maintain the preservation environment inside the refrigerator, and reduce overall power consumption.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A photoelectric plasma cluster generator, comprising a built-in high-voltage power supply, characterized in that, Also includes: A food preservation lamp, which is electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply; The preservation lamp includes: The lamp tube is a hollow, transparent structure filled with an inert gas mixture. An emitter, which is sealed and assembled inside the lamp tube and electrically connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply; The opposite pole is disposed on the outer wall of the lamp tube and electrically connected to the negative pole of the high-voltage power supply; An alternating electric field is formed between the emitter and the opposite electrode to excite the inert gas mixture to radiate ultraviolet light for ionizing the air outside the preservation lamp.

2. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The emitter includes a bottom layer, an auxiliary thermal activation layer, and an electron emission layer connected in sequence.

3. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The food preservation lamp includes a ceramic substrate, the emitter is disposed on one side of the ceramic substrate, the opposite electrode is disposed on the other side of the ceramic substrate, and the lamp tube covers the side of the ceramic substrate facing the emitter.

4. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The preservation lamp includes a ceramic substrate, the emitter is disposed on one side of the ceramic substrate, the lamp tube covers the side of the ceramic substrate facing the emitter, and the opposite electrode is disposed on the outer surface of the lamp tube.

5. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The side of the ceramic substrate facing the emitter is coated with an ultraviolet light reflective layer.

6. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The emitter has a connecting piece made of molybdenum metal at its end, and the connecting piece is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply.

7. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage power supply includes: Inverter circuits are used to convert DC input voltage into high-voltage AC voltage; and An oscillation circuit is electrically connected to the inverter circuit and is used to control the output frequency of the high-voltage AC voltage.

8. The photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wavelength range of the ultraviolet light is from 120 nm to 310 nm.

9. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a photoelectric plasma cluster generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, disposed within the housing.

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