Ambient-Air DBD Plasma Systems for Portable Air Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma-activator plus nebulizer systems require noble gases, which increase system dimensions, cost, and limit portability, complicating their use in portable and integrated applications.
Innovation Solution
A plasma system that generates cold plasma in ambient air using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) element, integrated with a nebulizer, eliminating the need for noble gases and enabling compact, portable, and scalable air decontamination and aerosol activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plasma-activator systems use noble gases (Ar or He), then plasma generation is achieved, but system dimensions increase, portability is limited, and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the noble gas requirement from the plasma generation system. By using ambient air as the plasma medium instead of requiring stored noble gases, the system removes the gas cylinders and associated delivery infrastructure, dramatically reducing system volume and enabling portability while maintaining plasma generation capability through alternative discharge mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes ambient air as the plasma medium, allowing the environment to provide the working gas automatically without requiring external gas supply infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for portable gas cylinders and complex delivery systems, reducing overall system dimensions while ensuring continuous plasma generation capability
2Reliability
If conventional plasma-activator systems use noble gases, then plasma generation is achieved, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive noble gas requirement from the system. By replacing Ar or He with ambient air, the system removes the need for costly gas cylinders, regulators, and delivery infrastructure, significantly reducing both equipment costs and operational expenses while maintaining plasma generation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, finite noble gas resources with free, renewable ambient air. This substitution eliminates ongoing costs associated with purchasing and replenishing noble gases, making the system economically viable for continuous operation without the burden of expensive consumable supplies
3Reliability
If conventional plasma-activator systems use noble gases, then plasma generation is achieved, but portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy noble gas cylinders and complex delivery systems from the plasma generator. By using ambient air as the plasma medium, the system eliminates the bulk gas supply infrastructure, dramatically reducing system weight and volume, thereby enabling true portability and mobile deployment while preserving plasma generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the environment's ambient air supply, eliminating the need for portable gas storage and delivery mechanisms. This self-service approach allows the plasma generator to be lightweight and mobile, capable of deployment in various locations without being constrained by heavy gas supply infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively kills bacteria and viruses, activates aerosols with reactive species, and decontaminates air, with applications in medical treatments, agriculture, and air purification, without thermal damage, and is scalable for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma system that generates cold plasma in ambient air using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) element
Implementation Method 2
The DBD element may be configured to generate a plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, and techniques for decontaminating a gas or aerosol. Such techniques may be utilized, e.g., in conjunction with existing nebulizers or atomizers, or with residential, commercial, or industrial HVAC systems. The devices may include a housing configured to allow a gas or aerosol to pass from an inlet, through the housing, to an outlet. The devices may include a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) element positioned in the opening or covering an end of the opening. The DBD element may be configured to generate a plasma and configured to allow the gas or aerosol to pass along or through a surface of the DBD element. When passing through the plasma, a disinfectant compound is created in the gas or aerosol, allowing for the gas or aerosol to be decontaminated. The decontaminated gas or aerosol can then be sent to, e.g., a mask, a room, etc.