Atomizer Electrode Layout for Faster Peroxynitrous Acid Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomizers do not generate peroxynitrous acid (HOONO) at a sufficiently high speed.
Innovation Solution
An atomizer with a plasma producer having a dielectric tube, external and internal electrodes, and a high-frequency power supply is used to plasma-activate mist generated from water, where the electrodes are positioned to minimize overlap, allowing for continuous generation of peroxynitrous acid by producing hydrogen peroxide and nitrous acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the external electrode and internal electrode are positioned to overlap completely in the longitudinal direction, then plasma activation is maximized, but the generation rate of peroxynitrous acid is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different electrode overlap configurations in different longitudinal sections of the tube. The first section has complete overlap for maximum plasma activation, while the second section has partial or no overlap to generate different active species ratios. This spatial variation in electrode configuration allows different sections to produce different chemical species (H2O2, HNO2, HOONO) that collectively achieve both high generation rate and effective sterilization.
2Productivity
If high-frequency voltage is applied with complete electrode overlap, then plasma-activated mist is generated, but peroxynitrous acid generation speed is not sufficiently high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode arrangement into multiple longitudinal sections along the tube. Each section has different overlap characteristics (complete overlap in first section, partial or no overlap in second section), allowing the system to process mist in stages and generate different active species at different locations, thereby increasing overall peroxynitrous acid generation speed while maintaining plasma activation effectiveness.
3Productivity
If the electrode configuration is changed to increase peroxynitrous acid generation, then output increases, but the ratio of active species may become undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by maintaining multiple electrode sections operating simultaneously along the tube length. Each section continuously generates specific active species (H2O2 from complete overlap section, HNO2 from partial/no overlap section), which then react to form peroxynitrous acid. This continuous multi-stage process ensures stable production of HOONO while maintaining desirable active species ratios throughout operation.
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 method enhances the generation rate of peroxynitrous acid, enabling higher output and maintaining desirable ratios of active species for effective sterilization, virucidal, and deodorant applications.
Implementation Method 1
by applying a high-frequency voltage between an internal electrode installed inside a tube and an external electrode installed outside the tube, mist which contains micro droplets and air has been fed into the tube and is plasma-activated to generate peroxynitrous acid (HOONO)
Implementation Method 2
The plasma producer is provided with a tube of dielectric material, an external electrode installed on an outside surface of the tube of dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
An atomizing method comprises providing an atomizer including a mist generator and a plasma producer. The plasma producer includes a tube of dielectric material, an external electrode on an outside surface of the tube of dielectric material, an internal electrode on an inside surface of the tube of dielectric material, and a high-frequency power supply for applying a high-frequency voltage between the external electrode and the internal electrode. Mist from the mist generator is plasma-activated while passing through the tube of dielectric material and emitted from an end of the tube of dielectric material. The external electrode and the internal electrode are located such that location of the external electrode and location of the internal electrode does not overlap or merely partially overlap in the longitudinal direction of the tube of dielectric material. Peroxynitrous acid is continuously generated by generating hydrogen peroxide and nitrous acid using plasma-activated water mist.