Cold-Plasma Ozone Generator Using Ultra-Short Pulses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical ozone production techniques, such as coronal discharge and dielectric barrier discharge, are inefficient due to the formation of arcs and localized discharges, which lead to non-optimal electron energy distribution, UV radiation that disassociates ozone, and thermal heating, resulting in low overall ozone production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A non-arcing, non-coronal-discharge cold-plasma ozone generator using ultra-short electrical pulses and a proprietary high-voltage pulse generator to create a uniform cold plasma at atmospheric pressure, eliminating arcs and UV radiation, and employing thick electrodes with dielectric layers and high-thermal conductivity alumina insulators for efficient ozone production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coronal discharge or dielectric barrier discharge techniques are used for ozone production, then ozone can be generated electrically, but arcs and localized discharges form causing non-optimal electron energy distribution, UV radiation that disassociates ozone, and thermal heating, resulting in low overall ozone production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed electrical discharge instead of continuous discharge. By using short duration pulses with appropriate duty cycles, the system generates ozone during the pulse while minimizing thermal accumulation and UV radiation effects during the off-period, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and ozone production productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including pulse duration, voltage amplitude, frequency, and pressure to achieve non-equilibrium plasma conditions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maximizes ozone generation while minimizing energy losses to thermal heating and UV radiation that would otherwise disassociate the ozone
2Ease of manufacture
If dry air is used instead of oxygen for ozone generation, then cost savings are achieved, but the absolute maximum concentration of ozone is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pressure as a controllable parameter to enhance ozone production efficiency in dry air. By operating at optimized pressure levels and adjusting pulse parameters accordingly, the system achieves improved ozone generation rates that compensate for the lower oxygen content in air compared to pure oxygen, thereby maintaining acceptable ozone concentrations while using the cheaper dry air feedstock
3Productivity
If continuous large volumes of ozone are required for industrial applications, then absolute efficiency of ozone production becomes a major cost factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed discharge optimized for continuous operation. The pulse repetition frequency and duty cycle are tuned to maintain steady-state plasma conditions that maximize ozone production rate per unit energy input, enabling cost-effective continuous large-volume ozone generation for industrial applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed for continuous operation with optimized pulse parameters that maintain stable plasma conditions. By ensuring continuous useful action through proper thermal management and electrode cooling, the system sustains high efficiency ozone production over extended periods, reducing the energy cost per unit of ozone produced at high volumes
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 solution achieves significantly improved ozone production efficiency by optimizing plasma parameters for uniform cold plasma generation, minimizing energy waste, and maintaining stable operation for thousands of hours with reduced thermal heating and UV radiation.
Implementation Method 1
A non-arcing, non-coronal-discharge cold-plasma ozone generator using ultra-short electrical pulses and a proprietary high-voltage pulse generator to create a uniform cold plasma at atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
The described apparatus typically operates near 1 bar but is capable of operating over a wide range of pressures. The present invention described herein uses some of the techniques described in the above patents but in different embodiments and for explicitly different reasons
Implementation Method 3
All of the larger ozone generators that are currently marketed use either CD or DBD techniques. A seminal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) patent was U.S. Pat. No. 2,010,081
Implementation Method 4
employing thick electrodes with dielectric layers and high-thermal conductivity alumina insulators for efficient ozone production
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for efficiently generating ozone in dry air or in oxygen at about 1 bar pressure. The apparatus generates a uniform cold plasma having no arcs or localized discharges that fills the entire generator volume. Electrical pulses having a peak voltage of approximately 20 kV, pulse width of approximately 20-ns FWHM, and repetition rate of approximately 10 kHz drive the generator. Short pulses apply voltage to the generator on a short time scale compared to the time required to form an arc-like discharge, and at an electric field strength many times over DC breakdown, which is not achievable with long electrical pulse widths. The generator is optimized for cool, UV-free operation. Dimensions of the generator are adjusted to optimize production of ozone by tailoring the distribution function of the electrons in the cold plasma. Overall efficiency of the generator approaches 50% of the theoretical quantum efficiency of generating ozone.