Cold Plasma Ozone Generator with Pulsed High Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corona ozone generators face issues such as arcing, high voltage requirements, high power consumption, heat generation, electromagnetic compatibility problems, safety concerns, and short electrode life, making them expensive and difficult to maintain, especially in small-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A cold plasma ozone generator design featuring a flat plate type dielectric barrier discharge with a convergent radial gas flow, using a non-porous ceramic dielectric coating on electrodes, and operating at a lower voltage (1800 volts) with a high frequency (8 kHz) to maximize ozone production without external cooling, reducing arcing and extending electrode life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high voltage (more than 5 KV) is applied between electrodes to generate ozone, then ozone generation efficiency is improved, but heat generation increases and electrode life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic high voltage pulses at frequencies between 1 kHz and 100 kHz rather than continuous high voltage. This periodic action allows the plasma discharge to occur in controlled bursts, generating ozone efficiently during each pulse while allowing cooling between pulses, thereby reducing overall heat accumulation and extending electrode life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from continuous high voltage (>5 KV) to pulsed high voltage (1.5-5 KV at high frequency). This parameter transformation maintains ozone generation effectiveness while significantly reducing the thermal load on the system, as the duty cycle of the pulsed voltage limits total energy input and heat generation.
2Productivity
If high voltage is applied between electrodes to form ozone, then ozone production is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using high-frequency pulsed voltage instead of continuous voltage, the system achieves high ozone production during brief discharge intervals while consuming minimal power during non-discharge intervals. The periodic nature of the discharge allows energy to be delivered efficiently only when needed for ozone generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-frequency pulsed operation ensures continuous ozone generation through rapid successive pulses, maintaining productive action without requiring continuous high power input. The short pulse duration combined with high frequency creates the appearance of continuous output with intermittent energy input.
3Productivity
If conventional corona discharge method is used, then ozone generation is achieved, but arcing occurs inside or outside the cell
Solution Approach 1:
The use of high-frequency pulsed voltage creates controlled, repetitive discharge events that prevent uncontrolled arcing. Each pulse is brief and controlled, allowing the electric field to build up and then discharge in a managed manner, preventing the runaway breakdown that causes harmful arcing in conventional continuous voltage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing from continuous high voltage to high-frequency pulsed voltage fundamentally alters the discharge behavior. The rapid rise and fall of voltage in each pulse cycle creates a more controlled discharge process that maintains ozone generation while suppressing the conditions that lead to uncontrolled arcing and electrical breakdown.
4Productivity
If high voltage is applied to generate ozone, then ozone production is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility problems and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the voltage from continuous to high-frequency pulsed form, the electromagnetic interference characteristics are fundamentally changed. The high-frequency nature of the pulses allows for better containment and filtering of electromagnetic emissions, and the brief duration of each pulse reduces the overall electromagnetic energy radiated, improving EMC compliance while maintaining ozone generation effectiveness.
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 design results in a reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective ozone generator with a high ozone yield, eliminating the need for external cooling and reducing maintenance costs, while ensuring safety and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating high voltage is connected across the electrodes, producing a high voltage field across the gap which creates a corona discharge. This discharge, which is also known as a 'silent discharge' or 'cold plasma discharge'
Implementation Method 2
producing a high voltage field across the gap which creates a corona discharge
Implementation Method 3
A cold plasma ozone generator design featuring a flat plate type dielectric barrier discharge
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cold plasma ozone generator, comprising: an inlet gas port; at least one in-electrode, said in-electrode having a plurality of holes substantially at a perimeter of the same; said plurality of perimeter holes are in fluid communication with said inlet gas port, said plurality of perimeter holes configured to allow said dry gas to pass therethrough; at least one out-electrode, said out-electrode having at least one hole at the center of the same, said at least one hole configured to allow gas to pass therethrough; said in-electrode and said out-electrode configured to maintain said high voltage AC therebetween; at least one spacer between said in-electrode and said out-electrode, said spacer configured to maintain a constant-width gap between said in-electrode and said out-electrode; an outlet port.