Dielectric-Barrier Cold Plasma Generator for Stable Reactive Species
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Generating stable cold plasma is challenging due to the need to balance various factors such as voltage, gas composition, airflow rate, humidity, electrode characteristics, and dielectric layer properties, which affects the production and concentration of reactive species and ions.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generator system using dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) with adjustable AC voltage and frequency to produce atmospheric pressure, low-temperature plasma, where electrodes are separated by dielectric layers to control ionization and generate stable cold plasma, effectively creating a matrix for air purification and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high voltage alternating current is applied to generate cold plasma via dielectric-barrier discharge, then plasma production and concentration of reactive species is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of controlling stability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying voltage, frequency, gas composition, airflow rate, humidity, electrode characteristics, and dielectric layer properties to optimize plasma generation. This resolves the contradiction by finding optimal parameter combinations that achieve high reactive species concentration while maintaining controllable system complexity through defined operational ranges and relationships between parameters.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dielectric layers are used to control ionization rate, then plasma stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by defining specific dielectric layer parameter ranges (thickness, material properties, surface characteristics) that control ionization rate while maintaining manufacturability. The solution involves optimizing dielectric layer parameters to achieve stable plasma without requiring excessively complex manufacturing processes.
3Productivity
If multiple factors are adjusted to optimize plasma generation, then productivity and effectiveness of molecular breakdown is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by establishing defined relationships and optimal ranges for multiple operating parameters (voltage, frequency, gas composition, airflow rate, humidity). These defined parameter relationships provide operational guidelines that maintain high molecular breakdown effectiveness while improving ease of operation through systematic parameter control rather than trial-and-error adjustment.
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 generates stable cold plasma to break down molecules into constituent elements, inactivating pathogens and reducing greenhouse gases, with the ability to operate efficiently and safely, using low power consumption and integrated with air quality monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
These electrons impact the atoms and molecules with so much energy that they separate the outermost electrons of the atoms and molecules in the gas, thereby creating a soupy mixture of free electrons and free ions
Implementation Method 2
DBD has been referred to as silent (inaudible) discharge, ozone production discharge, or partial discharge. In the related art, DBD requires high voltage alternating current ranging from lower radio frequency to microwave frequencies. Plasma is produced by two electrodes with a dielectric layer between the electrodes to limit the current flow in the plasma. The dielectric layer that limits the current controls the rate of ionization of the gas.
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma generator generates atmospheric pressure, low temperature plasma (cold plasma), and includes a thin plate-like first electrode defining a planar bottom surface. A thin plate-like second electrode defines a planar top surface. The second electrode opposes the first electrode, such that the bottom surface of the first electrode faces the top surface of the second electrode. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the first electrode, and a second dielectric layer is disposed on the top surface of the second electrode. A spacer supports the first and second electrodes to define a predetermined gap between the first and second dielectric layers. A power supply supplies electrical power to the first and second electrodes at a predetermined voltage and frequency, such that, based on the predetermined gap between the first and second dielectric layers, cold plasma is generated.