Compact DBD Plasma Reactor for Food Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and distribution of perishable products result in significant food waste due to improper temperature handling, leading to spoilage, and existing sterilization methods are inefficient and often rely on toxic chemicals, while ozone, a potent antimicrobial agent, cannot be stored and is thus impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, modular, self-contained surface plasma device using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology generates ozone from ambient air for decontamination and spoilage prevention in enclosed volumes, such as shipping containers, without the need for toxic materials or high electricity input, and can be powered by a microscale portable amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional power supply units are used to drive plasma devices, then plasma generation capability is achieved, but device weight and footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the electrical parameters by using a charge pump circuit that generates high voltage (several kilovolts) from low voltage DC input, enabling plasma generation with minimal power consumption. This parameter transformation allows the use of tiny batteries instead of heavy power supplies while maintaining plasma generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical power supply system with a microscale charge pump circuit integrated on a PCB. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy transformers and power management components, reducing the device weight from kilograms to grams while maintaining plasma generation function.
2Reliability
If ozone is used for sterilization, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but storage and transport become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating ozone in advance within the sealed container before the perishable items are fully loaded or during transit. The ozone is released from effervescent tablets or generated by the plasma device, preemptively creating a protective atmosphere that prevents microbial growth during the entire transportation period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing ozone-generating tablets or plasma as a mediator between the external environment and the perishable goods. The ozone acts as a protective intermediary that creates an antimicrobial atmosphere without requiring direct contact with the goods, solving the stability issue by generating ozone on-demand rather than storing it.
3Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then decontamination is achieved, but toxic chemicals and environmental harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs strong oxidants by using ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, to decontaminate surfaces and air within the container. Ozone effectively destroys microbial cell walls and organic contaminants through oxidation, achieving thorough decontamination without leaving toxic residues, as ozone decomposes into ordinary oxygen after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the naturally occurring but harmful microorganisms and contaminants into beneficial outcomes by using plasma-generated ozone to transform them. The harmful microbes are converted into harmless byproducts through oxidation, and the harmful contaminants are broken down into safe substances, turning the decontamination process into a beneficial environmental solution.
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 device effectively reduces spoilage organisms and extends the shelf life of perishables by rapidly generating ozone, which decomposes harmlessly, offering a non-toxic, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for food preservation during transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a Compact, Modular, Self-Contained Surface Plasma Device Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Technology Generates Ozone from Ambient Air
Implementation Method 2
generates ozone from ambient air for decontamination and spoilage prevention in enclosed volumes
Implementation Method 3
ozone, which decomposes harmlessly, offering a non-toxic, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a small modular self-contained surface plasma device for decontamination of air and surfaces within enclosed volumes. Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus using the technical process of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) surface plasma generation from ambient atmosphere for decontamination of air and surfaces within enclosed volumes. The primary application mode is for preservation of perishable commodities within industrial shipping containers through reduction of surface spoilage organisms and destruction of evolved gaseous ethylene that causes premature ripening. Additional implementations include deployment for oxidation of surfaces and/or container atmospheres in applications to diminish or eradicate pesticides, toxins, chemical residues, and other natural or introduced contaminants. Other embodiments envisioned include incorporation of device capabilities and or ancillary modules for feedback input (e.g. ozone sensor(s) to maintain steady state levels, self-tuning circuitry to adjust operating frequency), communication (e.g. among modules, RFID data loggers, Wi-Fi output), and programing (e.g. user input of container volume, transit time, ozone level, etc.).