Concentric Plasma Actuator Radial Flow Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma actuators, such as DBD plasma actuators, are limited by space charge limitations, which restrict the generation of flow velocities beyond 8 m/s due to the distortion of the electric field by charged particles and the inability to introduce new charged particles, leading to electric current limitations.
Innovation Solution
A plasma actuator system with concentric electrodes and slits on their peripheral sections, where a gaseous medium is ionized and directed radially, overcoming space charge limitations by using a power source to generate plasma and impart momentum to the medium, allowing for higher flow velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional planar DBD plasma actuators are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow velocity is limited to not exceeding 8 m/s due to space charge limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar electrode configuration to a three-dimensional concentric cylindrical electrode arrangement. The inner electrode is positioned at the center with the outer electrode surrounding it, creating a radial plasma discharge geometry. This dimensional change allows plasma to be generated in a volumetric region rather than a planar surface, significantly increasing the available charged particles and overcoming the space charge limitation that restricts planar actuators to flow velocities not exceeding 8 m/s.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved cylindrical surfaces for both electrodes instead of flat planar surfaces. The inner electrode forms a central cylinder while the outer electrode forms a concentric cylindrical shell, creating a radially symmetric plasma discharge region. This curvature enables more uniform electric field distribution and allows charged particles to be generated throughout a three-dimensional volume, thereby increasing the total charge availability and enabling flow velocities up to six times higher than conventional planar configurations.
2Power
If flat electrodes are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the charged particles distort the electric field and limit the electric current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from planar electrodes to three-dimensional concentric cylindrical electrodes, creating a volumetric plasma region between the inner and outer electrodes. This dimensional transition increases the volume available for charge generation from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional space, thereby increasing the total number of charged particles available to carry current. The radial geometry allows electric field lines to extend uniformly in all radial directions, maximizing power transfer and enabling higher electric currents without the field distortion problems encountered in planar configurations.
3Force
If conventional plasma actuators are used, then the structure is simple, but the momentum transfer to neutral gaseous medium is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar momentum transfer to three-dimensional radial momentum transfer by positioning the inner electrode at the center and the outer electrode surrounding it. This geometry enables plasma-generated charged particles to move radially outward in all directions, transferring momentum to the neutral gaseous medium throughout a volumetric region rather than along a single planar direction. The radial expansion of plasma discharge increases the total momentum transfer by a factor of up to six compared to conventional planar actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric cylindrical geometry creates a radially symmetric plasma discharge region where charged particles are generated and accelerated uniformly in all radial directions. This curvature enables more efficient coupling between the electromagnetic force and the neutral gas, as the radial expansion allows momentum transfer to occur throughout a three-dimensional volume of the gaseous medium, significantly enhancing the overall force generation compared to planar configurations.
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 cylindrical and spherical shaped plasma actuators achieve flow velocities six and three times higher than conventional planar configurations, respectively, effectively overcoming space charge limitations and enhancing flow control applications.
Implementation Method 1
ionizing the gaseous medium between the first electrode and the second electrode, to generate plasma
Implementation Method 2
directing the gaseous medium along the radial direction via a second slit of the second electrode, by imparting momentum to the gaseous medium using the generated plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma actuator system includes a first electrode having a first slit formed in a first peripheral section of the first electrode. The first slit directs flow of a gaseous medium along a radial direction of the first electrode. Further, the plasma actuator system includes a second electrode coupled to the first electrode and is disposed concentrically around the first electrode. The second electrode includes a second slit formed in a second peripheral section for directing flow of the gaseous medium along the radial direction. Further, the system includes a power source coupled to the first and second electrode for supplying electric power to the electrodes for ionizing gaseous medium to generate plasma.