Corona Electrode Geometry for Low-Ozone Ion Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air cleaning devices, especially in hospitals and schools, face challenges in effectively removing particulate material and microorganisms from the air without generating excessive ozone and noise, with existing HEPA filters having limited efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A fluid displacement device with corona electrodes and a non-corona electrode configuration that reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing for efficient air flow generation with reduced ozone production, using elongated corona electrodes made from inexpensive conductive materials and a conductive ring-shaped element to minimize manufacturing costs and enhance ionization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If needle electrodes are used to generate ion-driven wind, then gas velocities are maximized, but ozone is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the electrodes from needle-like to elongated flat shape with specific dimensions (width 1-10mm, length 10-100mm). This parameter change modifies the electric field distribution and corona discharge characteristics, maintaining high gas velocities while reducing ozone generation through controlled ionization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated electrodes are positioned at specific distances from the counter electrode (1-10mm) and arranged in arrays with specific spacing. This local configuration optimization creates favorable electric field zones that promote ion-driven wind generation while minimizing conditions that lead to excessive ozone production
2Reliability
If HEPA filters are used to achieve high air purity, then particulate material is removed effectively, but flow rate and pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (HEPA filters requiring high flow rates and pressure) with an electrostatic field-based system using corona discharge and ion-driven wind. This substitution achieves high air purity through electrostatic precipitation of particulates while operating at lower flow rates and pressure requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the air cleaning mechanism from physical filtration to electrostatic field interaction. By adjusting electric field parameters (voltage, electrode spacing, corona discharge intensity), the system achieves effective particulate removal with optimized energy consumption and flow rate requirements
3Reliability
If corona electrodes are positioned close to the counter electrode to increase ionization efficiency, then cleaning efficiency improves, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spacing parameter between corona electrodes and counter electrode to 1-10mm, and sets electrode dimensions (width 1-10mm, length 10-100mm) to achieve optimal balance. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient ionization for high cleaning efficiency while maintaining favorable aerodynamic conditions with reduced drag losses
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 achieves high air flow velocity in the middle of the duct, reducing speed differences and increasing cleaning efficiency to 99.99% while maintaining low noise and ozone levels below regulatory limits, making it suitable for high-risk environments like hospitals.
Implementation Method 1
each of the corona electrodes comprises an elongated body with a distal end provided with a tip configured to generate a corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
The physics of the ion-driven wind is reasonably well established... the first in-depth analysis of the phenomenon was conducted almost 200 years later
Implementation Method 3
During the movement of the ions collisions will occur between the ions and neutral gas molecules, which causes transfer of kinetic energy between ions and molecules. In this way, the gas in the ionizing part is forced to move from the corona electrodes in the direction of the non-corona electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid displacement device (2) configured for generating a flow within a fluid. The fluid displacement device comprises an airflow duct (4) with an inner surface (4C) configured to accommodate a flow of fluid. A number of corona electrodes (6A) is disposed in the airflow duct wherein each of the corona electrodes comprises an elongated body (6A2) with a distal end (61) and a proximal end (62). The distal end is provided with a tip structure (6A1) configured to generate a corona discharge. A non-corona electrode (6B) is disposed downstream the corona electrodes, the tips (6A1) of the corona electrodes (6A) are positioned at a predefined distance (d) from the non-corona electrode (6B), and the proximal end joins the inner surface of the airflow duct (4) at a distance from the non-corona electrode which is longer than the predefined distance d.