Corona Discharge Fuel Treatment Module for Stable Water-in-Fuel Emulsions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing water-in-fuel emulsions, such as those used in diesel engines, suffer from low dispersion and stability, leading to inefficient combustion and high energy costs, and often require chemical additives that can cause environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A treatment module that uses a reactor chamber with high-voltage electrodes to generate a corona barrier discharge, creating a hybrid multiphase carbon-hydrogen-oxygen fuel mixture by forming hydroxyl radicals, which stabilizes the emulsion and enhances combustion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hydromechanical mixers are used to prepare water-in-diesel emulsions, then the emulsion can be produced, but the dispersion and stability are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mixing system (hydromechanical mixers) with an electrostatic field-based system. High-voltage electrodes generate corona discharge and ionizing radiation that act on water droplets to improve dispersion and stability without mechanical forces, directly resolving the contradiction between mechanical mixing capability and emulsion quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the emulsion preparation process by introducing high-voltage electrical fields and corona discharge. This transforms the preparation mechanism from purely mechanical to electrostatic, fundamentally altering how water droplets are dispersed and stabilized in the diesel fuel
2Quantity of substance
If powerful ultrasound is used to prepare water-in-fuel emulsions, then dispersion can be improved, but efficiency is low and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the ultrasonic mechanical vibration system with an electrostatic field system. High-voltage electrodes generate corona discharge that acts on water droplets through electrical forces rather than mechanical ultrasound, achieving comparable or superior dispersion with higher efficiency and lower operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic corona discharge through high-voltage electrodes that are switched on and off or move periodically through the fuel stream. This periodic electrostatic action continuously improves dispersion without the sustained high energy input required by powerful ultrasound systems
3Productivity
If emulsion is heated to accelerate mass transfer, then mass transfer rate increases, but energy costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal energy input (heating) with electrostatic field energy (corona discharge). The high-voltage electrodes generate electrical forces that accelerate mass transfer and emulsion formation without requiring thermal energy, eliminating the need for heating while maintaining high productivity
4Stability of the object's composition
If chemical additives are used to stabilize emulsion, then emulsion stability improves, but toxic compounds are emitted causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical stabilization methods with physical electrostatic stabilization. High-voltage electrodes generate corona discharge that creates electrostatic charges on water droplet surfaces, providing stability through electrical forces rather than chemical additives, thereby eliminating toxic emissions while maintaining emulsion stability
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 method significantly reduces exhaust emissions and improves engine performance by increasing the stability and energy of the fuel mixture, reducing carbon deposits, and eliminating the need for mechanical parts and chemical additives.
Implementation Method 1
A treatment module that uses a reactor chamber with high-voltage electrodes to generate a corona barrier discharge, creating a hybrid multiphase carbon-hydrogen-oxygen fuel mixture by forming hydroxyl radicals
Implementation Method 2
the treatment module is configured to receive a fluid via the fluid inlet and in an embodiment, the treatment module is further configured to provide an ionizing discharge, particularly a corona barrier discharge between the anode and the cathode
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a treatment module for creating a treated fluid mixture, particularly a hybrid multiphase carbon-hydrogen-oxygen fuel mixture, the treatment module comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a reactor chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a cathode arranged within an electrode container and an anode which are arranged to provide an ionizing discharge, particularly a corona barrier discharge, between the anode and the cathode; wherein the treatment module is configured to receive a fluid via the fluid inlet, allowing the fluid to flow through the reactor chamber, and to release the a treated fluid via the fluid outlet, a system comprising the treatment module and a method for creating the fluid mixture.