DBD Actuator Temperature Control Using Ionic Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DBD actuators are limited in their ability to effectively control temperature, lacking in both cooling and heating capabilities, and are often bulky, noisy, and complex, with a need for improved thermal management systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a DBD actuator with adjustable parameters such as electrode configuration and power source settings to generate an ionic wind for temperature control, capable of both cooling and heating, with a control unit to manage these parameters based on temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing refrigeration systems are used to compensate for heat increase in miniaturized integrated circuits, then cooling capability is provided, but the systems become bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical refrigeration systems with a DBD actuator that generates plasma discharge to produce cooling effects. The actuator uses electrical fields to ionize gas and create ionic wind, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, compressors, and refrigerants, thereby reducing system complexity and size while maintaining cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the working medium from liquid refrigerant to gaseous plasma. By applying high voltage AC signals to the DBD actuator, gas molecules are ionized to form plasma that directly contacts the surface to be cooled, enabling heat transfer through a different physical mechanism that avoids bulky mechanical refrigeration equipment
2Temperature
If DBD actuators are used for heating applications, then heating capability is provided, but cooling capability is limited or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DBD actuator dynamically adjustable by varying electrical parameters such as voltage amplitude, frequency, and waveform. By dynamically changing these parameters, the actuator can switch between heating and cooling modes, providing versatile temperature control capability that adapts to different thermal management requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the DBD actuator to perform multiple functions - both heating and cooling - within a single device. The same actuator structure can operate in different thermal modes depending on the applied electrical parameters, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and enhancing overall system versatility
3Temperature
If conventional thermal management systems are implemented, then temperature control is achieved, but the systems are noisy and require mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical thermal management systems with an electrostatic plasma-based system. The DBD actuator generates ionic wind and plasma discharge through electrical fields without moving parts, eliminating mechanical noise from motors, fans, and compressors while maintaining effective temperature control capability
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
Achieves efficient thermal regulation with low weight, reduced volume, low maintenance, and energy savings, while adapting to specific shapes and integrating thermal protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) effect can be used in heating. DBD is known since the XIX century, a high alternating voltage produces a non-thermal discharge between two electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric barrier.
Implementation Method 2
When these electrodes are arranged in an asymmetrical configuration, an ionic wind is obtained. Momentum is transferred from the plasma discharge to surrounding through a collision of ions with neutral molecules which produce induced air and body force.
Implementation Method 3
Momentum is transferred from the plasma discharge to surrounding through a collision of ions with neutral molecules which produce induced air and body force.
Implementation Method 4
The ionic wind may be used to modify, e.g. remove, the boundary layer and achieve an improvement in convective heat transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling temperature of a body (6) comprising a DBD actuator (9) connectable to a power source to produce an ionic wind on the body; a control unit (8) to select an initial configuration and to control the power source (5) depending on a temperature difference (ΔT) between an input temperature (Ti) and a target temperature (Tta) on the body (6), wherein the initial configuration comprises the following constructive parameters of the DBD actuator: number, shape, geometry, relative position of electrodes (d), dielectric material, dielectric thickness (e), wherein the initial configuration further comprises the following setting parameters to be set in the power source (5): a frequency value (f), an amplitude value (V), a waveform signal and a duty cycle, wherein the control unit (8) adjusts the initial configuration by modifying any of the setting parameters to control the heat transferred to the surface of the body.