DBD Actuator Thermal Control Using Ionic Wind and Plasma Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management techniques are often bulky, noisy, or complex, and DBD actuators are limited in their ability to effectively control temperature for both cooling and heating applications, particularly in fields like electronics and aeronautics where precise temperature regulation is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a DBD actuator with adjustable electrode configuration and power source settings to generate an ionic wind for thermal regulation, allowing for both cooling and heating capabilities, with a control unit that modifies parameters such as voltage, frequency, and waveform to achieve target temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal management techniques are used, then temperature control is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, noisy, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical thermal management systems (fans, heat sinks, compressors) with a plasma-based DBD actuator system. The actuator uses dielectric barrier discharge to generate ionic wind and plasma effects for thermal control, eliminating moving parts and mechanical complexity while achieving both heating and cooling functions through electrical field control
Solution Approach 2:
The DBD actuator is designed to provide multiple thermal management functions (heating, cooling, de-icing, anti-icing) through a single device configuration. By adjusting voltage amplitude, frequency, and waveform parameters, the same actuator structure can switch between different thermal modes, reducing the need for separate heating and cooling systems
2Temperature
If DBD actuators are used for heating, then heating capability is achieved, but cooling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the DBD actuator by varying electrical parameters (voltage amplitude, frequency, waveform shape) in real-time. This allows the actuator to dynamically switch between heating mode (high voltage amplitude for plasma generation), cooling mode (moderate voltage with specific frequency ranges for ionic wind enhancement), and intermediate states, making the system adaptable to different thermal requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the electrical excitation signal to control thermal output. By adjusting voltage amplitude, frequency, and waveform characteristics, the system can transition between different discharge regimes (glow discharge, arc discharge, ionic wind dominant), enabling both heating and cooling functions from the same actuator configuration
3Speed
If high voltage and high frequency AC power is supplied to DBD actuators, then ionic wind production increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic AC power supply with optimized frequency and duty cycle to drive the DBD actuator. By using alternating current with specific frequency ranges and pulse width modulation, the system generates ionic wind in periodic bursts, allowing plasma generation and ionic wind production while reducing average power consumption compared to continuous high-voltage DC application
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by using moderate voltage amplitudes and frequency ranges that are sufficient to generate the required ionic wind speed for thermal management, rather than continuously applying maximum voltage. This optimized parameter selection achieves the necessary cooling or heating effect while minimizing energy consumption
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 system provides efficient, flexible, and energy-saving thermal management with reduced complexity and weight, capable of adapting to various shapes and applications, enhancing integration and reducing the need for additional cooling components like heatsinks or fans.
Implementation Method 1
The system is capable of generating an ionic wind, as a result of air ionization
Implementation Method 2
The ionic wind may be used to modify, e.g. remove, the boundary layer and achieve an improvement in convective heat transfer
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
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 5
The control unit is further configured to adjust the initial configuration by modifying any of the setting parameters to control the heat transferred to the produced ionic wind
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6B
Figure 7~8C
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 configuration 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 configuration parameters to control the heat transferred to the surface of the body.