Electroaerodynamic Thrust via Segmented Ion Generation and Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corona discharge electroaerodynamic devices face a performance tradeoff where increasing thrust reduces efficiency due to the need for higher voltage fields to accelerate ions, leading to a decrease in thrust-to-power ratio, limiting their practical adoption for propulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the processes of ion formation and acceleration by using dielectric barrier discharge to produce ions, followed by a separate voltage differential to accelerate them in a downstream direction, allowing for independent control of ion generation and acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If higher voltage fields are applied to accelerate ions to increase thrust, then thrust is improved, but thrust-to-power ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electroaerodynamic device into two distinct functional sections: a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) section for ion formation and an acceleration section with separate electrodes for ion acceleration. This segmentation allows independent optimization of ion generation efficiency and acceleration effectiveness, resolving the tradeoff between thrust and power consumption by preventing energy waste from simultaneous high-voltage ionization and acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric material as an intermediary between the ion formation and acceleration processes. The DBD dielectric layer enables efficient ion generation at lower voltages, while separate acceleration electrodes provide the necessary electric field for thrust. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for a single high-voltage field to perform both functions, thereby improving thrust-to-power ratio.
2Device complexity
If single electrode configuration is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but ion formation and acceleration efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into segmented functional units: DBD electrodes for ion formation and separate acceleration electrodes for thrust generation. This segmentation enables each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the DBD section optimized for ion production and the acceleration section optimized for converting ion motion into thrust, thereby improving overall productivity despite increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Electroaerodynamic devices and their methods of operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, ions are formed by dielectric barrier discharge using a time varying voltage differential applied between a first electrode and a second electrode. The ions are then accelerated in a downstream direction using a second voltage differential applied between a third electrode and the first and/or second electrodes, where the third electrode is located down stream from the first and second electrodes. The ions may then collide with naturally charged molecules and/or atoms within a fluid to accelerate the fluid in the downstream to create an ionic wind and an associated thrust.