Electrode Array Air Cleaner Ion Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostatic air cleaners suffer from high corona discharge power consumption and inefficient ion utilization, leading to reduced cleaning efficiency due to ions being wasted before they can charge airborne particles.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic air cleaner design featuring a charging stage with a first array of substantially parallel thin wires and a second array of electrically conductive mesh, where the airflow induced by a fan diverts ions away from the mesh, increasing the concentration of ions downstream to enhance particle charging and collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrostatic air cleaners use corona discharge electrodes to charge particles, then particle charging is achieved, but ions are wasted by reaching the second array before colliding with particles, reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by positioning the corona discharge electrode array and the second array at different distances from the particle collection plates. Specifically, the corona discharge electrode array is positioned closer to the particle collection plates than the second array, creating a layered configuration that allows ions to travel a longer path and increase collision probability with particles before reaching the collection plates, thereby reducing ion waste and improving cleaning efficiency
2Reliability
If corona discharge electrodes are used to ionize air molecules, then particle charging is enabled, but power consumption and ozone generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the voltage applied to the corona discharge electrode array and adjusting the spacing between electrodes and collection plates. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective particle charging while minimizing excessive power consumption and reducing ozone generation as a byproduct
3Reliability
If a large pressure drop is required for mechanical filter air cleaners, then filtration is achieved, but a powerful fan is needed causing noisy operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical filtration system with an electrostatic precipitation system. Instead of relying on mechanical filters that require high pressure drops and powerful fans, the system uses electric fields to charge and collect particles, significantly reducing the need for high-velocity airflow and thereby reducing noise levels while maintaining effective particle removal
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
This configuration significantly increases the number of ions available to charge particles, resulting in improved collection efficiency, with a 5-fold increase in ion count and enhanced cleaning performance for particles between 0.3-5 microns.
Implementation Method 1
The corona discharge electrode array is positioned downstream from the second array and emits ions that are electrically attracted to the second array
Implementation Method 2
Corona discharge requires sufficient voltage and power to ionize air molecules in the vicinity of the corona discharge electrodes
Implementation Method 3
The system has an airflow induced by a fan in the opposite direction of the ions movement. Advantageously the air flow induced by the fan may be of a sufficient magnitude to divert emitted ions away from the second array
Implementation Method 4
The first array emits ions that are electrically attracted to the second array and move toward the second array
Implementation Method 5
a precipitation stage for capturing charged particles
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic air cleaner may include a corona charging stage, a precipitation stage, and an air mover (fan). The corona charging stage may include a first and second array placed under electrical potential difference capable of generating a corona discharge. The first array may be substantially parallel corona wires and may be located downstream of an air penetrable second array. The precipitation stage may be downstream from the corona charging stage. The spacing between the first array and the second array may be less than the distance of the precipitation stage to the second array. The air mover may be upstream of the corona charging stage or downstream of the precipitation stage or between these stages. The arrangement allows for higher ion output downstream of the first array with the same voltage and power consumption resulting in greater particle charging and better air cleaning efficiency.