Electrostatic atomizing system, and method for fault detection in electrostatic atomizing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrode cooling-type electrostatic atomizing systems face challenges in low humidity environments, such as high-altitude aircraft cabins, where humidity is insufficient for operation, and require significant labor for maintenance and inspection, due to the need for direct water supply and humidification.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic atomizing system with a humidifying device and fault detection method that includes sensors and a control unit to monitor humidity and temperature, producing charged particulate water by condensing water vapor on an electrode and applying voltage, while minimizing water supply and managing humidification near passengers to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrode cooling-type electrostatic atomizing apparatus is used in low humidity conditions, then it can operate in high-altitude environments, but humidity must be obtained through additional humidifying devices which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the humidifying device and electrostatic atomizing apparatus into an integrated system where the humidifying device is positioned upstream in the air flow path and supplies humidified air to the atomizing apparatus. This merging allows the system to function as a unified unit, enabling operation in low humidity conditions while managing the complexity through integrated design rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a humidifying device as an intermediary component between the air intake and the electrostatic atomizing apparatus. This intermediary device condition the air by adding humidity before it reaches the atomizing electrode, enabling the system to operate in high-altitude low humidity environments without requiring direct water supply to the electrode itself
2Reliability
If direct water supply to water application electrode is implemented, then electrostatic atomization can be achieved, but labor and management for water supply and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the electrostatic atomizing apparatus automatically obtains water from water vapor present in the air flow path rather than requiring external direct water supply. The high voltage applied to the electrode causes water vapor in the air to condense and ionize, providing the necessary water supply automatically. This eliminates the need for manual water filling and reduces maintenance labor while maintaining reliable electrostatic atomization function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses air flow path as an intermediary medium to transport water vapor to the electrode. Instead of directly supplying liquid water to the electrode, the system introduces humidified air that serves as the intermediary carrier, allowing water to be delivered in vapor form and then converted to liquid through condensation on the cooled electrode surface
3Reliability
If humidifying device is installed to provide sufficient humidity, then electrostatic atomization can proceed, but corrosion risk increases in aircraft environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing humidification only in the specific local region of the air flow path where the electrostatic atomizing apparatus operates, rather than humidifying the entire aircraft cabin air. The humidifying device is positioned to affect only the air that passes through the atomizing electrode, creating a localized humid environment that enables atomization without exposing the entire aircraft structure to corrosive humid conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the air flow path into distinct zones: a humidified zone where water vapor is added for electrostatic atomization, and a dry zone for the rest of the aircraft cabin. This segmentation allows the humidifying function to be isolated to only where needed, preventing widespread corrosion while maintaining reliable atomization operation in the localized treatment area
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 effectively operates in low humidity conditions, reduces labor for maintenance, and centrally manages humidifying devices, ensuring efficient and safe humidification in aircraft environments.
Implementation Method 1
produces charged particulate water by cooling a water application electrode and causing water vapor in the air to condense on the water application electrode
Implementation Method 2
applying voltage to that electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic atomizing system includes an air flow path having an air intake port and an air exhaust port, a humidifying device, an electrostatic atomizing apparatus, a first sensor, and a control unit. The humidifying device humidifies the air taken in through the air intake port. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus includes an electrode section operable to produce charged particulate water by causing the water in the air humidified by the humidifying device to condense on an electrode and applying voltage to that electrode. Moreover, the electrostatic atomizing apparatus exhausts air that contains the charged particulate water through the air exhaust port. The first sensor senses at least one of humidity and temperature of the air humidified by the humidifying device. The control unit determines, based on a sensing result of the first sensor, if there is a fault in the humidifying device or the electrostatic atomizing apparatus, and outputs the result of the determination.