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 aircraft cabins at high altitudes, where humidity is insufficient for operation, and require significant maintenance, leading to increased labor and weight concerns due to the need for multiple humidifying devices and water supply management.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic atomizing system integrated with a humidifying device and fault detection method that includes humidity and temperature sensors, a control unit, and a communication system to manage and centrally monitor the humidifying devices, optimizing water usage and reducing maintenance efforts by detecting faults and predicting water supply needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode cooling-type electrostatic atomizing apparatus is used in low humidity conditions, then atomization function is compromised, but adding humidifying devices increases device complexity and maintenance labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the humidifying device and the electrostatic atomizing apparatus into a single integrated system. The control unit of the electrostatic atomizing apparatus also controls the humidifying device, merging multiple functions into one unified system that reduces overall complexity while ensuring reliable operation in low humidity conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves dual purposes: controlling the electrostatic atomization process and managing the humidifying device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable atomization function through integrated environmental management
2Reliability
If multiple humidifying devices are added to ensure sufficient humidity, then humidity requirement is met, but maintenance labor and system weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple separate humidifying devices, the patent integrates one humidifying device with the electrostatic atomizing apparatus, combining functions to reduce the number of components while ensuring sufficient humidity through coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a humidity sensor to continuously monitor cabin humidity levels and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the humidifying device operation to maintain optimal humidity, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing maintenance labor
3Productivity
If water supply management is implemented, then atomization performance is maintained, but labor for water supply and inspection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a water level sensor that continuously monitors water levels and provides feedback to the control unit. When water levels are low, the system automatically generates notifications to prompt water refilling, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and inspection while maintaining optimal atomization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of water levels and automatically manages the water supply process through electronic notifications, reducing the need for manual water supply management and inspection labor while ensuring atomization performance is maintained
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 maintains humidity levels in aircraft cabins, reducing maintenance workload and water consumption while ensuring efficient operation of the electrostatic atomizing system, even in low humidity conditions, by detecting faults and optimizing water supply.
Implementation Method 1
cooling a water application electrode and causing water vapor in the air to condense on the water application electrode
Implementation Method 2
electrode cooling-type electrostatic atomizing system
Implementation Method 3
electrostatic atomizing apparatus that atomizes, by applying voltage, the condensation water produced by the Peltier unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrostatic atomizing system (1) includes an air flow path (200) having an air intake port (21) and an air exhaust port (22), a humidifying device (10), an electrostatic atomizing apparatus (30), a first sensor (17b, 18b), and a control unit (11). The humidifying device (10) humidifies the air taken in through the air intake port (21). The electrostatic atomizing apparatus (30) includes an electrode section (31) operable to produce charged particulate water by causing the water in the air humidified by the humidifying device (10) to condense on an electrode and applying voltage to that electrode. Moreover, the electrostatic atomizing apparatus (30) exhausts air that contains the charged particulate water through the air exhaust port (22). The first sensor (17b, 18b) senses at least one of humidity and temperature of the air humidified by the humidifying device (10). The control unit (11) determines, based on a sensing result of the first sensor (17b, 18b), if there is a fault in the humidifying device (10) or the electrostatic atomizing apparatus (30), and outputs the result of the determination.