Electrostatic Carbon Particle Agglomeration in Vehicle Exhaust
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing carbon particle emissions from vehicles and other sources are costly, require high capital and operating expenses, and are not easily implementable as add-on devices, leading to ineffective control of air pollution.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses high voltage to create a corona discharge in the exhaust pipeline of vehicles, attracting and agglomerating carbon particles, which are then collected and separated using a cyclone filter, powered by the vehicle's battery and requiring minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If particle filters are installed in the exhaust gas duct, then carbon particle removal efficiency is improved, but exhaust back pressure increases significantly over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an electrostatic precipitation system. High voltage electrodes create an electric field that charges carbon particles, which are then collected on oppositely charged plates. This substitution eliminates the clogging problem of mechanical filters while maintaining particle removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the exhaust gas by applying high voltage electric fields. The electric field parameters (voltage, electrode configuration) are optimized to charge and collect particles without creating back pressure, fundamentally altering the particle-gas interaction mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plasma processes are used for carbon particle removal, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but capital and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive electrostatic plates that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The system avoids expensive plasma generation equipment while achieving comparable particle removal through electrostatic precipitation, significantly reducing capital costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic plates automatically collect particles through electrostatic attraction without requiring external energy input for particle movement. The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system to generate the necessary electric field, minimizing operating costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heating methods are used to oxidize carbon particles, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal oxidation with electrostatic precipitation. Instead of heating the exhaust gas to oxidize particles, the system uses electric fields to charge and collect particles at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for additional heating energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter from thermal energy to electrical energy. By applying high voltage electric fields instead of thermal energy, the system achieves particle removal without the high operating costs associated with heating exhaust gases.
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 device effectively captures 85-95% of carbon particulate matter, reducing atmospheric pollution while being economical and easy to install, with potential for mass production at reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage power source (29), connected to the plurality of carbon brushes (16), capable of applying prescribed high voltage between said first cylinder (14) and said second cylinder (15) and charging said first cylinder and said second cylinder with opposing polarities so as to create a corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
carbon particles present in exhaust gases generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons, is agglomerated, collected and separated
Implementation Method 3
a separation chamber (23), connected to the first cylinder (14) through the exhaust outlet pipe (13), wherein the separation chamber (23) further comprises a cyclone section (24)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for reducing the emission of carbon particles from combustion of hydrocarbons, more particularly in exhaust emission of vehicles, includes a duality of electrically conducting rotating members with opposite polarities, charged with high voltage to create a corona discharge and agglomerate the ionized carbon particles. The carbon particles are cleaned using a plurality of wipers. The agglomerated carbon particles are then separated in a removable collection box or are optionally fed to a cyclone filter to be disposed. Various embodiments may be installed in existing vehicles as well as in open source pollution locations to helps control air pollution.