Hollow Cathode Plasma Pulsing for Low-Heat Atmospheric Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma generation technologies face inefficiencies in controlling energy delivery after electrical breakdown, leading to excessive heating and the need for active cooling, and often operate at pressures higher than atmospheric conditions.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generating apparatus utilizing a power supply controller to reduce electrical power below a threshold level after electrical breakdown, incorporating a capacitive drive circuit and anode-cathode configuration to manage energy delivery, allowing operation at atmospheric pressure and reducing thermal heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous electrical power is supplied to maintain plasma after electrical breakdown, then plasma stability is improved, but excessive heating occurs requiring active cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply controller intermittently supplies electrical power to the electrodes by generating periodic voltage pulses rather than continuous power. This periodic action maintains plasma stability through repeated breakdown events while allowing cooling intervals between pulses, thereby resolving the contradiction between plasma stability and heat generation.
2Productivity
If high electrical power is supplied to generate plasma, then plasma generation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply controller supplies electrical power at a high level for a predetermined period before plasma breakdown to prepare the gas medium, then reduces power after breakdown occurs. This preliminary high-power action initiates the plasma formation process efficiently, after which lower power maintenance is sufficient, thereby improving plasma generation effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply controller monitors the plasma discharge state and adjusts electrical power supply accordingly - supplying high power during the breakdown phase and reducing power after breakdown. This feedback control ensures optimal energy delivery at each stage of plasma generation, improving effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption.
3Temperature
If electrical power is reduced below threshold after breakdown, then heat generation is reduced, but plasma maintenance becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic voltage pulses where the plasma is reignited at regular intervals. The predetermined period between pulses is calibrated to allow sufficient cooling while maintaining plasma stability through repeated formation cycles. This periodic reinforcement enables low-power operation between pulses while ensuring continuous plasma presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply controller dynamically changes electrical parameters - supplying high power during the breakdown phase and reducing to low power during the maintenance phase. This parameter switching enables the system to achieve both heat reduction and plasma maintenance by adapting power levels to the specific phase of plasma operation.
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 apparatus efficiently generates plasma with minimal heat generation, enabling operation at atmospheric pressure and facilitating pulsed plasma generation without active cooling, enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
after electrical breakdown has occurred
Implementation Method 2
generating a plasma via the transient hollow cathode discharge effect
Implementation Method 3
apparatus for generating a plasma via the transient hollow cathode discharge effect
Implementation Method 4
power supply electrically connected to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode for supplying electrical power to generate a plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for generating a plasma via the transient hollow cathode discharge effect is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber comprising an inlet through which gas may enter the chamber and an outlet through which the gas may exit the chamber, a cathode electrode disposed in the chamber, the cathode electrode comprising a plurality of hollow cathodes, an anode electrode spaced apart from the cathode, a power supply, and a power supply controller configured to reduce a power level of the electrical power below a level required to maintain the plasma at the plurality of hollow cathodes, after electrical breakdown has occurred. Each hollow cathode comprises a through-thickness hole through which the gas may pass from one side of the cathode electrode to another side of the cathode electrode. A modular apparatus is also disclosed, comprising a plurality of plasma reactor modules arranged in series and/or in parallel.