Ion-Driven Wind Generator Stages with Converging Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion-driven wind generators face limitations in maximizing gas velocities due to electrical and aerodynamic constraints, particularly secondary ionization and breakdown at the second electrode, which restricts the maximum current density and velocity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a series of ion-driven wind generator stages with a sharp axial electrode and a smooth coaxial ground electrode, optimized for maximum breakdown field and field divergence, along with a dehumidified air source, to enhance current density and velocity, and a converging nozzle to accelerate the flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electric field strength is increased to maximize current density and ion-driven wind velocity, then the gas velocity increases, but secondary ionization and electrical breakdown occur at the second electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different electrodes: the first electrode (corona wire) has a sharp, localized geometry to concentrate the electric field and generate ions, while the second electrode (collecting electrode) has a smooth, distributed geometry to dissipate the field and prevent breakdown. This local differentiation of electrode properties allows high current density without secondary ionization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters including the corona wire diameter (0.002-0.010 inches), the gap distance (0.125-0.500 inches), and the collecting electrode curvature radius (0.250-1.000 inches). These parameter changes create an electric field distribution that maximizes ion generation at the first electrode while maintaining field strength below breakdown thresholds at the second electrode.
2Speed
If a single-stage ion-driven wind generator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the gas velocity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ion-driven wind generator into multiple identical stages connected in series. Each stage consists of a corona wire, dielectric coating, and collecting electrode. By segmenting the system into repeatable modular units, the patent achieves higher gas velocities through cumulative ion generation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple identical stages into a single integrated system where the output of one stage feeds into the next. The stages are electrically connected in series and mechanically aligned to create a continuous ion-driven flow path, merging individual stage contributions into cumulative high-velocity gas flow.
3Reliability
If humidity is not controlled, then the operation is simple, but the day-to-day consistency of gas velocity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hygroscopic desiccant material that automatically absorbs excess humidity from the air supply without requiring external power or active control systems. The desiccant passively maintains optimal humidity levels (30-70% relative humidity) by self-regulating moisture absorption, ensuring consistent ion generation and gas velocity across different operating conditions.
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 ion-driven wind velocities, with up to 30 times greater velocities achieved in certain gases, and improves day-to-day consistency by minimizing humidity variability, while maintaining efficiency and reducing ozone production.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric field acts on ions or other charge carriers dispersed in air, the body force on a unit volume of the gas, F, is equal to that on the charges it contains... the distribution of body force and consequent pressure gradients results in gas flow
Implementation Method 2
unipolar clouds are the norm in regions between the relatively small zone of a corona glow ion source and a remote electrode
Implementation Method 3
the distribution of body force and consequent pressure gradients results in gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
Gas flows of modest velocities are generated when an organized ion flux in an electric field initiates an ion-driven wind of neutral molecules. When a needle in ambient air is electrically charged to a potential sufficient to produce a corona discharge near its tip, such a gas flow can be utilized downstream of a ring-shaped or other permeable earthed electrode. In view of the potential practical applications of such devices, as they represent blowers with no moving parts, a methodology for increasing their flow velocities includes exploitation of the divergence of electric field lines, avoidance of regions of high curvature on the second electrode, control of atmospheric humidity, and the use of linear arrays of stages, terminating in a converging nozzle. The design becomes particularly advantageous when implemented in mesoscale domains.