Linear Ozone Generator Channel Design for Small-Scale Water Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone generators for water sterilization are large, expensive, and inefficient for small-scale operations due to their serpentine channels and high energy requirements, leading to ozone loss before it can be effectively used.
Innovation Solution
A compact ozone generator with a linear elongate channel isolated by dielectric layers between electrodes, minimizing ozone destruction and reducing energy consumption by optimizing the electric field distribution and gas flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If serpentine channels are used in ozone generators, then large quantities of ozone can be produced, but ozone is destroyed by collisions with molecules and walls before exiting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using serpentine channels that force gas through long curved paths increasing collision probability, the patent inverts the approach by using straight linear channels that minimize the travel path and collision opportunities, thereby reducing ozone loss while maintaining production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of ozone generation from the complex serpentine channel structure and implements it in a simplified linear channel configuration, removing the harmful effect of multiple collisions while preserving the ozone production capability
2Quantity of substance
If large dedicated power supplies are used, then large quantities of ozone can be produced, but the expense and size make them unsuitable for small scale operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the ozone generator by using linear channels that require lower power input compared to serpentine channels, enabling the system to operate efficiently at smaller scales without requiring large dedicated power supplies while still producing sufficient ozone for small to medium applications
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified linear channel design creates a versatile ozone generator that can serve multiple scales of operation, from small clinic applications to larger facility needs, by adjusting operational parameters rather than requiring completely different equipment sizes and power supplies
Data Source
AI summary
An ozone generator (1) is presented comprising a body (2), a first electrode (4), a second electrode (6), an elongate channel within the body extending between the first and second electrodes, an inlet (10) and an outlet (12); the elongate channel being in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet; the elongate channel isolated from each of the first and second electrodes by a respective dielectric layer (22, 24), whereby an electric field can be generated across the elongate channel between the first and second electrodes. The presented ozone generator allows small quantities of ozone to be produced for use in small scale water treatment. In addition, a method of producing ozone is presented using an ozone generator according to the invention.