Microplasma Reactor for Ozone and Hydrogen Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plasma technologies for ozone and hydrogen production are economically inefficient due to high power requirements and energy loss from ion extinction when ions collide with surfaces, making them unsuitable for large-scale applications like water treatment and chemical analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microplasma reactor design with electrodes spaced less than 1 mm, using a power source to dissociate gases into ozone or hydrogen, and a fluidic oscillator to form micro bubbles for efficient distribution and separation, reducing the need for high voltages and vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If large plasma reactor chambers are used to prevent ion extinction, then ion loss is reduced, but energy consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation process is segmented into multiple small discharge zones along the flow path, with each zone being a compact micro-reactor. This allows continuous plasma generation without requiring a single large chamber, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ion production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is pre-conditioned and introduced into the plasma reactor in a controlled manner before plasma generation. This preliminary preparation optimizes the gas state for plasma formation, reducing the energy required to create and maintain the plasma discharge
2Reliability
If high voltage is applied to create concentrated electric field, then plasma formation is achieved, but production cost becomes uneconomic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage operation. By using multiple small electrodes spaced closely together, the system achieves effective plasma generation at low voltages (e.g., 12-24V DC), making the process economically viable while maintaining reliable plasma formation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional high-voltage electrical field generation mechanism with a low-voltage multi-electrode configuration. This substitution maintains the necessary electric field strength for plasma formation while dramatically reducing the energy input and associated costs
3Use of energy by moving object
If micro scale reactor is used to reduce energy consumption, then power requirements decrease, but ion extinction at surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor design ensures continuous gas flow through the plasma zone, maintaining a constant supply of fresh gas that is immediately converted to plasma products. This continuous action prevents ion extinction by constantly renewing the reactive species before they can be lost to surface collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single large chamber to a multi-dimensional array of small electrodes and flow channels. This geometric transformation increases the surface area for plasma generation while maintaining short electrode gaps, reducing ion loss to surfaces while keeping power consumption low
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 approach significantly reduces power consumption by up to a factor of ten, enabling cost-effective ozone and hydrogen production suitable for large-scale applications, such as water sterilization and hydrogen storage from renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
Plasmas are gases to which an electric field is applied, dissociating molecules of the gas into charged ions
Implementation Method 2
a power source to apply a voltage across the electrodes to dissociate the oxygen and form a second gas comprising ozone
Implementation Method 3
a fluidic oscillator to oscillate the flow of said first and/or second gas, and wherein said outlet comprises a plurality of orifices to be submerged in said water and for the purpose of forming micro bubbles of ozone
Implementation Method 4
Hydrogen is also a useful gas. It can be produced by the plasmolysis of steam
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the production of a product gas (eg hydrogen and ozone) comprises: a supply of reactant gas (eg oxygen and steam) (14); a pair of electrodes (24) with a space between them of less than 1 mm (28); a conduit to lead the reactant gas from the source through the space between the electrodes; a power source (26) to apply a voltage across the electrodes to dissociate the reactant gas and ultimately permit formation of product gas; and a conduit (40) to supply the product gas to an outlet. A sterilization unit for water treatment employs such apparatus and includes a fluidic oscillator to oscillate the flow of oxygen and/or ozone, and wherein said outlet comprises a plurality of orifices (42) to be submerged in said water and for the purpose of forming micro bubbles of ozone. An analyzer for detecting large organic molecules in eg air can employ the ozone generator to breakdown the large molecule into simpler and easier-to-detect-and-identify molecules.