Microwave Plasma Ignition Unit with Dielectric Electrode Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma ignition devices suffer from degradation of ignition rods and seals due to high microwave power requirements, leading to rapid wear and inefficiency, and are unsuitable for atmospheric pressure operation.
Innovation Solution
A plasma producing device with a dielectric tube and a coaxial ignition electrode system, where the ignition electrode is resonant at half the source wavelength, surrounded by a dielectric securing unit that cuts off microwaves, protecting the moving unit and allowing efficient plasma ignition at atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high microwave power is used for plasma ignition, then plasma ignition is achieved, but the ignition rod and seals degrade rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric tube is introduced as an intermediary component between the microwave field and the ignition rod. This dielectric tube confines the microwave energy and enables plasma ignition through electromagnetic field interaction with the gas, while the ignition rod itself does not directly conduct high-power microwaves, thereby preventing its degradation and extending its lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based ignition system with an electromagnetic field-based ignition system. Instead of using direct electrical contact or high-power microwave conduction through metal rods, the system uses a dielectric tube to guide and concentrate the electromagnetic field to ignite the plasma, eliminating the need for the ignition rod to directly handle high-power microwaves
2Power
If high microwave power is used for plasma ignition, then plasma ignition is achieved, but the seals degrade rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric tube serves as a mediator that isolates the seals from direct exposure to high-power microwaves. By confining the electromagnetic energy within the dielectric tube, the system achieves plasma ignition without transmitting high-power microwaves through the seals, thereby preventing their rapid degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful high-power microwave transmission path through the seals is extracted and replaced. Instead of allowing microwaves to pass through metal conduits that require sealing, the system uses a dielectric tube that can be sealed more effectively, removing the source of microwave-induced seal degradation
3Ease of operation
If the ignition rod is placed through the dielectric tube to conduct microwaves, then plasma ignition is enabled, but the ignition rod degrades due to microwave exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric tube acts as an intermediary that enables microwave energy transfer to the gas for plasma ignition without requiring the ignition rod to directly conduct these microwaves. The electromagnetic field interacts with the gas through or near the dielectric tube, achieving ignition while the ignition rod remains protected from direct microwave exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical conduction of microwaves through the ignition rod with an electromagnetic field interaction mechanism involving the dielectric tube and gas. This substitution eliminates the need for the ignition rod to serve as a microwave conductor, thereby preventing its degradation while maintaining plasma ignition capability
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 achieves efficient plasma ignition with reduced microwave power consumption, minimizing wear and extending the lifespan of components while operating at atmospheric pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the ignition electrode is configured to generate an electric field from the excitation wave and allow ignition of the plasma
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric tube extending longitudinally along an axis of extension, the dielectric tube being configured to contain the plasma
Implementation Method 3
the ignition electrode has an overall length along the axis of extension substantially equal to half of a source wavelength corresponding to the celerity divided by the source frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing a plasma, configured to generate a plasma from a reaction gas, wherein the device for producing a plasma comprises a microwave generator operating at a given source frequency comprised within a microwave frequency range and a waveguide coupled to the microwave generator and configured to guide an excitation wave. The device also includes a dielectric tube extending longitudinally along an axis of extension, the dielectric tube being configured to receive the plasma, such as the dielectric tube passes right through the waveguide; and a reaction gas injection unit configured to introduce the reaction gas into the dielectric tube.