Ozone Generator Electrode Layout for High-Pressure Corona Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone generators are voluminous, expensive, and difficult to service, and they struggle to operate effectively under high pressure conditions, with limitations in ozone production capacity and risk of short-circuiting due to fragile dielectrics and inadequate gas flow control.
Innovation Solution
The design features flat, smooth high and low voltage electrodes with a ceramic dielectric supported by the low voltage electrodes, and communication holes in the isolator for fluid connection between gaps, allowing gas to flow from one gap to another, ensuring efficient ozone production under high pressure and preventing short-circuiting through proper dielectric support and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dielectric is placed between electrodes to prevent arcs, then electrode surface destruction is prevented, but the dielectric is fragile and may crack under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a flexible membrane material (such as silicone rubber or fluorocarbon rubber) with a ceramic coating layer. This composite material provides both the flexibility needed to withstand high pressure without cracking and the electrical insulation properties of a dielectric. The ceramic coating is applied on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, creating a layered composite that resolves the contradiction between preventing arcs and withstanding pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid dielectric with a flexible membrane that can deform under pressure without cracking. The membrane is made of elastomeric materials that maintain their integrity under high pressure conditions while still providing electrical insulation. This flexible shell approach eliminates the brittleness problem of conventional dielectrics.
2Ease of operation
If gas flow is not precisely controlled into the generator, then operation is simpler, but the fragile dielectric may crack
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as a pressure equalization element that can deform to accommodate variations in gas flow pressure without cracking. This flexibility allows the system to tolerate a broader range of gas flow conditions without requiring precise control, while still protecting the internal components from pressure-induced damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane provides a cushioning effect by absorbing pressure fluctuations before they can reach and damage the rigid internal components. This prior cushioning allows the system to operate with less precise gas flow control while maintaining component integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If the generator is made compact, then space efficiency is improved, but serviceability becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the generator into modular segments or components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The flexible membrane and electrode assemblies are designed as separate replaceable units, allowing technicians to service or replace specific components without dismantling the entire compact generator. This segmentation maintains compactness while improving serviceability.
4Productivity
If high voltage is applied across a narrow gap to produce ozone, then ozone production efficiency is improved, but the risk of short-circuiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of flexible membrane with ceramic coating provides enhanced electrical insulation strength, allowing the maintenance of narrow gaps for high efficiency while reducing short-circuit risk. The ceramic layer has high dielectric strength that prevents breakdown even at high voltage across narrow distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness and material properties of the flexible membrane and ceramic coating to achieve the right balance between gap size and insulation strength. By carefully controlling the parameters of the insulating layers, the system can operate at high voltage across narrow gaps without excessive short-circuit risk.
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 enables a compact, reliable, and cost-effective ozone generator capable of producing high quantities of ozone under high pressure conditions, with reduced risk of dielectric cracking and short-circuiting, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating high voltage is connected across the electrodes, producing a high voltage field across the gap, which creates a corona discharge. This discharge (cold plasma discharge) converts a percentage of the oxygen rich gas to ozone.
Implementation Method 2
This discharge (cold plasma discharge) converts a percentage of the oxygen rich gas to ozone.
Implementation Method 3
A dielectric is necessary to prevent arcs between the conductive electrodes, which would rapidly destroy the electrode surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Ozone generator (1) for generating ozone comprising at least one high voltage electrode HVE (2), two low voltage electrodes LVE (3), at least one dielectric (4) and an electric isolator (25) placed in an area between the two LVE (3′, 3″). The generator (1) further comprises a first gap (7) and a second gap (8) and at least one of the gaps (7, 8) is a corona chamber. The at least one dielectric (4) comprising a first surface (9) is turning towards a HVE-surface (22) and an opposite second surface (10) is turning towards a first surface (17) of one of the LVE (3). The second surface (10) of the dielectric (4) is directly or indirectly supported in its full extension by the first LVE-surface (17), and at least one of the gaps (7, 8) is placed between the first surface (9) of the dielectric (4) and a first HVE-surface (22), said gap is a corona-chamber adapted to develop ozone.