Ozone Generator Voltage Control for Dynamic Gap Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ozone generators require mechanical adjustment of gap width by replacing electrodes to achieve different ozone concentrations, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling an ozone generator by adjusting the voltage amplitude based on particle density, gap capacity, and striking distance to dynamically set the effective gap width for varying ozone concentrations without replacing electrodes, using a high-voltage electrode and counter electrode with a dielectric and electrical power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gap width is adjusted mechanically by replacing electrodes, then different ozone concentrations can be achieved, but production costs increase and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone concentration adjustmentVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage amplitude, frequency) of the power supply to adjust the effective gap width and ozone concentration, replacing the need for mechanical electrode replacement. This allows continuous adjustment of operating parameters without physical modifications to the generator structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system (electrode replacement) with an electrical control system. By adjusting the electrical parameters of the power supply, the effective discharge gap width is controlled electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and electrode replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gap width is adjusted mechanically by replacing electrodes, then different ozone concentrations can be achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone concentration adjustmentVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of the electrical parameters, allowing the ozone generator to adapt continuously to different operating conditions. The power supply can adjust voltage and frequency in real-time, enabling flexible and rapid response to changing ozone concentration requirements without operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed electrode arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to produce high ozone concentrations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode arrangementVSAvoidozone concentration range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage amplitude, frequency) of the power supply to adjust the effective gap width and ozone concentration, replacing the need for physical electrode replacement. This allows continuous adjustment of operating parameters without physical modifications to the generator structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the fixed electrode arrangement multi-functional by enabling it to operate effectively across a wide range of ozone concentrations through electrical parameter adjustment. The same physical structure can produce both low and high ozone concentrations by changing the electrical operating conditions, eliminating the need for multiple electrode variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient production of high ozone concentrations by optimizing the gap width, reducing production costs, and improving energy efficiency, allowing for smaller ozoniser designs and reduced cooling needs.

Implementation Method 1

the high-voltage electrode (5) and the at least one counter electrode (1) are provided with a connection for an electrical voltage supply (7) for generating silent discharges in at least one discharge gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSilent discharge: Townsend Discharge

Implementation Method 2

the capacity of the dielectric CDL and the capacity of the discharge gap Cg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11225410B2Method for controlling an ozone generator

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 XYLEM EURO GMBH

AI summary

A method for controlling an ozone generator with a high-voltage electrode, at least one counter electrode, and a gap in which at least one dielectric is arranged and which is perfused by an oxygen-containing gas having a particle density ngas. The high-voltage electrode and the at least one counter electrode are provided with a connection for an electrical voltage supply for generating silent discharges in at least one discharge gap. Striking distances d of the discharge are distributed between a minimum striking distance dmin and a maximum striking distance dmax. For the generation of an ozone concentration >12 wt. % ozone, the voltage amplitude U0 of an AC voltage on the electrical voltage supply is selected so that U0<130*10−21 V*m2*ngas*dmax*(CDL+Cg)/CDL, with CDL=capacitance of the dielectric and Cg=capacitance of the discharge gap.