Patterned Dielectric Plasma Device for Large-Area Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) systems face challenges in scaling up for large-area uniform discharges and durability, and lack energy-efficient designs for commercialization, particularly in plasma catalysis applications.
Innovation Solution
A plasma device with a patterned dielectric surface, featuring non-uniform dielectric structures such as corrugated or extruded shapes, is used between electrodes to generate multiple small plasmas at regular positions, allowing for efficient plasma generation over large areas at lower power consumption and higher production of reactive radical species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional dielectric barrier discharge systems are used, then plasma can be generated, but the systems face challenges in scaling up for large-area uniform discharges and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric barrier is segmented into multiple discrete dielectric elements (such as rods, cylinders, or irregularly shaped pieces) arranged in arrays between the electrodes. This segmentation creates multiple independent plasma discharge regions, enabling large-area uniform discharge while improving durability through distributed stress and reduced hot spots on any single dielectric element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the dielectric barrier are designed with different properties (shape, size, material, arrangement) to optimize local plasma generation characteristics. This allows tailored plasma production in different areas of the reactor, achieving uniform overall discharge across large areas while maintaining high reliability through localized optimization.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional DBD systems are scaled up for large-area applications, then discharge area increases, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented dielectric structure creates multiple small, distributed plasma discharge zones that are more energy-efficient than a single large discharge. Each small plasma region operates at optimal conditions, reducing overall power consumption while covering large total area through the additive effect of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric elements are arranged in three-dimensional arrays with specific spacing and positioning, utilizing spatial distribution to achieve large effective discharge area without proportionally increasing power consumption. The vertical and horizontal arrangement of segments creates multi-dimensional plasma generation efficiency.
3Productivity
If packed bed plasma reactor is used for plasma catalysis, then pollutant removal is achieved, but scale-up loses advantages and uniform discharge generation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst-containing dielectric segments are uniformly distributed between electrodes, creating consistent plasma-catalyst interaction zones across the entire reactor. This segmented arrangement ensures uniform discharge and consistent pollutant removal efficiency, maintaining performance advantages during scale-up from laboratory to commercial sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dielectric segment is designed with specific catalytic properties and geometric characteristics optimized for plasma generation and catalysis. This local optimization ensures that every region of the reactor contributes effectively to pollutant removal, maintaining high productivity and uniform discharge across the entire system.
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 solution enables a stable and reproducible discharge over large areas, operating at 5-60% lower power than conventional DBD systems, with enhanced production of ozone and reactive radical species, suitable for pollutant removal, gas conversion, and surface treatment.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma device with a patterned dielectric surface, featuring non-uniform dielectric structures such as corrugated or extruded shapes, is used between electrodes to generate multiple small plasmas at regular positions
Implementation Method 2
When an electrical power may be applied to electrodes, a gas may be converted to plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary devices and methods for generating plasma are provided, which may include a first electrode component with a first side portion and a second side portion, a second electrode component having a proximate front side portion and a proximate back side portion, a plasma producing region, a ground connector component into engagement with the second electrode component, a first dielectric segment for coating the second side portion of said first electrode component. An electric power receiver into engagement with the first electrode component, wherein the electric power, when applied, converts gas disposed in the plasma producing region, into plasma.