PCB Electrode Arrangement for Low-Frequency Stable Plasma Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectric barrier discharge devices require high excitation frequencies, leading to complex frequency generators with high electrical losses and potential overheating due to reflected energy, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An electrode arrangement using printed circuit boards with a spacer to maintain a precise and uniform distance between electrodes, eliminating the need for a dielectric barrier, allowing for stable plasma ignition with lower frequency power supply and reduced electrical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dielectric barrier discharge devices are used to prevent arcing, then plasma stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for high excitation frequencies (10 kHz or more) and high electrical resistance dielectric materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dielectric barrier component from the plasma generation system. Instead of using dielectric barrier discharge devices with high electrical resistance materials, the invention employs a direct discharge electrode arrangement that eliminates the dielectric barrier entirely, thereby simplifying the frequency generator requirements while maintaining plasma stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the plasma system by using a different discharge mechanism that does not require high excitation frequencies (10 kHz or more). The electrode arrangement and spacing are optimized to enable stable plasma generation at lower frequencies, reducing the complexity of the frequency generator
2Reliability
If high excitation frequencies (10 kHz or more) are used in dielectric barrier discharge devices, then plasma stability is improved, but electrical losses increase and reflected power causes overheating and damage to electrical circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dielectric barrier component that causes high electrical losses and reflected power. By using a direct discharge electrode arrangement without dielectric barriers, the system achieves plasma stability through optimized electrode spacing and configuration rather than through high-frequency operation, thereby eliminating the source of electrical losses and reflected power that cause overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high excitation frequencies (10 kHz or more) to lower frequencies. The electrode arrangement is specifically designed to maintain plasma stability at these lower frequencies, thereby reducing electrical losses and preventing the reflected power issues that lead to overheating and circuitry damage
3Use of energy by moving object
If the distance between electrodes is reduced to concentrate plasma, then plasma energy concentration is improved, but the risk of arcing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the electrode system. The electrodes have specific surface treatments or material compositions in different areas that allow for reduced spacing without arcing. The electrode geometry is optimized locally to control the electric field distribution, enabling high plasma energy concentration while preventing harmful arcing through localized field management
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 provides stable plasma ignition conditions without arcing, reducing electrical losses and overheating risks, enhancing safety and efficiency in plasma generation.
Implementation Method 1
Non-thermal plasma is generally produced by a gas discharge at atmospheric pressure. Such plasma cannot be produced or sustained over long distances such that the plasma concentrates in a small volume between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode arrangement for a plasma jet device comprising a first and a second printed circuit board each having an exposed surface of a circuit path serving as electrode and facing the other printed circuit board, a spacer arranged between the first and second circuit board and a plasma cell arranged between the first and second printed circuit board and the spacer wherein the plasma cell has a gas inlet and a plasma outlet. The invention further relates to a plasma head comprising said electrode arrangement.