Planar Plasma Filter Electrodes for Compact Air Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration systems, including mechanical and plasma-based solutions, face challenges in efficiently decontaminating indoor air, especially in confined spaces like hospitals and aircraft, due to limitations in flow mechanics, size, energy consumption, and high costs associated with HEPA filters and UVC systems, which often result in incomplete germ elimination and increased noise.
Innovation Solution
A plasma filter device with a design featuring planar composite electrodes and a dielectric barrier discharge gap that generates UV radiation and ozone, optimizing particle residence time within the discharge gap for enhanced decontamination, combined with a compact and scalable architecture that includes dust and activated carbon filters for improved airflow and reduced ozone output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HEPA filters are used for high-efficiency filtration, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical pre-filtration with plasma-based decontamination in a single integrated device. The plasma generation electrodes are positioned within the housing to create active plasma zones that treat air passing through the mechanical filter, merging two separate filtration approaches into one compact unit that achieves high decontamination efficiency without requiring large HEPA filter arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on large mechanical HEPA filter systems with a plasma-based decontamination mechanism. Instead of using purely mechanical filtration that requires large filter surfaces and regular replacements, the system uses electrical discharges to generate plasma that chemically decontaminates particles and aerosols, achieving equivalent or superior effectiveness in a much smaller footprint
2Reliability
If UVC radiation systems are used for decontamination, then germ elimination is improved, but energy consumption and treatment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the decontamination process by using non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure with short pulse durations. Instead of continuous UVC radiation that requires high energy input and long exposure times, the system applies brief electrical pulses (nanosecond to microsecond range) that generate reactive species and UV photons only during the pulse, dramatically reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective decontamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electrical discharges rather than continuous UVC irradiation. The pulsed nature of the plasma generation creates intermittent bursts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that decontaminate air during each pulse cycle, allowing the system to achieve the same cumulative decontamination effect with fraction of the continuous energy input required by UVC systems
3Reliability
If plasma systems are used for air decontamination, then germ elimination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plasma generation system into simple, modular components: parallel plate electrodes or wire electrodes that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The dielectric barrier is implemented as a simple coating or layer between electrodes, avoiding complex plasma reactor designs. This segmentation allows the plasma decontamination function to be added to existing air handling units without requiring complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the plasma generation components to serve multiple functions: the electrodes generate plasma for decontamination, the dielectric barrier prevents ozone over-generation and protects electrodes, and the overall structure can be integrated into existing HVAC or air purifier housings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
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 plasma filter device achieves high decontamination efficiency with 90% inactivation of coronaviruses at lower energy consumption and reduced noise, enabling effective air purification in compact designs suitable for various environments while minimizing the need for HEPA filters and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma is generated to filter the gas. The generated plasma emits UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
an alternating voltage is supplied to the electrode device in order to induce plasma formation through a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge gap
Implementation Method 3
generates UV radiation and ozone
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plasma filter device (1) comprising at least one electrode assembly (2). The electrode assembly (2) comprises a first planar composite electrode (3) and a second planar composite electrode (4). The composite electrodes (3, 4) of the electrode assembly (2) are arranged coplanar to each other in a principal plane (13) of the electrode assembly (2) and are spatially separated from each other by a discharge gap (9). Each of the composite electrodes (3, 4) has a respective electrode sheet (5, 6) which has a respective dielectric coating (7, 8) at least at one interface between the respective electrode sheet (5, 6) and the discharge gap (9).The plasma filter device (1) has a voltage source (22) which is configured to provide an alternating voltage to the electrode device (2), the alternating voltage being parameterized to cause the formation of a plasma (11) by a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge gap (9).