Plasma Actuator Heating with Ferroelectric Dielectric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state flow control devices and heating sources require high energy and incur high manufacturing costs due to the use of arc filament and arc heating methods, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plasma actuator with electrodes separated by a dielectric material, such as a ferroelectric or silica aerogel, that generates heat and control flow through an electrically-driven plasma source, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs by leveraging the frequency of the applied electric potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If arc filament and arc heating methods are used for solid state flow control devices, then heating capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical arc heating system with a plasma-based heating system. The plasma actuator uses dielectric barrier discharge to generate plasma that heats the flow control device, eliminating the need for arc filaments and reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from arc-based high-energy discharge to plasma-based controlled discharge. By adjusting the voltage and frequency parameters of the plasma actuator, the system achieves efficient heating with lower energy consumption compared to traditional arc methods.
2Temperature
If arc filament and arc heating methods are used for solid state flow control devices, then heating capability is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive arc filament components with a plasma actuator system that uses simpler electrode and dielectric structures. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining the required heating capability for flow control applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from arc-based operation to plasma-based operation, the system eliminates the need for specialized arc filament components, reducing manufacturing costs. The plasma actuator can be manufactured using standard electrode and dielectric materials with conventional fabrication techniques.
3Productivity
If traditional arc heating methods are used, then flow control is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the energy-inefficient arc heating system with a plasma actuator that uses dielectric barrier discharge. This plasma-based system achieves the same flow control effectiveness while significantly reducing energy losses through more efficient energy transfer to the gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes energy efficiency by changing the discharge parameters from arc-based high-current operation to plasma-based controlled-voltage operation. The plasma actuator operates at frequencies and voltages that maximize energy transfer efficiency while maintaining effective flow control.
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 approach provides a low-cost alternative to traditional methods by decreasing energy requirements and manufacturing costs, while effectively generating heat and controlling flow, with the added benefit of high thrust per weight of the actuator material.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric material; at least one powered electrode in contact with the dielectric material; and at least one grounded electrode in contact with the dielectric material. The at least one powered electrode and the at least one grounded electrode can be electrically separated from each other by the dielectric material
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric material can be a ferroelectric material
Implementation Method 3
generates heat and control flow through an electrically-driven plasma source
Implementation Method 4
the dielectric material can be a silica aerogel
Implementation Method 5
generates heat and control flow through an electrically-driven plasma source, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs by leveraging the frequency of the applied electric potential
Data Source
AI summary
Solid state flow control devices, solid state heating sources, and plasma actuators are provided. A plasma actuator can include at least one powered electrode separated from at least one grounded electrode by a dielectric material. The dielectric material can be a ferroelectric material or a silica aerogel. Solid state flow control devices and solid state heating sources can include at least one such plasma actuator.