Plasma Actuator Electrode Layout for Faster Induced Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma actuators for moving bodies and fluid machinery lack efficiency in enhancing induced flow velocity, as they often result in cross-talk between multiple electrodes and inefficient flow acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A plasma actuator design featuring a dielectric layer with a first and second electrode, and a floating conductor pair electrically connected between them, allowing high-frequency high-voltage application to generate dielectric barrier discharge at multiple positions, aligning induced flows in the same direction for enhanced velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple electrodes are provided on the dielectric layer to enhance induced flow velocity, then the flow acceleration is improved, but cross-talk between electrodes occurs and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into a first electrode and a second electrode with distinct functional roles. The first electrode generates dielectric barrier discharge, while the second electrode is positioned to receive and accelerate the induced flow without generating discharge, thereby avoiding cross-talk while maintaining flow velocity enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric layer serves as an intermediary between the first and second electrodes. It allows the first electrode to generate plasma discharge while electrically isolating the second electrode, preventing direct electrical interaction and cross-talk between electrodes while still enabling the second electrode to influence the flow
2Speed
If high voltage is applied between electrodes to generate dielectric barrier discharge, then induced flow is produced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
High voltage is applied only to the first electrode to generate dielectric barrier discharge, while the second electrode operates at lower voltage potential to simply accelerate the flow. This partial application of high voltage reduces overall power consumption compared to applying high voltage to multiple electrodes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma actuator maintains continuous dielectric barrier discharge between the first electrode and dielectric layer, creating a sustained ionic wind that continuously accelerates flow along the surface, ensuring efficient and continuous flow generation without interruption
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 design significantly accelerates induced flow velocity by generating dielectric barrier discharge at multiple positions, reducing cross-talk and improving flow efficiency while maintaining comparable power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
applying a high-frequency high voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode by the power supply to thereby generate dielectric barrier discharge on the front surface between the first electrode and the back surface conductor and on the front surface between the front surface conductor and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
A plasma actuator allows an induced flow to be produced along a front surface of an insulator in a direction from one electrode disposed on the front surface of the insulator to another electrode disposed on a back surface of the insulator by applying an AC high-voltage between both the electrodes to thereby produce dielectric barrier discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a plasma actuator 10 capable of generating an induction flow, wherein the plasma actuator 10 is provided with: a dielectric layer 11; a first electrode 12 provided on the obverse surface of the dielectric layer; a second electrode 13 provided, on the reverse-surface side of the dielectric layer, in one direction from the first electrode; a floating conductor pair 14 that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode and that has an obverse-surface conductor 14a provided on the obverse surface of the dielectric layer and a reverse-surface conductor 14b provided on the reverse-surface side of the dielectric layer, the obverse-surface conductor and the reverse-surface conductor being electrically connected to each other, electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode, and positioned in the order of the reverse-surface conductor and the obverse-surface conductor in the one direction from the first electrode in plan view; and a power source 19 connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, the plasma actuator moreover being such that a high-frequency high voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode by means of the power source, whereby a dielectric barrier discharge can be generated on the obverse surface between the first electrode and the reverse surface conductor and on the obverse surface between the obverse surface conductor and the second electrode, and an induction flow can be produced in one direction from the first electrode along the obverse surface of the dielectric layer.