Air-Permeable Plasma Filter Unit for Range Hood VOC Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor extraction devices face inefficiencies in odor filtration due to limited service life of activated carbon and zeolite filters, and incomplete VOC neutralization by plasma filters, leading to reduced filter efficiency and frequent replacement or regeneration needs.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a permeable plasma electrode and carrier element, utilizing dielectric barrier discharge to generate non-thermal plasma for enhanced VOC neutralization, and a ceramic substrate for increased durability and protection against electrochemical corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If activated carbon filters or zeolite filters are used for odor filtration, then VOC removal is achieved, but the filter media become clogged over time reducing filter efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (activated carbon/zeolite filters that physically trap VOCs) with a plasma-based system. The plasma electrode generates reactive species that chemically neutralize VOCs in the air stream, eliminating the clogging problem inherent in mechanical filters while maintaining effective odor removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using non-thermal plasma at controlled temperatures and voltages. This allows continuous operation without the degradation and clogging that occurs in traditional filters, extending service life while maintaining reliability through adjustable plasma generation parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If plasma filters are used with air flowing parallel to the plasma electrode, then the system is simple to construct, but VOC neutralization is incomplete reducing filter efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension to plasma generation by creating plasma both on the electrode surface and within the air stream volume. This volumetric plasma generation ensures thorough VOC neutralization throughout the entire air flow path, not just near the electrode surface, while maintaining construction simplicity through a single electrode design.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma electrode is designed with multiple discharge regions along its length, creating segmented plasma zones that progressively treat the air stream. This segmentation ensures complete VOC neutralization throughout the filter unit while maintaining a simple single-electrode construction.
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 filter unit achieves improved VOC neutralization efficiency and extended service life by maximizing air contact with plasma and providing robust protection against static and dynamic stresses, ensuring effective odor removal and reduced maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The plasma electrode is preferably used to generate a non-thermal plasma by means of dielectric barrier discharge (DBE (dielectric barrier discharge, DBD))
Implementation Method 2
The filter unit is characterized in that the filter unit has a support member on which the plasma electrode is held, and that the support member and the plasma electrode are permeable to air
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter unit for a range hood, wherein the filter unit (16) comprises at least one plasma electrode (2). The filter unit is characterized in that the filter unit (16) has at least one support element (1) on which the plasma electrode (2) is held, and that the support element (1) and the plasma electrode (2) are air-permeable. The invention further relates to a range hood with at least one such filter unit (16).