Plasma Induced Fluid Mixing via Electrohydrodynamic Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fluid mixing in various applications, such as reducing drag and enhancing convective heat transfer, are inefficient and often produce unwanted by-products, necessitating a more effective means to induce mixing and turbulence in fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of plasma actuators, comprising a pair of electrodes positioned near a fluid and subjected to a voltage potential to generate a plasma discharge, creating electrohydrodynamic forces that induce three-dimensional mixing and flow structures like vortices, thereby enhancing fluid mixing and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mixing methods are used, then mixing can be achieved, but efficiency is low and unwanted by-products are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical mixing systems with a plasma-based electrohydrodynamic system. Electromagnetic fields generated by plasma actuators create body forces that induce fluid motion and mixing without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating mechanical by-products and improving mixing efficiency through direct energy coupling with the fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes plasma discharge to fundamentally change the physical state and properties of the fluid being mixed. By applying high voltage electric fields, the plasma generates localized heating, ionization, and electrohydrodynamic forces that alter fluid density, viscosity, and flow patterns, enabling rapid and efficient mixing while avoiding conventional mechanical stress that produces unwanted by-products
2Productivity
If plasma actuators are used to induce turbulence, then fluid mixing is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic plasma discharge through AC-powered plasma actuators that operate at specific frequencies (e.g., 50-100 kHz). This periodic application of electromagnetic fields creates oscillating electrohydrodynamic forces that generate sustained turbulence and mixing. The periodic nature allows energy to be applied in controlled pulses, maintaining mixing effectiveness while managing overall energy consumption through frequency optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies plasma actuation selectively at critical locations within the fluid system rather than throughout the entire volume. By positioning plasma actuators at strategic points where flow separation, recirculation, or enhanced mixing is needed, the system achieves effective fluid mixing with minimal energy input, avoiding the excessive energy consumption that would result from uniform full-volume plasma application
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 effectively mixes fluids in three dimensions, reduces drag, and improves convective heat transfer, achieving more uniform and rapid mixing while minimizing by-products, thus enhancing performance and efficiency in applications like combustion and noise control.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of electrodes is positioned such that when the plasma discharge is produced an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) body force is generated that induces mixing in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a voltage potential is applied across the pair of electrodes such that a plasma discharge is produced in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The plasma discharge can create turbulence in the fluid, so as to, for example, mix the fluid
Implementation Method 4
each of the at least one force is an EHD body force. The at least one force can create turbulence in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the subject invention are directed to methods and apparatus for inducing mixing in a fluid using one or more plasma actuators. In an embodiment, a pair of electrodes is positioned near a fluid and a voltage potential is applied across the pair of electrodes such that a plasma discharge is produced in the fluid. In an embodiment, the plasma discharge creates turbulence in the fluid thereby mixing the fluid. In an embodiment, flow structures, such as vortices are generated in the fluid. In an embodiment, the fluid is mixed in three dimensions. In an embodiment, a plurality of fluids are mixed. In an embodiment, solids are dispersed in at least one fluid. In an embodiment, heat or other properties are dispersed within at least one fluid. In an embodiment, at least one of the pair of electrodes has a serpentine shape.