Porous Ceramic Plasma Generator for Low-Pressure Air Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification systems struggle to effectively collect and sterilize bio-aerosols, leading to secondary infections and inadequate indoor air quality in public facilities, while also experiencing pressure loss and reduced performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generator utilizing a porous ceramic dielectric coated with an antibacterial material, which includes a grid-like or porous metal electrode structure and an ozone removal catalyst unit, to generate ozone for sterilization while minimizing pressure loss and ozone emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If polymer fiber-based filter materials are used for air purification, then collection of bacteria, adsorption of VOCs, and collection of fine dust is improved, but prevention of odor due to bacterial growth and prevention of secondary infection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous ceramic dielectric material with controlled porosity (30-70%) to create a filter structure that maintains high air purification capacity while enabling effective sterilization. The porous structure provides large surface area for plasma generation and ozone production, allowing simultaneous filtration and sterilization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining porous ceramic dielectric material with metal electrodes (aluminum or stainless steel) to create a system that integrates filtration, plasma generation, and sterilization capabilities. This composite approach enables the filter to perform multiple functions including particle collection, ozone generation, and bacterial inactivation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV sterilization method is mixed with polymer fiber-based filter, then pathogen removal performance is improved, but lifespan of filter deteriorates due to curing of polymer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces UV sterilization with a plasma-based sterilization mechanism using porous ceramic dielectric material. The plasma generation occurs through electrical discharge between electrodes, producing reactive oxygen species and ozone that sterilize without causing polymer curing. This substitution maintains pathogen removal effectiveness while preserving filter lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization mechanism from UV light to plasma chemistry, fundamentally altering the physical and chemical parameters of the sterilization process. This parameter change allows effective pathogen removal without the harmful side effect of polymer curing, thereby extending filter service life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plasma generator uses dense ceramic structure, then sterilization performance is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous ceramic dielectric material with optimized porosity (30-70%) to balance sterilization performance and pressure loss. The porous structure provides sufficient surface area for plasma generation and ozone production while maintaining adequate air permeability, thus achieving effective sterilization without excessive pressure drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the ceramic structure - the surface layers provide plasma generation and sterilization functions, while the bulk porous structure provides mechanical support and maintains airflow. This local differentiation of properties optimizes both sterilization effectiveness and pressure characteristics.
4Productivity
If plasma generator increases generation area, then air purification capacity is improved, but ozone emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes plasma generation parameters including voltage, frequency, and electrode configuration to maximize air purification capacity while minimizing excessive ozone production. By controlling the energy input and discharge characteristics, the system achieves efficient sterilization without generating harmful levels of ozone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ozone byproduct into a beneficial sterilization agent. The generated ozone is utilized to enhance the sterilization effect against bacteria and viruses, transforming what could be a harmful emission into an active component of the pathogen removal mechanism.
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 generator effectively removes bacteria, viruses, and other bio-aerosols, optimizing indoor air quality, minimizing ozone emission, and reducing pressure loss, making it suitable for large public facilities and commercial air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma generating module including a first ground electrode, a high voltage electrode, and a first ceramic layer made of a porous ceramic dielectric formed between the first ground electrode and the high voltage electrode
Implementation Method 2
effectively generating ozone for removing bacteria, viruses, etc.
Implementation Method 3
the first ceramic layer is provided with an open pore
Implementation Method 4
the ceramic includes an antibacterial coating layer coated with an antibacterial material
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a plasma generator including a porous ceramic dielectric. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a plasma generator for air purification capable of effectively generating ozone for removing bacteria, viruses, etc., and minimizing pressure loss while increasing air purification capacity by including a porous ceramic dielectric coated with an antibacterial material.