Pre-ionizer Parallel Corona Ground Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art electrostatic precipitators have limited airflow travel distance for ionization and inefficient pre-ionization due to corona charge elements being aligned with or co-planar to charge plates, leading to incomplete ionization and increased manufacturing complexity and arcing risks.
Innovation Solution
A pre-ionizer with corona ground elements arranged in a parallel orientation and corona charge elements positioned between them, creating a high voltage electrical field that uniformly ionizes airflow before it enters the electrostatic precipitator cell, with independent voltage control to enhance ionization efficiency and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If corona charge elements are aligned with or co-planar to charge plates, then the pre-ionizer structure is simplified, but the ionization efficiency is reduced and airflow is only partly ionized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional co-planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where corona charge elements are positioned between parallel corona ground elements, creating a layered structure that extends the ionization field into the airflow path and improves ionization efficiency
2Device complexity
If corona charge elements are at the same voltage level as charge plates, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the ionization effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical system into separate voltage domains by introducing independently controllable corona charge elements and corona ground elements, allowing the pre-ionizer to operate at optimized voltage levels separate from the main charge plates, thereby enhancing ionization effectiveness
3Reliability
If a complex corona wire loop end design is used, then the corona wire can be retained, but the manufacturing cost increases and arcing risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex loop end structure from the corona wire design, retaining only the essential wire element that generates corona discharge, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functionality and reducing arcing risks associated with complex geometries
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 pre-ionizer effectively increases the ionization of airflow, improving the efficiency of particulate removal and reducing the risk of arcing, while simplifying the design and manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-ionizer 120 comprises corona charge elements 126 located in the airflow before (i.e., in front of) the charge plates 102 and the collection plates 103
Implementation Method 2
The pre-ionizer 120 at least partially ionizes the airflow and the entrained particulate before the airflow enters the electrostatic precipitator cell 101
Implementation Method 3
Charged positive and negative electrodes in the electrostatic precipitator air cleaner, such as positive and negative plates or positive and grounded plates, create the electrical field and one of the electrode polarities attracts the ionized dirt and debris
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-ionizer for use with an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The pre-ionizer includes two or more corona ground elements arranged in a substantially parallel orientation. A corona ground element of the two or more corona ground elements includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections retain the corona ground element in the electrostatic precipitator. The pre-ionizer further includes one or more corona charge elements positioned between two adjacent corona ground elements of the two or more corona ground elements. When a high voltage electrical field is placed across the two or more corona ground elements and the one or more corona charge elements, the pre-ionizer at least partially ionizes airflow through the pre-ionizer.