Pyroelectric Plasma Generator for Combustion Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma generation devices are limited by their electromechanical design, requiring specialized interfaces and external power sources, which restricts their scalability, embedability, and applicability in combustion control and toxic product neutralization, making them difficult to integrate with reactors and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that uses synchrotron radiation to create a finely configurable beam for selective ionization of combustion products, integrating pyroelectric effects, field emission, and electron-photon ionization without external energy sources, enabling direct conversion of thermal energy into a self-sustaining plasma-chemical reaction within a compact, ultra-large-scale-integrated device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromechanical plasma generation devices are used, then plasma can be generated, but device complexity increases and embedability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma generation capabilityVSAvoidelectromechanical interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the plasma generation function from complex electromechanical devices and implements it through a simplified pyroelectric crystal-based system. The pyroelectric crystal directly converts thermal energy from combustion into electrical energy for plasma generation, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex electromechanical interfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between plasma generation capability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The plasma generation device uses the heat from combustion itself to power the pyroelectric crystal, which then generates the electrical discharge for plasma. This self-sustaining mechanism eliminates external power sources and complex control systems, achieving reliable plasma generation with minimal device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If specialized electromechanical devices are used, then plasma generation is achieved, but adaptability and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma generation stabilityVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pyroelectric crystal-based plasma generator is a universal device that can be applied to various combustion systems (burners, furnaces, engines) without requiring specialized electromechanical interfaces for each application. The device adapts to different combustion types through passive thermal coupling, providing stable plasma generation across multiple applications and enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adapts to different combustion conditions through the pyroelectric crystal's inherent response to thermal fluctuations. The crystal automatically adjusts its electrical output based on the thermal energy input, enabling the system to maintain stable plasma generation across varying operating conditions and applications without complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If external power sources are used for plasma generation, then plasma can be created, but the device requires additional energy sources and moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma temperatureVSAvoidexternal energy source requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pyroelectric crystal harvests thermal energy from the combustion process itself to generate the electrical discharge required for plasma creation. This self-powered mechanism eliminates external power sources and moving parts, achieving high plasma temperatures through direct conversion of combustion heat into electrical energy, thus resolving the contradiction between plasma temperature and external energy requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical electromechanical power transmission systems with a direct pyroelectric conversion mechanism. The pyroelectric crystal converts thermal energy directly into electrical energy without moving parts, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining effective plasma generation temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional plasma devices are used, then combustion can be stabilized, but the devices are difficult to integrate with reactors and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion stabilityVSAvoidintegration and maintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The plasma generation function is segmented into a separate, modular pyroelectric crystal device that can be independently integrated into existing combustion reactors. This modular design simplifies installation and maintenance, as the crystal-based plasma generator can be added or replaced without redesigning the entire combustion system, thus achieving combustion stability while improving ease of manufacture and integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for efficient stabilization of combustion and neutralization of toxic products by generating and heating plasma within the combustion chamber, providing a scalable and customizable solution for plasma generation without moving parts or external energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

integrating pyroelectric effects, field emission, and electron-photon ionization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

integrating pyroelectric effects, field emission, and electron-photon ionization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField emission:

Implementation Method 3

integrating pyroelectric effects, field emission, and electron-photon ionization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron-photon ionization: Photoionisation

Implementation Method 4

create so called synchrotron radiation beam with the suitable parameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSynchrotron radiation: Synchrotron Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3280230B1A method for producing a plasma in a heat carrier for stabilization of combustion and neutralization of toxic products and a device for the same
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 EFENCO OUE
  • EP3280230B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280230B1 patent drawingFigure 2a)~2b)
  • EP3280230B1 patent drawingFigure 3a)~3b)

AI summary

Present invention relates to a method for producing a plasma in a heat carrier for stabilization of combustion and neutralization of toxic products and a device for the same. According to the method part of heat energy of the heat carrier is converted into a particle beam (CPB&NPB) pulse, said particle beam is accelerated, polarized, focused and deflected back to the area of the heat carrier.