Segmented Electrode Arrangement for Uniform Dielectric Barrier Plasma

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode arrangements face challenges in forming a uniform plasma discharge over large areas efficiently, with high energy requirements and inefficiencies in maintaining a uniform electric field, which can lead to undesirable current flows and plasma distortions.

Innovation Solution

The electrode arrangement consists of at least two partial electrodes insulated by a dielectric, with mutually compensating high AC voltages applied in inverse waveforms and magnitudes to create a homogeneous electric field, ensuring parallel field lines over a significant area and a field-free separating region between electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single planar electrode is used to treat large areas, then the treatment area is increased, but the uniformity of the electric field and plasma formation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment areaVSAvoidplasma uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single planar electrode is divided into multiple partial electrodes arranged in an array. Each partial electrode is independently controlled and generates a localized plasma column. The superposition of these controlled plasma columns creates a uniform plasma distribution over the entire large treatment area, resolving the contradiction between area coverage and plasma uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a single planar electrode is used to treat large areas, then the treatment area is increased, but the energy requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment areaVSAvoidenergy requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the electrode into multiple independently controlled partial electrodes, energy can be applied locally only where plasma formation is needed. This allows treatment of large areas while controlling total energy consumption by activating only the necessary portion of partial electrodes or using lower voltage per partial electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each partial electrode creates a localized plasma column with concentrated energy delivery. This local quality approach ensures efficient energy utilization in each treatment zone while the overall system can cover large areas by activating multiple zones as needed, reducing total energy requirement compared to a single large electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If adjacent partial electrodes are fed with compensating voltages, then plasma uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma uniformityVSAvoidvoltage control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array is segmented into independently controllable partial electrodes, each receiving voltage through separate control circuits. This segmentation allows precise control of voltage magnitude and phase for each partial electrode, enabling compensation of edge effects and optimization of plasma uniformity across the entire array, while the modular structure makes the complexity manageable.

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 configuration enables the formation of a uniform plasma over large areas with reduced energy expenditure, preventing undesirable voltage peaks and current flows, ensuring effective disinfection and treatment while maintaining a stable plasma field.

Implementation Method 1

forming a dielectric barrier plasma discharge between an electrode fed with a high AC voltage by a control device and a surface to be treated of an electrically conductive body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma discharge: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

a dielectric completely covers the electrode toward the surface to be treated and forms a bearing side for the surface... the dielectric prevents a galvanic current flow from the electrode to the surface to be treated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric barrier: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS11785700B2Electrode arrangement for forming a dielectric barrier plasma discharge

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 CINOGY GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrode arrangement for forming a dielectric barrier plasma discharge between an electrode (1) supplied with an AC high voltage by a control device (20) and a treatment surface (21) of an electrically conductive body (22), said arrangement functioning as a ground electrode, wherein a dielectric material (8) completely covets the electrode (1) up to the treatment surface (21) and forms a contact side for the surface (21). The electrode arrangement permits effective and homogeneous formation of the plasma (23), in particular for large treatment surfaces (21), because the electrode (1) consists of at least two electrode portions (2, 3) arranged next to one another at the same distance (6) from the contact side and insulated from one another by the dielectric material (8), and because adjacent electrode portions are supplied by the control device with compensating partial AC voltages which are mirror-inverted in terms of the waveform and the voltage level.