Segmented Plasma Actuator with Alternating Polarity for Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma actuators are large, costly, and inefficient due to high voltage requirements, leading to insufficient airflow control and electrode erosion, with multiple actuators arranged in a row causing airflow to divert opposite to the intended direction, resulting in inadequate control effects.
Innovation Solution
A plasma actuator design featuring a dielectric layer with upstream and downstream electrode pairs, a lowest electrode, and a voltage application system using AC or pulse voltage with polarity inversion between adjacent pairs, preventing discharge between electrodes and charge accumulation, which accelerates airflow and enhances control effects while reducing voltage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage (20-40 kV) is applied to achieve sufficient airflow control, then the control effect is improved, but the power supply device becomes large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The single plasma actuator is segmented into multiple electrode pairs (first, second, third, and fourth electrode pairs) arranged in sequence along the airflow direction. Each electrode pair functions as an independent control unit, allowing the system to achieve sufficient total airflow control effect without requiring extremely high voltage from a single power supply, thus reducing power supply device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Alternating voltage polarity is applied to adjacent electrode pairs (positive to negative, negative to positive) in a periodic pattern. This periodic polarity reversal creates alternating plasma discharge regions that collectively generate strong airflow control without requiring excessively high voltage levels, thereby reducing power supply requirements
2Reliability
If voltage is increased to improve airflow control, then the control effect is enhanced, but arc discharge occurs and electrodes erode
Solution Approach 1:
The total voltage requirement is segmented across multiple electrode pairs rather than concentrated on a single electrode. Each electrode pair operates at moderate voltage levels, preventing the voltage threshold for arc discharge and electrode erosion while collectively achieving the required airflow control effect
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating polarity voltage application creates periodic plasma discharge that prevents charge accumulation on the dielectric surface. This periodic discharge mechanism maintains stable operation at lower voltages, avoiding the continuous high-voltage stress that causes arc discharge and electrode erosion
3Reliability
If multiple plasma actuators are arranged in a row to improve performance, then the control range is extended, but air flow in opposite direction occurs when distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode pairs are merged into a single integrated plasma actuator structure with continuous dielectric coverage. The alternating polarity pattern ensures that plasma discharge occurs in the same general direction along the airflow path, preventing opposite airflow effects that occur when separate actuators are placed too close together
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating polarity voltage applied to adjacent electrode pairs creates a coordinated pattern of plasma discharge that maintains consistent airflow direction. This periodic polarity reversal prevents charge buildup that would otherwise cause discharge in opposite directions, eliminating the harmful opposite airflow effect
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 design achieves efficient airflow control with reduced voltage needs, preventing opposite airflow and electrode erosion, resulting in a smaller, more affordable plasma actuator that maintains control effects similar to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
voltage including AC voltage or repeated pulse voltage is applied to each of the plurality of electrode pairs... generate discharge plasma between the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode in each electrode pair
Implementation Method 2
plasma actuators that use ionic wind induced by discharge to control air flow
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric layer, a plurality of electrode pairs disposed on the dielectric layer... sandwich the dielectric layer between the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A small and inexpensive plasma actuator is capable of accelerating induced flow and increasing the effect of controlling flow. A plurality of electrode pairs are disposed on a dielectric layer upstream to downstream along a predetermined direction. Each electrode pair includes an upstream electrode disposed on one surface of the dielectric layer and a downstream electrode disposed on another surface of the dielectric layer to sandwich the dielectric layer between the upstream electrode. A lowest electrode is on the one surface of the dielectric layer displaced downstream from the downstream electrode in an the most downstream electrode pair to have the same potential as the downstream electrode. A voltage application device is configured to apply voltage including AC voltage or repeated pulse voltage to each electrode pair such that the potential of the applied voltage inverts at adjacent electrode pairs.