Suspended-Wire Discharge Electrode for Ultrafine Particle Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic precipitator systems are inefficient in removing ultrafine particles from wood combustion flue gas, leading to health hazards due to particle penetration into the lungs, and face issues with particle build-up and clogging that reduce collection efficiency over time.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic precipitator system with a discharge electrode comprising conductive wires suspended between connectors, supported by a rod, generates a customizable electric field to enhance particle charging and collection, using a secondary collection electrode and a movable grid for self-cleaning, with a uniform electric field distribution to improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional discharge electrode design is used, then the system structure is simple, but the collection efficiency decreases over time due to particle build-up and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge electrode is divided into multiple wire segments suspended between support discs, allowing each segment to function independently and be cleaned separately. This segmentation prevents complete clogging and maintains collection efficiency over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable components including a rotating brush mechanism for cleaning the collection electrode and adjustable wire segments that can be repositioned. This dynamic design allows the system to maintain optimal performance by removing particle build-up that would otherwise reduce collection efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple wire segments are used in the discharge electrode, then particle collection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support discs serve multiple functions: they hold the wire segments, provide electrical insulation, and act as mounting points for the cleaning mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall structure despite using multiple wire segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating brush mechanism automatically cleans the collection electrode and wire segments during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual maintenance. The system self-maintains its performance by removing particle build-up that would otherwise reduce collection efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the collection electrode is cleaned manually by chimneysweeper, then the system structure is simple, but the cleaning efficiency is low and particles may re-entrain
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated rotating brush mechanism driven by an electric motor. This substitution provides more consistent and thorough cleaning, preventing particle re-entrainment while improving cleaning efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism operates automatically during normal system operation, cleaning the collection electrode and wire segments without external intervention. This self-cleaning capability maintains high collection efficiency continuously without requiring manual maintenance stops.
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 system effectively collects ultrafine particles on a larger surface area, reduces re-entrainment, and facilitates regular self-cleaning, maintaining high efficiency and preventing particle detachment, thus enhancing the removal of harmful particles from wood combustion flue gas.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage generator, providing for an electric field being generated in a region around the discharge electrode when the high voltage generator is turned on
Implementation Method 2
the electric field causes the aerosol or flue gas around the discharge electrode to become ionized. Hereby either free electrons or charged gas molecules become trapped on the particles and thereby charge the particles
Implementation Method 3
The charged particles are repulsed from the discharge electrode towards a grounded collection electrode on which they settle and build up
Implementation Method 4
the charged particles are repulsed from the discharge electrode towards a grounded collection electrode on which they settle and build up
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) system (1) for removal of dry particles from the flue gas in a chimney connected to e.g. a wood burning stove. The ESP system comprises a discharge electrode having a discharge electrode connector (204), which is connected to a high voltage generator (12), providing for an electric field around the discharge electrode. The discharge electrode is arranged in a flow passage part of which is delimited by a collection plate (5) forming the collection electrode of the ESP system. The discharge electrode has a first and a second wire connectors (201,202) which are connected to and separated a distance apart by a support rod (203). The first and second wire connectors have at least one wire (205) suspended between them. All the mentioned parts of the discharge electrode comprise, such as are made from, electrically conductive material.