Toroidal Plasma Generation via Water Jet Impact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating atmospheric-pressure electric corona rely on applied electrical potential, which is inefficient for energy generation and limited in plasma form and pressure range, and do not allow for boundary-less plasma production without an external electric field.

Innovation Solution

A high-pressure water jet is directed at a dielectric plate to create a toroidal plasma corona, generating energy without direct electrical application, allowing for boundary-less plasma production across various pressures and gas mixtures, including heavy water and non-conductive liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If applied electrical potential is used to generate atmospheric-pressure electric corona, then plasma generation is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor and plasma form is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical field-based plasma generation system with a mechanical jet-based system. High-velocity jets (liquid or gas) impinge on a target surface to generate plasma through mechanical kinetic energy conversion, eliminating the need for high-voltage electrical components and improving energy efficiency by directly converting mechanical energy to plasma energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs high-velocity liquid or gas jets as the primary mechanism for plasma generation. The hydraulic or pneumatic system accelerates the jet to high speeds, and the impingement of this jet on a surface creates the plasma corona, utilizing fluid dynamics principles to achieve what previously required electrical fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components are used for plasma generation, then plasma is produced, but the system cannot produce boundary-less plasma without external electric fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma form flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical field requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The jet-based plasma generation system is highly versatile and can operate in various configurations. The same basic mechanism can produce different plasma forms (toroidal, linear, surface-bound, or boundary-less) by adjusting jet parameters, target geometry, and operating conditions, making the system adaptable to multiple applications without requiring different electrical field configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If high voltage electrical potential is applied to generate corona, then plasma cloud is created, but the plasma is unstable and elongated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma stabilityVSAvoidplasma form

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls plasma characteristics by adjusting jet parameters such as velocity, pressure, composition, and impingement angle, as well as target surface properties. By changing these mechanical parameters, the system produces stable, controllable plasma forms with desired geometries, replacing the unstable elongated clouds produced by electrical corona with well-defined plasma structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method produces a 'cold' plasma with free electrons, enabling efficient energy generation and new applications in fields like RF power production without relying on electrical components or external electric fields, with the plasma being boundary-less and adaptable to different pressures and gases.

Implementation Method 1

A jet-and-plate system in which a jet of liquid, such as water, is directed at a plate target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic impact: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

can form a toroid shaped plasma corona. This form-factor can be uniquely applied as described below

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma generation: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

Dielectrics in some applications are commonly known to be electrically insulating material that can be polarized by applying an electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric polarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 4

Atmospheric-pressure electric corona is a phenomenon observed when an existing high potential electric field between two electrodes causes ionization of gas media in the vicinity of the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS9713243B2Toroidal plasma systems

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

A toroidal plasma is generated without voltage input. It can be produced using a pressurized water jet directed at a non-conductive, dielectric plate. Systems and methods employing the setup are described in which energy is generated and optionally harvested in addition to corona light.