VHF Atmospheric Plasma Source for Irrigation Water Nitrogen Production

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current water treatment methods rely heavily on chemical disinfectants and biocides, and nitrogen fertilization in agriculture is inefficient and resource-intensive, with a growing demand for nitrogen fertilizers due to changing dietary patterns and increasing agricultural needs.

Innovation Solution

A VHF-driven atmospheric plasma source is used for in-situ production of nitrogen-bearing species in irrigation water, generating soluble nitrates and nitrites through plasma treatment, eliminating the need for chemical additives and conventional fertilizer distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical disinfectants and biocides are used for water treatment, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but chemical consumption and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidchemical consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical disinfection methods with a plasma-based physical treatment system. The plasma source generates reactive species through electrical discharge that effectively disinfect water without requiring chemical additives, thereby maintaining disinfection effectiveness while eliminating chemical consumption and associated environmental impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the treatment parameter from chemical concentration to plasma power and exposure time. By controlling plasma generation parameters (power, frequency, duration), the system achieves effective disinfection through physical means, replacing the need for chemical dosage control and reducing chemical substance usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If conventional fertilizer distribution methods are used, then nitrogen supply to crops is improved, but operational costs and chemical consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenitrogen supplyVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service fertilizer production at the point of use. Instead of distributing conventional fertilizers that require storage, handling, and application infrastructure, the plasma treatment system generates nitrogen-bearing species directly in the irrigation water on-demand, eliminating the need for external fertilizer supply chains and reducing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary nitrogen enrichment of irrigation water through plasma treatment before the water reaches the crops. By pre-producing nitrogen-bearing species in the water supply, the system eliminates the need for subsequent fertilizer application operations, simplifying the overall farming operation and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of substance

If plasma treatment is used for nitrogen production, then chemical consumption is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical consumptionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes plasma generation parameters to achieve efficient nitrogen-bearing species production. By carefully controlling power input, frequency, and treatment duration, the patent balances energy consumption against the benefit of eliminating chemical fertilizer production and transportation, making the overall process more sustainable despite higher localized energy use.

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 efficiently produces nitrogen concentrations comparable to conventional fertilizers, reducing chemical consumption, operational costs, and enabling point-of-use fertilizer production, enhancing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

A VHF-driven atmospheric plasma source is used for in-situ production of nitrogen-bearing species in irrigation water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

Very high frequency (VHF) driven atmospheric plasma sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVery high frequency electromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS9475710B2Very high frequency (VHF) driven atmospheric plasma sources and point of use fertigation of irrigation water utilizing plasma production of nitrogen bearing species

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV

AI summary

A point of use irrigation water fertigation system utilizes plasma production of nitrogen-bearing species. Soluble nitrogen-bearing species are generated using an atmospheric air plasma treatment of an irrigation water supply. A plasma is generated by a tube having an air intake. A high frequency generator generates atmospheric plasma. The end of the tube is placed above the surface of the irrigation water supply and the plasma emanating from the tube generates nitrogen species in the water. The non-thermal plasma discharge efficiently produces highly reactive radicals and NOx species that have impact on water chemistry including inactivation of microorganisms with high efficacy and accelerated removal of persistent organic pollutants such as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from water samples. Plasma ignition can be initiated with a low flow of helium gas injection. Upon ignition, the gas is transitioned to a helium/room air mix, immediately followed by a transition to ambient room air only.