EP3545592A1 - Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower - Google Patents
Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blowerInfo
- Publication number
- EP3545592A1 EP3545592A1 EP17809153.4A EP17809153A EP3545592A1 EP 3545592 A1 EP3545592 A1 EP 3545592A1 EP 17809153 A EP17809153 A EP 17809153A EP 3545592 A1 EP3545592 A1 EP 3545592A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pulses
- control system
- remote ionization
- negative
- positive
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
- H01T23/00—Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases, e.g. into the atmosphere
Definitions
- Embodiments of the invention generally relate to ionizing blowers.
- Static charge neutralizers are designed to remove or minimize static charge accumulation. Static charge neutralizers remove static charge by generating air ions and delivering those ions to a charged target.
- An ionizing blower normally generates air ions with a corona electrode, and uses a fan (or fans) to direct air ions toward the target of interest.
- the first measurement is balance. Ideal balance occurs when the number of positive air ions equals the number of negative air ions. On a charge plate monitor, the ideal reading is zero. In practice, the static neutralizer is controlled within a small range around zero. For example, a static neutralizer's balance might be specified as approximately .+-.0.2 volts.
- the second measurement is air ion current.
- Higher air ion currents are useful because static charges can be discharged in a shorter time period.
- Higher air ion currents correlate with low discharge times that are measured with a charge plate monitor.
- a method of automatically balancing ionized air stream created in bipolar corona discharge comprises: providing an air moving device with at least one ion emitter and reference electrode connected to a micro-pulsed AC power source, and a control system with at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge adjustment control; generating variable polarity groups of short duration ionizing micro-pulses: wherein said micro-pulses are predominantly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of both polarity voltages and have a magnitude of at least one polarity ionizing pulses exceed the corona threshold.
- an apparatus for an automatically balanced ionizing blower comprises: an air moving device and at least one ion emitter and reference electrode both connected to a high voltage source; and an ion balance monitor; wherein a transformer of said high voltage source, said ion emitter and reference electrode arranged in a closed loop for AC current circuit and said loop connected to ground by a high value viewing resistor.
- FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a general view of an ionizing blower, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. IB is a cross sectional view of the blower of FIG. 1A.
- FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a sensor included in an ionizing blower, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the ionizing blower of FIG. 1A and the ionized air stream from the blower, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2B is an electrical block diagram of a system in the ionizing blower, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a feedback algorithm 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a micropulse generator algorithm of a micropulse generator control, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5A is a flowchart of a system operation during the formation of a negative pulse train, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is a flowchart of a system operation during the formation of a positive pulse train, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a system operation during a present pulse phase, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a system operation during the sensor input measurement, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 are waveform diagrams of micropulses, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a system operation during a balance alarm, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- An embodiment of the present invention can apply to many types of air-gas ionizers configured as, for example, ionizing bars, blowers, or in-line ionization devices.
- FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a general view of an ionizing blower 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, while FIG. IB is a cross sectional view of the blower 100 of FIG. 1 A along the line A-A.
- the efficient air ionization is achieved by the bipolar corona discharge created between the array of emitter points 102 (i.e., emitter points array 102) and two reference electrodes 104,105 (shown as upper reference electrode 104 and lower reference electrode 105).
- the emitter points 102 mounted on a protective grill 106 (i.e., air duct 106) which also helps equally to speed an ionized air flow.
- a fan 103 (FIG. 1A) is an air moving device that provides a high variable air flow 125 in a space 130 between the emitter points array 102 (ion emitter(s) 102) and the two reference electrodes 104,105.
- the air duct 106 concentrates and distributes air flow 125 in the space 130 of a corona discharge. Corona generated positive and negative ions are moving between electrodes 102, 104 and 105.
- the air flow 125 is able to take and carry only a relatively small portion of positive and negative ions created by the corona discharge.
- the air 125 is forced out of the air duct (106) outlet 131 and the air 125 passes an air ionization sensor 101. Details one embodiment of a design of the sensor 101 are shown in FIG. 1C.
- a fan (shown as block 126 in FIG. IB) provides the flow of air 125.
- the air ionization voltage sensor 101 has a louver type thin dielectric plate 109 stretched on full width of the duct 106. The louver plate 109 directs a portion 125a (or sample 125a) of the ionized air flow 125b (ionized air stream 125b) coming from the duct 106 and upper electrode 104 (see also FIG.
- a top side 132 of the plate 109 has a narrow metal strip functioning as a sensitive electrode 108 and a bottom side 133 has wider grounded plain electrode 110.
- This electrode 110 is typically shielded so that the air ionization sensor 101 is shielded from the high electrical field of the emitter points array 102.
- the electrode 108 collects some of the ion's charges resulting in a voltage/signal 135 (FIG.
- This signal 135 is also represented by the signal 250 which is input into the sample and hold circuit 205 as will be discussed further below.
- Other configurations of ion balance sensors, for example, in the form of conductive grille or metal mesh immersed in the ion flow also can be used in other embodiments of the invention.
- an ion current sensor 204 is used to monitor ionized flow balance. Therefore, one embodiment of the invention provides a system 200 (FIG. 2) comprising the ionization return current sensor 204 for monitoring the ionized air flow balance. In another embodiment of the invention, the system 200 comprises the air ionization voltage sensor 101 for monitoring the ionized air flow balance.
- the system 200 comprises the dual sensors comprising the air ionization voltage sensor 101 and ionization current return sensor 204, with both sensors 101 and 204 configured for monitoring the ionized air flow balance.
- the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current return sensor 204 are remote sensor(s) directly wired to the control system 107. In some other examples, the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current return sensor 204 are implemented as remote wireless sensor(s) with radio frequency (RF) communication, Bluetooth, and/or any other wireless method for communication.
- RF radio frequency
- a remote sensor refers to the sensor being external to the ionizing blower 100.
- the example ionizing blower 100 may receive active (e.g., powered) and/or passive (e.g., non-powered) feedback signal(s) from wired and/or wireless remote ionization voltage sensors 101 and/or ionization current return sensors 204 at the control system 107 of the ionizing blower 100.
- active e.g., powered
- passive e.g., non-powered
- the ionizing blower 100 may be used in applications or environments in which multiple, or even large numbers (e.g., tens, hundreds, or more) of ionizing blowers 100 and wireless ionization voltage sensors 101 and/or ionization current return sensors 204 are used within the wireless communication range of the ionization voltage sensors 101 and/or ionization current return sensors 204, in some examples the ionization voltage sensors 101 and/or ionization current return sensors 204 are individually addressable and have unique identifiers to enable specific pairing of sensors 101, 204 to individual ionizing blowers 100.
- multiple, or even large numbers e.g., tens, hundreds, or more
- the ionization voltage sensors 101 and/or ionization current return sensors 204 are individually addressable and have unique identifiers to enable specific pairing of sensors 101, 204 to individual ionizing blowers 100.
- the example control system 107 includes a
- the communications circuit to receive the wired and/or wireless communications from the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current return sensor 204.
- the ionization return current sensor 204 includes the capacitor C2 and capacitor CI, and resistors Rl and R2.
- the capacitor C2 provides an AC current path to ground, bypassing the current detect circuit.
- the resistor R2 converts the Ion current to a voltage (Ii*R2), and the resistors Rl and R2 and capacitor C2 form a low pass filter to filter out induced currents created by the micro pulse.
- the return current 210 flowing from the sensor 204 is shown as 12.
- the current 254 flowing to the emitter points 102 is the current summation ⁇ (Ii(+),Ii(- ),I2,Icl,Ic2) where the currents Icl and Ic2 are the currents flowing through the capacitors CI and C2, respectively.
- FIG. 2A illustrates ion currents 220 flowing between the emitters 102 and reference electrodes 104, 105.
- the air flow 125 from the duct 106 converts a portion of these two ion currents 220 in an ionized air flow 125b which is moving to a target of charge neutralization outside the blower 100.
- the target is generally shown in FIG. IB as the block 127 which can be placed in different locations with respect to the ionizing blower 100.
- FIG. 2B shows an electrical block diagram of a system 200 in the ionizing blower 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the system 200 includes an Ion current sensor 204, micro-pulse high voltage power supply 230 (micro-pulsed AC power source 230) (which is formed by the pulse driver 202 and high voltage (HV) transformer 203), and a control system 201 of the Ionizing blower.
- the control system 201 is a microcontroller 201.
- the microcontroller 201 receives a power from a voltage bias 256 which may be at, for example, about 3.3 DC voltage and is grounded at line 257.
- a power converter 209 may be optionally used in the system 200 to provide various voltages (e.g. -12 VDC, 12 VDC, or 3.3 VDC) that is used by the system 200.
- the power converter 209 may convert a voltage source value 258 (e.g., 24 VDC) into various voltages 256 for biasing the microcontroller 201.
- the micro-pulse high voltage power supply 230 has a pulse driver 202 controlled by Micro-Controller 201.
- the pulse driver 202 is connected to a step up pulse transformer 203.
- the transformer 203 generates short duration pulses (in microsecond range) positive and negative polarities having amplitudes sufficient to produce corona discharge.
- the secondary coil of the transformer 203 is floated relatively to ground.
- a high voltage terminal 250 of transformer 203 is connected to the emitter points array 102 and a low voltage terminal 251 of transformer 203 is connected to the reference electrodes 104, 105.
- the short duration high voltage AC pulses result in significant capacitive or displacement currents Icl and Ic2 flowing between electrodes 102 and 104,105.
- the current Icl flows between the electrodes (emitter points) 102 and the upper reference electrode 104
- the current Ic2 flows between the electrodes 102 and the lower reference electrode 105.
- Relatively small positive and negative ion corona currents marked as Ii(+) and Ii(-) leave this ions generation system 200 into the environment outside blower 100 and moving to the target.
- the ion generating system 200 is arranged in a closed loop circuit for high frequency AC capacitive currents marked Icl and Ic2 as the secondary coil of transformer 203 and corona electrodes 102,104 and 105 are virtually floated relative to ground and the ion currents Ii(+) and Ii(-) have a return path (and transmits) to ground. AC currents have significantly lower resistance to circulate inside this loop than these AC currents transmitting to ground.
- the system 200 includes the ion balance monitor providing separation ions convection currents from pulsed AC currents by arranging closed loop current path between the pulsed AC voltage source 230, said ion emitter 102 and reference electrode 104 or 105.
- ion balance monitoring is performed in the system 200 during time periods between the micro-pulses. Additionally, ion balance monitoring is performed by integrating differential signals of the positive and negative convection currents.
- the transformer 203 of the high voltage source 230, the ion emitter 102 and reference electrode 104 or 105 are arranged in a closed loop for AC current circuit and the closed loop is connected to ground by a high value viewing resistor R2.
- the speed of the response of the air ionization voltage sensor (capacitor sensor) 101 is typically faster than the response of the ionization return current sensor 204.
- a greater number of positive ions detected by the sensor 101 results in the sensor 101 generating a positive output voltage that is input into (and processed by) the sample and hold circuit 205.
- a greater number of negative ions detected by the sensor 101 results in the sensor 101 generating a negative output voltage that is input into (and processed by) the sample and hold circuit 205.
- absolute values of positive Ii(+) and negative Ii(-) are used by the sensor 204 to output the signal 250 for input into the sample and hold circuit 205 to determine and achieve an ion balance in the ionization blower 100.
- the sample signal 215 will close the switch 216 so that amplifier 218 is connected to the capacitor C3 which is then charged to a value based in response to the input signal 250.
- the ion currents floated with air stream are characterized by very low frequency and can be monitored by passing through a high mega ohm resistive circuitry Rl and R2 to ground.
- the sensor 204 has two bypass capacitive paths with CI and C2.
- the ion balance monitoring is achieved by measuring voltage output of current sensor 204, or by measuring output of voltage sensor 101, or by measuring voltage from an air ionization sensor 101 and 204.
- the voltage outputs of the current sensor 204 and voltage output of voltage sensor 101 are each shown in FIG. 2 by the same signal 250.
- This signal 250 is applied to the input of a sample and hold circuit 205 (sampling circuit 205) that is controlled by the Microcontroller 201 via the sample signal 215 which opens the switch 216 to trigger a sample and hold operation on the signal 250.
- diagnostic signals from both sensors 101 and 204 can be compared. These diagnostic signals are input as signal 250 into the sample and hold circuit 205.
- the signal 250 is then conditioned by a low pass filter 206 and amplified by the amplifier 207 before being applied to the input of the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) residing inside the Microcontroller 201.
- ADC Analog to Digital Converter
- the sample and hold circuit 205 samples the signal 250 between pulses times to minimize noise in the recovered signal 250.
- Capacitor C3 holds the last signal value in- between sample times.
- Amplifier 207 amplifies the signal 250 to a more usable level for the microcontroller 201, and this amplified signal from the amplifier 207 is shown as the balance signal 252.
- the microcontroller 201 compares the balance signal 252 with a setpoint signal 253 which is a reference signal generated by the balance adjustment potentiometer 208.
- the setpoint signal 253 is a variable signal that can be adjusted by the potentiometer 208.
- the setpoint signal 253 can be adjusted in order to compensate for different environments of the ionizing blower 100.
- the reference level (ground) near the output 131 (FIG. IB) of the ionizing blower 100 may be approximately zero, while the reference level near an ionization target may not be zero.
- the setpoint signal 253 may be adjusted so as to compensate for the non-zero value of the reference level at a location of the ionization target.
- the setpoint signal 253 can be decreased in this case so that the microcontroller 201 can drive the pulse driver 202 to control the HV transformer 230 to generate an HV output 254 that generates more positive ions at the emitter points 102 (due to the lower setpoint value 253 used as a comparison for trigger more positive ions generation) so as to compensate for the loss of negative ions at the location of the ionization target.
- the ionization blower 100 can achieve an ion balance in the ionizing blower 100 based on at least one or more of the following: (1) by increasing and/or decreasing the positive pulse width value and/or negative pulse width value, (2) by increasing and/or decreasing the time between positive pulses and/or time between negative pulses, and/or (3) by increasing and/or decreasing the number positive pulses and/or negative pulses, as described below.
- the microcontroller 201 outputs the positive pulse output 815 and negative pulse output 816 (FIGS. 2 and 8) which are driven into and controls the pulse driver 202.
- the transformer 230 In response to the outputs 815 and 816, the transformer 230 generates the ionization waveform 814 (HV output 814) that is applied to the emitter points 102 so as to generate an amount of positive ions and an amount of negative ions based on the ionization waveform 814.
- HV output 814 the ionization waveform 814
- the balance signal 252 into the microcontroller 201 will indicate this ion imbalance.
- the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the negative pulse width (duration) 811 of negative pulses 804. Since the width 811 is lengthened, the amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 is increased.
- the positive micropulses 801 and negative micropulses 802 are high voltages output that are driven to the emitter points 102. The increased amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 will increase the negative ions generated from the emitter points 102.
- the ionization waveform 814 has generated variable polarity groups of short duration ionizing micro-pulses 801 and 802.
- the micro-pulses 801 and 802 are predominantly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of both polarity voltages and have a magnitude of at least one polarity ionizing pulses exceed the corona threshold.
- the microcontroller 201 will shorten the positive pulse width (duration) 810 of positive pulses 803. Since the width 810 is shortened, the amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 is decreased. The decreased amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 will decrease the positive ions generated from the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the time between negative pulses 804 by lengthening the negative Rep-Rate 813 (time interval between negative pulses 804). Since the negative Rep-Rate 813 is lengthened, the time between negative micropulses 802 is also increased. As a result, the lengthened or longer negative Rep-Rate 813 will increase the time between the negative micropulses 802 which will, in turn, increase the amount of time negative ions are generated from the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will shorten the time between positive pulses 803 by shortening the positive Rep-Rate 812 (time interval between positive pulses 803). Since the positive Rep-Rate 812 is shortened, the time between positive micropulses 801 is also decreased. As a result, the shortened or shorter positive Rep-Rate 811 will decrease the time between the positive micropulses 803 which will, in turn, decrease the amount of time positive ions generated from the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will increase the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816.
- the microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter that can be increased so as to increase the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. Since the number of negative pulses 804 is increased, the negative pulse train is increased in the negative pulse output 816, and this increases the number of negative micropulses 802 in the HV output which is the ionization waveform 814 that is applied to the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will decrease the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815.
- the microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter that can be decreased so as to decrease the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. Since the number of positive pulses 803 is decreased, the positive pulse train in the positive pulse output 815 is decreased and this decreases the number of positive micropulses 801 in the HV output which is the ionization waveform 814 that is applied to the emitter points 102.
- the following example is directed to achieving an ion balance in the blower 100 when the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower.
- the balance signal 252 into the microcontroller 201 will indicate this ion imbalance.
- microcontroller 201 will lengthen the positive pulse width 812 of positive pulses 803. Since the width 810 is lengthened, the amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 is increased. The increased amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 will increase the positive ions generated from the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will shorten the negative pulse width 811 of negative pulses 804. Since the width 811 is shortened, the amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 is decreased. The decreased amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 will decrease the negative ions generated from the emitter points 102. [0067] Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the time between positive pulses 803 by lengthening the positive Rep-Rate 812.
- the positive Rep-Rate 812 is lengthened, the time between positive micropulses 801 is also increased. As a result, the lengthened or longer positive Rep-Rate 812 will increase the time between the positive micropulses 801 which will, in turn, increase the amount of time the positive ions generated from the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the time between negative pulses 804 by lengthening the negative Rep-Rate 813. Since the negative Rep-Rate 813 is lengthened, the time between negative micropulses 802 is also increased. As a result, the lengthened or longer negative Rep- Rate 813 will increase the time between the negative micropulses 802 which will, in turn, decrease the amount of time the negative ions generated from the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will increase the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815.
- the microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter that can be increased so as to increase the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. Since the number of positive pulses 803 is increased, the positive pulse train in the positive pulse output 815 is lengthened and the number of positive micropulses 801 is increased in the HV output which is the ionization waveform 814 that is applied to the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 will decrease the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816.
- the microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter that can be decreased so as to decrease the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. Since the number of negative pulses 804 is decreased, the negative pulse train is shortened in the negative pulse output 816 and the number of negative micropulses 802 is decreased in the HV output which is the ionization waveform 814 that is applied to the emitter points 102.
- the microcontroller 201 can adjust the pulse widths 811 and/or 810 to achieve ion balance.
- the microcontroller 201 can adjust the Rep-Rates 813 and 812 to achieve ion balance.
- the microcontroller 201 can add positive and/or negative pulses in the outputs 815 and 816, respectively.
- a duration (pulse width) of at least one polarity of the micro-pulses in FIG. 8 are at least approximately 100 times shorter than a time interval between micro pulses.
- the micro-pulses in FIG. 8 are arranged in following one another groups/pulse trains and wherein one polarity pulse train comprises between approximately 2 and 16 positive ionizing pulses, and a negative pulse train comprising between approximately 2 and 16 positive ionizing pulses, with time interval between the positive and negative pulse trains that is equal to approximately 2 times the period of consecutive pulses.
- the flowchart in FIG. 3 shows feedback algorithm 300 of the system 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the function of providing ion balance control by use of the feedback algorithm 300 runs at the end of an ionization cycle.
- This algorithm is performed by, for example, the system 200 in FIG. 2.
- the balance control feedback algorithm is started.
- an error value (Error) is calculated by subtracting the desired ion balance (SetPoint) from the measured ion balance (BalanceMeasurement).
- the error value is multiplied by the loop gain.
- the calculation of the control value is limited to minimum or maximum values so that the control value is limited and will not be out of range.
- the control value is added to the last negative pulse width value.
- the pulse width is incremented or decremented.
- the negative pulse width is compared with a maximum value (MAX). If the negative pulse width is equal to MAX, then in block 307, the positive pulse width is decremented and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. If the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 308.
- the negative pulse width is compared with a minimum value (MIN). If the negative pulse width is equal to MIN, then in block 309, the positive pulse width is decremented and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. If the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. When the negative pulse width hits its control limit, a change in the Positive pulse width will shift the balance in such a way as to over shoot the balance setpoint, forcing the Negative pulse to its limit.
- MIN minimum value
- the pulse repetition rates (Rep-Rates) are incremented or decremented when pulse width limits are met.
- the positive pulse width is compared with MAX and the negative pulse width is compared with MIN. If the positive pulse width is equal to MAX and the negative pulse width is equal to MIN, then in block 311, alternately, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is incremented OR the negative pulse Rep-rate is decremented.
- the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314. If the positive pulse width is not equal to MAX and the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 312.
- the positive pulse width is compared with MIN and the negative pulse width is compared with MAX. If the positive pulse width is equal to MIN and the negative pulse width is equal to MAX, then in block 313, alternately, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep- Rate) is decremented OR the negative pulse Rep-rate is incremented. The algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314. If the positive pulse width is not equal to MIN and the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314.
- the Positive and Negative Pulse width control is used when the balance is close to the setpoint. As the emitter points age or as the environment dictates, the Positive and Negative Pulse width control will not have the range and will "Hit” is control limit (Positive at its Maximum and Negative at its Minimum (or vice versa)). When this happens the algorithm changes the Positive or Negative Rep-Rate, effectively increasing or decreasing the amount of On-Time of the Positive or Negative ion generation and shifts the balance toward the setpoint.
- the pulse repetition rates (Rep-Rates) are incremented or decremented when pulse width limits are met.
- the positive pulse Rep-Rate is compared with a minimum pulse repetition rate value (MIN-Rep-Rate) and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is compared with a maximum pulse repetition rate value (MAX-Rep-Rate). If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MIN-Rep-Rate AND the negative pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MAX-Rep-Rate, then in block 315, one negative pulse is shifted to a positive pulse through an offtime count, and the algorithm 300 then proceeds to block 318 during which the balance control feedback algorithm 300 ends.
- An offtime count is when the ionization waveform is off.
- the off-time is the time between negative and positive and positive and negative group (or train of pulses) of pulses and is defined here as a count, equal to a pulse duration with a Positive or Negative Rep-Rate.
- the positive pulse Rep-Rate is compared with MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is compared with MIN-Rep-Rate). If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MAX-Rep-Rate AND the negative pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MIN-Rep-Rate, then in block 317, one positive pulse is shifted to a negative pulse through an offtime count, and the algorithm 300 then proceeds to block 318 during which the balance control feedback algorithm 300 ends. If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to MAX-Rep-Rate AND the negative pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to MIN-Rep-Rate, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 318 during which the algorithm 300 ends.
- a flowchart in FIG. 4 shows an algorithm 400 of a micropulse generator control.
- This algorithm 400 is performed by, for example, the system 200 in FIG. 2.
- an interrupt service routine of Timerl is started.
- the algorithm 400 for the micropulse generator runs, for example, every 0.1 milliseconds.
- a micropulse repetition rate counter is decremented. This counter is the repetition rate divider counter of Timerl.
- Timerl is the main loop timer and pulse control timer running at 0.1 ms. Timerl turns on the HVPS output, thus the start of the micro pulse, where TimerO turns off the HVPS, ending the micro pulse. Therefore, Timerl sets the rep-rate and triggers the Analog to digital conversion, TimerO set the micro pulse width.
- a comparison is performed if the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to 2. In other words, a test is performed to determine if the Rep-Rate divider count is 2 count from the start of the next micropulse.
- the step in block 403 will synchronize the ADC (in the microcontroller 201) to a time just before the next micropulse transmission. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to 2, then the sample and hold circuit 205 is set to sample mode as shown in block 404. In block 405, the ADC in the microcontroller 201 reads the sensor input signal from the sample and hold circuit 205.
- micropulse repetition rate counter is not equal to 2
- the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 406.
- Blocks 404 and 405 starts and performs the Analog-to-Digital conversion to permit the microcontroller 201 to measure the analog input received from the sample and hold circuit 205.
- the sample and hold circuit 205 When the sample and hold circuit 205 is enabled, typically at approximately 0.2 milliseconds before the next micro-pulse occurs at block 403 with the micropulses 803 and 804 having pulse widths 810 and 811, respectively, the signal 250 (FIG. 2) is then conditioned by the low pass filter 206 and amplified by amplifier 207 before being applied to the input of the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) residing inside the Microcontroller 201. Just after the sample and hold circuit 205 is enabling (block 404) a sample and hold operation, the ADC is signaled to start a conversion (block 405). The resulting sample rate of the balance signal is typically about 1.0 millisecond, and in synchronization with the micropulse repetition rates (rep-rate). However, the actual sample rate varies as rep-rate 812, 813 (FIG. 8) varies (as shown in blocks 310, 311, 312, 313) but will always remain in synchronization with the micropulse rep-rate 812, 8
- the method of signal sampling before the next micropulse allows the system 200 to ignore noise and current surges (capacitive coupled) and
- a test is performed to determine if the Rep-Rate divider counter of Timerl s ready to begin the next micropulse. A comparison is performed if the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to zero. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is not equal to zero, then the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 412. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to zero, then the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 417.
- micropulse repetition rate counter is reloaded from data registers. This will reload the time interval for the start of the next pulse (micropulse).
- the algorithm 400 then proceeds to block 408.
- Blocks 408, 409, and 410 provide steps that determine if a new Pulse Phase is started or to continue the current Pulse Phase.
- the TimerO (micropulse width counter) is started.
- the TimerO controls the micropulse width, as discussed below with reference to blocks 414-417.
- the actual micropulse width is controlled based on blocks 414-417.
- the interrupt service routine of TimerO is started.
- the positive micropulse drive is set to off (i.e., the positive micropulses are turned off).
- the negative micropulse drive is set to off (i.e., the negative micropulses are turned off).
- the interrupt service routine of TimerO is ended.
- the duration of TimerO is equal to the micropulse width 454 of micropulse drive signal 452.
- the micropulse width 454 begins at pulse rising edge 456 (which is triggered at the start of the TimerO) and ends at the pulse falling edge 458 which is triggered at the end of the TimerO).
- Blocks 701-706 describes the operations of the sample and hold circuit 205 and ADC conversion of data from the sample and hold circuit 205. At the end of the ADC conversion 701, about 0.1 milliseconds later, the sample and hold block 205 is disabled, preventing the noise and current surges from corrupting the balance measurement. The resulting measurement 703 and Sample Counter 705 are added to the previous Raw Measurement Sum 704 value and saved, waiting further processing.
- Blocks 707-716 is an averaging routine for averaging the
- Measurement used in the balance control loop calculates a weighted average from a previous series of sensor input measurements.
- an event routine is called to make an adjustment on the ion generation based on the calculation in block 714.
- FIGS. 5 A, 5B, and FIG. 6 illustrate system operation during formation of negative and positive polarity pulse trains.
- An Ionization cycle 531 is comprised of a series of positive pulses 502, 602, followed by an off time interval 503, 603, followed by a series of negative pulses 517, 604 followed by an off time interval 518, 605.
- the Ion Balance Measurement Average is calculated 709, and the Raw Measurement Sum 710 and Sample Counter values are cleared 710, 711.
- FIGS. 5 A, 5B, and 6. are flowcharts of a system operation during the formation of a negative pulse train and a positive pulse train, respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- block 501 the routine of the next pulse phase for a negative pulse train is started.
- Blocks 502-515 describe the steps for generating negative series of pulses and the off time of the pulse duration.
- Blocks 517-532 describe the steps for generating positive series of pulses and the off time of the pulse duration.
- Blocks 601- 613 describe the steps for generating the next pulse phase or if the present pulse phase continues.
- the Balance Measurement Average is then combined using a Finite Impulse Response calculation to combine the Balance Measurement Average with previous measurements 714 yielding the a final Balance Measurement used in the balance control loop.
- the balance control loop 301 compares the Balance Measurement to the set point value
- the Error signal is multiplied by the loop gain 303, checked for over/under range 304 and added to the present Negative Pulse Width value.
- the pulse width of the driving micropulse changes the peak amplitude of the resulting High Voltage (HV) wave 814, 801, 802.
- the negative pulse amplitude is change to effect a change in the Ion Balance. If the error signal value is greater than zero, the Negative pulse width is adjusted up, thus increasing the negative HV pulse amplitude as a result, changing the balance in the negative direction. Conversely, if the balance is negative, the Negative pulse width is adjusted down, thus changing the balance in the positive direction.
- the Negative pulse width may hit its control limit.
- the Positive pulse width is adjusted down 307 for a positive out-of-balance or up 309 for a negative out-of-balance until the Negative pulse width can again resume control.
- This method of control using the Negative and Positive pulse width yields an average balance control adjustment range of approximately 10V with a stability of less than 3 V.
- the Negative pulse width and the Positive pulse width will reach their control limits 310, 312.
- the Positive pulse repetition rate and the Negative pulse repetition rate are adjusted 311, 313 to bring the balance to the point where the Positive pulse width and Negative pulse width are once again in their respective control ranges. Therefore, for a large positive out-of-balance condition the Negative pulse repetition rate is increased 313, resulting in a negative shift in balance. If the condition still exists, the Positive pulse repetition rate is decreased 313, also resulting in a negative shift in balance.
- Negative/Positive pulse width and Positive/Negative rep-rates adjustments may have hit their respective control limits 310,312 314, 316, the Positive pulse count and the Negative pulse count will then be changed to bring the balance to a point where the Positive/Negative rep-rates are once again within their respective control ranges. Therefore, for an extreme positive out-of- balance condition the Positive pulse count will decrease 317 and the Off-time Pulse Count 317 will be increased by one pulse count, resulting in a negative change in balance.
- the Off-time Pulse count will be decreased 317 and the Negative pulse count will increase 317 by one pulse count, resulting in a further negative change in balance. This shifting of one pulse from negative to positive packets/trains continues until the Positive/Negative rep-rate is once again within their control ranges. Likewise, for a for an extreme negative out-of-balance condition one pulse at a time will be shift from the positive pulse 315 packet/train through the off-time pulse count to the negative pulse packet 315 resulting in a positive change in balance until the Positive/Negative rep-rate are once again within their control ranges.
- the Balance Measurement is compared to the setpoint. If the Balance Measurement is determine to be outside its specified range, corresponding to an average CPM (Charge plate monitor) reading of +/-15V measured at 1 foot from the ionizer, the control system of the Ionizer will trigger a balance alarm.
- CPM Charge plate monitor
- FIG. 9 is method for providing a feedback routine that actuates an ion balance alarm if an ion imbalance is present.
- Blocks 901-909 performs measurements that are compared with threshold values to determine if a balance alarm is actuated.
- Blocks 910-916 determines if a balance alarm is actuated
- the Balance Measurement is evaluated 903, when outside this range a " 1 " is left shifted into the Alarm register 904 otherwise a "0" left shifted into the Alarm register 902.
- the Alarm register contains a value of 255 (all " l"s) the Balance Measurement is declared in alarm. Likewise if the Alarm register contains a value of
- the Balance Measurement is declared not in alarm. Any value of the Alarm register not 255 or 0 is ignored and the state of the alarm is unchanged. This filters the Alarm notification and prevents sporadic notifications. As a byproduct, the notification delay allows sufficient time for the Balance control system to recover from external stimulus.
- This routine 910 checks the Positive and Negative pulse counts for limit condition 911, 912. As stated above, when an out- of-balance condition exists and the Positive/Negative pulse width and the Positive/Negative rep- rate are at their respective limits, the Positive and Negative pulse counts are adjusted. However in the event the Balance cannot be brought back into the specification the and the
- an alarm state is force by setting the Alarm register to a value of all " l"s 913, setting the Alarm flag 914, and setting both alarm status bits 915.
- the method and technic of automatic balance control discussed above is not limited to one type of ionizing blower. They can be used in different models of ionizing blowers with variety emitter electrodes. Other applications of the automatic system include models of ionizing bars with micro-pulse high voltage power supplies.
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- Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
- Other Investigation Or Analysis Of Materials By Electrical Means (AREA)
Abstract
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Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US15/362,280 US9918374B2 (en) | 2012-02-06 | 2016-11-28 | Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower |
PCT/US2017/063252 WO2018098421A1 (en) | 2016-11-28 | 2017-11-27 | Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower |
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EP3545592A1 true EP3545592A1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
EP3545592B1 EP3545592B1 (en) | 2021-08-25 |
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EP17809153.4A Active EP3545592B1 (en) | 2016-11-28 | 2017-11-27 | Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower |
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EP (1) | EP3545592B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7127025B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR102525815B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN109983642B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI737860B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018098421A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2022256615A1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-12-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Apparatus for adaptive charge neutralization |
USD1018818S1 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2024-03-19 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Ionizing bar |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6252233B1 (en) * | 1998-09-18 | 2001-06-26 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Instantaneous balance control scheme for ionizer |
EP1508948B1 (en) * | 1998-09-18 | 2014-03-05 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Low voltage modular room ionization system |
US6146447A (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2000-11-14 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Oxygen generation process and system using single adsorber and single blower |
JP2002186054A (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-28 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Device controller |
US8009405B2 (en) | 2007-03-17 | 2011-08-30 | Ion Systems, Inc. | Low maintenance AC gas flow driven static neutralizer and method |
US9125284B2 (en) * | 2012-02-06 | 2015-09-01 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Automatically balanced micro-pulsed ionizing blower |
TWI652869B (en) * | 2014-03-19 | 2019-03-01 | 美商伊利諾工具工程公司 | Automatically balanced micropulse ionization blower |
-
2017
- 2017-11-27 KR KR1020197018887A patent/KR102525815B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2017-11-27 CN CN201780071638.6A patent/CN109983642B/en active Active
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- 2017-11-27 EP EP17809153.4A patent/EP3545592B1/en active Active
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2022256615A1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-12-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Apparatus for adaptive charge neutralization |
US11843225B2 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2023-12-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Methods and apparatus for adaptive charge neutralization |
USD1018818S1 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2024-03-19 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Ionizing bar |
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KR20190086556A (en) | 2019-07-22 |
CN109983642A (en) | 2019-07-05 |
EP3545592B1 (en) | 2021-08-25 |
JP2020501308A (en) | 2020-01-16 |
KR102525815B1 (en) | 2023-04-25 |
TW201834341A (en) | 2018-09-16 |
JP7127025B2 (en) | 2022-08-29 |
TWI737860B (en) | 2021-09-01 |
CN109983642B (en) | 2021-11-26 |
WO2018098421A1 (en) | 2018-05-31 |
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