JP2012134158A - Electrostatic fluid accelerator and method for controlling flow of fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a practical spark management device capable of minimizing undesired parasitic influences such as a spark.SOLUTION: A spark management device includes a high voltage power source which can be actuated to supply a power to a load device, a sensor which can be actuated to monitor one or more electromagnetic parameters of the load device, a first detector for responding to the one or more electromagnetic parameters to identify a status of the load before a spark, and a second detector connected to the first detector so that the high voltage power source can quickly change a magnitude of the power to a desired level in response to the status before the spark.

Description

Entitled RELATED APPLICATIONS spark management method and apparatus, serial number filed on July 3, 2002 No. 10 / 187,983, entitled electrostatic fluid accelerator and a method for controlling the flow of fluid Serial No. 10 / 352,193, filed January 28, 2003, entitled Electrostatic Fluid Accelerator, Serial No. 09 / 419,720, filed Oct. 14, 1999 No. 10 / 175,947, filed on June 21, 2002, entitled Method and Apparatus for Controlling Electrostatic Fluid Acceleration of Fluid Flow, and Controlling Fluid Flow No. 10 / 188,069, filed Jul. 3, 2002, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background of the Invention FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the generation of corona discharges, and more particularly to the use of ions and electric fields for fluid movement and control, for fluids, particularly for imparting velocity and momentum to air. It relates to a method and apparatus for acceleration.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Some patents (see, for example, Shannon et al. US Pat. No. 4,210,847 and Spargeon 4,231,766) use corona discharge to generate ions. Admits the fact that the particles can be charged. Such a method is widely used in electrostatic precipitators and electric hoists as described in Applied Electrostatic Precipitation published by Chapman & Hall (1997). A corona discharge device can be generated by applying a high voltage to a pair of electrodes, for example, a pair of a corona discharge electrode and an attractor electrode. In that case, the corona discharge is generated by applying a high voltage power supply to the pair of electrodes. The electrode creates a non-uniform electric field proximal to one of the electrodes (referred to as the corona discharge electrode) and leads to the corona and the nearby complementary electrode (referred to as the collector or attractor electrode) Configured and arranged to generate a corona current. The required corona discharge electrode geometry is typically oriented towards the corona current flow method, i.e. with a sharp point or edge facing the collector or attractor electrode. I need.

  Therefore, at least the corona discharge electrode must be small or contain sharp points or edges to produce the required electric field gradient in the vicinity of the electrode. Corona discharge occurs in a relatively narrow voltage range between a lower corona onset voltage and a higher breakdown (or spark) voltage. Below the corona onset voltage, no ions are ejected from the corona discharge electrode and thus no air acceleration is generated. On the other hand, when the applied voltage approaches the level of breakdown or spark, sparks and electrical arcs can occur, interrupting the corona discharge process and creating an unpleasant electrical arc sound. Therefore, it is generally advantageous to maintain a high voltage between these values, particularly near the spark level where fluid acceleration is most efficient, but slightly below it.

There are several patents that address the problem of sparks in electrostatic devices. For example, Baker US Pat. No. 4,061,961 describes a circuit for controlling the operating cycle of a two stage electrostatic precipitator power supply. The circuit includes a switching device connected in series with the primary winding of the power transformer and a circuit operable to control the switching device. A capacitive network adapted to monitor the current in the primary winding of the power transformer is provided for operating the control circuit. Under normal operating conditions, ie when the current in the primary winding of the power transformer is within the rated limits, the capacitive network operates the control circuit so that current flows through the primary winding of the power transformer. To do. However, upon detecting an increase in the primary current level associated with a high voltage transient that is generated by an arc between the components of the dust collector and reflected from the secondary winding of the power transformer to its primary winding, The capacitive network operates the control circuit. In response, the control circuit causes the switching device to suppress the flow of current through the primary winding of the transformer until the arc condition associated with the high voltage transient is eliminated or suppressed. Following the end of the high voltage transient, following a certain time interval, the switching device automatically re-establishes power to the primary winding, thereby resuming normal operation of the electrostatic precipitator power source.

  Baker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,885, describes an automatic current overload protection circuit for an electrostatic precipitator power supply operable after a sustained overload is detected.

  Weber U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,414 describes an automatic electronic reset current cutoff for the power supply of an electrostatic precipitator air cleaner. The protection circuit protects the power supply using a ferroresonant transformer having a primary power winding, a secondary winding that provides a relatively high voltage, and a tertiary winding that provides a relatively low voltage. The protection circuit operates to suppress the operation of the power supply in the event of an overload in the ionizer or collector cell by detecting the voltage obtained from the high voltage and comparing the detected voltage with a fixed reference . When the sense voltage falls below a predetermined value, the current flow through the primary transformer is suppressed for a predetermined time. The current flow is automatically restored and the circuit periodically shuts off the power supply until the fault is cleared. The reference voltage is derived from the voltage of the tertiary winding, improving the sensitivity of the circuit to short duration overload conditions.

  As recognized by the prior art, there is a risk of discharge when a high voltage is applied. In some applications, discharging is desirable. In many other high voltage applications, sparking is an undesirable event that should be avoided or prevented. This is especially true for applications where the high voltage is maintained near the spark level, i.e., near the breakdown voltage. For example, since an electrostatic precipitator operates at the highest voltage level possible, it is inevitable that a spark is generated. Electrostatic precipitators typically maintain a spark rate of 50-100 sparks per minute. When a spark occurs, the output of the power supply typically drops to zero volts during which time the air discharge and pre-spark resistance re-establish and resume operation after a predetermined period of time called the “ion loss time”. Each spark event reduces the overall efficiency of the high voltage device and is one of the main causes of electrode degradation and aging. The occurrence of sparks also creates unpleasant sounds that are unacceptable in many environments and related applications, such as home electrostatic air accelerators, filters and appliances.

  In addition to unwanted noise caused by sparks, there are other inefficiencies in the prior art. For example, the corona discharge electrode and attractor electrode pair should be configured and arranged to produce a non-uniform electric field, and at least one electrode, ie, the corona discharge electrode, has a suitable electric field in the vicinity of the electrode. Often it is relatively small and / or contains sharp points or edges to provide a gradient. There are several known configurations that are used to apply a voltage between the electrodes to efficiently generate the electric field required for ion generation. Lee U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,789,801 and 6,152,146, and Taylor et al. 6,176,977 describe applying a pulsed voltage waveform across a pair of electrodes. The waveform has an operating period between 10% and 100%. These patents describe that the generation of such a voltage reduces the production of ozone by the resulting corona discharge device as compared to the application of steady state DC power. Despite the actual benefits of such voltage generation to reduce ozone generation, air flow generation is substantially reduced by using an operating cycle of less than 100% and the resulting pulsatile air The flow is uncomfortable.

  US Pat. No. 6,200,539 to Sherman et al. Describes the use of a high frequency high voltage power source to generate an alternating voltage at a frequency of about 20 kHz. Generation of such high frequency high voltage requires a large and relatively expensive power source and typically has a large energy loss. U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,135 to Weinberg describes a high voltage power supply that produces very narrow (ie, steep, short duration) voltage pulses. Such voltage generation can only generate a relatively low volume and low velocity air flow and is not suitable for acceleration or motion of a large air flow.

  Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801, Weinberg, 5,667,564, Taylor et al., 6,176,977, and Sakakibara et al., 4,643,745 also provide electrostatic fields. It describes an air motion device that is used to accelerate air. The air velocities achieved with these devices are very slow and impractical for commercial or industrial applications.

  Edward U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,699,387 and 3,751,715 describe the use of multiple stages of electrostatic air accelerators (EFAs) arranged in series to enhance air flow. is doing. These devices use a conductive mesh as an attracting (collecting) electrode, which separates neighboring corona electrodes. The mesh exhibits a large air resistance, impairs the air flow, and EFA cannot achieve the desired higher flow rate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,847 U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,766 U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,961 US Pat. No. 4,156,885 U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,414

  Unfortunately, none of these devices can produce a commercially viable amount of air flow. Providing multiple stages of conventional pneumatic equipment does not provide a solution on its own. For example, five serial stages of a series of electrostatic fluid accelerators arranged in series will only result in an air flow that is 17% greater than only one stage. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,766 to Spargeon. Similarly, changing the location of the electrodes relative to each other has limited improvements in EFA performance and fluid velocity. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,711 reports the generation of an air velocity of only 0.5 m / s, much of what is expected and available from commercial fans and blowers. Below.

  Therefore, there is a need for a practical electrostatic fluid accelerator that can produce commercially useful flow rates while minimizing undesirable parasitic effects such as sparks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes features directed to ion generators and processes to improve efficiency, provide greater power, and reduce or eliminate parasitic effects such as reduced spark and ozone production. .

It has been found that the spark start voltage level does not have a constant value for the same set of electrodes. Sparks are sudden events and cannot be reliably predicted. The occurrence of electrical sparks is often an unpredictable event, is caused by multiple causes, and many, if not most, are temporary. Spark initiation tends to vary with fluid (ie, insulator) conditions such as humidity, temperature, contamination, and others. For the same set of electrodes, the spark voltage may have a starting width variation of 10% or more.

  High voltage applications and devices known in the art typically address a spark only after the spark is generated. If all sparks are to be avoided, the operating voltage must be maintained at a relatively low level. The inevitably reduced voltage level reduces the air flow rate and device performance of related devices such as electrostatic fluid accelerators and dust collectors.

  As mentioned above, previous techniques and devices have not dealt with a spark event for the first time after the start of a spark and there is no commercially practical technical solution to prevent the occurrence of a spark. Providing a dynamic mechanism to maintain the voltage level within a range that is likely to generate a spark while avoiding a spark (rather than simply extinguishing an existing arc) leads to a more efficient operation, Avoid the electric arc noise associated with sparks.

  One feature of the present invention enables high voltage generation for devices such as, but not limited to, corona discharge systems. The present invention provides the ability to detect the onset of spark some time before complete breakdown and spark discharge. By using the “non-inertial” high voltage power supply that is a feature of the present invention, the discharge associated with the spark can be managed. In this way, it becomes practical to prevent the occurrence of sparks while using a high voltage level substantially closer to the spark start level.

  The features and aspects of the present invention are also directed to spark management where absolute spark suppression may not be required or may be undesirable.

  According to one aspect of the invention, a spark management device includes a high voltage power source and a detector configured to monitor a parameter of current provided to a load device. In response to the parameter, a pre-spark condition is identified. The switching circuit controls the current provided to the load device in response to identifying the pre-spark condition.

  According to a feature of the present invention, the high voltage power supply may include a high voltage power supply configured to convert the primary power supply to a high voltage power supply to provide current.

  According to another feature of the invention, the high voltage power supply may include a high voltage power supply including a step-up transformer and an alternating current (ac) pulse generator whose output is connected to the primary winding of the boost voltage generator. The rectifier circuit is connected to the secondary winding of the step-up transformer and provides current at a high voltage level.

  According to another feature of the invention, the high voltage power supply may include a high voltage power supply having a low inertia output circuit.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, the high voltage power supply may include a control circuit operable to monitor current flow. In response to detecting the pre-spark condition, the voltage of the current is lowered to a level that does not contribute to the occurrence of the spark (eg, below the spark level).

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the load circuit may be connected to a high voltage power supply to selectively receive a substantial portion of the current in response to identifying the pre-spark condition. The load circuit can be, for example, an electrical device for dissipating electrical energy (eg, a resistor that converts electrical energy to thermal energy), or an electrical device for storing electrical energy (eg, a capacitor or an inductor). The load device may include any operating device such as a different stage of a corona discharge device that includes a plurality of electrodes configured to receive current and create a corona discharge. The corona discharge device may be in the form of an electrostatic air accelerator, an electrostatic air cleaner and / or an electrostatic precipitator.

  According to another feature of the invention, the switching circuit may include a circuit for selectively powering the auxiliary device in addition to the primary load device supplied by the power source. When an initial spark is detected, at least a portion of the power supplied periodically to the primary device is directed to the auxiliary device in response to the identification of the pre-spark condition, reducing the primary device voltage and reducing the spark. To avoid. One or both of the primary load and the device may be an air treatment device configured to accelerate the fluid under the influence of the electrostatic force created by the corona discharge configuration.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the detector is sensitive to phenomena including current level or waveform changes, voltage level or waveform changes, or magnetic, electrical or optical events associated with pre-spark conditions. There may be.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a method of spark management includes providing a high voltage current to the device and monitoring the high voltage current to detect a pre-spark condition of the device. The high voltage current is controlled in response to the pre-spark condition and controls the occurrence of a spark event associated with the pre-spark condition.

  According to another feature of the invention, the monitoring step can include detecting a current spike at a high voltage current.

  According to a feature of the invention, providing the high voltage current may include transforming the power supply from a primary voltage level to a secondary voltage level that is higher than the primary voltage level. Secondary voltage level power may be rectified to provide high voltage current to the device. This may include reducing the output voltage or device voltage, for example the voltage level of the corona discharge electrode of the corona discharge air accelerator. The voltage may be reduced to a level that does not contribute to the occurrence of sparks. Control can also be achieved by passing at least a portion of the high voltage current through the auxiliary load device. The step of passing can be performed by switching a resistor to an output circuit of a high voltage power source that supplies a high voltage current.

  According to another feature of the invention, the additional steps include introducing a fluid into the corona discharge electrode, energizing the corona discharge electrode with a high voltage current, generating a corona discharge in the fluid, Accelerating the fluid under the influence of an electrical discharge.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the electrostatic fluid accelerator may include an array of corona discharge electrodes and collector electrodes, and a high voltage power source that is electrically connected to the array to supply high voltage current to the corona discharge electrodes. . The detector may be configured to monitor the current level of the high voltage current and respond to identify pre-spark conditions. The switching circuit may control the high voltage current in response to identifying the pre-spark condition.

  According to a feature of the present invention, the switching circuit may be configured to suppress the supply of high voltage current to the corona discharge electrode by the high voltage power supply in response to the state before sparking.

  According to another feature of the invention, the switching circuit may include a dump resistor configured to receive at least a portion of the high voltage current in response to identifying the pre-spark condition.

It has been found that corona discharge sparks are preceded by some observable electrical event that signals the occurrence of an impending spark event and can be monitored to predict when a breakdown is likely to occur. The spark indication can be an increase in current, or a change or variation (eg, increase) in the magnetic field in the vicinity of the corona discharge, or an observable condition in the circuit or electrode environment. In particular, it has been shown experimentally that a spark event is typically preceded by an increase in corona current. This increase in current occurs shortly before the spark event (ie, 0.1 to 1.0 milliseconds). The increase in current may be in the form of a short duration current spike seen about 0.1 to 1.0 milliseconds (msec) prior to the associated electrical discharge. This increase is essentially independent of voltage changes. In order to prevent spark events, an initial current spike needs to be detected and / or rapidly applied to the corona discharge electrode and / or the voltage level of the corona discharge electrode is lowered below the spark level.

  Two conditions must be met to enable such spark management. First, the high voltage power supply must be able to rapidly reduce the output voltage before a spark event occurs, that is, within the time from the detection of the event to the start of the spark event. Secondly, the corona discharge device must be able to discharge, i.e. discharge, the stored electrical energy prior to sparking.

  The time between the corona current increase and the spark is on the order of 0.1 to 1.0 msec. Thus, the electrical energy stored in a corona discharge device (including an array of corona discharge electrodes that are powered and powered) dissipates the stored energy in a short period of time, ie, in the short range of milliseconds or less. Must be able to let In addition, a high voltage power supply can rapidly change the voltage level at its output (ie, its output) to interrupt voltage generation, preferably in the sub-millisecond or microsecond range. ) And circuit. Such rapid voltage reduction is actually possible using low frequency stored high frequency switched high voltage power supply operating in the 100 kHz to 1 MHz range, and circuitry for rapidly reducing or shutting down the output voltage. It is. In order to provide such capability, the power supply has a “shutdown” period that is less than the time between the detection of the corona current spike and the resulting spark event (ie, the time required to discontinue the high power output. ) Must operate at a high switching frequency. State-of-the-art power supplies can operate at switching frequencies up to 1 MHz, and particularly well-designed (eg, non-inertial) power supplies can interrupt power generation in the sub-millisecond range required. . That is, the power supply can be stopped and the output voltage can be greatly reduced to a safe level, i.e., a level well below the start of a spark-shaped discharge.

  There are various techniques for detecting electrical events that precede electrical sparks. The current sensor can be used to measure peak or average, or RMS, or other output current magnitude or value, as well as the rate of change of current, ie, dI / dt. Alternatively, a voltage sensor may be used to detect the voltage level of the voltage supply or the voltage level of the AC component. Another parameter that can be monitored to identify an impending spark event is the output voltage drop, or the first derivative with respect to time of the voltage of the AC component of the output voltage (ie, dV / dt). It is also possible to detect the strength of the electric or magnetic field preceding the discharge in the form of a spark or other changes in the corona discharge. A common feature of these techniques is that increased corona current spikes are not accompanied by increased output voltage or substantial power surge.

Different techniques may be used to rapidly reduce the output voltage generated by the power supply. The preferred method is to interrupt the power generation process by stopping the power transistor or other switching components of the SCR, or the power supply that produces the pulsed high frequency ac power supplied to the primary of the step-up transformer. In this case, the switching component is disabled and no power is generated or supplied to the load. The disadvantage of this method is that the residual energy (including stray capacitance and leakage inductance) stored in the power supply components, especially the output filtering stages such as capacitors and inductors, must be released somewhere An energy sink, typically one that must be discharged to “ground”. Without any rapid discharge mechanism, the residual energy stored by the power source is released to the load, slowing (ie, “decreasing”) the rate at which the output voltage decreases. Alternatively, the preferred arrangement and method is to electrically connect the primary winding (ie interconnect the terminals of the winding) of the magnetic component (transformer and / or inductor of multiple windings). By “shorting”, the stored energy is dissipated by collapsing the magnetic field so that energy is not transferred to the load. Another, more fundamental method is to short the output of the power supply to a relatively low value resistor. This resistance, however, must be much higher than the spark resistance, and at the same time must be lower than the operating resistance of the corona discharge device being powered as it appears just before the spark event. For example, a high voltage corona device (eg, an electrostatic fluid accelerator) consumes 1 mA immediately before the detection of a spark, and the output current from the power source is current during the spark event (or other short circuit condition). When limited to 1 A by a limiting device (eg, a series of current limiting resistors), the “damping” resistance applied to the load (ie, between the corona discharge and attractor electrodes of the corona discharge device) is greater than 1 mA. Must occur less than 1A (ie, less than the current limited by the maximum short-circuit current) (ie, the resistance must be low and carry more current than normal operating load current) ). This additional damping resistor may be connected to the output of the power supply by a high voltage lead type relay or other high voltage high speed relay or switching component (eg, SCR, transistor, etc.). A common and important feature of non-inertial high-voltage power supplies is the electrical event that precedes and indicates the initial spark event, up to the time that the spark would actually occur without any intervention. The generation of power can be interrupted in a time shorter than the time, i.e. typically in the millisecond or microsecond range.

  Another important feature of such non-inertial power supplies is whether the residual energy stored and stored in the components of the power supply should substantially slow down the discharge process at the load, eg, the corona discharge device. Or otherwise should not be disturbed. For example, if a corona discharge device discharges its own electrical energy in 50 microseconds and the minimum expected time to spark event is 100 microseconds, the power supply should not add more than 50 microseconds to the discharge time. The actual discharge time does not exceed 100 microseconds. Thus, high voltage power supplies should not use energy storage components such as capacitors or inductors that can discharge their energy to the corona discharge device after active components such as power transistors are turned off. To provide this capability and functionality, the high voltage transformer should have a relatively small leakage inductance and have low or no output filter capacitance. Conventional high voltage power supply topologies including voltage multipliers and flyback inductors are generally not suitable for such spark management or prevention.

  The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art to acknowledge or understand the fact that the ion generation process is more complex than simply applying a voltage to the two electrodes. Prior art systems and methods are generally unable to limit ozone production while producing a large air flow.

  Corona-related processes have three common aspects. The first aspect is the generation of ions in a fluid medium. The second aspect is the charging of fluid molecules and foreign particles by the released ions. The third aspect is the acceleration of charged particles towards the opposing (collector) electrode (ie along the electric field lines).

The acceleration of air or other fluids caused by ions is the amount (ie number) of ions
And depending on their ability to induce charge near the fluid particles to propel the fluid particles toward the opposing electrode. At the same time, ozone generation is substantially proportional to the power applied to the electrodes. As ions are introduced into the fluid, they tend to adhere to particles and molecules of the neutrally charged fluid. Each particle can receive only a limited amount of charge depending on the size of the particular particle. According to the following formula, the maximum amount of charge (so-called saturation charge) can be expressed as follows.

Where d _p = particle size, ε _r is the dielectric constant of the insulating material between the pair of electrodes, and ε ₀ is the dielectric constant in vacuum.

  From this equation, it can be seen that when a certain number of ions are introduced into the fluid, nearby molecules and surrounding particles are charged to a maximum level. The number of ions indicates the number of charges flowing from one electrode to another, and determines the corona current flowing between the two electrodes.

  Once charged, fluid molecules are attracted to opposing collector electrodes in the direction of the electric field. This directed space in which the force F acts moves particles with a charge Q that depends on the strength E of the electric field, which is proportional to the voltage applied to the electrodes.

F = -Q ^* E
When the maximum number of ions are introduced into the fluid by the corona current and the resulting charge is accelerated only by the applied voltage, a substantial air flow is generated and the average current consumption is substantially reduced. The This can be achieved by controlling how the value of the corona current changes from some minimum value to a maximum value when the voltage between the electrodes is substantially constant. In other words, keeping the current ripple substantially high while minimizing the high voltage ripple (or AC component) of the power voltage applied to the electrode (in proportion to the average high voltage applied), ideal In particular, it has been found advantageous to keep the current average or RMS amplitude comparable. (Unless otherwise stated or implied by usage, as used herein, the terms “ripple” and “alternating current component” refer to sinusoidal, square, sawtooth, irregular, composite, etc. Refers to the time-varying component of a signal, including all signal waveforms that vary in time, as well as bi-directional waveforms and also known as "alternating current" or "ac" and pulsed direct current or "pulse dc" Including both unidirectional waveforms, and unless otherwise indicated by context, "small", "small", "word" used with words including but not limited to "ripple", "ac component", "alternating current component", etc. An adjective such as “large” indicates the relative or absolute amplitude of a particular parameter, such as signal potential (or “voltage”) and signal flow rate (or “current”). Such a distinction from the current waveform is possible in corona-related techniques and devices by the reactive component of the corona generating array of corona and attractor electrodes, which is a relatively low amplitude voltage. For example, a power supply that produces a high voltage with a small ripple can be used in a corona device, which produces a relatively large alternating current component with a relatively large current. (Ie, greater than 1 kHz) As follows, the electrodes (ie, corona and collector electrodes) will exhibit a relatively small impedance X _c when a high frequency voltage is applied. Their mutual capacity C
Is designed to be large enough.

  The electrode represents or can be viewed as a parallel connection of a non-reactive dc resistance and a reactive ac capacitive impedance. The ohmic resistance causes corona current to flow from one electrode to another. The amplitude of this current is approximately proportional to the amplitude of the applied voltage and is substantially constant (dc). Capacitive impedance causes an ac portion of the current between the electrodes. This portion is proportional to the amplitude (“ripple”) of the ac component of the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the frequency of the AC component of the voltage. Depending on the amplitude of the ripple voltage and its frequency, the amplitude of the ac component of the current between the electrodes can be less or greater than the dc component of the current.

A power supply that can generate high voltage (ie, filtered dc voltage) with small amplitude ripple, but provides current with a relatively large ac component (ie, large amplitude current ripple) across the electrodes. Generation and fluid acceleration are improved, and in the case of air, ozone production is greatly reduced or minimized. Therefore, the current ripple expressed as the ratio or fraction defined as the amplitude of the ac component of the corona current divided by the amplitude of the dc component of the corona current (ie, I _ac / I _dc ) is significantly larger than the voltage ripple. (Ie at least twice), preferably at least 10 times and 100 times the voltage ripple, more preferably 1000 times the voltage ripple, the latter also being divided by the amplitude of the dc component. Is defined as the time-varying component of the voltage applied to the corona discharge electrode or the amplitude of the ac component (ie, V _ac / V _dc ).

  In addition, optimal corona discharge device performance is achieved when the output voltage has a small voltage AC component relative to the average voltage amplitude, and flows through the electrodes and intervening insulators (i.e., accelerated). Fluid) is at least twice as large as the AC component of the voltage (relative to the dc voltage), more preferably 10 times greater (relative to the dc current component), that is, the ratio of ac / dc of the current is twice or 10 times Larger than the ratio of ac / dc of the applied voltage. That is, it is preferable to generate a voltage at the corona discharge electrode so that the resulting current satisfies the following relationship.

  If any of the above requirements are met, the resulting corona discharge device will consume less power per cubic foot of fluid being moved compared to a power supply where the ratio of ac / dc of current and voltage is approximately equal. Less and, in the case of air, less ozone is produced.

To meet these requirements, the power supply and corona generator must be properly designed and configured. In particular, the power supply must produce a high voltage output with minimal and at the same time relatively high frequency ripple. The corona generating device itself should have a predetermined value of designed stray or parasitic capacitance that provides a substantially high frequency current flow through the electrodes, ie from one electrode to another. If the power supply produces low frequency ripple, _Xc is relatively large and the amplitude of the AC component current is not comparable to the amplitude of the DC component of the current. If the power supply produces very little ripple or no ripple, the alternating current is not comparable to the direct current. If the corona generating device (i.e. the array of electrodes) has a low capacitance (including parasitic and / or stray capacitance between the electrodes), the alternating current is again not comparable in amplitude to the direct current. When a large resistance is provided between the power supply and the array of electrodes (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2 of Lee US Pat. No. 4,789,801), the amplitude of the ac current ripple is attenuated (ie, The amplitude is not comparable to that of the dc (ie constant) component of the current. Thus, only when certain conditions are met such that a predetermined voltage and current relationship exists, the corona generator functions optimally to provide sufficient air flow, improve operating efficiency, and improve the desired ozone Level is obtained. The resulting power supply is not expensive.

  In particular, ripple generating power supplies do not require output filtering provided by relatively expensive and physically large high voltage capacitors that would otherwise be connected to the output of the power supply. This alone makes the power supply less expensive. In addition, such power supplies have less "inertia", i.e. less energy is stored and tend to attenuate fluctuations in the output amplitude, and thus have a high inertia with no ripple or negligible ripple. The output voltage can be changed more rapidly than the power supply.

  The present invention addresses the limitations of the prior art air flow and some shortcomings in general lack of capacity to achieve theoretically optimal performance. One of these disadvantages includes excessive size requirements for multi-stage EFA devices. This is because several stages of EFA arranged in series require a considerable length along the air duct (ie along the direction of air flow). This long duct provides greater resistance to air flow.

  Yet another problem arises when the stages are placed close to each other. Reducing the spacing between the stages can create a “back corona” between one stage attractor electrode and the next adjacent corona discharge electrode, resulting in a reverse air flow. Further, due to the electrical capacitance between neighboring stages, there is a parasitic current flow between neighboring stages. This current is caused by asynchronous high voltage ripples or high voltage pulses between neighboring stages.

  Another problem arises if large or multiple stages are used so that each separate (or group) stage is provided with its own high voltage power supply (HVPS). In this case, the high voltage required to create a corona discharge can generate an unacceptable level of spark between the electrodes. When a spark occurs, the HVPS must be completely stopped for a certain amount of time required for ion loss and spark loss before resuming operation. As the number of electrodes increases, sparks occur more frequently than with one set of electrodes. If one HVPS feeds several sets of electrodes (ie several stages), it needs to be stopped more frequently to extinguish more sparks that occur. This leads to an undesirable increase in power interruption for the entire system. To deal with this problem, it is advantageous to supply each stage with its own HVPS. However, using separate HVPS increases the spacing between successive stages in order to avoid unwanted electrical interactions caused by stray capacitance between neighboring stage electrodes and to avoid back corona generation. There is a need to.

  The present invention presents a novel solution for minimizing or avoiding the introduction of undesirable effects while increasing air flow by closer EFA stage spacing. The present invention realizes a combination of electrode geometry, mutual location and voltage applied to the electrodes to improve performance.

  According to a feature of the invention, the plurality of corona electrodes and current collecting electrodes are positioned parallel to each other or positioned to extend between respective planes perpendicular to the direction of air flow. All the electrodes in the neighboring stage are parallel to each other, all the electrodes in the neighboring stage are parallel to each other, and all the same type of electrodes (ie corona discharge electrode or collector electrode) The edges are placed in the same parallel plane perpendicular to the plane. According to another feature, the spacing between the stages is reduced to avoid or minimize corona discharge between neighboring stage electrodes. When the closest distance between adjacent electrodes is “a”, the potential difference (V1−V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the first electrode and the voltage V2 applied to the nearest second electrode is The ratio to the distance between the electrodes is a standardized distance “aN”, and aN = (V1−V2) / a. The normalized distance from the corona discharge wire of one stage to the nearest part of the neighboring stage must exceed the corona onset voltage applied between these electrodes, which is actually the reverse corona To prevent generation, it means that it must be 1.2 to 2.0 times the normalized distance from the corona discharge to the corresponding relevant (ie closest) suction electrode .

  Finally, the voltages applied to neighboring stages should be synchronized and in phase. That is, the ac component of the voltage applied to neighboring stage electrodes should rise and fall simultaneously and have substantially the same waveform and magnitude and / or amplitude.

  This invention increases the density of the electrodes of the EFA (typically measured in steps per unit length) and eliminates or greatly reduces stray current between the electrodes. At the same time, the present invention eliminates corona discharge (eg, back corona) between adjacent stage electrodes. This is achieved in part by powering neighboring EFA stages with substantially the same voltage waveform, ie, the potential of neighboring electrodes eliminates or reduces the operating voltage between the stages. To have the same or very similar alternating components. By operating in synchronism between stages, the potential difference between neighboring electrodes of adjacent EFA components is constant and the resulting stray current from one electrode to another is minimized. Or completely avoided. Synchronization can also be achieved by different means, but synchronized to provide an ac component of similar amplitude with each voltage synchronized and in phase from the corresponding power source, or with each applied voltage. It is easiest to supply power to neighboring EFA components with a connected power supply. This can be accomplished with the same power supply connected to neighboring EFA components, or with different preferably adapted power supplies that produce an ac component that is synchronized and in phase with the applied voltage.

  The present invention addresses theoretically optimal performance by addressing other shortcomings of the prior art air flow limitations and general inability. Another of these drawbacks includes the limited ability to produce large fluid flows that are commercially suitable. Yet another disadvantage is that large electrode structures (other than corona electrodes) are required to avoid the generation of high intensity electric fields. The use of physically large electrodes increases fluid flow resistance and limits the capacity and efficiency of the EFA.

Yet another problem arises when the EFA operates at or near its maximum capacity, ie when the maximum voltage is applied and power is consumed. In this case, the applied operating voltage is typically maintained near the dielectric breakdown voltage, which can result in undesirable electrical events such as sparks and / or arcs. Yet another drawback can occur when an unintended contact is made to one of the electrodes, and a large current flow can pass through a person, which is both uncomfortable and dangerous.

  The use of thin wires typically used as corona electrodes creates additional problems. Such wires must be relatively thin (usually about 0.004 ″ in diameter) and are brittle and therefore difficult to care for or handle.

  Another problem arises when a stronger fluid flow is needed or desirable (eg, a higher flow rate). A conventional multi-stage arrangement leads to a relatively low electrode density (and therefore insufficient maximum reach) because the corona electrodes must be at a minimum distance from each other to avoid mutual interference with the respective electric fields. Leads to possible power). Spacing requirements increase volume and limit electrode density.

  A feature of the present invention is that the use of highly resistive materials in the construction and manufacture of the accelerating electrodes allows for new electrode geometries and optimized mutual electrode locations (ie, inter-electrode geometries). ) To provide a novel solution for increasing fluid flow.

  According to a feature of the invention, the plurality of corona electrodes and the accelerating electrode are positioned parallel to each other, and a part of the electrodes extends between respective planes perpendicular to the direction of air flow. The corona electrode is made of a conductive material such as metal or conductive ceramic. The corona electrode may be in the form of a fine wire, blade or band. Corona discharge occurs in a small area of the corona electrode, which is referred to herein as the “ionization edge”. These ends are generally downstream of the corona electrode with respect to the desired fluid flow direction. Other electrodes (eg, accelerating electrodes) are in the form of bars or thin strips that extend in the main direction of fluid flow. In general, the number of corona electrodes is equal to the number of acceleration electrodes plus one. That is, each corona electrode is positioned opposite and parallel to one or two adjacent acceleration electrodes.

The accelerating electrode is made of a high resistance material that provides a high resistance path, i.e. made of a high resistivity material that easily conducts the corona current without causing a large voltage drop across the electrode. For example, the acceleration electrode is made of a relatively high resistance material such as carbon-filled plastic, silicon, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, boron nitride, silicon carbide, cadmium selenide. These materials typically have a specific resistance in the range of 103 to 109 'Ω-cm, more preferably between 105 and 108' Ω-cm, more preferably in the range of 106 to 107 'Ω-cm. Has the rate ρ. )
At the same time, the electrode geometry is selected such that local events or disturbances such as sparks or arcs are terminated without generating large current increases or sounds.

  The present invention increases the density of electrodes in EFA (typically measured by “electrode length” per volume) and aerodynamics caused by the electrode as related to the physical thickness of the electrode. Greatly reduces the resistance of typical fluids. An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides substantially spark-free operation regardless of how close the operating voltage applied to the electrode approaches the limit of electrical breakdown. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a robust corona electrode shape that makes the electrode more robust and reliable. The design of the electrode can create a “fault-free” EFA, for example, one that does not pose a safety risk if contacted unintentionally.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is the use of an electrode that uses something other than a solid material to provide a corona discharge. For example, a conductive fluid can be efficiently used to support corona discharge emission, greater electrical processing capability, and increase fluid velocity. In addition, the fluid can alter the electrochemical process in the vicinity of the corona discharge sheath, for example (in the case of air), producing less ozone than produced by solid corona material. Or cause chemical alteration of the passing fluid (instantaneous harmful gas destruction).

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of a high voltage power supply (HVPS), which rapidly reduces the voltage output level to a level that is somewhat below the breakdown start level that also generates a high amplitude dc voltage having a low amplitude, high frequency voltage ripple. A low-inertia output circuit that can be controlled to decrease is provided. FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of another high voltage power supply configured to prevent spark events in a high voltage device such as a corona discharge device. FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of another high voltage power supply configured to prevent the occurrence of a spark event in a high voltage device. FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a high voltage power supply configured to prevent the occurrence of a spark event in a high voltage device. FIG. 6 is an oscilloscope trace of output corona current and output voltage at a corona discharge electrode of an electrostatic fluid accelerator that receives power from an HVPS configured to predict and avoid spark events. FIG. 3 is a diagram of an HVPS connected to supply HV power to an electrostatic device. It is the schematic of the power supply which produces | generates dc voltage and dc + ac electric current. It is a wave form diagram of the power supply output which shows separately the amplitude of a voltage and an electric current with time. In schematic diagram of a corona discharge device with insufficient electrode-to-electrode capacitance to (i) optimize air flow, (ii) reduce power consumption, and / or (iii) minimize ozone production. is there. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a corona discharge device optimized to benefit from and cooperate with a power source as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an oscilloscope trace of high voltage and resulting corona current applied to a corona discharge device. 1 is a schematic diagram of an Electrostatic Fluid Accelerator (EFA) assembly with one high voltage power supply supplying adjacent corona discharge stages. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an EFA assembly with a synchronized pair of power supplies feeding each adjacent corona discharge stage. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram of voltage and current between electrodes of neighboring EPA stages that do not have an ac differential voltage component between the stages. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram of voltage and current between electrodes of neighboring EFA stages where a small voltage ripple exists between the stages. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a power supply unit including a pair of high voltage power supply subassemblies with synchronized output voltages. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing a two-stage EFA assembly that implements a first electrode geometry. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view showing a two-stage EFA assembly that implements a second electrode arrangement geometry. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an EFA assembly with a corona electrode spaced from an electrically opposed high resistance accelerating electrode and formed as a thin wire. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an EFA assembly comprising a corona electrode formed as a wire and an accelerating electrode formed as a high resistance bar, the latter comprising a conductive portion entirely enclosed within an outer shell. FIG. 6 shows an EFA assembly with corona electrodes formed as wires and acceleration electrodes formed as high resistance bars, with adjacent segments varying along the width of the acceleration electrodes or having graded conductivity. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an EFA assembly with a corona electrode in the form of a thin strip located between electrically opposing high resistance acceleration electrodes. FIG. It is a figure which shows the corona electric current distribution in the fluid and the inside of the main body of a corresponding acceleration electrode. FIG. 5 shows a current path that occurs as a result of a spark or arc event. It is the schematic which shows a comb-shaped acceleration electrode. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hollow, drop-like corona electrode filled with a conductive fluid and inserted between high resistance acceleration electrodes.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) 100 configured to prevent the occurrence of a spark event in a high voltage device such as an electrostatic fluid accelerator. The HVPS 100 includes a high voltage step-up transformer 106 with a primary winding 107 and a secondary winding 108. The primary winding 107 is connected to the ac voltage provided by the DC voltage source 101 via a half-bridge inverter (power transistors 104, 113 and capacitors 105, 114). The gate signal controller 111 generates a control pulse at the gates of the transistors 104 and 113, the frequency of which is determined by the values of the resistor 110 and capacitor 116 that form the RC timing circuit. The secondary winding 108 is connected to a voltage rectifier 109 that includes four high voltage (HV) high frequency diodes configured as a full wave bridge rectifier circuit. The HVPS 100 generates a high voltage between a terminal 120 connected to an HV device or an electrode (eg, a corona discharge device) and ground. The voltage applied to the HV device, eg, the AC component of the voltage applied across the array of corona discharge electrodes, is sensed by the high voltage capacitor 119, and the sensed voltage is limited by the zener diode 122. When the output voltage exhibits a characteristic voltage variation preceding the spark, the characteristic AC component of the variation leads to a relatively large signal level across resistor 121, turning on transistor 115. Transistor 115 grounds pin 3 of signal controller 111 and interrupts the voltage across the gates of power transistors 104 and 113. When transistors 104 and 113 are rendered non-conductive, the voltage is interrupted almost instantaneously across primary winding 107 and transmitted to the strongly coupled secondary winding 108. A similar rapid voltage drop occurs in the corona discharge device below the spark start level, thus avoiding an impending arc or breakdown.

  Anti-spark technology involves two steps or stages. First, the energy stored in the stray capacitance of the corona discharge device is discharged through the corona current and lowered to the corona start voltage. This voltage is always well below the spark start voltage. If this discharge occurs in less than about 0.1 mssec (ie, less than 100 mksec), the voltage drop effectively prevents the occurrence of a spark event. It has been experimentally found that the voltage drop from the higher spark start voltage level to the corona start level is preferably realized at about 50 mksec.

After the power supply voltage reaches the corona start level and the corona current stops, the discharge process becomes slower and the voltage drops to zero in a few milliseconds. Power supply 100 resumes voltage generation after the same predetermined time defined by resistor 121 and the gate-source self-capacitance of transistor 115. The predetermined time is typically on the order of a few milliseconds and has been found to be sufficient for the recovery of the ion loss process and normal operation. In response to reapplying primary power to the transformer 106, the voltage provided to the corona discharge device rises in approximately a few microseconds from a corona onset level to a normal operating level. With such an arrangement, no spark event will occur when the output voltage exceeds a value that would otherwise cause frequent sparks in the same corona discharge arrangement and configuration. The power supply 100 can be constructed using available electrical components and no special components are required.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of an alternative power source 200 with a lead contact 222 and an additional load 223. The power supply 200 includes a high voltage, two winding inductor 209 with a primary winding 210 and a secondary winding 211. The primary winding 210 is connected to the ground via the power transistor 208 and is connected to a dc power source provided at the terminal 201. A PWM controller 205 (eg, a UC3843 current mode PWM controller) generates a control pulse at the gate of transistor 208 whose operating frequency is determined by an RC circuit including resistor 202 and capacitor 204. A typical frequency is 100 kHz or more. Secondary winding 211 is connected to a voltage doubler circuit including HV capacitors 215 and 218 and high frequency HV diodes 216 and 217. The power supply 200 generates HVdc power between 10 kV and 25 kV between output terminals 219 and 220 connected to the HV device or electrode (ie, load), typically 18 kV. The control transistor 203 is turned on when the current through the shunt resistor 212 exceeds a preset level so that the current flows through the control coil 221 of a lead type relay including the lead contact 222. As current flows through the coil 221, the reed contact 222 closes, directs the HV output to the HV damping resistor 223, loads the output, and the level of the output voltage at a time determined by the resistor 207 and capacitor 206. Reduce. Using this spark management circuit in combination with various EFA components and / or devices can substantially eliminate all sparks during normal operation. Reed relay 203/222 may be ZP-3 from Ge-Ding Information Inc. of Taiwan.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of another HVPS arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. However, in this case, the HVPS 300 includes a lead contact 322 and an additional load 323 connected directly to the output terminal of the HVPS. The HVPS 300 includes a high voltage transformer 309 with a primary winding 310 and a secondary winding 311. Primary winding 310 is connected to ground via power transistor 308 and to a DC source connected to power input terminal 301. PWM controller 305 (eg, UC3843) generates a control pulse at the gate of transistor 308. The operating frequency of these control pulses is determined by resistor 302 and capacitor 304. Secondary winding 311 is connected to a voltage doubler circuit including HV capacitors 315 and 318 and high frequency HV diodes 316 and 317. The HVPS 300 produces a high voltage output of approximately 18 kV at output terminals 319 and 320 connected to an HV device or electrode (load). The spark control transistor 303 is turned on when the current through the shunt resistor 312 exceeds a predetermined level set in advance, so that the current flows through the control coil 321. As current flows through the coil 321, the lead contact 322 closes and directs the HVPS HV output to the HV damping resistor 323, thereby increasing the level of the output voltage for a time determined by the resistor 307 and capacitor 306. To reduce. Using this initial spark detection and mitigation arrangement, virtually no spark is generated over long operating times.

FIG. 4 shows a power supply configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2, HVPS 400 further includes a normally open contact 422 and a relay including coil 421, and a power damping load 423. HVPS 400 includes a power transformer 409 with a primary winding 410 and a secondary winding 411. Primary winding 410 is connected to ground through power transistor 408 and is connected to a dc power supply at terminal 401. A PWM controller 405 (eg, UC3843) generates a train of control pulses at the gate of transistor 408. The operating frequency of these pulses is set by resistor 402 and capacitor 404. Secondary winding 411 is connected to supply a high voltage (eg, 9 kV) to a voltage doubler circuit including HV capacitors 415 and 418 and high frequency HV diodes 416 and 417. The power source 400 has terminals 419 and 4 connected to HV devices or corona electrodes (loads).
20 generates a high voltage output. The control transistor 403 allows current to flow through the coil 421 when the current through the shunt resistor 412 exceeds a predetermined level preset to be characteristic of an impending spark event. As current flows through coil 421, relay contact 422 closes and shorts primary winding 410 via damping resistor 423. The additional load provided by damping resistor 423 rapidly reduces the output voltage level at the time determined by resistor 407 and capacitor 406.

  FIG. 5 is an oscilloscope display including two traces of power output at corona current 501 and output voltage 502. As shown, the corona current has a characteristic thin spike 503 showing an initial spark within a time of about 0.1 to 1.0 msec, here shown after about 2.2 msec of the current spike. Detection of a current spike 503 in a corona discharge device or similar HV device is necessary to activate the control circuit, turn off the HVPS, and preferably reduce the electrode potential to or below the breakdown safety level. Attenuate the stored energy. For example, in addition to interrupting primary power to the HVPS by suppressing the operation of a high frequency pulse generator (eg, PWM controller 205), the voltage applied to the HV device is at a level below the spark start or breakdown potential. Other steps may be taken to reduce rapidly. These steps and support circuitry may include “dumping” the stored charge into a suitable “sink”, such as a resistor, capacitor, inductor or combination thereof. The sink may be within the physical boundaries of the HVPS and / or may be on a powered device, ie an HV device or load. When in load, the sink can receive the charge stored in the load more quickly, and the sink in HVPS can be directed to reduce the voltage level at the output of the HVPS. It should be noted that the sink can be used to dissipate power to supply the load or reduce the voltage level of the load, for example using HV resistors. Alternatively, energy may be stored and reapplied after the spark event has been addressed to quickly return the device to normal operation. Furthermore, it is not necessary in all cases to reduce the voltage to a zero potential level, and it may be sufficient to reduce the voltage level to some known or predicted value to avoid spark events. According to one embodiment, HVPS minimizes the characteristics of certain pre-spark indicators (eg, current spike intensity, waveform, duration, etc.) to avoid the possibility of a spark event or to a preset level. Processing and storage capabilities to correlate with appropriate responses to enable. For example, HVPS is the absolute amplitude or area under a current spike

In response to a pre-determined number of loads to provide control of a desired amount of spark events, e.g., avoiding spark events and May be delayed or reduced, providing a desired number or amount of spark events, and so on.

Referring again to FIG. 5, if the output of the HVPS is completely interrupted and no current flows through the corona discharge device, the voltage of the corona discharge device drops rapidly as shown in FIG. 5 and described above. After a short period of time, a current spike 504 can be observed that indicates the moment when an actual spark event would have occurred if no action was taken to reduce the voltage level applied to the HV device. Fortunately, the output voltage is well below the spark level, so no spark or arc is generated. Instead, only moderate current spikes are seen, which are small enough not to create disturbances or undesirable electrical arcing. After a time on the order of 2-10 msec of detection of current spike 504, or 1-9 msec of current spike 503, the HVPS is turned on and normal operation resumes.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram of an HVPS 601 according to the present invention connected to supply HV power to an electrostatic device 602, eg, a corona discharge fluid accelerator. The electrostatic device 602 may include a plurality of corona discharge electrodes 603 connected to the HVPS 601 by a common connection 604. Attractor or collector electrode 605 is connected to the complementary HV output of HVPS 601 by connection 606. When an HV potential is applied to the corona discharge electrode 603, an electron cloud of each corona discharge is formed in the vicinity of the electrode, and serves as an insulator between the attractor electrode or collector electrode 605 charged opposite to the corona discharge electrode. Charging molecules of the acting intervening fluid (eg air). The ionized fluid molecules are accelerated toward the opposite charge of the collector / attractor electrode 605, resulting in the desired fluid movement. However, due to various environmental and other disturbances, the insulating properties of the fluid can be different. This variation may be sufficient to reduce the breakdown voltage to the point where an electrical arc can occur between the set of corona discharge electrodes and attractor electrodes 603,605. For example, changes in dust, moisture, and / or fluid density may lower the breakdown level to a point below the operating voltage applied to the device. Manage events such as lowering operating voltage in situations where it is desirable to avoid sparks by monitoring the electrical characteristics of the power signal for pre-spark beacon events (eg, current spikes or pulses) Appropriate steps are realized.

  Although the above-described invention is directed to eliminating or reducing the number and / or intensity of spark events, other embodiments may provide other spark management facilities, capabilities and functionality. For example, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a more uniform spark discharge by rapidly changing the voltage level (eg, by changing the operating period of the PWM controller), and the desired spark intensity and / or amount. Can be managed for sparking purposes or for some other purpose. Thus, additional applications and implementations of embodiments of the present invention include pre-spark detection and rapid voltage changes to specific levels to obtain the desired results.

  According to these and other features of the present invention, three features provide efficient management of spark events. First, the power source should be non-inertial. This means that the current supply must be able to change the output voltage rapidly in a time shorter than the time between the pre-spark indicator and the occurrence of the spark event. This time is usually less than 1 millisecond. Second, an efficient and rapid pre-spark detection method should be incorporated into the power shutdown circuit. Third, load devices, such as corona discharge devices, should have a low self-capacitance that can be discharged in less time than the time between the pre-spark sign and the actual spark event.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a power source suitable for supplying power to a corona discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A high voltage power supply (HVPS) 705 generates a power supply voltage 701 (FIG. 7B) having a varying amplitude Vac + dc. Voltage 701 superimposes an ac or alternating current component of amplitude Vac having an instantaneous value represented by distance 703 (ie, alternating current component of voltage) on average dc voltage of Vdc. A typical average dc component (Vdc) of voltage 701 is in the range of 10 kV to 25 kV, more preferably equal to 18 kV. The ripple frequency “f” is typically around 100 kHz. Note that low frequency harmonics may be present in the voltage waveform, for example, multiples of the frequency of a 60 Hz commercial power line including 120 Hz. The following calculation considers only the most significant harmonic, ie the highest harmonic, in this case 100 kHz. The ripple peak-to-peak amplitude 703 (Vac is the ac component of the voltage 701) can be in the range of 0 to 2000 volts peak-to-peak, more preferably less than or equal to 900V and the RMS value Is approximately 640V. Voltage 701 is applied to a pair of electrodes (ie, corona discharge electrode and attractor electrode). Resistor 706 represents the internal resistance of HVPS 705 and the resistance of the wire connecting HVPS 705 to the electrode, and this resistance typically has a relatively small value. Capacitor 707 represents the parasitic capacitance between the two electrodes. Note that the value of the capacitor 707 is not constant, but is roughly estimated to be at a level of about 10 pF.

  Resistor 708 exhibits a non-reacting dc ohm load resistance R characteristic of the air gap between the corona discharge electrode and the attractor electrode. This resistor R depends on the applied voltage and typically has a value of 10 megaohms.

The dc component from HVPS 705 flows through resistor 708 and the ac component flows primarily through capacitance 707 which exhibits a substantially lower impedance in the 100 kHz operating range than resistor 708. In particular, the impedance Xc of the capacitor 707 is a function of the ripple frequency. In this case, this is
X _c = 1 / (2πfC) = 1 / (2 ^* 3.14 ^* 100,000 ^* 10 ^* 10 ⁻¹² ) = 160 kΩ.

The ac component I _{a.c. of the} current flowing through the capacitance 707 is
I _a.c. = V _a.c. / X _c = 640 / 160,000 = 0.004A = 4 mA
be equivalent to.

The dc component I _{dc of the} current flowing through resistor 708 is
I _dc = V _{dc /} R = 18 kV / 10 MΩ = 1.8 mA
be equivalent to.

Therefore, the ac component I _ac of the resulting current between the electrodes is about 2.2 times greater than the dc component of the resulting current.

  The operation of apparatus 700 can also be described with reference to the timing diagram of FIG. 7B. When the ionization current reaches some maximum amplitude (Imax), ions are ejected from the corona discharge electrode, charging surrounding molecules and fluid particles (ie, air molecules). At this time, maximum electric power is generated and maximum ozone generation (in air or oxygen) is performed. As the current decreases to Imin, less power is generated and virtually no ozone is generated.

  At the same time, the charged molecules and particles are accelerated toward the opposing electrode (attractor electrode) with the same force as the state of maximum current (since the voltage is substantially constant). Thus, the fluid acceleration rate is substantially unaffected and not as much as ozone production is reduced.

The acceleration of the surrounding fluid results from the moment of ions from the corona discharge electrode to the attractor electrode. This is because ions are emitted from the corona discharge electrode under the influence of the voltage 701 to create an “ion cloud” around the corona discharge electrode. The cloud of ions moves toward the opposite attractor electrode in response to the strength of the electric field, and the strength is proportional to the value of the applied voltage 701. The power supplied by power supply 705 is approximately proportional to output current 702 (assuming voltage 701 is maintained substantially constant). Thus, the pulsating current 702 consumes less energy than a pure dc component of the same amplitude. Such a current waveform and relationship between the ac and dc components of the current is ensured by having a low internal resistance 706 and a small amplitude AC component 703 of the output voltage. The most efficient electrostatic fluid acceleration is when the relative amplitude of the AC component of current 702 (ie, Iac / Idc) is greater than the relative amplitude of the AC component of voltage 701 (ie, Vac / Vdc). It has been experimentally found that it can be obtained. Furthermore, additional improvements are realized when these ratios are separated. Thus, if Vac / Vdc is significantly below (ie, not more than half) Iac / Idc, preferably not 1/10, 1/100 or more preferably 1/1000 of Iac / Idc (Where Vac and Iac are measured in the same way, eg, both RMS, peak to peak or similar values), a more efficient fluid acceleration is achieved. Expressed mathematically differently, the product of the constant component of the corona current and the time-varying component of the applied voltage is the product of the time-varying component of the corona current and the constant component of the applied voltage. The divide by should be minimized and each separate step provides a great improvement in magnitude over the original step.

  FIG. 8A shows a corona discharge device that does not satisfy the above equation. This includes a needle-shaped corona discharge electrode 800 whose sharp geometry provides the electric field necessary to generate a corona discharge near the pointed end of the needle. The opposing collector electrode 801 is much larger and in the form of a smooth bar. A high voltage power supply 802 is connected to both electrodes through high voltage supply wires 803 and 804. However, due to the relative orientation of the discharge electrode 800 perpendicular to the central axis of the collector electrode 801, this arrangement does not produce significant capacitance between the electrodes 800 and 801. In general, the capacitance is directly proportional to the effective area facing between the electrodes. This area is very small in the device shown in FIG. 8A because one of the electrodes is in the form of a needle tip having a minimal cross-sectional area. Therefore, the current flowing from electrode 800 to electrode 801 does not have a significant ac component. An arrangement of corona discharge devices similar to that shown in FIG. 8A shows a very low air acceleration capability and the production of a relatively large amount of ozone.

  FIG. 8B shows an alternative corona discharge device. The plurality of corona discharge electrodes are in the form of long and thin corona discharge wires 805 and the opposing collector electrode 806 is in the form of a thicker bar parallel to the corona wire 805. High voltage power supply 807 is connected to corona discharge wire 805 and collector electrode 806 by respective high voltage supply wires 809 and 810. This arrangement results in a much larger area between the electrodes and therefore a much larger capacitance between them. The current flowing from the corona wire 805 to the collector electrode 806 has a significant ac component, and the high voltage power supply 807 can have sufficient current supply capability. With the arrangement of a corona discharge device such as that shown in FIG. 8B, the air acceleration capability when powered by a high voltage power supply with a substantially high frequency current ripple but a small voltage ripple (ie alternating current component). Is relatively large and the production of ions is relatively small.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the high voltage power supply circuit 100 may be configured to be able to generate a high voltage with a small high frequency ripple. As described above, the power supply 100 includes a high voltage dual winding transformer 106 comprising a primary winding 107 and a secondary winding 108. The primary winding 107 is connected to the dc voltage source 101 through a half-bridge inverter (power transistors 104 and 113 and capacitors 105 and 114). The gate signal controller 111 generates a control pulse at the gates of the transistors 104 and 113 through the resistors 103 and 117. The operating frequency of these pulses is determined by the values selected for resistor 110 and capacitor 116. The secondary winding 108 of the transformer 106 is connected to a bridge voltage rectifier 109 that includes four high voltage high frequency power diodes. The power supply 100 generates a high voltage output between the terminal 120 and the ground connected to the electrode of the corona discharge device.

FIG. 9 shows an output current and voltage waveform at the corona discharge device, high voltage 901 oscilloscope trace, along with the resulting current 902 generated and flowing through the array of electrodes. It can be seen that the voltage 901 has a relatively constant amplitude of about 15,300 V, with little or no AC component. On the other hand, the current 902 has a relatively large alternating current component (ripple) exceeding 2 mA, far exceeding the average value (1.189 mA) of the current.

  In addition to the features described above, the present invention further includes an embodiment in which a low inertia power source is combined with an array of corona discharge elements that provide a high reactance load to the current supply. That is, the capacitive load of the array greatly exceeds the reactance component at the output of the power supply. This relationship results in a constant low ripple voltage and high ripple current. The result is an efficient electrostatic fluid accelerator with reduced ozone production.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic fluid accelerator (EFA) apparatus 1000 according to another embodiment of the invention that includes two EFA stages 1014 and 1015. The first EFA stage 1014 includes a corona discharge electrode 106 and an associated acceleration electrode 1012, and the second EFA stage 1015 includes a corona discharge electrode 1013 and an associated acceleration electrode 1011. Both the EFA stage and all electrodes are shown schematically. For ease of explanation, only one set of corona discharge and current collection electrodes is shown per stage, but it is expected that each stage may contain many array pairs of corona and acceleration electrodes. . An important feature of the EFA 1000 is that the distance d ₁ between the corona discharge electrode 1006 and the collector electrode 1012 is comparable to the distance d ₂ between the collector electrode 1012 and the corona discharge electrode 1013 of the subsequent stage 1015, ie The closest distance between elements in adjacent stages is not much larger than the distance between electrodes in the same stage. Typically, the distance d ₂ between the collector electrode 1012 and the adjacent corona discharge electrode 1013 is equal to the corona discharge electrode 1006 and the collector electrode 10 in the same step.
Distance d ₁ in the step between the corona discharge electrode 1013 and the collector electrode 1
(Interval with 011) should be between 1.2 times and 2.0 times. Because of this consistent spacing, the capacitances between electrodes 1006 and 1012 and 1006 and 1013 are on the same order. In this arrangement, some parasitic current can flow between the electrodes due to the capacitive coupling between the corona discharge electrodes 1006 and 1013. This parasitic current is of the same order of magnitude as the capacitive current between the electrode pairs 1006 and 1012. To reduce unnecessary current between the electrodes 1013 and 106, each should be provided with a synchronized high voltage waveform. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, both EFA stages are powered by a common power source 1005, ie, one voltage conversion circuit (eg, power transformer, rectifier and filtering circuit) that powers both stages in parallel. Etc.) is powered by a power source having This keeps the voltage difference between electrodes 1006 and 1013 constant with respect to electrodes 1006 and 1011 so that no current flows between electrodes 1006 and 1013 or a very small current. Only flows.

  FIG. 10B is an alternative configuration of EFA 1001 that includes a pair of EFA stages 1016 and 1017 powered by separate current supplies 1002 and 1003, respectively. The first EFA stage 1016 includes a corona discharge electrode 1007 and a collecting electrode 1008 that form a pair of complementary electrodes within the stage 1016. The second EFA stage 1017 includes a corona discharge electrode 1009 and a collecting electrode 1010 that form a second pair of complementary electrodes. Both EFA stages 1016, 1017 and all electrodes 1007-1010 are shown schematically.

The first EFA stage 1016 is powered by a power source 1002 and the second EFA stage 1017 is powered by a power source 1003. Both EFA stages and both power supplies 1002 and 1003 may be the same design to simplify synchronization, but different designs may be used as appropriate to accommodate alternative arrangements. . Power supplies 1002 and 1003 are synchronized by control circuit 1004 to provide a synchronized power output. The control circuit generates a substantially equal synchronized and in-phase output voltage for both power supplies 1002 and 1003 so that the potential difference between the electrodes 1007 and 1009 is kept substantially constant. (For example, have no ac voltage component or have a very small ac voltage component). (Note: The term “synchronized” generally includes both frequency and phase matching between signals, and the requirement for phase adjustment is further emphasized by the use of the term “in-phase”. For example, the signals need to be in phase with each other at the relevant location so that they are applied to each stage and are present at each stage). By keeping this potential difference constant (ie, by minimizing or eliminating the ac voltage component), the capacitive current flow between electrodes 1007 and 1009 is, for example, typically less than 1 mA, Preferably it is limited or eliminated to an acceptable value of less than 100 μA.

  The reduction of the parasitic current between adjacent EPA stage electrodes can be understood with reference to the waveforms shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As seen in FIG. 11A, voltage V1 present at electrode 1007 (FIG. 10B) and voltage V2 present at electrode 1009 are synchronized and in phase, but the dc amplitudes are not necessarily equal. For perfect synchronization, the difference V1-V2 between the voltages present at electrodes 1007 and 1009 is approximately constant and represents only the dc offset value between signals (ie, no ac component). The current Ic flowing through the capacitance coupling between the electrode 1007 and the electrode 1009 is proportional to the change time rate (dV / dt) of the voltage of this capacitance.

^{_{I c = C * [d (}} V1-V2) / dt]
From this relationship, it can be directly seen that when the voltage of an arbitrary capacitance is kept constant (that is, it does not have an ac component), no current flows through the path. On the other hand, even with a small voltage change, if the voltage change is fast, a large capacitive current flow can be created (ie, large d (V1-V2) / dt). In order to prevent excessive current flow from different electrodes of neighboring EFA stages, the voltages applied to these neighboring stage electrodes should be synchronized and in phase. For example, referring to FIG. 11B, the corona voltages V1 and V2 are not slightly synchronized, resulting in a small ac voltage component of the difference, d (V1-V2) / dt. This small ac voltage component leads to a significant parasitic current Ic flowing between adjacent EFA stages. Embodiments of the invention include synchronization of power applied to all stages to avoid current flow between stages.

The closest spacing between adjacent EFA stage electrodes can be estimated as follows. Note that typical EFAs operate efficiently over a narrow voltage range. The voltage V _c applied between the corona discharge electrode and the collecting electrode in the same stage must exceed the so-called corona start voltage V _onset for proper operation. That is, when the voltage V _c is less than V _onset , no corona discharge occurs and no air movement is generated. At the same time, V _c must not exceed the breakdown voltage V _b to avoid arcing. Depending on the electrode geometry and other conditions, V _b may be greater than twice V _onset . In a typical electrode configuration, the ratio of V _b / V _onset is about 1
. 4 to 1.8, so that any particular corona discharge electrode is not positioned at a distance from neighboring current collecting electrodes that can produce a “back corona”. Thus, the normalized distance aNn between the nearest electrodes of neighboring stages is not at least 1.2 times greater than the normalized distance “aNc” between the corona discharge electrode and the collecting electrode of the same stage. Preferably, it is preferably not more than twice the distance “aNc”. That is, the neighboring stage electrodes must be spaced so that the voltage difference between the electrodes is less than the corona onset voltage between any of the neighboring stage electrodes.

If the above conditions are not met, the necessary result is that neighboring stages must be more spaced apart from each other than otherwise. When the spacing between stages is so increased, several conditions adversely affect the air movement. For example, increasing the spacing between neighboring stages increases the length of the duct and consequently increases the resistance to air flow. EF
The overall size and weight of A also increases. Using synchronized and in-phase HVPS allows these negatives to be reduced by reducing the spacing between HFA stages without reducing efficiency or increasing spark generation. Aspects are avoided.

  Referring to FIG. 12, a two stage EFA 1200 includes a pair of HVPSs 1201 and 1202 associated with respective first and second stages 1212 and 1213. Both stages are substantially identical and are powered by the same HVPS 1201 and 1202. HVPS 1201 and 1202 include respective pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers 1204 and 1205, power transistors 1206 and 1207, high voltage inductors 1208 and 1209 (ie, filtering chokes), and voltage doublers 1201 and 1202. HVPS 1220 and 1221 supply power to the EFA corona discharge electrodes of stages 1212 and 1213, respectively. As before, the EFA electrodes of stages 1212 and 1213 are shown schematically as one pair of one corona discharge electrode and one acceleration (attractor) electrode, but each stage is typically a two-dimensional array. A plurality of electrode pairs configured as: PWM controllers 1204 and 1205 generate high frequency pulses (and supply at pin 7) at the gates of the respective power transistors 1206 and 1207. The frequency of these pulses is determined by the respective RC timing circuit including resistor 1216 and capacitor 1217 and resistor 1218 and capacitor 1219. Usually, slight differences in the values of these components between stages lead to slightly different operating frequencies of the two HVPS stages. However, even small variations in frequency lead to asynchronous operation of EFA 1200 stages 1212 and 1213. Therefore, to ensure synchronized and in-phase operation of power supplies 1201 and 1202 (ie, zero phase shift or difference), controller 1205 is connected via a synchronous input circuit including resistor 1215 and capacitor 1214. Are connected to receive a synchronization signal pulse from pin 1 of the PWM controller 1204. This arrangement synchronizes the PWM controller 1205 to the PWM controller 1204 so that the output voltage pulses of both PWM controllers are both synchronized (same frequency) and in phase (same phase).

  13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing two different configurations of a two-stage EFA apparatus. Although only two stages are shown, the detailed principles and structures are equal. Referring to FIG. 13A, the first EFA device 1311 consists of serial or tandem stages 1314 and 1315. The first stage 1314 includes a plurality of parallel corona discharge electrodes 1301 aligned in a first vertical column and current collecting electrodes 1302 aligned in a second column parallel to the column of corona discharge electrodes 1301. All electrodes are shown with a cross section extending longitudinally in and out of the page of the drawing. The corona discharge electrode 1301 may be in the form of a conductive wire as shown, although other configurations are possible. The collecting electrode 1302 is shown as a conductive bar elongated in the horizontal direction. This is also for purposes of illustration, and other geometric forms and configurations may be implemented consistent with various embodiments of the invention. The second stage 1315 comprises a row of aligned corona discharge electrodes 1303 (also shown as thin conductive wires extending perpendicular to the page of the drawing) and current collecting electrodes 1304 (shown as bars). including. All electrodes are mounted in the air duct 1305. The first stage 1314 and the second stage 1315 of the EFA 1311 are each powered by separate HVPS (not shown). Since the HVPS is synchronized and in phase, the corona discharge electrode 1303 of the second stage 1315 does not adversely affect or degrade the performance of the EPA, but the current collection of the first stage 1314. It can be placed at a standardized distance as close as possible to the electrode 1302.

For illustrative purposes, assume that all voltages applied to the electrodes of adjacent stages 1314 and 1315 and their components (eg, ac and dc) are equal. Further, a high voltage is applied to the corona discharge electrodes 1301 and 1303, and the current collecting electrodes 1302 and 1304 are grounded, that is, at a common ground potential with respect to the high voltage applied to the corona discharge electrodes 1301 and 1303. It is assumed that it is maintained. All electrodes are arranged in parallel and vertical columns with corresponding electrodes in separate stages that are horizontally aligned and vertically offset with complementary electrodes in its own stage in staggered columns . The normalized distance 1310 between the corona discharge electrode 1301 and the leading edge of the nearest neighboring current collecting electrode 1302 is equal to aN1. The normalized distance aN2 (1313) between the second stage corona electrode 1303 and the trailing edge of the first stage collector electrode 1302 should be some distance aN2 greater than aN1; The actual distance depends on the specific voltage applied to the corona discharge electrode. In any case, aN2 must be greater than aN1, i.e. 1 to 2 times the distance aN1, more preferably 1.1 to 1.65 times aN1, even more preferably about 1.4 times. Should be within the range of aN1. In particular, as shown in FIG. 13A, the distance aN2 must be larger than needed to avoid the voltage between the corona onset voltages that create current flow during that time. Assume that this normalized “stunt” distance aN2 is equal to 1.4 × aN1. Then, the horizontal distance 1312 between adjacent steps is less than the distance aN2 (1313). As shown, the spacing within a step is minimized when the same type of electrode in adjacent steps is located on one plane 1320 (shown in FIG. 13A). The plane 1314 can be defined as a plane orthogonal to the plane including the edge of the corona discharge electrode (plane 1317 in FIG. 13A). If the same type of electrodes in adjacent stages are located in different but parallel planes, eg, planes 1321 and 1322 (shown in FIG. 13B), the resulting minimum between adjacent EFA stage electrodes The spacing is equal to aN2 indicated by line 1319. Note that because the length of line 1319 is the same as distance 1313 (aN2) and longer than distance 1312, the spacing between the stages is increased.

  Thus, these features of the present invention incorporate an architecture that satisfies various combinations of one or more of the three conditions.

  1. Adjacent EFA stage electrodes are powered with substantially the same voltage waveform, ie, the potentials on adjacent electrodes should have substantially the same AC component. These alternating components should be close or identical in magnitude and phase.

  2. Adjacent EFA stages are closely spaced, and the spacing between adjacent stages is limited to a distance sufficient to avoid or minimize any corona discharge between the electrodes of the adjacent stages, and It has been decided.

  3. The same type of electrodes in adjacent steps should be located in the same plane perpendicular to the plane in which the electrode (or the leading edge of the electrode) is located.

FIG. 14 shows a wire-like corona electrode 1402 (although other numbers may be included, three electrodes are shown for purposes of illustrating the present invention, and a typical apparatus is suitable for providing the desired performance. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an EFA device 1400 including a tens or hundreds of electrodes in a simple array) and an accelerating electrode 1409 (two in the simplified example of the invention). Each of the acceleration electrodes 1409 includes a relatively high resistance portion 1403 and a low resistance portion 1408. The high resistance portion 1403 has a specific resistance ρ within the range of 10 ¹ to 10 ⁹ ′ Ω-cm, more preferably 10 ⁵ to 10 ⁸ ′ Ω-cm, and even more preferably 10 ⁶ to 10 ⁷ ′ Ω-cm. Have.

All electrodes are shown in cross section. Accordingly, the corona electrode 1402 is in the form or shape of a thin wire, while the acceleration electrode 1409 is in the form of a bar or plate. The “downstream” portion of the corona electrode 1402 closest to the acceleration electrode 1409 forms the ionization end 1410. Corona electrode 1402 and low resistance portion 1408 of accelerating electrode 1409 are connected to the opposite polarity terminal of high voltage power supply (HVPS) 1401 through wire conductors 1404 and 1405. The low resistance portion 1408 has a specific resistance ρ ≦ 10 ⁴ 'Ω-cm, preferably 1'Ω-cm.
It has a specific resistance not exceeding, even more preferably not exceeding 0.1′Ω-cm. EF
A 1400 creates a fluid flow in the direction of the desired fluid flow indicated by arrow 1407.

  The HVPS 1401 is configured to generate a predetermined voltage between the electrode 1402 and the collecting electrode 1409 such that an electric field is formed between the electrodes. This electric field is represented by a stippled streamline schematically shown as 1406. When the voltage exceeds the so-called “corona onset voltage”, corona discharge activity is initiated in the vicinity of the corona electrode 1402, which results in a corresponding ion emission process from the corona electrode 1402.

Through the corona discharge process, fluid ions are emitted from the corona electrode 1402 and accelerated toward the accelerating electrode 1409 along and following the electric field line 1406. The corona current is in the form of free ions and other charged particulates and reaches the nearest end of the acceleration electrode 1409. A corona current then flows through the electrode along the path with the lowest electrical resistance, as opposed to the somewhat higher resistance path of the surrounding fluid. Since the high resistance portion 1403 of the acceleration electrode 1409 has a lower resistance than the surrounding ionized fluid, a significant portion of the corona current passes through the body of the acceleration electrode 1409, i.e., through the high resistance portion 1403 to the low resistance portion 1408, and It flows to the return path to the HVPS 1401 that is completed via the connection wire 1405. As the current flows along the width of the high resistance portion 1403 (parallel to the main direction of the air flow 1407) (see FIG. 14), a voltage drop Vd is caused along the current path. This voltage drop is proportional to the resistance R of the high resistance portion 1403 multiplied by the corona current Ic (for the time being, ignoring the resistance between the low resistance portion 1408 and the connecting wire). The actual voltage Va applied between the corona wire 102 and the nearest respective end of the acceleration electrode 1409 is then less than the output voltage Vout of the HVPS 1401 due to the voltage drop induced by the resistance. That is,
V _a = V _out −V _d = V _out −I _c ^* R (1)
Note that the corona current is non-linearly proportional to the voltage Va between the corona electrode 1402 and the end of the acceleration electrode 1409, ie, the current increases faster than the voltage. The relationship between voltage and current can be approximated by empirical formulas.

I _c = k ₁ ^* (V _a −V ₀ ) ^1.5 , (2)
In this case, V ₀ = corona start voltage and k ₁ = empirically determined coefficient. The relationship between the nonlinear gives the desired feedback, which, in effect, automatically controls the value of the resulting voltage V _a that appears across the electrodes, or prevent disturbances and irregularities of the corona discharge, to minimize Or alleviate or alleviate. It is noted that the corona discharge process is considered to be essentially “irregular” (ie “unpredictable”) corona current values that depend on multiple variable environmental factors such as temperature, contamination, moisture, and foreign objects. I want. If for some reason the corona current at one location of the space between the electrodes is greater than at some other location, the voltage drop V _d along the corresponding high resistance portion 1403 will be greater and thus this location The actual voltage V _{a at} will be lower. This limits the corona current at this location and prevents or minimizes the occurrence of sparks or arcs.

The following example is presented for purposes of illustration using typical component values that may be used in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the EFA 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, the corona onset voltage is assumed to be equal to 8.6 kV to achieve a minimum field strength of 30 kV / cm in the vicinity of the corona electrode 1402. . This value may be calculated, measured or otherwise determined and is specific to the corona onset value for the 10 mm spacing of the corona / acceleration electrode and the 0.1 mm diameter of the corona electrode. The total resistance R _total of the high resistance portion 103 of the acceleration electrode 1409 is equal to 0.5 MΩ, and the width of the high resistance portion 1403 along the air flow direction 1407 (see FIG. 14) is equal to 1 inch. The length of the accelerating electrode 1409 transverse to the direction of air flow (ie towards the plane of the drawing) is equal to 24 inches. Therefore, there is a resistance R _inch for each inch of the acceleration electrode 1409.

R _inch = R _total ^* 24 = 12M'Ω
The empirical factor for this particular design is equal to 22 ^* 10 ⁻⁶ . For an applied voltage Va equal to 12.5 kV, the corona current I _c is equal to:

I _c = 4.6 × 10 ^{−9 *} (12,500 V−8,600 V) ^1.5 = 1.12 mA.
However, the corona current I _{c / inch} flowing through each inch of the semiconductor portion 103 is equal to:

1.12 mA / 24 inch = 47 μA / inch.
Therefore, the voltage drop V _d over the length of 1 inch of this semiconductor portion 103 is equal to:

V _d = 47 ^* 10 ⁻⁶ A ^* 12 ^* 10 ⁶ Ω = 564V.
V _out from HVPS 1401 is equal to the sum of the voltages V _a applied to the electrodes, and the voltage drop V _d across the semiconductor portion 1403 of the accelerating electrode 1409 is:

_Vout = 12,500 + 564 = 13,064V.
If for some reason the corona current in a certain local area increases to be equal to 94 μA at a certain point, for example twice the well-distributed value of 47 μA / inch, the resulting voltage drop V _d is Reflecting the change will be equal to 1,128V (ie Vd = 94 × 10 ⁻⁶ μA ^* 12 × 10 ⁶ Ω). Then, V _a = V _out −V _d = 13,06
4-1, 128 = 11,936V. Thus, increasing the voltage drop V _d attenuates the actual voltage level in the local area and limits the corona current in this area. According to equation (2), the corona current I _c through this 1 inch length is 4.6 ^* 10 ⁻⁹ (11,936-8,600V) ^1.5 / 24 inch, as opposed to 1.12 mA. Can be expressed as This “negative feedback” effect thereby operates to restore normal EFA operation in the presence of some local irregularities. For example, in an extreme situation where a short circuit has occurred due to foreign matter (eg dust) entering the space between the electrodes, the maximum current through the circuit is actually due to the resistance of the local area where the foreign matter contacts the electrode. Limited.

For foreign objects such as fingers or screwdrivers that short the two electrodes together, ie, provide a relatively low resistance electrical path (compared to the electrical resistance of the intervening fluid) between the corona electrode 1402 and the acceleration electrode 1409 Consider. It can of course be assumed that the current flows through an area having a width approximately equal to the width of the high resistance portion 1403, ie 1 inch. Thus, a foreign object can produce the maximum current flow I _max , where I _max is
I _max = V _out / R _total = 13,064 V / 12 ^* 10 ⁶ Ω = 1.2 mA
Which is slightly greater than the normal operating current of 1.12 mA. Such a slight increase in current should not present a risk of electric shock, or should not cause any unpleasant noise (eg, arc and pop noise). At the same time, the maximum operating current of the entire EFA is limited to a value sufficient to provide strong fluid flow, eg, at least 100 ft ³ / min, as follows:

I _max = 13,064V / 0.5MΩ = 26mA
The acceleration electrode has a relatively low resistance (for example, ρ ≦ 10 ⁴ 'Ω-cm, preferably ρ ≦ 1′Ω−
cm, more preferably ρ ≦ 10 ⁻¹ 'Ω-cm), the short circuit current is due to the maximum power (ie maximum current capacity) of the HVPS 1401 and / or its output filter Will be limited by any energy stored in (e.g., filter capacitor), which poses a significant risk of electric shock to the user and causes an unpleasant "click" or "pop" sound caused by the spark. And / or electromagnetic disturbances (eg, radio frequency interference or rfi). In general, specific resistance characteristics and geometry (length to width ratio) of the high resistance portion 103 are selected to provide problem-free operation, but do not impose current limitations on EFA operation. . This is between (i) the total length of the acceleration electrode (size transverse to the direction of the main fluid flow) and (ii) the width of the acceleration electrode (size along the direction of fluid flow). This is achieved by providing a relatively large ratio (preferably when it is at least 10). In general, the length of the electrode should be greater than the width of the electrode. Optimum results can be achieved by providing a plurality of acceleration electrodes, preferably several acceleration electrodes equal to the number of corona electrodes plus or minus one, depending on the position and configuration of the electrodes. FIG. 14 shows two accelerating electrodes and three corona electrodes for illustrative purposes, but other electrode configurations include three accelerating electrodes facing the same three corona electrodes of the four accelerating electrodes, or others Note that this number and configuration of alternative electrode configurations will be included.

It should also be taken into account that excessive local currents can lead to degradation of the high resistance material. This is especially true if the foreign object is caught between the electrodes for some long period of time (eg, a few milliseconds or more before it is removed). To prevent electrode damage and related failures due to overcurrent conditions, the HVPS detects such overcurrent events and can quickly interrupt power generation or prevent current flow or Other devices may be provided. After a predetermined reset or rest period T _off, power generation over some period of time T _on stipulated sufficient minimum advance to detect any short circuit conditions of the remaining or residual can be recovered. If this short-circuit condition persists, the HVPS may be blocked for at least the period T _off or otherwise disabled. Thus, in order to ensure safe operation of the EFA and long electrode life if the overcurrent problem persists, the HVPS 1401 has a T _off that is substantially longer than T _on (eg, more than 10 times longer). This on / off cycle operation can continue over several cycles. Note that in some cases this cycle has the effect of eliminating certain short-circuit conditions without the need for manual intervention.

  FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of an EFA with an acceleration electrode having a high resistance portion. The main difference between EFA 1400 and EFA 1500 shown in FIG. 14 is that in the latter, the low resistance portion 1508 is completely contained within the high resistance portion 1503 of the acceleration electrode 1509 (ie, by the surrounding high resistance material). Completely enclosed). This modification provides at least two advantages to this embodiment of the invention. First, completely encapsulating the low resistance portion 1508 within the high resistance portion 1503 reduces EFA safety by preventing inadvertent or accidental direct contact with the high voltage “hot” terminals of the HVPS 1501. Enhanced. Second, this configuration allows corona current to flow through more portions or volumes of the high resistance portion 1503, not just the surface area. The surface conductivity for most high resistance materials (eg, plastic or rubber) is on the same order as volume (ie, internal) conductivity, but is dramatically different due to progressive surface contamination and degradation (eg, It is likely to change while increasing in the order of several digits with time).

EFA has the inherent ability to collect particles present in the fluid at the surface of the accelerating electrode. If some amount or amount of particles are collected or accumulate on the accelerating electrode, the particles may cover the surface of the electrode with a continuous solid layer of contaminants, such as a continuous film. The conductivity of this layer of contaminants can be higher than the conductivity of the high resistance material itself. In such a case, corona currents can flow through this layer of contaminants, which can detract from the advantages provided by high resistance materials. The EFA 1500 in FIG. 15 includes a low resistance portion 1508 in a high resistance portion 1503.
This problem is avoided by completely encapsulating. Note that the low resistance portion 1508 need not have any point that is continuous or directly in contact with the supply terminal of the HVPS 1501 or the conductive wire 1505 that supplies power from the HVPS 1501. The main function of these conductive portions is to balance the potential along the length of the accelerating electrode 1509, that is, the high resistance portion 1503 in contact with the low resistance portion 1508 is maintained at some equipotential. It should be understood that it is to distribute the current. In addition, if the corona electrode 1502 (including the ionization end 1510) is grounded, there is an opportunity to be inadvertently or accidentally exposed to dangerous current levels that can cause injury and / or electrocution due to high operating voltages. It is substantially reduced or eliminated because there is no “hot” potential to contact throughout the structure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an EFA assembly 1600 comprising a corona electrode 1602 and an acceleration electrode 1603 (preferably formed as a longitudinally oriented wire having an ionization end 1610), the acceleration electrode 1603 being horizontal. Are stacked, each having a different resistance value that decreases along the width of the acceleration electrode. The acceleration electrode 1603 is made up of several segments 1608-1612, each in direct contact with an adjacent adjacent segment. Each of these segments is made of or designed as a material having a different specific resistance value ρ _n . Specific resistance is HVPS
When gradually decreasing toward the 1601 terminal connection (ie, decreasing from segments 1608 to 1609, 1611 and 1612), the resulting electric field is more uniform in terms of linearity with respect to the main direction of fluid flow. It has been decided that there is. 14 and 16, note that the electric field lines shown between the corona electrodes 1402/1502 and the acceleration electrodes 1403/1503 are curved rather than completely parallel to the main direction of fluid flow. I want to be. This curvature accelerates ions and other charged particles over a range of directions, thereby reducing the efficiency of the EFA. It has been found that having a series of accelerating electrode resistance values aligns the ion trajectory with the main direction of fluid flow, especially when the corona current reaches a certain maximum. It should also be noted that although the acceleration electrode 1603 is shown to include several separate segments with respective resistance values ρ _n for illustrative purposes, the resistance values can be made constantly different across the width of the electrode. The gradual resistance variation across the width is achieved by several processes including, for example, ion implantation of a suitable impurity at a suitably varying concentration level to achieve a gradual resistance increase or decrease. Can be done.

  17A and 17B are schematic views of yet another example of an EFA 1700 in which the acceleration electrode 1703 is made of a high resistance material. For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 17A and 17B show a particular number of corona electrodes 1702 and acceleration electrodes 1703, respectively, although other numbers and configurations may be used consistent with various embodiments of the invention. .

  The acceleration electrode 1703 is made of a thin strip or layer of one or more high resistance materials. The corona electrode 1702 is made of a low resistance material such as metal or conductive ceramic. The HVPS 1701 is connected to the corona electrode 1702 and the acceleration electrode 1703 by conductive wires 1704 and 1705. The geometric configuration of the corona electrode 1702 is different from the geometric configuration in which the electrode is formed as a needle or fine wire that is inherently more difficult to maintain and install and is susceptible to damage during normal operation of the EFA. The downstream edge of each corona electrode 1702 includes an ionization end 1710. As with other small objects, the thin wires typically used for corona electrodes are fragile and unreliable. Instead, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B comprises a corona electrode in the form of a relatively wide metal strip. These metal strips inevitably have a thin corona discharge end so that a corona discharge can easily occur along their “bottom” edge, but the strips (in the direction along the air flow direction) B) It is relatively wide, so it is not as fragile as a correspondingly thin wire.

  Another advantage of the EFA 1700 shown in FIG. 17A includes an acceleration electrode 1703 that is substantially thinner than that used in previous systems. That is, the previous accelerating electrode is typically much thicker than the associated corona electrode so as not to generate an electric field around and around the edge of the accelerating electrode. The configuration shown in FIG. 17A is based on the arrangement of the edge of the corona electrode 1702 opposite or opposite to the flat surface of the acceleration electrode 1703 (in the figure of the present invention, the “bottom” edge on the right side of the corona electrode). Minimize or eliminate the generation of electric fields by 1703. That is, at least a portion of the body of the corona electrode 1702 extends toward the lower volume in the direction of the desired fluid flow past the leading edge of the accelerating electrode 1703, thereby providing a working portion along the trailing edge of the corona electrode 1702. Generates a corona discharge between and in the immediate vicinity of the extended flat surface of the acceleration electrode 1703. This orientation and configuration provides a field strength in the vicinity of such a flat surface that is substantially lower than the corresponding field strength formed around the trailing edge of the corona electrode 1702. Thus, the corona discharge is generated not in the surface of the acceleration electrode 1703 but in the vicinity of the trailing edge of the corona electrode 1702.

  Immediately after the start of the corona discharge, the corona current is generated by the generation of ions and charged particles in the fluid and the transfer of such charges to the HVPS 1701 along the body of the accelerating electrode 1703 via the conductive wire 1705. It flows through the fluid to be accelerated (eg, air, insulating liquid, etc.) located between 1702 and the acceleration electrode 1703. Since no current flows in the opposite direction (ie, from the accelerating electrode 1703 through the fluid to the corona electrode 1702), no back corona is generated. This configuration may result in an electric field (represented by line 1706) that is substantially linear (represented by line 1706) for the desired fluid flow direction (indicated by arrow 1707) than can be provided by another configuration. I understood more. The voltage drop across the accelerating electrode 1703, which generates equipotential lines of the electric field transverse to the main direction of fluid flow, further enhances the linearity of the electric field. Since the electric field lines are orthogonal to such equipotential lines, the electric field lines are more parallel to the direction of the main fluid flow.

  Another advantage of the EFA 1700 shown in FIG. 17A is provided by isolating the active portions of the corona electrode 1702 (ie, the right edge shown in the figure) from each other by the intervening structure of the accelerating electrode 1703. Thus, the corona electrodes “without looking” at each other, and thus unlike the previous system, the corona electrodes 1702 can be positioned very close to each other (ie, vertically as shown in FIG. 17A). By using the design features described in connection with FIG. 17A, two major obstacles that prevent substantial and greater fluid flow are avoided. The first of these obstacles is the high air resistance provided by the relatively thick part of the typical acceleration electrode. The arrangement of the present invention provides both a corona electrode and an accelerating electrode that have a low drag geometry, i.e. formed in an aerodynamically "preferred" shape. For example, the coefficient of drag Cd against the atmosphere that these geometrical configurations provide does not exceed 1, preferably less than 0.1, more preferably less than 0.01. The actual geometric configuration or shape necessarily depends on the desired fluid flow and the viscosity of the fluid to be accelerated, and these factors vary from design to design.

  The second obstacle overcome by this embodiment of the present invention is the resulting low density electrode that can occur due to the requirement of spacing between conventional electrodes required according to the previous configuration and recognized by the previous configuration. It is. For example, US Pat. No. 4,812,711, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, shows four corona electrodes that are spaced 50 mm apart from each other. Of course, this relatively low density and small number of electrodes can only handle very low power levels with the resulting low level fluid flow. In contrast, embodiments of the present invention address the spacing between the corona and the attractor of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

Yet another configuration of electrodes is shown in connection with EFA 1700 of FIG. 17B. In this case, the corona electrode 1702 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the acceleration electrode 1703 in the desired fluid flow direction indicated by the arrow 1707. Also, the resulting electric field is substantially linear as shown by the dashed line that exits from the corona electrode 1702 and is directed to the acceleration electrode 1703. However, it should be noted that the corona electrode 1702 is not placed “in the middle” of the acceleration electrode 1703 with respect to the desired fluid flow direction.

  The purpose of the various embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 17A is to provide a narrower-spaced corona electrode (ie, consistent with current manufacturing techniques other than possible or realized by other EFA devices). Towards higher density electrodes). That is, extremely thin and short electrodes can be readily manufactured by a single manufacturing process or step consistent with semiconductor technology and capabilities associated with, for example, current microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Referring again to FIG. 17A, it will be appreciated that adjacent corona electrodes 1702 can be vertically spaced from each other by a distance of less than 1 mm or even less than a few μm. As a result, increasing electrode density improves fluid acceleration and flow rate. For example, US Pat. No. 4,812,711 describes an apparatus that can only generate an air velocity of 0.5 meters per second (m / sec). Rather, if the electrodes are spaced 1 mm apart, a 50-fold increase in electrode density and an improvement in power capability will be realized, and the airflow velocity correspondingly, i.e. about 25 m / sec or It can be increased to 5,000 ft / min. In addition, several EFA stages may be arranged continuously or in tandem in the horizontal direction of the desired fluid flow, each stage further accelerating the fluid as it passes through the successive stages. . Each of the stages is located at a predetermined distance from a directly adjacent stage, and this distance is determined by the maximum voltage applied to the opposing electrode of each stage. In particular, if a certain stage of corona discharge electrode and acceleration electrode are placed closer together, less voltage is required to initiate and maintain corona discharge. Thus, all stages of the EFA can similarly be placed closer to each other, taking into account the lower operating voltage used in each stage. This relationship provides a horizontal step density that is approximately proportional to the electrode density within the step (eg, in the vertical direction). Thus, it can be expected that increasing the “vertical” density of the electrodes will result in a similar “horizontal” density so that the acceleration of fluid flow is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the electrodes.

The benefits realized by the various embodiments of the present invention are due at least in part to the use of high resistance materials as part of the acceleration electrode. High resistance materials may include relatively high resistance materials such as carbon-filled plastics or rubber, silicon, germanium, tin, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, boron nitride, silicon carbide, cadmium selenide, and the like. These materials are 10 ¹ to 10 ¹⁰ 'Ω-cm, more preferably 10 ⁴ to 10 ⁹ ' Ω-cm,
More preferably, it should have a specific resistance ρ in the range of 10 ⁶ to 10 ⁷ 'Ω-cm. High electrode density is supported by using a high resistance material. For example, closely spaced metal acceleration electrodes exhibit unstable operating characteristics that frequently generate spark events. In contrast, a high resistance electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention produces a more linear electric field, thereby minimizing the occurrence of sparks and back corona that emerges from the sharp edges of the acceleration electrode. Limit. The removal of the back corona can be understood with reference to FIG. 17A.

Still referring to FIG. 17A, it can be shown that a corona discharge event occurs at or along the trailing or right edge of the corona electrode 1702, but not along the leading or left edge of the accelerating electrode 1703. This is due to the voltage and electric field distribution generated by the corona discharge process. For example, the left edge of accelerating electrode 1703 is at least somewhat thicker than the right edge of corona electrode 1702, which is thin or sharpened. The corona discharge begins at the leading edge of the corona electrode 1702 because the electric field near the electrode is approximately proportional to the electrode thickness. The resulting corona current then flows through two paths from the trailing edge of the corona electrode 1702 to the high voltage terminal of the HVPS 1701. The first path is through the ionized portion of the fluid along the electric field indicated by line 1706. The second path passes through the body of the acceleration electrode 1703. Corona current flowing through the body of the accelerating electrode 1703 results in a voltage drop along this body. This voltage drop proceeds from the high voltage terminal toward the left edge of the electrode so that it is applied to the right edge of the acceleration electrode 1703. As the corona current increases, a corresponding increase is shown in this voltage drop. When the output voltage of the HVPS 1701 reaches a level sufficient to initiate a corona discharge along the left edge of the accelerating electrode 1703, the voltage drop at these edges attenuates any voltage rise, along the edge of the accelerating electrode. High enough to prevent corona discharge.

  Other embodiments of the invention can reduce the spacing between the electrodes, for example to the order of a few microns. At such intervals, the corona discharge state can be initiated at a relatively low voltage, but the corona discharge is caused by a high intensity electric field generated by the voltage, not the voltage itself. The electric field strength is substantially proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the distance between the opposing electrodes. For example, a voltage of about 8 kV is sufficient to initiate a corona discharge with a spacing between the electrodes of about 1 cm. By reducing the spacing between the electrodes to 1/10 mm, the voltage required to initiate corona discharge is reduced to about 800 volts. If the spacing between the electrodes is further reduced to 0.1 mm, the required corona onset voltage is reduced to 80V, and at a 10 micron spacing, only 8 volts is required to initiate corona discharge. These lower voltages reduce the spacing between the electrodes and the spacing between each stage, thereby increasing the overall fluid acceleration several times. As stated earlier, this increase is approximately inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the electrodes, resulting in an overall increase in airflow of 100, 10,000 and 1 respectively compared to the 1 cm spacing. , 000,000.

  Further explanation of the advantages of using a high resistance electrode structure will be given in connection with FIGS. 18A and 18B. Referring to FIG. 18A, the EFA 1800 includes a corona electrode 1802 and an acceleration electrode 1803. The acceleration electrode 1803 includes a low resistance portion 1804 and a high resistance portion 1806. The corona current flows through the ionized fluid existing between the corona electrode 1802 and the accelerating electrode 1803 (ie, through the space between the electrodes) via the current path indicated by the arrow 1805, which path is As shown by a high resistance portion 1806 of the acceleration electrode 1803. When a local disturbance, such as a spark event, occurs, the resulting discharge current is directed through a narrow path indicated by arrow 1807 in FIG. 18B. The current then travels along a wider path 1808 across the high resistance portion 1806. Since the increased current flow only exits a small area of the accelerating electrode 1803 and spreads outwardly over the path 1808, the resulting resistance across the path 1808 is such that the current is spread across the high resistance portion 1806. It is substantially higher than when it is distributed. Thus, the spark or pre-spark event signaled by the increased current flow is limited by the resistance along path 1808, which limits the current. If the high resistance portion 1806 is selected to have a specific resistance and width to length ratio, any significant current increase can be avoided or reduced. Such an increase in current may result in some discharges or sparks as described above, the presence of foreign matter (eg dust, insects, etc.) on or between the electrodes, screwing, or even fingers that are placed between and in contact with the electrodes. It can be caused by an event.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown, the EFA 1900 includes a comb-like high resistance portion 1906 of the acceleration electrode 1903. Any local event, such as a spark, is clearly limited to flow over a small portion of the suction electrode 1903, eg, over a single or few teeth near the event. The corona current associated with normal operating conditions is indicated by arrow 1905. For example, events such as sparks indicated by arrows 1907 and 1908 are restricted to flow along fingers or teeth 1906. The resistance across this path is high enough to suppress any increase in current caused by the event. Note that performance is enhanced by increasing the number of teeth, rather than choosing a width to length ratio. A typical width to length ratio of 1 to 0.1 may be appropriate, but a ratio of 0.05 to 1 or less would be more preferred.

  As described, the various features of the present invention allow the use of materials other than solids to generate corona discharges or ion emissions. In general, solid materials simply give up the production of “reluctantly” ions, thereby limiting the EFA acceleration of the fluid. At the same time, many fluids, such as water, can release more ions when positioned and shaped to cause a corona discharge. For example, the use of a conductive fluid as a corona discharge material is described in US Pat. No. 3,751,715. In it, a container in the form of a tear drop is described as a recess for containing a conductive fluid. The conductive fluid may be, for example, tap water, or more preferably an aqueous solution containing a strong electrolyte such as NaCl, HNO 3, or NaOH. FIG. 20 illustrates the operation of the EFA according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the EFA 2000 includes five acceleration electrodes 2003 and four corona electrodes 2002. All these electrodes are shown in cross section. Each corona electrode consists of a narrow and elongated non-conductive shell 2009, which is made of an insulating material such as plastic or silicon and has a slot 2011 formed at the ionization end 2010 at the trailing edge or right side of the shell. Yes. The shell 2009 of the corona electrode 2002 is connected to a conductive fluid supply or reservoir (not shown) via a suitable supply tube. The slot 2011 formed at the trailing edge of the corona electrode 2002 is narrow enough so that fluid is accommodated in the shell 2009 by the tension of the fluid molecules. The slot 2011 may include a sponge-like “obstacle” or nozzle portion to slowly and consistently release the conductive fluid through the slot. HVPS 2001 generates a voltage sufficient to generate a corona discharge so that the conductive fluid 2008 acts as a pointed conductor and emits ions from the trailing edge of the corona electrode 2002 in the slot 2011. The resulting ions of the conductive fluid 2008 travel from the slot 2011 toward the accelerated high resistance electrode 2003 along the electric field represented by line 2006. As fluid is consumed to generate a corona discharge, it is replenished through a shell 2009 from an appropriate fluid supply or reservoir (not shown).

  It should be noted and understood that all publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications, patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was shown to be specifically and individually incorporated by reference in its entirety. Incorporated.

100 high voltage power supply, 101 DC voltage source, 104, 113 power transistor, 105, 114 capacitor, 106 high voltage step-up transformer, 107 primary winding, 108 secondary winding, 109 voltage rectifier, 110 resistor, 111 gate signal Controller, 113
Transistor, 115 transistor, 116 capacitor, 119 high voltage capacitor, 120 terminal, 121 resistor, 122 Zener diode.

Claims (26)

A spark management device,
A high voltage power supply operable to supply power to the load device;
A sensor operable to monitor one or more electromagnetic parameters in the load device;
A first detector responsive to the one or more electromagnetic parameters to identify a pre-spark condition at the load;
A second detector connected to the first detector to allow the high voltage power supply to quickly change the magnitude of the power to a desired level in response to the pre-spark condition; Including a spark management device.   The spark management device of claim 1, wherein the high voltage power supply includes a high voltage power supply configured to transform a primary power supply to a high voltage power supply to supply the current.   The high voltage power supply includes a boost multi-winding magnetic force device, a high voltage power source including an alternative voltage generator having an output connected to a primary winding of the boost multi-winding magnetic force device, and a high voltage level. The spark management device according to claim 1, further comprising: a rectifier circuit connected to a secondary winding of the step-up multi-winding magnetic force device for supplying the current.   The spark management device of claim 1, wherein the high voltage power source includes a high voltage power source having an output circuit with low level stored electromagnetic energy.   The high voltage power supply is operable to monitor the current of the at least one electromagnetic parameter and control to reduce the voltage of the current to a level that prevents sparking in response to detecting a pre-spark condition. The spark management device according to claim 4, comprising a circuit.   The high voltage power supply is operable to monitor the electromagnetic parameter and includes a control circuit that, in response to detecting a pre-spark condition, reduces the voltage of the power to a level that does not lead to sparking. The spark management device according to claim 4.   The spark management device of claim 1, further comprising a load circuit connected to the high voltage power supply for selectively receiving a substantial portion of the power in response to the identification of the pre-spark condition. .   The spark management device of claim 7, wherein the load circuit includes an electrical device for dissipating electrical energy.   The spark management device of claim 7, wherein the load circuit includes an electrical device for storing electrical energy.   The spark management device of claim 1, wherein the load device includes a corona discharge device including a plurality of electrodes configured to receive the power and cause a corona discharge.   The spark management device according to claim 10, wherein the corona discharge device includes an electrostatic air treatment device.   The spark management device according to claim 11, wherein the electrostatic air treatment device includes a device selected from the group consisting of an electrostatic air accelerator, an electrostatic air cleaner, and an electrostatic precipitator. The first detector includes a circuit for selectively supplying power to an auxiliary device in addition to the load device, whereby at least a portion of the power is used for the identification of the pre-spark condition. The spark management device according to claim 1, wherein the spark management device is directed from the load device to the auxiliary device in response.   14. The spark management device of claim 13, wherein the load device and the auxiliary device both include respective electrostatic air treatment devices configured to accelerate fluid under the influence of electrostatic forces created by a corona discharge configuration.   The sensor is sensitive to a phenomenon selected from a set including current change, voltage change, magnetic change, electrical event occurrence, and optical event occurrence to identify the pre-spark condition. The spark management device according to claim 1. A spark management method,
Supplying high voltage power to the device;
Monitoring electromagnetic parameters such that the high voltage power detects a pre-spark condition of the device;
Controlling the high voltage power in response to the pre-spark condition to control the occurrence of a spark event associated with the pre-spark condition. The step of supplying high voltage power comprises:
Transforming a source of power from a primary voltage level to a secondary voltage level higher than the primary voltage level;
And rectifying the power at the secondary voltage level and providing the high voltage power to the device.   The method of claim 16, wherein the monitoring comprises detecting a current spike in the high voltage current.   The method of claim 16, wherein the monitoring comprises sensing an output voltage parameter of the high voltage power.   The method of claim 16, wherein the controlling further comprises lowering a voltage level of the high voltage power to a level that prevents sparking.   The method of claim 16, wherein the controlling comprises routing at least a portion of the high voltage power to an auxiliary load device.   22. The step of passing at least a portion of the high voltage power through the auxiliary load device includes connecting an additional load to an output circuit of a high voltage power supply that supplies the high voltage power. Method. Introducing a fluid into the corona discharge electrode;
Energizing the corona discharge electrode with the high voltage power;
Generating a corona discharge in the fluid;
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising accelerating the fluid under the influence of the corona discharge. An electrostatic fluid accelerator,
An array of corona discharge electrodes and collector electrodes;
A high voltage power supply electrically connected to the array for supplying high voltage power to the corona discharge electrodes;
A sensor configured to monitor electromagnetic parameters of the high voltage power;
A first detector responsive to identification of the pre-spark condition to control the power supplied to the load device;
A second detector connected to the first detector, wherein the second detector sets the magnitude of the high voltage power to a desired level in response to the pre-spark condition. An electrostatic fluid accelerator operable to control the high voltage power source to change quickly.   25. The electrostatic fluid of claim 24, wherein the first detector is configured to prevent the high voltage power from being supplied to the corona discharge electrode by the high voltage power supply in response to the pre-spark condition. Accelerator.   25. The electrostatic fluid accelerator of claim 24, wherein the first detector includes a dump resistor configured to receive at least a portion of the high voltage power in response to the identification of the pre-spark condition.