JP2017509124A - Micropulse ionization blower automatically balancing - Google Patents

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for automatically balancing ionized airflow generated in a bipolar corona discharge. The method includes disposing an air movement device comprising at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode connected to a micropulse AC power source and a control system comprising at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge regulation control. Generating a variable polarity group of short duration ionization micropulses, the micropulses being largely asymmetric with respect to the amplitude and duration of the voltages of both polarities, wherein at least one polarity ionization pulse is corona It has a size exceeding the threshold.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 367,369, filed Feb. 6, 2012. US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 367,369 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to ionized fans.

  An electrostatic charge neutralizer is designed to eliminate or minimize electrostatic charge accumulation. An electrostatic charge neutralizer removes static charges by generating air ions and delivering those ions to a charged target.

  One specific category of electrostatic charge neutralizers are ionization fans. An ionization blower typically generates air ions using a corona electrode and directs the air ions to a target of interest using a fan (or multiple fans).

  Monitoring or controlling the performance of the blower utilizes two measurements.

  The first measurement is equilibrium. An ideal equilibrium occurs when the number of positive air ions is equal to the number of negative air ions. On the charged plate monitor, the ideal reading is zero. In practice, the neutralizer is controlled within a narrow range centered around zero. For example, the balance of the electrostatic charge neutralizer may be defined as about ± 0.2 volts.

  The second measurement is air ion flow. The larger the air ion flow, the more useful the electrostatic charge can be discharged in a short period. Large air ion flow correlates with short discharge times, which are measured with a charged plate monitor.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for automatically balancing ionized airflow generated in a bipolar corona discharge. The method includes disposing an air movement device comprising at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode connected to a micropulse AC power source, and a control system comprising at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge regulation control. Generating a variable polarity group of short duration ionization micropulses, the micropulses being largely asymmetric with respect to the amplitude and duration of the voltages of both polarities, wherein at least one polarity ionization pulse is Has a magnitude exceeding the corona threshold.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for an ionizing blower that automatically balances is provided. The apparatus comprises an air movement device and at least one ion emitter and reference electrode, both connected to a high voltage source, and an ion balance monitor, wherein the transformer of the high voltage source, the ion emitter and reference electrode are Located in a closed loop for the AC current circuit, the loop is grounded by a high value viewing resistor.

  Various embodiments of the present disclosure, presented by way of example, will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements.

1 is an overall block diagram of an ionization blower according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the air blower of FIG. 1A. 1 is a block diagram of a sensor included in an ionization blower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the ionized blower of FIG. 1A and the ionized airflow from the blower according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an electrical block diagram of a system in an ionization blower according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a feedback algorithm 300 according to one embodiment of the invention. 3 is a flow diagram of a micropulse generator controlled micropulse generator algorithm according to one embodiment of the invention. 4 is a flow diagram of system operation during formation of a negative pulse train, according to one embodiment of the invention. 3 is a flow diagram of system operation during formation of a positive pulse train, according to one embodiment of the invention. 3 is a flow diagram of system operation during a current pulse phase, according to one embodiment of the invention. 3 is a flow diagram of system operation during sensor input measurement, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a micro pulse according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram of system operation during an equilibrium alarm, according to one embodiment of the invention.

  In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these various embodiments of the present invention are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art who have benefited from the disclosure herein.

  One embodiment of the present invention can be applied to many types of air-gas ion generators configured, for example, as an ionization bar, blower or in-line ionization device.

  An ionization blower that covers a wide area requires a combination of high efficiency air ionization, short discharge time, and strict ion balance control. FIG. 1A is an overall block diagram of an ionization fan 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the fan 100 of FIG. 1A along line AA. Efficient air ionization is generated between an array of emitter points 102 (ie, emitter point array 102) and two reference electrodes 104, 105 (shown as upper reference electrode 104 and lower reference electrode 105). Achieved by bipolar corona discharge. The emitter point 102 is mounted on a protective grill 106 (i.e., air duct 106), and the protective grill 106 is equally effective to increase the velocity of the ionized air flow.

  The fan 130 (FIG. 1A) is an air movement device, and a highly adjustable air flow in the space 130 between the emitter point array 102 (one or more ion emitters 102) and the two reference electrodes 104,105. 125 is given. The air duct 106 concentrates the air flow 125 and distributes it in the space 130 for corona discharge. Positive ions and negative ions generated by the corona move between the electrodes 102, 104, and 105. The air flow 125 can take in and carry only a relatively small amount of positive ions and negative ions generated by corona discharge.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, air 125 is forced out of air duct (106) outlet 131 and air 125 passes through air ionization sensor 101. Details of one embodiment of the sensor 101 design are shown in FIG. 1C. A fan (shown as block 126 in FIG. 1B) provides an air flow 125. The air ionization voltage sensor 101 includes a louver-type thin dielectric plate 109 extending over the entire width of the duct 106. Louver plate 109 redirects a portion 125a (or sample 125a) of ionized air stream 125b (ionized air stream 125b) coming from duct 106 and upper electrode 104 (see also FIG. 2A), thereby The sensor 101 can detect and collect a certain amount of ionic charge in the portion 125a of the ionized air stream 125b. The collected ionic charge then generates a control signal 250 (FIG. 2) for use by the algorithm 300 (FIG. 3) for balancing the ions in the ionization blower 100. The upper side 132 of the plate 109 has a thin metal strip that functions as a sensitive electrode, and the lower side 133 has a wide grounded plane electrode 110. This electrode 110 is typically shielded so that the air ionization sensor 101 is shielded from the strong electric field of the emitter point array 102. Electrode 108 collects a certain amount of the charge of ions, resulting in a voltage / signal 135 (FIG. 2A) that is proportional to the ion balance in ionized air stream 125b. The voltage / signal 135 from the sensor 101 is used by the control system 107 (shown as system 200 in FIG. 2) to monitor and adjust the ion balance in the ionized air stream 125b (positive: is used). This signal 135 is also represented by signal 250, which is input to the sample and hold circuit 205 as will be discussed further below. In other embodiments of the invention, other configurations of ion balance sensors may be used, for example, sensors in the form of a conductive grid or wire mesh that are encased in an ion stream.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, an ion current sensor 204 is used to monitor the balance of the ionized flow. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention provides a system 200 (FIG. 2) that includes an ionization feedback current sensor 204 for monitoring ionized air flow balance. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 200 includes an air ionization voltage sensor 101 for monitoring ionized air flow balance.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system 200 comprises a dual sensor comprising an air ionization voltage sensor 101 and an ionization feedback current sensor 204, both sensors 101 and 204 monitoring the ionized air flow balance. Configured.

  The ionization feedback current sensor 204 includes a capacitor C2 and a capacitor C1, and a resistor R1 and a resistor R2. Capacitor C2 bypasses the current detection circuit and provides an AC current path to ground. Resistor R2 converts the ionic current into a voltage (Ii * R2), and resistors R1 and R2 and capacitor C2 form a low-pass filter that filters out the induced current generated by the micropulse. The feedback current 210 flowing from sensor 204 is shown as I2.

  A current 254 flowing through the emitter point 102 is a current sum Σ (Ii (+), Ii (−), I2, Ic1, Ic2), and the currents Ic1 and Ic2 are currents flowing through the capacitors C1 and C2, respectively.

  FIG. 2A shows an ion stream 220 that flows between the emitter 102 and the reference electrodes 104, 105. The air stream 125 from the duct 106 converts a portion of these two ion streams 220 into an ionized air stream 125b that travels to a charge neutralization target external to the blower 100. The target is shown generally as block 127 in FIG. 1B and can be located at different locations relative to the ionization fan 100.

  FIG. 2B shows an electrical block diagram of the system 200 in the ionization fan 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The system 200 includes an ion current sensor 204, a micropulse high voltage power supply 230 (micropulse AC power supply 230) (which is formed by a pulse driver 202 and a high voltage (HV) transformer 203), ionization. And a blower control system 201. In one embodiment, the control system 201 is a microcontroller 201. Microcontroller 201 receives power from voltage bias 256, which can be, for example, about 3.3 DC volts, and is grounded on line 257.

  An optional power converter 209 may be used in the system 200 to provide various voltages used by the system 200 (eg, -12 VDC, 12 VDC, or 3.3 VDC). The power converter 209 can convert the voltage source value 258 (eg, 24 VDC) into various voltages 256 for biasing the microcontroller 201.

  The micro pulse high voltage power supply 230 has a pulse driver 202 controlled by the microcontroller 201. The pulse driver 202 is connected to the step-up pulse transformer 203. Transformer 203 generates positive and negative polarity short duration pulses (microsecond range) with sufficient amplitude to generate corona discharge. The secondary coil of the transformer 203 is floated relative to the ground. The high voltage terminal 250 of the transformer 203 is connected to the emitter point array 102, and the low voltage terminal of the transformer 203 is connected to the reference electrodes 104 and 105.

  As a result of the short duration high voltage AC pulse (generated by the high voltage power supply 230), significant capacitive or displacement currents Ic1 and Ic2 flow between the electrodes 102 and 104,105. For example, the current Ic1 flows between the electrode (emitter point) 102 and the upper reference electrode 104, and the current Ic2 flows between the electrode 102 and the lower reference voltage 105. The relatively small positive and negative ion corona currents labeled Ii (+) and Ii (−) exit the ion generation system 200 and enter the external environment of the blower 100 and travel to the target.

  In order to separate the capacitive and ionic currents, the secondary coil of the transformer 203 and the corona electrodes 102, 104, and 105 are substantially floated with respect to ground, and the ionic currents Ii (+) and Ii (− ) Has a return path to ground (and flows to ground), the ion generation system 200 is placed in a closed loop circuit for high frequency AC capacitive current labeled Ic1 and Ic2. AC currents have a significantly lower resistance than those AC currents that flow to ground to circulate in this loop.

  The system 200 provides an ion balance monitor that provides separation of ion convection current from pulsed AC current by placing a closed loop current path between the pulsed AC voltage source 230, the ion emitter 102 and the reference electrode 104 or 105. including.

  In addition, ion balance monitoring is performed in the system 200 during the period between micropulses. Furthermore, ion balance monitoring is performed by integrating the differential signals of positive and negative convection currents.

  The transformer 203, ion emitter 102 and reference electrode 104 or 105 of the high voltage power supply 230 are placed in a closed loop for the AC current circuit, which is closed by a high value galvanic resistor R2.

である。ただし、Ｑは正イオン又は負イオンの電荷であり、Ｎはイオン濃度であり、Ｕは空気流である。正電流Ｉｉ（＋）及び負電流Ｉｉ（−）の絶対値が同じである場合には、イオン均衡が達成される。両方の極性の空気イオンが概ね同じ量の電荷（１電子に等しい）を搬送することが当該技術分野において知られている。したがって、イオン均衡の別の条件は、両方の極性のイオンの等しい濃度である。空気イオン化電圧センサー１０１（イオン均衡モニター１０１）は、イオン電流変化に敏感に反応する帰還電流センサー２０４（イオン均衡モニター２０４）とは対照的に、イオン濃度の変動に敏感に反応する。それゆえ、空気イオン化電圧センサー（キャパシタセンサー）１０１の応答速度は通常、イオン化帰還電流センサー２０４の応答より速い。 According to the law of conservation of charge, when the output of AC power supply 230 (via transformer 203) is brought into a floating state, the ionic current is equal to the sum of positive ion current Ii (+) and negative ion current Ii (−). . These currents Ii (+) and Ii (−) must return through the circuit of the feedback current sensor 204 in the system 200. The amount of ion current for each polarity is

It is. Where Q is the charge of positive ions or negative ions, N is the ion concentration, and U is the air flow. When the absolute values of the positive current Ii (+) and the negative current Ii (−) are the same, ion balance is achieved. It is known in the art that air ions of both polarities carry approximately the same amount of charge (equal to one electron). Therefore, another condition of ion balance is equal concentration of ions of both polarities. The air ionization voltage sensor 101 (ion balance monitor 101) is sensitive to changes in ion concentration, as opposed to the feedback current sensor 204 (ion balance monitor 204) that is sensitive to changes in ion current. Therefore, the response speed of the air ionization voltage sensor (capacitor sensor) 101 is usually faster than the response of the ionization feedback current sensor 204.

  As a result of the greater number of positive ions being detected by sensor 101, sensor 101 generates a positive output voltage that is input (and processed) to sample and hold circuit 205. As a result of the greater number of negative ions detected by sensor 101, sensor 101 generates a negative output voltage that is input (and processed) to sample and hold circuit 205. In contrast, as similarly described above, the sensor 204 determines the ion balance within the ionization blower 100 and outputs a signal 250 for input to the sample and hold circuit 205 to achieve. Absolute values of positive Ii (+) and negative Ii (−) are used.

  At the time between the micropulse trains, the sample signal 215 will close the switch 216 such that the amplifier 218 is connected to the capacitor C3, where the capacitor C3 is then responsive to the input signal 250 to a value based thereon. Charged.

  The ionic current that is floated in the air stream is characterized by a very low frequency and can be monitored by flowing to the ground through the high megaohm resistance circuits R1 and R2. In order to minimize the effects of capacitive currents and high frequency parasitic currents, the sensor 204 has two bypass capacitive paths comprising C1 and C2.

  The difference between currents Ii (+) and Ii (−) is constantly measured by sensor 204. The current generated as a result of flowing through the resistor circuits R1, R2 produces a voltage / signal that is proportional to the ion balance integrated / averaged over time of the airflow leaving the blower. This resulting generated current is shown as current 214 represented by the sum Σ (Ii (+), Ii (−)).

  Ion balance monitoring is accomplished by measuring the voltage output of the current sensor 204 or by measuring the output of the voltage sensor 101 or by measuring the voltage from the air ionization sensors 101 and 204. For clarity, the voltage output of current sensor 204 and the voltage output of voltage sensor 101 are each indicated by the same signal 250 in FIG. This signal 250 is applied to the input of the sample and hold circuit 205 (sampling circuit 205), and the circuit 205 is activated by the microcontroller 201 via a sample signal 215 that opens a switch 216 that triggers the sample and hold operation for the signal 250. Be controlled.

  In some cases or embodiments for the corona system, the diagnostic signals from both sensors 101 and 204 can be compared. These diagnostic signals are input as a signal 250 to the sample and hold circuit 205.

  The signal 250 is then conditioned by the low pass filter 206 and amplified by the amplifier 207 before being applied to the input of an analog to digital converter (ADC) present in the microcontroller 201. The sample and hold circuit 205 samples the signal 250 between pulse times and minimizes noise in the reproduced signal 250. The capacitor C3 holds the previous signal value during the sampling time. Amplifier 207 amplifies signal 250 to a more useful level for microcontroller 201, and this amplified signal from amplifier 207 is shown as balanced signal 252.

  The microcontroller 201 compares the balance signal 252 with a setpoint signal 253 that is a reference signal generated by the balance pontensometer 208. The set point signal 253 is a variable signal that can be adjusted by the potentiometer 208.

  The set point signal 253 can be adjusted to compensate for different environments of the ionization blower 100. For example, the reference level (ground) near the output 131 (FIG. 1B) of the ionization blower 100 can be approximately zero, while the reference level near the ionization target may not be zero. For example, if the location of the ionization target has a strong ground potential value, more negative ions may be lost at that location. Therefore, the set point signal 253 can be adjusted to compensate for a non-zero reference level at the location of the ionization target. In this case, the microcontroller 201 drives the pulse driver 202 to control the HV transformer 230 and generates more positive ions at the emitter point 102 to compensate for the loss of negative ions at the location of the ionization target. The set point signal 253 can be lowered so that the HV output 254 (due to the low set point value 253 used as a comparison to trigger the generation of more positive ions) can be generated.

  Here, reference is made to FIG. 2 and FIG. In one embodiment of the invention, the ionization blower 100 is based on one or more of the following: (1) by increasing and / or decreasing the positive pulse width value and / or the negative pulse width value ( 2) Increase and / or decrease the time between positive pulses and / or the time between negative pulses, and / or (3) increase the number of positive and / or negative pulses as described below By and / or reducing, ion balance within the ionization blower 100 can be achieved. The microcontroller 201 is sent to the pulse driver 202 and outputs a positive pulse output 815 and a negative pulse output 816 (FIGS. 2 and 8) for controlling the pulse driver 202. In response to outputs 815 and 816, transformer 230 generates an ionization waveform 814 (HV output 814) that is used to generate an amount of positive ions and an amount of negative ions based on ionization waveform 814. Added to emitter point 102.

  As an example, if the sensor 101 and / or sensor 204 detects an ion imbalance in the ionization blower 100 such that the amount of positive ions in the blower 101 exceeds the amount of negative ions, the balance to the microcontroller 201 is achieved. Signal 252 will indicate this ion imbalance. The microcontroller 201 increases the negative pulse width (duration) 811 of the negative pulse 804. Since the width 811 is increased, the amplitude of the negative micropulse 802 is increased. Positive micropulse 801 and negative micropulse 802 are high voltage outputs that are fed into emitter point 102. The increased amplitude of the negative micropulse 802 will increase the negative ions generated from the emitter point 102. The ionization waveform 814 generates a variable polarity group of short duration ionization micropulses 801 and 802. The micropulses 801 and 802 are mainly asymmetric with respect to the amplitude and duration of the voltages of both polarities, with the magnitude that at least one polarity ionizing pulse exceeds the corona threshold (exceeding).

  If the maximum pulse width for the negative pulse width 811 is reached, but the amount of positive ions still exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 will detect the positive pulse width of the positive pulse 803 ( (Duration) 810 is shortened. Since the width 810 is shortened, the amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 decreases. The reduced amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 will reduce the positive ions generated from the emitter point 102.

  Alternatively, or in addition, if the amount of positive ions exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 increases the negative Rep-Rate 813 (time interval between negative pulses 804). As a result, the time between the negative pulses 804 is lengthened. Since the negative Rep-Rate 813 is lengthened, the time between the negative micropulses 802 also increases. As a result, a longer or longer negative Rep-Rate 813 will increase the time between the negative micropulses 802, thereby increasing the length of time that negative ions are generated from the emitter point 102. .

  If the minimum negative Rep-Rate for the negative Rep-Rate is reached, but the amount of positive ions still exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 sets the positive Rep-Rate 812 ( By shortening the time interval between the positive pulses 803, the time between the positive pulses 803 is shortened. Since the positive Rep-Rate 812 is shortened, the time between the positive micropulses 801 also increases. As a result, the shortened or shorter positive Rep-Rate 811 will reduce the time between positive micropulses 803, thereby reducing the length of time positive ions are generated from the emitter point 102. .

  Alternatively, or in addition, if the amount of positive ions exceeds the negative ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 decreases the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. Microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter that can be increased to increase the number of negative pulses 804 in negative pulse output 816. As the number of negative pulses 804 increases, the negative pulse train at the negative pulse output 816 increases, which increases the number of negative micropulses 802 at the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emitter point 102.

  If the maximum amount of negative pulses is applied to the negative pulse output 816, but the amount of positive ions still exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 will have a positive pulse at the positive pulse output 815. The number of 803 will be reduced. The microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter that can be reduced to reduce the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. As the number of positive pulses 803 decreases, the positive pulse train at the positive pulse output 815 decreases, which reduces the number of positive micropulses 801 at the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emitter point 102.

  The following example is directed to achieving ion balance in the blower 100 when the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower.

  If the sensor 101 and / or sensor 204 detects an ion imbalance in the ionization blower 101 such that the amount of negative ions in the blower 101 exceeds the amount of positive ions, the balance signal 252 to the microcontroller 201. Will show this ionic balance. The microcontroller 201 increases the positive pulse width 812 of the positive pulse 803. Since the width 810 is lengthened, the amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 increases. The increased amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 will increase the positive ions generated from the emitter point 102.

  If the maximum pulse width for the positive pulse width 812 is reached, but the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of positive ions, the microcontroller 201 determines that the negative pulse width 811 of the negative pulse 804 is negative. Will be shortened. Since the width 811 is shortened, the amplitude of the negative micropulse 802 decreases. The reduced amplitude of the negative micropulse 802 will reduce the negative ions generated from the emitter point 102.

  Alternatively, or in addition, if the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 increases the time between positive pulses 803 by lengthening the positive Rep-Rate 812. It will be longer. Since the positive Rep-Rate 812 is lengthened, the time between the positive micropulses 801 also increases. As a result, a longer or longer positive Rep-Rate 812 will increase the time between positive micropulses 801, thereby increasing the length of time that positive ions are generated from the emitter point 102. .

  If the minimum positive Rep-Rate for the positive Rep-Rate is reached, but the amount of negative ions still exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 sets the negative Rep-Rate 813 to By increasing the length, the time between the negative pulses 804 is lengthened. Since the negative Rep-Rate 813 is lengthened, the time between the negative micropulses 802 also increases. As a result, a longer or longer negative Rep-Rate 813 reduces the time between negative micropulses 802, thereby reducing the length of time that negative ions are generated from emitter point 102. Become.

  Instead, or in addition, if the amount of negative ions exceeds the positive ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 will increase the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. Microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter that can be increased to increase the number of positive pulses 803 in positive pulse output 815. As the number of positive pulses 803 increases, the positive pulse train at the positive pulse output 815 is lengthened and the number of positive micropulses 801 at the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emitter point 102, increases.

  If the maximum amount of positive pulses is applied to the positive pulse output 815 but the amount of negative ions still exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100, the microcontroller 201 will have a negative pulse at the negative pulse output 816. The number of 804 will be reduced. Microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter that can be reduced to reduce the number of negative pulses 804 in negative pulse output 816. As the number of negative pulses 804 decreases, the negative pulse train at the negative pulse output 816 is shortened and the number of negative micropulses 802 at the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emitter point 102, decreases.

  If the ion imbalance (which is reflected in the equilibrium current value 252) does not differ significantly from the set point 253, it may be sufficient to adjust the ion imbalance slightly, and the microcontroller 201 may have a pulse width 811 and The ion balance can be achieved by adjusting / or 810.

  If the ion imbalance (which is reflected in the equilibrium current value 252) differs to some extent from the set point 253, it may be sufficient to adjust the ion imbalance to a certain degree, and the microcontroller 201 may specify the Rep -Rate 813 and 812 can be adjusted to achieve ion balance.

  If the ion imbalance (which is reflected in the equilibrium current value 252) is significantly different from the set point 253, it may be sufficient to adjust the ion imbalance large, and the microcontroller 201 is positive at the outputs 815 and 816, respectively. Pulses and / or negative pulses can be applied.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the duration (pulse width) of at least one polarity of the micropulse in FIG. 8 is at least about one hundredth of the time interval between micropulses.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the micropulses in FIG. 8 are arranged in successive groups / pulse trains, one polarity pulse train comprising about 2 to 16 positive ionization pulses and the negative pulse train being It contains about 2 to 16 positive ionization pulses and the time interval between the positive and negative pulse trains is equal to about twice the period of successive pulses.

  The flowchart of FIG. 3 illustrates a feedback algorithm 300 of system 200, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The function of providing ion balance control through the use of feedback algorithm 300 is performed at the end of the ionization cycle. This algorithm is executed, for example, by the system 200 of FIG. At block 301, a balanced control feedback algorithm is initiated.

  In blocks 302, 303, 304 and 305, a negative pulse width control value is calculated. In block 302, an error value (Error) is calculated by subtracting the desired ion balance (SetPoint) from the measured ion balance (BalanceMeasurement). In block 303, the error value is multiplied by the loop gain. At block 304, the control value is limited and the calculation of the control value is limited to a minimum or maximum value so that it does not fall out of range. In block 305, the control value is added to the last negative pulse width value.

  In blocks 306, 307, 308 and 309, the pulse width is incremented or decremented. At block 306, the negative pulse width is compared to the maximum pulse width (MAX). If the negative pulse width is equal to MAX, the positive pulse width is decremented at block 307 and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. If the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 308.

  At block 308, the negative pulse width is compared to the minimum pulse width (MIN). If the negative pulse width is equal to MIN, the positive pulse width is decremented at block 309 and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. If the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. When the negative pulse width reaches its control limit, a change in the positive pulse width shifts the balance in such a way as to overshoot the equilibrium set point, forcing the negative pulse to move toward that limit.

  In blocks 310, 311, 312 and 313, the pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is incremented or decremented when the pulse width limit is met. At block 310, the positive pulse width is compared to MAX and the negative pulse width is compared to MIN. If the positive pulse width is equal to MAX and the negative pulse width is equal to MIN, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is alternately incremented or the negative pulse Rep-Rate is decremented in block 311. Is done. The algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314. If the positive pulse width is not equal to MAX and the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 312.

  At block 312, the positive pulse width is compared to MIN and the negative pulse width is compared to MAX. If the positive pulse width is equal to MIN and the negative pulse width is equal to MAX, at block 313, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is alternately decremented or the negative pulse Rep-Rate is incremented. Is done. The algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314. If the positive pulse width is not equal to MIN and the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314.

  When the balance is close to the set point, positive pulse width control and negative pulse width control are used. As the emitter point changes over time or as determined by the environment, the positive pulse width control and negative pulse width control will not have that range and will be at the control limit (positive is at its maximum value and negative is at its minimum value). (Or vice versa). When this happens, the algorithm changes the positive Rep-Rate or negative Rep-Rate, effectively increasing or decreasing the on-time length of positive or negative ion production, and shifting the balance towards the set point.

  In blocks 314, 315, 316 and 317, the pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is incremented or decremented when the pulse width limit is met. At block 314, the positive pulse Rep-Rate is compared to the minimum pulse repetition rate (MIN-Rep-Rate) and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is compared to the maximum pulse repetition rate (MAX-Rep-Rate). If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MIN-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MAX-Rep-Rate, one negative pulse is shifted to a positive pulse through the off-time count in block 315. The algorithm 300 then proceeds to block 318 where the balanced control feedback algorithm 300 ends. The off time count is when the ionization waveform is off. The off time is the time between the negative group and the positive group (or pulse train), and between the positive group and the negative group (or pulse train). In this specification, the positive Rep-Rate or the negative Rep-Rate is expressed as A count equal to the accompanying pulse duration is defined.

  If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to MIN-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to MAX-Rep-Rate, the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 316.

  In block 316, the positive pulse Rep-Rate is compared with MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is compared with MIN-Rep-Rate). If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is equal to MIN-Rep-Rate, one positive pulse is shifted to a negative pulse through the off-time count in block 317. The algorithm 300 then proceeds to block 318 where the balanced control feedback algorithm 300 ends. If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to MIN-Rep-Rate, the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 318 where the algorithm 300 ends.

  When Rep-Rate control reaches a limit, the algorithm triggers the next regulation control level.

  By shifting the micropulses from the positive pulse group to the off-time pulse group and then to the negative pulse group, the balance is shifted in the negative direction. Conversely, shifting the micropulse from the negative pulse group to the off-time pulse group and then to the positive pulse group shifts the balance in the positive direction. Using off-time groups reduces the impact, thereby providing finer control.

  The flow diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates a micropulse generator control algorithm 400. The drive pulse and high voltage output waveforms are illustrated in FIG. This algorithm 400 is executed, for example, by the system 200 of FIG. In block 401, the Timer1 interrupt service routine is started. The algorithm 400 for the micropulse generator is executed, for example, every 0.1 milliseconds.

  At block 402, the micropulse repetition rate counter is decremented. This counter is a Timer 1 repetition rate frequency divider counter. Timer1 is a main loop timer, which is a pulse control timer that operates at 0.1 ms. Timer1 switches the HVPS output and therefore the start of the micropulse on, Timer0 switches off the HVPS and ends the micropulse. Therefore, Timer1 sets rep-rate, triggers analog / digital conversion, and Timer0 sets the micropulse width.

  At block 403, a comparison is made as to whether the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to two. In other words, a test is performed to determine whether the Rep-Rate divider counter is 2 counts from the start of the next micropulse. The step in block 403 synchronizes the ADC (in the microcontroller 201) with the time immediately before the next micropulse transmission. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to 2, the sample and hold circuit 205 is set to the sample mode as shown in block 404. In block 405, the ADC in the microcontroller 201 reads the sensor input signal from the sample and hold circuit 205.

  If the micropulse repetition rate counter is not equal to 2, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 406.

  Blocks 404 and 405 initiate and perform analog / digital conversion to allow the microcontroller 201 to measure the analog input received from the sample and hold circuit 205.

  When the sample and hold circuit 205 is enabled, typically about 0.2 milliseconds before the next micropulse occurs in block 403 using micropulses 803 and 804 having pulse widths 810 and 811 respectively, the microcontroller 201 The signal 250 (FIG. 2) is conditioned by a low pass filter 206 and amplified by an amplifier 207 before being applied to the input of an existing analog to digital converter (ADC). Immediately after the sample and hold circuit 205 enables the sample and hold operation (block 404), the ADC is notified to begin conversion (block 405). The sampling rate of the resulting balanced signal is typically about 1.0 milliseconds and is synchronized with the micropulse rep-rate. However, the actual sampling rate changes as Rep-Rate 812, 813 (FIG. 8) changes (shown in blocks 310, 311, 312, 313), but always stays synchronized with the micropulse rep-rate 812, 813. It is.

  According to this embodiment, the method of sampling the signal prior to the next micropulse allows the system 200 to ignore noise and current surges (capacitively coupled), and to break the ion balance measurement. It can be avoided conveniently.

  At block 406, a test is performed to determine whether the Timer1 Rep-Rate divider counter is ready to start the next micropulse. A comparison is made as to whether the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to zero. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is not equal to 0, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 412. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to 0, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 417.

  At block 417, the micropulse repetition rate counter is reloaded from the data register. This will reload the time interval for the start of the next pulse (micropulse). The algorithm 400 then proceeds to block 408.

  Blocks 408, 409, and 410 provide the step of determining whether a new pulse phase is to be started or to continue the current pulse phase.

  At block 408, a comparison is made as to whether the micropulse counter is equal to zero (0).

  If so, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 410 which invokes the next pulse stage and the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 411.

  If not, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 409 that calls the continuation of the current pulse phase.

  In block 411, Timer0 (micropulse width counter) is started. Timer0 controls the micropulse width, as will be discussed later with reference to blocks 414-417.

  At block 412, all system interrupts are enabled. In block 413, the Timer1 interrupt service routine is terminated.

  When Timer 0 expires, the actual micropulse width is controlled based on blocks 414-417. At block 414, the Timer0 interrupt service routine is started. At block 415, the positive micropulse drive is set off (ie, the positive micropulse is switched off). At block 416, the negative micropulse drive is set off (ie, the negative micropulse is switched off). In block 417, the Timer0 interrupt service routine is terminated.

  As also shown in portion 450 of FIG. 400, for micropulse drive signal 452, the duration of Timer0 is equal to the micropulse width 454 of micropulse drive signal 452. Micropulse width 454 begins at pulse rising edge 456 (triggered at the start of Timer0) and ends at pulse falling edge 458 (triggered at the end of Timer0).

  Details of a method 700 for averaging ion balance sensor inputs are shown in the flowchart of FIG. Blocks 701-706 describe the operation of the sample and hold circuit 205 and the ADC conversion of the data from the sample and hold circuit 205. At the end of the ADC conversion 701, with a delay of approximately 0.1 milliseconds, the sample and hold circuit 205 is stopped to prevent noise and current surges from corrupting the balanced measurement. The resulting measurement 703 and sample counter 705 are added 704 to the previous Raw Measurement Sum 704 value, saved, and awaiting further processing. Blocks 707 to 716 are an averaging routine for averaging the measured values of the sensors 101 and / or 204 to obtain an Ion Balance Measurement Average. The Ion Balance Measurement Average is then combined using a finite impulse response calculation that combines the Balance Measurement Average with the previous measurement (714) to obtain the final Balance Measurement used in the balance control loop. The calculation at block 714 calculates a weighted average from the preceding series of sensor input measurements. At block 715, an event routine is called to make adjustments in ion generation based on the calculation of block 714.

  The flowcharts of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5 illustrate system operation during the formation of negative and positive pulse trains. The ionization cycle 531 consists of a series of positive pulses 502, 602, followed by off-time intervals 503, 603, a series of subsequent negative pulses 517, 604, and subsequent off-time intervals 518, 605. When a specified number of ionization cycles have been performed (708), Ion Balance Measurement Average is calculated (709), and Raw Measurement Sum 710 and Sample Counter values are cleared (710, 711).

  Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6. FIG. These figures are flowcharts of system operation during negative pulse train and positive pulse train formation, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present invention. At block 501, the next pulse stage routine for the negative pulse train is started. Blocks 502-515 describe steps for generating a negative sequence of pulses and an off time of the pulse duration. Blocks 517-532 describe the steps for generating a positive series of pulses and an off time of the pulse duration. Blocks 601-613 describe the steps for generating the next pulse phase or when the current pulse phase continues.

  The Balance Measurement Average is then combined using a finite impulse response calculation to combine the Balance Measurement Average with the previous measurement 714 to yield the final Balance Measurement used in the balance control loop.

  The balance control loop 301 compares the Balance Measurement with the setpoint value (302) and generates an error value. The Error signal is multiplied by the loop gain (303), checked to see if it exceeds the upper / lower limits of the range (304), and added to the current Negative Pulse Width value.

  In the micropulse HV supply system 202, 203, the pulse width of the driving micropulse changes the peak amplitude of the resulting high voltage (HV) waveforms 814, 801, 802. In this case, the negative pulse amplitude is changed to affect the change in Ion Balance. If the error signal value is greater than 0, the negative pulse width is adjusted upward, thereby increasing the negative HV pulse amplitude and changing the balance in the negative direction. Conversely, if the balance is negative, the negative pulse width is adjusted downward, thereby changing the balance in the positive direction.

  During continuous adjustment of the negative pulse width, the negative pulse width may reach its control limit depending on conditions. In this situation, the positive pulse width is adjusted downward for positive imbalance (307) or adjusted upward for negative imbalance (309) until the negative pulse width can resume control. . This control method using negative and positive pulse widths provides an average balanced control adjustment range of about 10V with a stability of less than 3V.

  According to another embodiment under large imbalance conditions, eg during ionization blower start-up, significant contaminant accumulation, or during emitter erosion when the emitter (s) age, And the positive pulse width will reach its control limits 310, 312. In this situation, the positive pulse repetition rate and negative pulse repetition rate are adjusted (311, 313) to move the balance to the point where the positive pulse width and negative pulse width fall within the respective control ranges. Therefore, for large positive and imbalance conditions, the negative pulse repetition rate is increased (313), resulting in a negative shift of the balance. If the condition still exists, the positive pulse repetition rate is decreased (313), and the balance is also shifted negatively as a result. This alternative method of changing the positive / negative rep-rate 313 continues until the negative and positive pulse widths are again within their control range. Similarly, for large negative imbalance conditions, the positive pulse repetition rate is increased (positive: is increased) (311), or alternatively, the negative pulse repetition rate is decreased (311), resulting in a positive balance. Shift to. This continues as described above until the negative and positive pulse widths are again within their control range.

  If extreme imbalance conditions exist, both negative / positive pulse width and positive / negative rep-rate adjustment may have reached their respective control limits (310, 312, 314, 316), where The positive pulse count and the negative pulse count are changed so that the balance moves to the point where the positive / negative rep-rate again falls within the respective control range. Therefore, in the case of extreme positive / unbalanced conditions, the positive pulse count decreases (317) and the off-time pulse count 317 increases by one pulse count, resulting in a negative change in balance.

  If the condition still exists, the off-time pulse count is decreased (317) and the negative pulse count is increased by one pulse count (317), resulting in a more negative change in balance. This one-pulse shift from negative packet / sequence to positive packet / sequence continues until the positive / negative Rep-Rate is again within its control range. Similarly, in the case of an extreme negative imbalance condition, the positive pulse 315 packets / sequence is shifted one pulse at a time through the off-time pulse count to the negative pulse packet 315 so that the positive / negative Rep-Rate is again within its control range. As a result, the equilibrium changes positively.

  In a parallel process, Balance Measurement is compared to the set point. If the Balance Measurement is determined to be outside its specified range, corresponding to an average CPM (Charged Plate Monitor) reading of +/− 15V measured at 1 foot from the ionizer, the ionizer control system Will trigger an equilibrium alarm.

  FIG. 9 is a method for providing a feedback routine that activates an ion balance alarm when there is an ion imbalance. Blocks 901-909 perform a measurement that is compared to a threshold value to determine if an equilibrium alarm is activated. Blocks 910-916 determine whether an equilibrium alarm is activated.

  In a time interval of once every 5 seconds, Balance Measurement is evaluated (903) and when out of this range, "1" is shifted left into the alarm register (904), otherwise it is "0". Are shifted left into the alarm register (902). When the alarm register contains a value of 255 (all “1”), the Balance Measurement is declared in an alarm state. Similarly, when the alarm register contains a value of 0 (all “0”), the Balance Measurement is declared not in an alarm state. Any value in the alarm register that is not 255 or 0 is ignored and the alarm state is not changed. This filters alarm notifications and prevents sudden notifications. As a by-product, the notification delay gives enough time for the balance control system to recover from the external stimulus.

  In another parallel process executed at the end of each ADC conversion cycle, the balance control system is monitored, FIG. 9B, about every millisecond. The routine 910 checks whether the positive pulse count and the negative pulse count are in a limit condition (911, 912). As described above, when the imbalance condition exists and the positive / negative pulse width and the positive / negative rep-rate are at their respective limits, the positive pulse count and the negative pulse count are adjusted. However, if the equilibrium cannot be restored as specified and the positive / negative pulse count has reached its adjustment limit (911, 912), by setting the alarm register to all "1" values (913), by setting the alarm flag (914) and by setting both alarm status bits (915), the alarm state is forced.

  The automatic balance control methods and techniques discussed above are not limited to one type of ionizing blower. The method and technique can be used in different ionization blower models with various emitter electrodes. Other applications for automated systems include models of ionization bars with micropulse high voltage power supplies.

  The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the abstract, is intended to comprehensively describe the invention or to limit it to the exact same form as disclosed. Absent. While specific embodiments of the invention and examples relating to the invention are described herein for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. is there.

  In light of the above detailed description, these modifications can be made to the invention. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the present invention is to be determined entirely by the accompanying claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established principles of claim interpretation.

Claims (20)

A method for automatically balancing ionized airflow generated in a bipolar corona discharge, comprising:
Disposing an air movement device comprising at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode connected to a micropulse AC power source, and a control system comprising at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge regulation control;
Generating a variable polarity group of ionizing micropulses of short duration,
The micropulse is primarily asymmetric with respect to the amplitude and duration of voltages of both polarities, and the ionization pulse of at least one polarity has a magnitude that exceeds a corona threshold.   The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of at least one polarity of the micropulse is at least about one hundredth of the time interval between micropulses. The micropulses are arranged in successive groups or pulse trains, one polarity pulse train comprising about 2 to 16 positive ionization pulses,
The method of claim 1, wherein the negative pulse train comprises about 2 to 16 positive ionization pulses, and the time interval between the positive pulse train and the negative pulse train is equal to about twice the period of successive pulses.   The method of claim 1, wherein the corona discharge regulation control alters the number of pulses in the positive and / or negative pulse train generated by the voltage source to balance the ionized airflow.   The method of claim 1, wherein the corona discharge regulation control alters the duration of ionization pulses in the positive and / or negative pulse train generated by the voltage source to balance the ionized airflow. .   The method of claim 1, wherein the corona discharge regulation control alters a repetition rate of ionization pulses in the positive and / or negative pulse train generated by the voltage source to balance the ionized airflow. .   The ion balance monitor provides ion convection current separation from pulsed AC current by placing a closed loop current path between the pulsed AC voltage source, the ion emitter, and the reference electrode. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 1, comprising performing ion balance monitoring during the period between the micropulses.   The method of claim 1, comprising performing ion balance monitoring by integrating differential signals of the positive and negative convection currents. A device for an ionizing blower that automatically balances,
An air moving device, and at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode, both connected to a high voltage source;
An ion balance monitor,
With
The high voltage source transformer, the ion emitter and the reference electrode are arranged in a closed loop for an AC current circuit, the loop being grounded by a high value galvanic resistor.   The apparatus of claim 10, wherein an ion balance monitor is connected to an ion balance control system and includes a high impedance voltage sensor located downstream of the ion emitter at an outlet of the air movement device.   The apparatus of claim 10, wherein an ion balance control system is configured to sample an output signal from the galvanic resistor and / or voltage sensor in a time interval between the ionization pulses. The high voltage source generates an output, and the output is
A variable polarity group of short duration ionized micropulses,
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the micropulse is primarily asymmetric with respect to the amplitude and duration of voltages of both polarities, and the at least one polar ionization pulse has a magnitude that exceeds a corona threshold.   The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the high voltage source generates an output, the output including a duration of at least one polarity of the micropulse for at least about one hundredth of a time interval between micropulses. The micropulses are arranged in successive groups or pulse trains, one polarity pulse train comprising about 2 to 16 positive ionization pulses,
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the negative pulse train comprises about 2 to 16 positive ionization pulses, and the time interval between the positive pulse train and the negative pulse train is equal to about twice the period of successive pulses.   11. The control system of claim 10, further comprising a control system, wherein the control system alters the number of pulses in the positive pulse train and / or the negative pulse train generated by the voltage source to balance the ionized airflow. The device described.   The control system further comprising a control system, wherein the control system alters the duration of the ionization pulses in the positive pulse train and / or the negative pulse train generated by the voltage source to balance the ionized airflow. 10. The apparatus according to 10.   The control system further comprising a control system, wherein the control system alters a repetition rate of ionization pulses in the positive pulse train and / or the negative pulse train generated by the voltage source to balance the ionized airflow. 10. The apparatus according to 10.   The ion balance monitor provides isolation of ion convection current from pulsed AC current by placing a closed loop current path between the voltage source, the ion emitter, and the reference electrode. apparatus.   The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the ion balance monitor performs ion balance monitoring during a period between micropulses.

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