KR102322725B1 - An automatically balanced micro-pulsed ionizing blower - Google Patents

Abstract

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for automatically balancing the ionized airflow generated in a bipolar corona discharge. The method includes providing at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode coupled to a micropulse AC power source to an air movement device, and providing at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge regulation control to a control system; generating a variable polarity group of short-term ionizing micropulses, wherein the micropulses are mostly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of the two polarity voltages and having a magnitude of at least one polarization ionization pulse that exceeds a corona threshold.

Description

Self-balancing micro-pulse ionizing blower {AN AUTOMATICALLY BALANCED MICRO-PULSED IONIZING BLOWER}

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of US Application Serial No. 13/367,369, filed on February 6, 2012. U.S. Application No. 13/367,369 is fully incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to ionizing blowers.

Static charge neutralizers are designed to eliminate or minimize static build-up. The static neutralizer removes static electricity by generating air ions and delivering these ions to a charged target.

One particular category of static neutralizers are ionizing blowers. Ionizing blowers typically use a fan (or fans) to create air ions with a corona electrode and direct these air ions to an object of interest.

Monitoring or controlling the performance of a blower uses two measures.

The first measure is balance. An ideal equilibrium occurs when the number of positive air ions is equal to the number of negative air ions. On a charge plate monitor, the ideal reading is zero. In practice, the static neutralizer is controlled within a small range around zero. For example, the balance of an electrostatic neutralizer can be specified as approximately ±0.2 volts.

The second measurement is the air ion current. A higher air ion current is useful because static electricity can be discharged in a shorter period of time. A higher air ion current is associated with a lower discharge time as measured by a charge plate monitor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for automatically balancing the ionized airflow generated in a bipolar corona discharge. The method includes providing at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode coupled to a micropulse AC power source to an air movement device, and providing at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge regulation control to a control system; generating a variable polarity group of short-term ionizing micropulses, wherein the micropulses are mostly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of the two polarity voltages and having a magnitude of at least one polarization ionization pulse that exceeds a corona threshold.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention, proposed by way of example, will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
1A is a general block diagram of an ionizing blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1B is a cross-sectional view of the blower of FIG. 1A ;
1C is a block diagram of a sensor included in an ionization blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a block diagram of the ionizing blower of FIG. 1A and ionized airflow from the blower in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
2B is an electrical block diagram of a system of an ionizing blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart of a feedback algorithm 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flow chart of a micropulse generator algorithm of micropulse generator control.
5A is a flow diagram of system operation during formation of a negative pulse train in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
5B is a flow diagram of system operation during formation of a positive pulse train in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flow diagram of system operation during a present pulse phase in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart of system operation during sensor input measurement according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a waveform diagram of a micropulse according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart of system operation during a balance alarm in accordance with an embodiment of the present 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 appear to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention are applicable to many types of air gas ionizers configured as, for example, ionizing bars, blowers, or in-line ionization devices.

Wide area coverage ionizing blowers require a combination of high efficiency air ionization with short discharge times and tight ion balance control. 1A is a general block diagram of an ionizing blower 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the blower 100 of FIG. 1A taken along line A-A. Efficient air ionization involves an array of emitter points 102 (ie, emitter point array 102 ) and two reference electrodes 104 (shown as an upper reference electrode 104 and a lower reference electrode 105 ). 105) is achieved by a bipolar corona discharge created between The emitter point 102 is also mounted on a protective grill 106 (ie, air duct 106 ) that helps to equalize the velocity of the ionized air flow.

The fan 103 ( FIG. 1A ) provides a high variable airflow 125 in the space 130 between the emitter point array 102 ( ion emitter 102 ) and the two reference electrodes 104 , 105 . It is an air moving device. The air duct 106 concentrates the air stream 125 and distributes it within the space 130 of the corona discharge. The corona generated positive and negative ions move between the electrodes 102 , 104 and 105 . The air stream 125 can take and carry only a relatively small fraction of the positive and negative ions produced by the corona discharge.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, air 125 is pushed out to outlet 131 of air duct 106 and air 125 passes through air ionization sensor 101 . Details of one embodiment of the design of the sensor 101 are shown in FIG. 1C . A fan (shown as block 126 in FIG. 1B ) provides a flow of air 125 . The air ionization voltage sensor 101 has a louver-type thin dielectric plate 109 extending over the entire width of the duct 106 . The louver plate 109 is connected to the duct 106 and the upper electrode 104 (also FIG. 2A ) so that the sensor 101 can sense and collect a portion of the ionic charge in the portion 125a of the ionized air stream 125b. The portion 125a (or sample 125a) of the ionized air stream 125b (ionized air stream 125b) exiting from the ionized air stream 125b is directed. The collected ion 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 top side 132 of the plate 109 has a narrow metal strip serving as the sensing electrode 108 , and the bottom side 133 has a wider grounded plain electrode 110 . This electrode 110 is generally shielded so that the air ionization sensor 101 is shielded from the high electric field of the emitter point array 102 . Electrode 108 collects a portion of the charge of the 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. . This signal 135 is also represented as signal 250 which is input into sample and hold circuitry 205, as will be discussed further below. Other configurations of the ion balance sensor may also be used in other embodiments of the present invention, such as in the form of a conductive grill or metal mesh submerged in an ion flow.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention, system 200 includes dual sensors comprising an air ionization voltage sensor 101 and an ionization current return sensor 204, the two sensors 101 and 204 being ionized airflow. It is configured to monitor the balance.

The ionization current return sensor 204 includes a capacitor C2, a capacitor C1, and resistors R1 and R2. Capacitor C2 provides an AC current path to ground and bypasses the current detection circuitry. Resistor R2 converts the ion current to voltage Ii*R2, and resistors R1 and R2 and capacitor C2 form a low-pass filter for filtering the induced current generated by the micropulses. Return current 210 flowing from sensor 204 is denoted by I2.

이며, 여기서 전류(Ic1 및 Ic2)는 각각 커패시터(C1 및 C2)를 통해 흐르는 전류이다.Current 254 flowing to emitter point 102 is the sum of the currents

, where currents Ic1 and Ic2 are currents flowing through capacitors C1 and C2, respectively.

2A illustrates an ion current 220 flowing between emitter 102 and reference electrodes 104 , 105 . Airflow 125 from duct 106 converts a portion of these two ion currents 220 into an ionized air stream 125b that travels outside of blower 100 to a target of charge neutralization. The object is generally shown in FIG. 1B as a block 127 that may be arranged in a different position relative to the ionizing blower 100 .

2B shows an electrical block diagram of a system 200 within an ionizing blower 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System 200 includes an ion current sensor 204 , a micropulse high voltage power supply 230 (formed by a pulse driver 202 and a high voltage (HV) transformer 203 ) (micropulse AC power supply 230 ). )), and a control system 201 of the ionizing blower. In an embodiment, the control system 201 is a microcontroller 201 . Microcontroller 201 receives power from voltage bias 256 , which may be, for example, about 3.3 DC voltage, and is grounded on line 257 .

Power converter 209 may optionally be used in system 200 to provide various voltages (eg, -12 VDC, 12 VDC, or 3.3 VDC) used by system 200 . Power converter 209 may convert a voltage source value 258 (eg, 24 VDC) to various voltages 256 for biasing microcontroller 201 .

The micro pulse high voltage power supply 230 has a pulse driver 202 controlled by a micro controller 201 . The pulse driver 202 is connected to a step up pulse transformer 203 . Transformer 203 generates positive and negative polarity short duration pulses (in the microsecond range) with sufficient amplitude to create a corona discharge. The secondary coil of transformer 203 is floated relative to ground. The high voltage terminal 250 of the transformer 203 is connected to the emitter point array 102 , and the low voltage terminal 251 of the transformer 203 is connected to the reference electrodes 104 , 105 .

Short term high voltage AC pulses (generated by high voltage power supply 230 ) result in significant capacitive or displacement currents Ic1 and Ic2 flowing between electrodes 102 and 104 , 105 . For example, current Ic1 flows between electrode (emitter point) 102 and upper reference electrode 104 , and current Ic2 flows between electrode 102 and lower reference electrode 105 . Relatively small positive and negative ion corona currents, denoted Ii(+) and Ii(-), leave this ion generating system 200 into the environment outside the blower 100 and travel to the target.

In order to separate capacitive and ionic currents, ion generating system 200 is configured such that the secondary coil of transformer 203 and corona electrodes 102, 104, and 105 are effectively floated relative to ground, and the ion current Ii(+) and Ii(-)) have a return path to ground (pass to ground), so they are arranged in a closed loop circuit for high frequency AC capacitive currents denoted Ic1 and Ic2. The AC current has a sufficiently low resistance to circulate within this loop than it is delivered to ground.

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

Additionally, ion balance monitoring is performed in system 200 during the period of time between micropulses. Additionally, ion balance monitoring is performed by integrating differential signals of positive and negative convective currents.

The transformer 203, the ion emitter 102 and the reference electrode 104 or 105 of the high voltage source 230 are arranged in a closed loop for an AC current circuit, the closed loop being a high value viewing resistor R2. connected to ground by

The law of conservation of charge states that when the output (through transformer 203) of AC voltage source 230 is floated, the ionic current is equal to the sum of the positive (Ii(+)) and negative (Ii(-)) ionic currents. dictate that These currents Ii(+) and Ii(−) must return through the circuit of the return current sensor 204 in the system 200 . The amount of ion current of each polarity is:

및

and

where Q is the charge of the positive or negative ions, N is the ion concentration, and U is the air flow. Ion balance will be achieved if the absolute values of the positive (Ii(+)) and negative (Ii(-)) currents are equal. It is known in the art that air ions of both polarities have the same amount of charge (equivalent to one electron). Thus, the other condition of ionic balance is the same concentration of both polar ions. The air ionization voltage sensor 101 (ion balance monitor 101) is more sensitive to changes in ion concentration, in contrast to the return current sensor 204 (ion balance monitor 204), which is sensitive to changes in ion current. Accordingly, the response speed of the air ionization voltage sensor (capacitor sensor) 101 is typically faster than that of the ionization return current sensor 204 .

The number of positive ions detected by sensor 101 causes sensor 101 to generate a positive output voltage that is input to (processed by) the sample and hold circuit 205 . The plurality of negative ions detected by the sensor 101 causes the sensor 101 to generate a negative output voltage that is an input to (processed by) the sample and hold circuit 205 . In contrast, similar to that described above, the absolute values of positive (Ii(+)) and negative (Ii(-)) are drawn into sample and hold circuitry 205 to determine and achieve ion balance within ionization blower 100 . Used by sensor 204 to output signal 250 for input.

In the time between the micropulse trains, the sample signal 215 will close the switch 216 such that the amplifier 218 is then coupled to a capacitor C3 that is charged to a value based on the response to the input signal 250 . .

The ionic current floated into the airflow is characterized by a very low frequency and can be monitored by passing it to ground through high megaohm resistance circuits R1 and R2. To minimize the effects of capacitive and parasitic high-frequency currents, sensor 204 has two bypass capacitive paths with C1 and C2.

로 표현되는 전류(214)로서 나타내어진다. The difference between the current Ii(+) and negative Ii(−) is continuously measured by the sensor 204 . The resulting current through the resistor circuits R1 and R2 produces a voltage/signal proportional to the integration/average in the time ion balance of the airflow leaving the blower. This resulting current is the sum

It is represented as a current 214 represented by .

Ion balance monitoring is accomplished by measuring the voltage output of the current sensor 204 , or measuring the output of the voltage sensor 101 , or measuring the voltage from the air ionization sensors 101 and 204 . For clarity, the voltage output of the current sensor 204 and the voltage output of the voltage sensor 101 are each shown in FIG. 2 by the same signal 250 . The signal 250 is a sample and hold circuit 205 controlled by the microcontroller 201 via a sample signal 215 which opens a switch 216 to trigger a sample and hold operation on the signal 250 . (sampling circuit 205) is applied to the input.

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

Signal 250 is then conditioned by low pass filter 206 and amplified by amplifier 207 before being applied to the input of an analog to digital converter (ADC) residing inside microcontroller 201 . do. The sample and hold circuit 205 samples the signal 250 between pulse times to minimize noise in the recovered signal 250 . Capacitor C3 holds the last signal value in-between the sample time. Amplifier 207 amplifies signal 250 to a level more usable to microcontroller 201 , and this amplified signal from amplifier 207 is represented as balanced signal 252 .

The microcontroller 201 compares the balance signal 252 to a setpoint signal 253 which is a reference signal generated by the balance adjustment potentiometer 208 . Setpoint signal 253 is a variable signal that can be adjusted by potentiometer 208 .

The setpoint signal 253 may be adjusted to compensate for the different circumstances of the ionizing blower 100 . For example, the reference level (ground) near the output 131 (FIG. 1B) of the ionization blower 100 may be near zero, but the reference level near the ionization target may not be zero. For example, if the location has a strong ground potential value, more negative ions may be lost at the location of the ionization target. Accordingly, the setpoint signal 253 may be adjusted to compensate for the non-zero value of the reference level at the location of the ionization target. In this case, in order to compensate for the loss of negative ions at the location of the ionization target (due to the lower setpoint value 253 used as a comparison to trigger more cation generation), more at the emitter point 102 To control the HV transformer 230 to generate an HV output 254 that generates positive ions, the setpoint signal 253 can be reduced so that the microcontroller 201 can drive the pulse driver 202 . .

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 8 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the ionizing blower 100 is, as will be described below, by (1) increasing and/or decreasing a positive pulse width value and/or a negative pulse width value, and/or (2) a positive pulse width value. by increasing and/or decreasing the time between pulses and/or the time between negative pulses, and/or (3) increasing and/or decreasing the number of positive and/or negative pulses of An ion balance of the ionization blower 100 may be achieved based on at least one or more of. The microcontroller 201 is driven by the pulse driver 202 and outputs a positive pulse output 815 and a negative pulse output 816 ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ) that control the pulse driver 202 . In response to outputs 815 and 816 , transformer 230 , an ionization waveform 814 (HV output) applied to emitter point 102 to produce a desired positive ion and a predetermined negative ion based on the ionization waveform 814 . (814)).

As an example, when the sensor 101 and/or sensor 204 detects an ion imbalance in the ionization blower 101 when the amount of positive ions in the blower 101 exceeds the amount of negative ions, the Balance signal 252 will indicate this ionic imbalance. The microcontroller 201 will extend the width (duration) 811 of the negative pulse of the negative pulse 804 . As the width 811 is extended, the amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 is increased. Positive micropulse 801 and negative micropulse 802 are high voltage outputs driven by emitter point 102 . The increased amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 will increase the negative ions generated from the emitter point 102 . The ionization waveform 814 produces short-term ionization micropulses 801 and 802 of variable polarity groups. Micropulses 801 and 802 are mostly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of the two polarity voltages and have a magnitude of at least one polarization ionization pulse that exceeds the corona threshold.

When the maximum pulse width has reached the negative pulse width 811 , if the amount of positive ions still exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 , then the microcontroller 201 controls the amount of the positive pulse 803 . will shorten the width (duration) 810 of the pulse. As the width 810 is shortened, the amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 is reduced. The reduced amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 will reduce the positive ions generated from the emitter point 102 .

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of positive ions exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 , the microcontroller 201 generates a negative Rep-Rate 813 (negative pulse 804 ). ) will extend the time between negative pulses 804 . As the negative rep rate 813 is extended, the time between negative micropulses 802 is also increased. As a result, an extended or longer negative rep rate 813 will increase the time between negative micropulses 802 , which in turn increases the amount of time that negative ions are generated from the emitter point 102 . .

When the minimum negative rep rate is reached, if the amount of positive ions still exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100, then the microcontroller 201 sets a positive rep rate 812 (positive shortening the time interval between pulses 803) will shorten the time between positive pulses 803. Because the positive rep rate 812 is shortened, the time between positive micropulses 801 is also reduced. As a result, a shortened or shorter positive rep rate 811 will reduce the time between positive micropulses 803 , which in turn reduces the amount of time positive ions are generated from the emitter point 102 . .

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of positive ions exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 , the microcontroller 201 may increase the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816 . will be. The microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter that can be incremented to increment the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816 . As the number of negative pulses 804 is increased, the negative pulse train increases at the negative pulse output 816 , which is an ionization waveform 814 applied to the emitter point 102 , which is a negative microcontroller at the HV output. Increase the number of pulses 802 .

When the maximum amount of negative pulses is added to the negative pulse output 816 , if the amount of positive ions still exceeds the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 , then the microcontroller 201 outputs a positive pulse output 815 . ) will decrease the number of positive pulses 803 . The microcontroller 201 has a counter of positive pulses that can be decremented to decrement the number of positive pulses 803 at the output 815 of the positive pulses. As the number of positive pulses 803 is reduced, the positive pulse train at the output 815 of the positive pulse is reduced, which is a positive pulse train at the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emitter point 102 . Reduce the number of micropulses 801.

The following example relates to achieving ionic balance in the blower 100 when the amount of anions exceeds the amount of cations in the blower.

When the sensor 101 and/or sensor 204 detects an ion imbalance in the ionization blower 101 when the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 101, a balance signal to the microcontroller 201 ( 252) would represent this ionic imbalance. The microcontroller 201 will extend the width 812 of the positive pulse 803 of the positive pulse. As the width 810 is extended, the amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 is increased. The increased amplitude of the positive micropulses 801 will increase the positive ions produced from the emitter point 102 .

When the maximum pulse width has reached the width of the positive pulse ( 812 ), if the amount of negative ions still exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower ( 100 ), then the microcontroller ( 201 ) controls the negative of the negative pulse ( 804 ). will shorten the width 811 of the pulse. As the width 811 is shortened, the amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 is reduced. The reduced amplitude of the negative micropulses 802 will reduce negative ions generated from the emitter point 102 .

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 , the microcontroller 201 extends the positive rep rate 812 by extending the time between positive pulses 803 . will extend As the positive rep rate 812 is extended, the time between positive micropulses 801 is also increased. As a result, an extended or longer positive rep rate 812 will increase the time between positive micropulses 801 , which in turn increases the amount of time that positive ions are generated from the emitter point 102 . .

When the minimum positive rep rate has reached a positive rep rate, if the amount of negative ions still exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 , then the microcontroller 201 extends the negative rep rate 813 by extending the negative rep rate 813 . will extend the time between negative pulses 804 . As the negative rep rate 813 is extended, the time between negative micropulses 802 is also increased. As a result, an extended or longer negative rep rate 813 will increase the time between negative micropulses 802 , which in turn reduces the amount of time that negative ions are generated from the emitter point 102 . .

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of negative ions exceeds the amount of positive ions in blower 100 , microcontroller 201 increases the number of positive pulses 803 at output 815 of positive pulses will do The microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter that can be incremented to increment the number of positive pulses 803 at the output 815 of the positive pulses. As the number of positive pulses 803 is increased, the positive pulse train at the output 815 of the positive pulses is extended, and the number of positive micropulses 801 is the ionization applied to the emitter point 102 . The waveform 814 is increased at the HV output.

When the maximum amount of positive pulses is added to the positive pulse output 815 , if the amount of negative ions still exceeds the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 , then the microcontroller 201 outputs the negative pulses 816 ) will decrease the number of negative pulses 804. The microcontroller 201 has a counter of negative pulses that can be decremented to decrement the number of negative pulses 804 at the output 816 of the negative pulses. As the number of negative pulses 804 is reduced, the negative pulse train is shortened at the output 816 of the negative pulses, and the number of negative micropulses 802 is the ionization waveform applied to the emitter point 102 . (814) is reduced at the HV output.

If the ion imbalance (reflected in the balance current value 252 ) does not differ significantly from the setpoint 253 , then a small adjustment in the ion imbalance may be sufficient, and the microcontroller 201 is configured to achieve the ion balance. Pulse widths 811 and/or 810 may be adjusted.

If the ion imbalance (reflected in the balance current value 252 ) differs moderately from the setpoint 253 , then a moderate adjustment in the ion imbalance may be sufficient, and the microcontroller 201 determines to achieve the ion balance. Rep rates 813 and 812 can be adjusted for

If the ion imbalance (reflected in the balance current value 252) differs significantly from the setpoint 253, then a large adjustment in the ion imbalance may be sufficient, and the microcontroller 201 outputs 815 and 816, respectively. You can add positive and/or negative pulses to

In another embodiment of the present invention, the duration (pulse width) of the polarity of at least one of the micropulses of FIG. 8 is at least approximately 100 times shorter than the time interval between the micropulses.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the micropulses of Figure 8 are arranged one after the other in groups/pulse trains, the positive pulse train comprising approximately between 2 and 16 positive ionization pulses, and The pulse train of A contains approximately between 2 and 16 positive ionization pulses, and the time interval between the positive and negative pulse trains is equal to approximately twice the period of successive pulses.

3 illustrates a feedback algorithm 300 of a system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The function of providing ion balance control by use of the feedback algorithm 300 executes at the end of the ionization cycle. This algorithm is performed, for example, by the system 200 of FIG. 2 . At block 301, the balance control feedback algorithm is started.

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

At blocks 306, 307, 308 and 309, the pulse width is increased or decreased. At block 306, the negative pulse width is compared to a maximum value MAX. If the negative pulse width is equal to MAX, then at block 307 the positive pulse width is reduced, and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310 . If the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 308 .

At block 308, the negative pulse width is compared to a minimum value MIN. If the negative pulse width is equal to MIN, then at block 309 the positive pulse width is reduced, and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310 . If the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310 . When the negative pulse width reaches its control limit, the change in the positive pulse width overshoots the balance setpoint to balance in such a way that it forces the negative pulse to reach its limit. will shift

At blocks 310 , 311 , 312 and 313 , the pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is increased or decreased when the pulse width limit is met. At block 310, a positive pulse width is compared to MAX and a negative pulse width is compared to MIN. If the positive pulse width equals MAX and the negative pulse width equals MIN, then at block 311 , alternatively, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is increased, or the negative pulse Rep -Rate is decreased. The algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314 . If the positive pulse width is not equal to MAX and the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 312 .

At block 312, a positive pulse width is compared to MIN and a negative pulse width is compared to MAX. If the positive pulse width equals MIN and the negative pulse width equals MAX, then at block 313, alternatively, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is reduced, or the negative pulse Rep- Rate is increased. The algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314 . If the positive pulse width is not equal to MIN and the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 314 .

Positive and negative pulse width control is used when the balance approaches the setpoint. As the emitter point ages, or the environment dictates, the positive and negative pulse width control has no bounds, and the “hit” is the control limit (positive at its maximum). and negative (or vice versa) at its minimum.When this occurs, the algorithm changes the positive or negative Rep-Rate to determine the amount of On-Time of positive or negative ion generation. Effectively increases or decreases and shifts the balance to the setpoint.

At blocks 314 , 315 , 316 and 317 , the pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is increased or decreased when the pulse width limit is met. At block 314, the positive pulse Rep-Rate is compared to the minimum pulse repetition rate value (MIN-Rep-Rate) and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is compared to the maximum pulse repetition rate value (MAX-Rep-Rate) do. If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is equal to the MIN-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is equal to the MAX-Rep-Rate, then at block 315, one negative pulse is counted offtime count), the algorithm 300 then proceeds to block 318, during which the balance control feedback algorithm 300 ends. The off-time count is when the ionization waveform is off. Offtime is the time between negative and positive groups of pulses and positive and negative groups (or trains of pulses), defined here as counts, and equal to the duration of a pulse with a positive or negative Rep-Rate.

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

At block 316, the positive pulse Rep-Rate is compared to the MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is compared to the MIN-Rep-Rate. If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is equal to the MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is equal to the MIN-Rep-Rate, then at block 317, one positive pulse is passed through the offtime count. shifted to a negative pulse, and then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 318, during which the balance control feedback algorithm 300 ends. If the positive pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to the MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse Rep-Rate is not equal to the MIN-Rep-Rate, then the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 318, during which Algorithm 300 ends.

When the Rep-Rate control reaches its limit, the algorithm triggers the next regulating control level.

Shifting the micropulses from a group of positive pulses to a group of negative pulses relative to the group of offtime pulses shifts the balance in the negative direction. In contrast, shifting the micropulses from a negative pulse group to a positive pulse group relative to the offtime pulse group shifts the balance in the positive direction. Using off-time groups reduces the effectiveness and thus provides finer control.

The flowchart of FIG. 4 shows an algorithm 400 of micro pulse generator control. The waveform of the drive pulse and the high voltage output are shown in the diagram of FIG. 8 . This algorithm 400 is performed, for example, by the system 200 of FIG. 2 . At block 401, Timerl's interrupt service routine begins. The algorithm 400 for the micro pulse generator is executed, for example, every 0.1 milliseconds.

At block 402, the micro pulse repetition rate counter is decremented. This counter is Timerl's repetition rate divider counter. Timerl is the main loop timer and pulse control timer running at 0.1ms. Timerl turns on the HVPS output, thus starting a micropulse, TimerO turns off the HVPS and ends the micropulse. Thus, Timerl sets the rap rate, triggers analog-to-digital conversion, and TimerO sets the micropulse width.

At block 403 , if the micro pulse repetition rate counter equals two, a comparison is performed. In other words, a test is performed to determine if the Rep-Rate divider count is 2 counts from the start of the next micropulse. The step in block 403 will synchronize the ADC (in microcontroller 201) to the time just before sending the next micropulse. If the micropulse repetition rate counter equals two, then the sample and hold circuit 205 is set to the sample mode as shown in block 404 . At block 405 , the ADC of microcontroller 201 reads the sensor input signal from sample and hold circuit 205 .

If the micro pulse repetition rate counter is not equal to two, then the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 406 .

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

When the sample and hold circuit 205 is enabled, typically approximately 0.2 milliseconds before the next micropulse occurs in block 403, where micropulses 803 and 804 have pulse widths 810 and 811, respectively. , signal 250 (FIG. 2) is then conditioned by low-pass filter 206 and amplified by amplifier 207 before being applied to the input of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) residing inside microcontroller 201 . do. Immediately after sample and hold circuitry 205 enables the sample and hold operation (block 404), the ADC is signaled to begin conversion (block 405). The resulting sample rate of the balanced signal is typically about 1.0 millisecond, and is in sync with the micropulse repetition rate (rep rate). However, the actual sample rate always changes as the rev rate 812 , 813 ( FIG. 8 ) changes (as shown in blocks 310 , 311 , 312 , 313 ), but always the micro pulse rate 812 , 812 , 813) and will be in sync.

According to this embodiment, the method of sampling the signal before the next micro-pulse causes the system 200 to ignore noise and current surges (capacitive coupling), preferably leading to errors in the ion balance measurement. avoid

At block 406, a test is performed to determine if Timerl's rap rate division counter is ready to start the next micropulse. A comparison is performed when the micropulse repetition rate counter equals zero. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is not equal to zero, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 412 . If the micropulse repetition rate counter equals zero, the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 417 .

At block 407, the micro pulse repetition rate counter is loaded back 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 for determining whether a new pulse phase is to be started or to continue with the current pulse phase.

At block 408, a comparison is performed if the micropulse counter equals zero.

If so, the algorithm 400 then proceeds to block 410 invoking the next pulse phase, and the algorithm 400 proceeds to block 411 .

If not, the algorithm 400 then proceeds to block 409 where it calls to continue the current pulse phase.

At block 411, TimerO (micro pulse width counter) is started. TimerO controls the micro pulse width as will be discussed below with reference to blocks 414-417.

At block 412, all system interrupts are enabled. At block 413, Timerl's interrupt service routine ends.

When the time of TimerO expires, the actual micro pulse width is controlled based on blocks 414-417. At block 414, TimerO's interrupt service routine begins. At block 415, the positive micropulse drive is set to off (ie, the positive micropulse is turned off). At block 416, the negative micropulse drive is set to off (ie, the negative micropulse is turned off). At block 417, TimerO's interrupt service routine ends.

As also shown in portion 450 in figure 400 for micropulse drive signal 452 , the duration of TimerO is equal to micropulse width 454 of micropulse drive signal 452 . The micro pulse width 454 starts at a pulse rising edge 456 (triggered at the start of TimerO) and ends at a pulse falling edge 458 (triggered at the end of TimerO).

Details of a method 700 of averaging ion balance sensor inputs are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 . Blocks 701-706 describe the operation of sample and hold circuitry 205 and ADC conversion of data from sample and hold circuitry 205 . At the end of ADC conversion 701, after about 0.1 milliseconds, sample and hold circuit 205 is disabled to prevent noise and current surges from causing errors in the balance measurement. The resulting measurement 703 and sample counter 705 are added to the previous Raw Measurement Sum 704 value and stored, awaiting further processing. Blocks 707-716 are an averaging routine for averaging the measurements of sensors 101 and/or 204, combining the averaging of the previous measurements 714 with the balancing measure average to yield the final balancing measure used in the balancing control loop. To obtain an average of the combined ion balance measurements using a Finite Impulse Response calculation. The calculation at block 714 computes a weighted average from the previous series of sensor input measurements. At block 715 , the event routine is called to adjust ion generation based on the calculation at block 714 .

The flow diagrams of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 illustrate system operation during formation of negative and positive polarity pulse trains. The ionization cycle 531 consists of a series of positive pulses 502, 602, followed by an off-time interval 503, 603, followed by a series of negative pulses 517, 604, followed by an off-time interval 518, 605. do. When the specified number of ionization cycles occurs (708), the ion balance measurement average is calculated (709), and the raw measurement sum and sample counter values are cleared (710).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 . This figure is a flow diagram of system operation during formation of negative and positive pulse trains, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At block 501, the routine of the next pulse phase for the negative pulse train begins. Blocks 502-515 describe steps for generating a series of negative pulses and an off-time of the pulse duration. Blocks 517-532 describe steps for generating a series of positive pulses and an off-time of the pulse duration. Blocks 601-613 describe steps for generating the next pulse phase or whether 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 measure with a setpoint value 302 that yields an error value. The error signal is multiplied by the loop gain 303, checked for over/under range 304, and added to the value of the current negative pulse width.

In the micropulse HV supply system 202 , 203 , the pulse width of the drive micropulse changes the peak amplitude of the waveform 814 , 801 , 802 of the resulting high voltage HV. In this case, the amplitude of the negative pulse changes to affect the change in ion balance. If the value of the error signal is greater than zero, the negative pulse width is adjusted upward, thus increasing the negative HV pulse amplitude, and consequently changing the balance in the negative direction. Conversely, if the balance is negative, the negative pulse width is adjusted downward, thus changing the balance in the positive direction.

As conditions are plausible during continuous adjustment of the negative pulse width, the negative pulse width may reach its control limit. In this situation, the positive pulse width is adjusted downward for positive imbalance (307) and upward for negative imbalance until the negative pulse width can again resume control (309). This method of control using negative and positive pulse widths yields an average balanced control adjustment range of approximately 10V with stability less than 3V.

According to another embodiment under large unbalance conditions, for example at the start of the ionizing blower, significant contamination accumulates or erodes in the emitter as they age, so that the negative and positive pulse widths are within their control limits ( 310, 312) will be reached. In this situation, the positive pulse repetition rate and the negative pulse repetition rate are adjusted (311, 313) to bring the balance to the point where the positive and negative pulse widths are once again within their respective control ranges. Thus, for large positive imbalance conditions, the negative pulse repetition rate is increased 313, resulting in a negative shift in balance. If the condition still exists, the positive pulse repetition rate is reduced 313, also resulting in a negative shift in balancing. This alternative method of varying the positive/negative rap rate 313 continues until the negative and positive pulse widths are once again within their control range. Likewise, for a large negative imbalance condition, the positive pulse repetition rate is increased (311), and alternatively the negative pulse repetition rate is decreased (311), resulting in a positive shift in balance. This continues, as before, until the negative and positive pulse widths are once again within their control range.

If extreme imbalance conditions exist, both negative/positive pulse width and positive/negative rap rate adjustments may reach their respective control limits 310, 312, 314, 316, then: The positive pulse counts and negative pulse counts will be changed to bring the positive/negative rap rates back to balance once again to the point that they are within their respective control ranges. Thus, in the case of an extreme positive imbalance condition, the positive pulse count is decreased 317 and the off-time pulse count 317 is increased by one pulse count, resulting in a negative change in balance.

If the condition still exists, the off-time pulse count is decremented (317) and the negative pulse count is increased by one pulse count (317), resulting in a further negative change in balance. This shifting of one pulse from negative to positive packet/column continues until the positive/negative rap rate is once again within its control range. Similarly, for extreme negative imbalance conditions, one pulse at a time is shifted from positive 315 packets/column through off-time pulse counts to negative pulse packets 315 for positive/negative rep rates. causes a positive change in equilibrium until once again is within its control range.

In a parallel process, the balance measure is compared to a setpoint. If the balance measurement is determined to be outside its specified range, in response to an average CPM (charge plate monitor) reading of +/- 15V measured at 1 foot from the ionizer, the ionizer's control system will trigger a balance alarm. .

9 is a method for providing a feedback routine that triggers an ion balance alarm when an ion imbalance exists. Blocks 901-909 perform measurements that are compared to thresholds to determine if a balance alert is triggered. Blocks 910-916 determine whether a balance alarm is activated.

At a timed interval of once every 5 seconds, the balance measure is evaluated 903, when out of range, a "1" is left shifted into the alarm register 904, otherwise a "0" is evaluated in the alarm register 902. ) is shifted left. When the alarm register contains a value of 255 (all "1"), a balance measurement is declared on alarm. Likewise, if the alarm register contains a value of zero (all "0"), the balance measurement is not declared at alarm time. Any value in the alarm register that is not 255 or 0 is ignored, and the status of the alarm is not changed. This filters alert notifications and prevents sporadic notifications. As a by-product, notification delays allow sufficient time for the balance control system to recover from external stimuli.

In another parallel process running at the end of each ADC conversion cycle, approximately every millisecond in FIG. 9B , the balance control system is monitored. This routine 910 checks the positive and negative pulse counts for limit conditions 911 and 912. As described above, when an imbalance condition exists and the positive/negative pulse width and positive/negative rap rate are each within their limits, the positive and negative pulse counts are adjusted. However, if the balance cannot be returned to specification and the positive/negative pulse counts have reached their adjustment limits 911, 912, the alarm condition sets the alarm registers both to a value of "1". do (913), set the alarm flag, and force the two alarm status bits to be set (915).

The methods and techniques of automatic balance control described above are not limited to one type of ionizing blower. It can be used for different models of ionizing blowers with different emitter electrodes. Other applications of automated systems include models of ionizing bars with micro-pulse, high-voltage power supply devices.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will recognize.

Such modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing detailed description. The terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims. Rather, the scope of the invention should be determined entirely by the following claims, which are construed in accordance with established principles of interpretation of the claims.

Claims (20)

A method of automatically balancing an ionized air stream generated by bipolar corona discharge, the method comprising:
providing at least one ion emitter 102 and at least one reference electrode 104 , 105 coupled to a micropulse AC voltage source 230 to an air moving device 103 , and at least one ion balance monitor providing (204) and a corona discharge regulation control unit (208) to the control system (201);
generating variable polarity groups of short duration ionizing micro-pulses;
including,
wherein said short-term ionization micropulses are predominantly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of both polarity voltages and have a magnitude of at least one polarization ionization pulse that exceeds a corona threshold;
The short-term ionizing micropulses are arranged to follow one another with a positive pulse train and a negative pulse train and to balance the ionized airflow, the corona discharge regulation control comprising:
changing the number of pulses in the positive or negative pulse train;
changing the duration of ionization pulses in the positive or negative pulse train; or
and change the repetition rate of ionization pulses in the positive or negative pulse train. The method of claim 1,
wherein the duration of the short-term ionizing micropulses of at least one polarity is at least 100 times shorter than a time interval between the short-term ionizing micropulses. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
performing ion balance monitoring during time periods between the short-term ionization micropulses, and
at least one of performing ion balance monitoring by integrating differential signals of positive convective current and negative convective current. A device for an ionizing blower that is automatically balanced, comprising:
air movement device (103), at least one ion emitter (102) and at least one reference electrode (104, 105) - said at least one ion emitter (102) and said at least one reference electrode (104, 105) both connected to a high voltage source;
ion balance monitor 204; and
control system
comprising;
A transformer (203) of the high voltage source, the at least one ion emitter (102) and the at least one reference electrode (104, 105) are arranged in a closed loop current path for an AC current circuit, the closed loop The current path is connected to ground by a resistor R2,
the high voltage source is configured to apply a high voltage output to the at least one ion emitter (102), the high voltage output comprising both positive polarization ionizing micropulses and negative polarization ionizing micropulses;
The positive and negative ionizing micropulses are arranged to follow each other with a positive and negative pulse train and to balance the ionized airflow, the control system comprising:
changing the number of pulses in the positive or negative pulse train;
changing the duration of ionization pulses in the positive or negative pulse train; or
and change the repetition rate of ionization pulses within the positive pulse train or the negative pulse train. 5. The method of claim 4,
The ion balance monitor 204 is a high impedance voltage sensor connected to an ion balance control system 107 , 200 and installed downstream of the ion emitter 102 at the outlet of the air movement device 103 . (101). 6. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
wherein the ion balance control system (107, 200) is configured to sample an output signal from at least one of the resistor (R2) and the voltage sensor (101) within a time interval between ionization pulses. 6. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
The high voltage source is
produce an output comprising variable polarity groups of short-term ionizing micropulses;
wherein the short-term ionization micropulses are mostly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of the two polarity voltages and have a magnitude of at least one polarization ionization pulse that exceeds a corona threshold. 6. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
wherein the high voltage source produces an output comprising a duration of the micropulses of at least one polarity that is at least 100 times shorter than the time interval between the micropulses. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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