TWI737860B - Apparatus, control system, and method for a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower - Google Patents

Abstract

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of automatically balancing ionized air stream created in bipolar corona discharge is provided. The method comprises: providing an air moving device with at least one ion emitter and reference electrode connected to a micro-pulsed AC power source, and a control system with at least one ion balance monitor and corona discharge adjustment control; generating variable polarity groups of short duration ionizing micro-pulses: wherein said micro-pulses are predominantly asymmetric in amplitude and duration of both polarity voltages and have a magnitude of at least one polarity ionizing pulses exceed the corona threshold.

Description

Device, control system and method for balanced micro-pulse ionization blower Cross references to related applications

This case is a partial continuation of the U.S. application No. 14/711,611 filed on May 13, 2015. The U.S. application No. 14/711,611 was filed on March 19, 2014. The continuation application of the U.S. application No. 14/220,130. The U.S. application No. 14/220,130 is a partial continuation application of the U.S. application No. 13/367,369 filed on February 6, 2012. The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/367,369, U.S. Patent Application No. 14/220,130, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14/711,611 are incorporated herein by reference.

The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to ionization blowers.

The electrostatic charge neutralizer is designed to remove or minimize the accumulation of electrostatic charge. The electrostatic charge neutralizer removes the electrostatic charge by generating air ions and supplying the plasma to the charged target.

A specific category of electrostatic charge neutralizers is ionization blowers. Ionization blowers generally generate air ions with corona electrodes, and a fan (or fans) is used to guide the air ions toward a target of interest.

The act of monitoring or controlling the performance of the blower utilizes two measures.

The first measure is balance. The ideal balance 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 fact, the electrostatic neutralizer is controlled in a small range around zero. For example, the balance of the electrostatic neutralizer may be specified to be about ±0.2 volts.

The second measurement is air ion current. Higher air ion currents are useful because electrostatic charges can be discharged in a shorter period of time. A higher air ion current is associated with a lower discharge time, which is measured by a charge plate monitor.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically balancing the ionized air flow generated in the bipolar corona discharge is provided. The method includes the following steps: providing an air moving device and a control system, the air moving device having at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode connected to a micropulse AC power source, the control system having at least one ion balance monitor and a corona discharge Adjust the control element; generate short-duration ionized micro-pulses of variable polarity groups, where most of the micro-pulses are asymmetric in the amplitude and duration of the voltages of the two polarities and have a threshold value exceeding the corona The value of at least one polarity ionization pulse.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an automatically balanced ionization blower is provided. The device includes: an air moving device and at least one ion emitter and a reference electrode, the at least one ion emitter and the reference electrode are both connected to a high voltage source; and an ion balance monitor; wherein the high voltage source transformer, so The ion emitter and the reference electrode are arranged as a closed loop for the AC current circuit, and the loop is connected to the ground by a high-value viewing resistor.

In the following detailed description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments of the present invention are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Such skilled persons who have benefited from the disclosure herein will easily think of other embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to many types of air gas ionizers configured as ionization rods, blowers, or in-line ionization devices, for example.

A wide range of ionization blowers need to combine highly efficient air ionization with short discharge times and strict ion balance control. FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a general view of an ionization 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 along the line A-A. Efficient air ionization is achieved by creating a bipolar between the array of emission points 102 (ie emission point array 102) and two reference electrodes 104, 105 (shown as upper reference electrode 104 and lower reference electrode 105) It is achieved by corona discharge. The launch point 102 is installed on a protective grille 106 (ie, the air duct 106), which also helps to accelerate the ionized air flow equally.

The fan 103 (FIG. 1A) is an air moving device that provides a highly variable air flow 125 in the space 130 between the emission point array 102 (ion emitter 102) and the two reference electrodes 104, 105. The air duct 106 concentrates and distributes the air flow 125 in the corona discharge space 130. The corona that generates positive and negative ions moves between the electrodes 102, 104, and 105. The air stream 125 can carry and carry only a relatively small part of the positive and negative ions generated by the corona discharge.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air 125 is forced out of the outlet 131 of the air passage (106) and the air 125 passes through the air ionization sensor 101. The details of one embodiment of the design of the sensor 101 are shown in FIG. 1C. A fan (shown as block 126 in Figure 1B) provides a flow of air 125. The air ionization voltage sensor 101 has a louver-type thin dielectric plate 109 stretched over the entire width of the air passage 106. The louver 109 guides a portion 125a (or sample 125a) of the ionized air flow 125b (ionized air flow 125b) from the air passage 106 and the upper electrode 104 (also refer to FIG. 2A), so that the sensor 101 can sense Some parts of the ion charge in the portion 125a of the ionized air stream 125b are measured and collected. 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 that serves as the sensitive electrode 108, while the bottom side 133 has a wider grounded flat electrode 110. The electrode 110 is generally shielded, so as to shield the air ionization sensor 101 from the high electric field of the emission point array 102. Electrode 108 collects some portion of the ionic charge that causes voltage/signal 135 (FIG. 2A), which 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 the system 200 in FIG. 2) to monitor and adjust the ion balance in the ionized air stream 125b. This signal 135 is also represented by the signal 250, which is input to the sample-and-hold circuit 205 as will be discussed below. Other configurations of the ion balance sensor (for example, in the form of a conductive grid or a metal mesh immersed in the ion current) can also be used in other embodiments of the present invention.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 200 includes dual sensors. The dual sensors include an air ionization voltage sensor 101 and an ionization current return sensor 204, two of which are 101 And 204 is configured to monitor the balance of the ionized air flow.

In some examples, the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current return sensor 204 are remote sensors directly connected to the control system 107. In some other examples, the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current return sensor 204 are implemented as a remote with radio frequency (RF) communication, Bluetooth, and/or any other wireless method for communication. End wireless sensor. The remote sensor refers to a sensor outside the ionization blower 100. The exemplary ionization blower 100 can receive active (eg Powered) and/or passive (for example, non-powered) feedback signals.

Because the ionization blower 100 can be used to return multiple or even a large number (for example, tens, hundreds or more) of the ionization blower 100 and the wireless ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current to the sensor 204 is used in applications or environments within the wireless communication range of the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or ionization current return sensor 204. In some instances, the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or ionization The current return sensor 204 is individually addressable and has a unique identification code to allow the sensors 101, 204 to be specifically paired with the individual ionization blower 100.

In the example in which the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or the ionization current return sensor 204 are remote sensors, the exemplary control system 107 includes a communication circuit to receive the ionization voltage sensor 101 and/or ionization The current return sensor 204 receives wired and/or wireless communication.

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

The current 254 flowing to the emission point 102 is the total current Σ(Ii(+), Ii(-), I2, Ic1, Ic2), where the currents Ic1 and Ic2 are the currents flowing through the capacitors C1 and C2, respectively.

FIG. 2A shows the ion current 220 flowing between the transmitter 102 and the reference electrodes 104 and 105. The air flow 125 from the air passage 106 converts a part of the two ion currents 220 into the ionized air flow 125b, and the ionized air flows toward the charge neutralization target movement outside the blower 100. The target is shown roughly as a block 127 in FIG. 1B, which can be placed in different positions relative to the ionization blower 100.

FIG. 2B illustrates an electrical block diagram of the system 200 in the ionization blower 100 according to an embodiment of the present 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), and a control system 201 of an ionization blower. In an embodiment, the control system 201 is a microcontroller 201. The microcontroller 201 receives power from a voltage bias 256, which may be at about 3.3 DC voltage and ground at line 257, for example.

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

The micropulse 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. The transformer 203 generates short-duration pulses (in the range of microseconds) that have positive and negative polarities with sufficient amplitude to generate corona discharge. The secondary winding of the transformer 203 is floating with respect to ground. The high voltage terminal 250 of the transformer 203 is connected to the emission point array 102, and the low voltage terminal 251 of the transformer 203 is connected to the reference electrodes 104, 105.

The short-duration high-voltage AC pulse (generated by the high-voltage power supply 230) causes significant capacitance currents or displacement currents Ic1 and Ic2 to flow between the electrodes 102 and 104, 105. For example, the current Ic1 flows between the electrode (emission point) 102 and the upper reference electrode 104, and the current Ic2 flows between the electrode 102 and the lower reference electrode 105. The relatively small positive and negative ion corona currents labeled Ii(+) and Ii(-) leave the ion generation system 200 to the environment outside the blower 100 and move toward the target.

In order to separate the capacitive current and the ion current, the ion generating system 200 is arranged in a closed loop circuit for high-frequency AC capacitive currents labeled Ic1 and Ic2 as the secondary coil of the transformer 203, and the corona electrodes 102, 104 and 105 are opposite to The ground is essentially floating and the ion currents Ii(+) and Ii(-) have return paths to the ground (and are transmitted to the ground). The AC current has a significantly lower resistance to circulate in this loop than the AC currents delivered to ground.

The system 200 includes an ion balance monitor that provides separated ions from a pulsed AC current by arranging a closed loop current path between the pulsed AC voltage source 230, the ion emitter 102, and the reference electrode 104 or 105 Convection current (separation ions convection current).

In addition, the ion balance monitoring is performed in the system 200 during the period between micropulses. In addition, ion balance monitoring is performed by integrating the differential signals of positive and negative convection 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 the AC current circuit and the closed loop is connected by a high-value viewing resistor R2 To ground.

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

Ii(+)=Q(+)*N(+)*U and Ii(-)=Q(-)*N(-)*U

Where A is the charge of positive or negative ions, N is the ion concentration, and U is the air flow. If the absolute value of the positive Ii(+) current and the negative Ii(-) current are the same, the ion balance will be reached. It is well known in the art that the two polarities of air ions carry approximately the same amount of charge (equal to one electron). Therefore, another condition for ion balance is that the concentrations of the ions of the two polarities are equal. Compared to the return current sensor 204 (ion balance monitor 204) which is sensitive to changes in ion current, the air ionization voltage sensor 101 (ion balance monitor 101) is more sensitive to changes in ion concentration. Therefore, the response speed of the air ionization voltage sensor (capacitance sensor) 101 is generally faster than the response of the ionization return current sensor 204.

The larger number of positive ions detected by the sensor 101 causes the sensor 101 to generate a positive output voltage that is input to the sample-and-hold circuit 205 (and processed by the sample-and-hold circuit). The large number of negative ions detected by the sensor 101 causes the sensor 101 to generate a negative output voltage that is input to (and processed by the sample-and-hold circuit) 205. In contrast, as similarly described above, the absolute values of positive Ii(+) and negative Ii(-) are used by the sensor 204 to output the signal 250 for input to the sample-and-hold circuit 205 to determine and achieve The ion balance in the ionization blower 100.

At the time between the micro-pulse trains, the sampling signal 215 will close the switch 216 so that the amplifier 218 is connected to the capacitor C3, which is then charged to a certain value based on and in response to the input signal 250.

The ion current floating with the air current is characterized by a very low frequency, and can be monitored by passing through the high million ohm resistor circuit system R1 and R2 to ground. In order to minimize the influence of capacitive and parasitic high-frequency currents, the sensor 204 has two bypass capacitor paths with C1 and C2.

The difference between the currents Ii(+) and Ii(-) is continuously measured by the sensor 204. The current caused by the resistance circuit system R1, R2 produces a voltage/signal proportional to the time-integrated/average ion balance of the airflow leaving the blower. The resulting current is shown as current 214, which is represented by the sum Σ(Ii(+), Ii(-)).

Ion balance monitoring is achieved 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 the current sensor 204 and the voltage output of the voltage sensor 101 are each shown by the same signal 250 in FIG. 2. This signal 250 is applied to the input of the sample-and-hold circuit 205 (sampling circuit 205) controlled by the microcontroller 201 through the sample signal 215, which turns on the switch 216 to trigger the sample-and-hold operation on the signal 250.

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

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

The microcontroller 201 compares the balance signal 252 with a set point signal 253, which is a reference signal generated by the balance adjustment potentiometer 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 ionization blower 100 environments. For example, the reference level (ground) near the output 131 (FIG. 1B) of the ionization blower 100 may be approximately zero, while the reference level near the ionization target may not be zero. For example, if the position of the ionization target has a strong ground potential value, more negative ions may be lost at that position. Therefore, the set point signal 253 can be adjusted to compensate for the non-zero value of the reference level at the position of the ionization target. In this case, the set point signal 253 can be reduced so that the microcontroller 201 can drive the pulse driver 202 to control the HV transformer 230 to generate the HV output 254, which generates more positive ions at the emission point 102 (due to the lower setting The point value 253 is used for comparison to trigger more positive ion generation) in order to compensate for the loss of negative ions at the location of the ionization target.

Refer now to Figures 2 and 8. In an embodiment of the present invention, the ionization blower 100 can achieve ion balance in the ionization blower 100 based on at least one or more of the following steps: (1) By increasing and/or decreasing the positive pulse width Value and/or negative pulse width value; (2) by increasing and/or decreasing the time between positive pulses and/or negative pulse; and/or (3) by increasing and/or decreasing the positive pulse And/or the number of negative pulses, as described below. The microcontroller 201 outputs a positive pulse output 815 and a negative pulse output 816 (FIGS. 2 and 8), which are driven into the pulse driver 202 and control the pulse driver. In response to the outputs 815 and 816, the transformer 230 generates an ionization waveform 814 (HV output 814), which is applied to the emission point 102 to generate a certain amount of positive ions and a certain amount of negative ions based on the ionization waveform 814.

As an example, if the sensor 101 and/or the sensor 204 detects the ion imbalance in the ionization blower 100, where the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 exceeds the amount of negative ions, it enters the balance signal of the microcontroller 201 252 will indicate that this ion is out of balance. The microcontroller 201 will lengthen the negative pulse width (duration) 811 of the negative pulse 804. Because the width 811 is lengthened, the amplitude of the negative micropulse 802 is increased. The positive micro pulse 801 and the negative micro pulse 802 are high voltage outputs that are driven to the emission point 102. The increased amplitude of the negative micro pulse 802 will increase the negative ions generated from the emission point 102. The ionization waveform 814 has generated variable polarity groups of ionization micropulses 801 and 802 of short duration. Most of the micropulses 801 and 802 are asymmetrical in the amplitude and duration of the two polarity voltages, and have ionization pulses of at least one polarity exceeding the corona critical value.

Once the maximum pulse width is reached for the negative pulse width 811, if the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of negative ions, the microcontroller 201 will shorten the positive pulse width (duration) 810 of the positive pulse 803. Because the width 810 is shortened, the amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 is reduced. The reduced amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 will reduce the positive ions generated from the emission point 102.

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 exceeds the amount of negative ions, the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the negative repetition rate (Rep-Rate) 813 (the time interval between negative pulses 804). The time between pulses 804. Because the negative repetition rate 813 is lengthened, the time between negative micropulses 802 is also increased. As a result, a longer or longer negative repetition rate 813 will increase the time between negative micropulses 802, which in turn will increase the amount of time for negative ions to be generated from the emission point 102.

Once the minimum negative repetition rate has been reached for the negative repetition rate, if the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of negative ions, the microcontroller 201 will shorten the positive repetition rate 812 (the time interval between positive pulses 803). Shorten the time between positive pulses 803. Because the positive repetition rate 812 is shortened, the time between the positive micropulses 801 is also reduced. As a result, a shortened or shorter positive repetition rate 811 will reduce the time between positive micropulses 803, which in turn will reduce the amount of time that positive ions are generated from the emission point 102.

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 exceeds the amount of negative ions, the microcontroller 201 will increase the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. The microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter that can be increased to increase the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. Because the number of negative pulses 804 has increased, the negative pulse train in the negative pulse output 816 has increased, and this action has increased the number of negative micropulses 802 in the HV output, which is the ionized waveform applied to the emission point 102 814.

Once the maximum amount of negative pulses has been added to the negative pulse output 816, if the amount of positive ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of negative ions, the microcontroller 201 will reduce the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. The microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter, which can be reduced to reduce the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. Because the number of positive pulses 803 is reduced, the number of positive pulse trains in the positive pulse output 815 is reduced, and this reduces the number of positive micropulses 801 in the HV output, which is the ionized waveform applied to the emission point 102 814.

The following example aims to achieve the ion balance in the blower 100 when the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 exceeds the amount of positive ions.

If the sensor 101 and/or the sensor 204 detects the ion imbalance in the ionization blower 101, and the amount of negative ions in the blower 101 exceeds the amount of positive ions, the balance signal 252 entering the microcontroller 201 will indicate this Ion imbalance. The microcontroller 201 will lengthen the positive pulse width 812 of the positive pulse 803. Because the width 810 is lengthened, the amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 is increased. The increased amplitude of the positive micropulse 801 will increase the positive ions generated from the emission point 102.

Once the maximum pulse width is reached for the positive pulse width 812, if the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of positive ions, the microcontroller 201 will shorten the negative pulse width 811 of the negative pulse 804. Because the width 811 is shortened, the amplitude of the negative micropulse 802 is reduced. The reduced negative micro pulse 802 amplitude will reduce the negative ions generated from the emission point 102.

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 exceeds the amount of positive ions, the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the time between the positive pulses 803 by increasing the positive repetition rate 812. Because the positive repetition rate 812 is lengthened, the time between positive micropulses 801 is also increased. As a result, a longer or longer positive repetition rate 812 will increase the time between positive micropulses 801, which in turn will increase the amount of time that positive ions are generated from the emission point 102.

Once the minimum positive repetition rate has been reached for the positive repetition rate 812, if the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of positive ions, the microcontroller 201 will lengthen the time between negative pulses 804 by increasing the negative repetition rate 813. Because the negative repetition rate 813 is lengthened, the time between negative micropulses 802 is also increased. As a result, a longer or longer negative repetition rate 813 will increase the time between negative micropulses 802, which in turn will reduce the amount of time that negative ions are generated from the emission point 102.

Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 exceeds the amount of positive ions, the microcontroller 201 will increase the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. The microcontroller 201 has a positive pulse counter, which can be increased to increase the number of positive pulses 803 in the positive pulse output 815. Because the number of positive pulses 803 has increased, the positive pulse train in the positive pulse output 815 has been lengthened, and the number of positive micropulses 801 in the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emission point 102, has increased.

Once the maximum positive pulse amount has been added to the positive pulse output 815, if the amount of negative ions in the blower 100 still exceeds the amount of positive ions, the microcontroller 201 will reduce the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. The microcontroller 201 has a negative pulse counter, which can be reduced to reduce the number of negative pulses 804 in the negative pulse output 816. Because the number of negative pulses 804 is reduced, the negative pulse train in the negative pulse output 816 is shortened, and the number of negative micropulses 802 in the HV output, which is the ionization waveform 814 applied to the emission point 102, is reduced.

If the ion imbalance (which is reflected in the balance current value 252) is not significantly different from the set point 253, a small adjustment in the ion imbalance may be sufficient, and the microcontroller 201 can adjust the pulse width 811 and/or 810 To achieve ion balance.

If the ion imbalance (which is reflected in the balance current value 252) is moderately different from the set point 253, then a moderate adjustment on the ion imbalance may be sufficient, and the microcontroller 201 can adjust the repetition rates 813 and 812. Achieve ion balance.

If the ion imbalance (which is reflected in the balance current value 252) is significantly different from the set point 253, a large adjustment in the ion imbalance may be sufficient, and the microcontroller 201 can add positive pulses and/or negative pulses, respectively To output 815 and 816.

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

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the micro pulses in FIG. 8 are arranged in groups/pulse trains one after another, and the pulse train of one polarity includes between about 2 and 16 positive ionization pulses. , And the negative pulse train includes between about 2 and 16 positive ionization pulses, wherein the time interval between the positive pulse train and the negative pulse train is approximately equal to twice the period of the sequential pulse.

The flowchart in FIG. 3 shows the feedback algorithm 300 of the system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The function of providing ion balance control by using the feedback algorithm 300 runs at the end of the ionization cycle. This algorithm is executed by the system 200 in FIG. 2, for example. In block 301, the balance control feedback algorithm is started.

In blocks 302, 303, 304, and 305, the calculation of the control value of the negative pulse width is performed. In block 302, the error value (Error) is calculated by subtracting the required ion balance (SetPoint) from the measured ion balance (Balance Measurement). In block 303, the error value is multiplied by the loop gain. In block 304, the calculation of the control value is limited to the minimum or maximum value so that the control value is limited and will not exceed the 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. In block 306, the negative pulse width is compared to the maximum value (MAX). If the negative pulse width is equal to MAX, then in block 307, the positive pulse width is decremented and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. If the negative pulse width is not equal to MAX, the algorithm 300 continues to block 308.

In block 308, the negative pulse width is compared to the minimum value (MIN). If the negative pulse width is equal to MIN, then in block 309, the positive pulse width is decremented and the algorithm 300 proceeds to block 310. If the negative pulse width is not equal to MIN, the algorithm 300 continues to block 310. When the negative pulse width hits its control limit, the change in the positive pulse width will shift the balance in a way that overshoots the balance set point, while forcing the negative pulse to its 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. In 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, then in block 311, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is alternately incremented or the negative pulse repetition rate is decremented. Algorithm 300 continues 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 continues to block 312.

In 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, then in block 313, the positive pulse repetition rate (Rep-Rate) is alternately decreased or the negative pulse repetition rate is increased. Algorithm 300 continues 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 continues to block 314.

Use positive and negative pulse width control when the balance is close to the set point. As the emission point ages or as the environment tends, the positive and negative pulse width control will not have this range and will "hit" its control limit (the positive one is at its maximum value and the negative one is at its minimum value (and vice versa) NS)). When this happens, the algorithm changes the positive or negative repetition rate, effectively increasing or decreasing the amount of working time generated by the positive or negative ions and shifting the balance toward 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. In block 314, the positive pulse repetition rate is compared with the minimum pulse repetition rate value (MIN-Rep-Rate), and the negative pulse repetition rate is compared with the maximum pulse repetition rate value (MAX-Rep-Rate). If the positive pulse repetition rate is equal to MIN-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse repetition rate is equal to MAX-Rep-Rate, then in block 315, a negative pulse is shifted into a positive pulse via the offtime count, and the algorithm 300 then proceeds to block 318, during which the balance control feedback algorithm 300 ends. The stop time count value is when the ionization waveform stops. The stop time is the time between negative and positive and positive and negative pulse groups (or pulse trains), and is defined herein as a count value equal to the pulse duration with a positive or negative repetition rate.

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

In block 316, the positive pulse repetition rate is compared to MAX-Rep-Rate, and the negative pulse repetition rate is compared to MIN-Rep-Rate. If the positive pulse repetition rate is equal to MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse repetition rate is equal to MIN-Rep-Rate, then in block 317, a positive pulse is shifted to a negative pulse by the stop time count value, and the algorithm 300 continues Proceeding to block 318, during block 318, the balance control feedback algorithm 300 ends. If the positive pulse repetition rate is not equal to MAX-Rep-Rate and the negative pulse repetition rate is not equal to MIN-Rep-Rate, then the algorithm 300 continues to block 318, during which the algorithm 300 ends.

When the repetition rate control hits the limit, the algorithm triggers the next adjustment control level.

The act of shifting the micropulse from the positive pulse group to the stop time pulse group to the negative pulse group is offset in the negative direction. Conversely, the act of shifting the micropulse from the negative pulse group to the stop time pulse group to the positive pulse group is offset and balanced in the positive direction. Groups that use stop time reduce the effect and therefore provide finer control.

The flowchart in FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm 400 for micro pulse generator control. The waveforms of the driving pulse and the high voltage output are shown in the diagram in FIG. 8. This algorithm 400 is executed by the system 200 in FIG. 2, for example. In block 401, the interrupt service routine of Timer1 is started. The algorithm 400 for the micro pulse generator runs, for example, every 0.1 millisecond.

In block 402, the micropulse repetition rate counter is decremented. This counter is the repeat rate divider counter of Timer1. Timer1 is the main loop timer and the pulse control timer runs at 0.1 ms. Timer1 turns on the HVPS output, so the micro pulse starts, and Timer0 turns off the HVPS and ends the micro pulse. Therefore, Timer1 sets the repetition rate and triggers the conversion of analog to digital bits, and Timer0 sets the micro pulse width.

In block 403, a comparison of whether the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to 2 is performed. In other words, a test is performed to determine whether the repetition rate division count value is 2 from the start of the next micro pulse. The step in block 403 will synchronize the ADC (in the microcontroller 201) with the time just before the transmission of the next micropulse. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to 2, the sample-and-hold circuit 205 is set to the sampling mode, as shown in block 404. In block 405, the ACD 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 continues to block 406.

Blocks 404 and 405 are activated and perform analog-to-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 activated (usually about 0.2 milliseconds before the next micropulse occurs at the block 403, where the micropulses 803 and 804 have pulse widths 810 and 811, respectively), the signal 250 (Figure 2) is then The input applied to the analog-to-digital converter (ACD) located in the microcontroller 201 is adjusted by the low-pass filter 206 and amplified by the amplifier 207 before it is applied. Just after the sample-and-hold circuit 205 is enabled (block 404), the ACD is signaled to start conversion (block 405). The resulting balanced signal sampling rate is generally about 1.0 millisecond, and is synchronized with the micropulse repetition rate (rep-rate). However, the actual sampling rate changes as the repetition rates 812, 813 (Figure 8) change (as shown in blocks 310, 311, 312, 313), but will always remain synchronized with the micropulse repetition rates 812, 813.

According to this embodiment, the method of sampling the signal before the next micro pulse allows the system 200 to ignore noise and current surges (capacitive coupling) and advantageously avoids unreliable ion balance measurement.

In block 406, a test is performed to determine whether the repetition rate division counter of Timer1 is ready to start the next micro pulse. Perform a comparison of whether the micro pulse repetition rate counter is equal to zero. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is not equal to zero, the algorithm 400 continues to block 412. If the micropulse repetition rate counter is equal to zero, the algorithm 400 continues to block 417.

In block 417, the micro-pulse repetition rate counter is reloaded from the data register. This will reload the time interval used to start the next pulse (micro pulse). Algorithm 400 then continues to block 408.

Blocks 408, 409, and 410 provide the following steps: determine whether a new pulse phase is started or continues with the current pulse phase.

In block 408, a comparison of whether the micropulse counter is equal to zero (0) is performed.

If so, the algorithm 400 continues to block 410, which calls the next pulse phase, and the algorithm 400 continues to block 411.

If not, the algorithm 400 continues to block 409, which calls to continue the current pulse phase.

In block 411, Timer0 (micro pulse width counter) is started. Timer0 controls the micro pulse width, as discussed below with reference to blocks 414-417.

In block 412, all system interrupts are enabled. In block 413, the interrupt service routine of Timer1 ends.

When the time of Timer0 expires, the actual micro-pulse width is controlled based on blocks 414-417. In block 414, the interrupt service routine of Timer0 is started. In block 415, the positive micro pulse drive is set to off (that is, the positive micro pulse is turned off). In block 416, the negative micropulse drive is set to off (ie, the negative micropulse is turned off). In block 417, the interrupt service routine of Timer0 ends.

As also shown in part 450 in FIG. 400, for the micro-pulse driving signal 452, the duration of Timer0 is equal to the micro-pulse width 454 of the micro-pulse driving signal 452. The micropulse width 454 starts at the pulse rising edge 456 (which triggers when Timer0 starts) and ends at the pulse falling edge 458 (which triggers when Timer0 ends).

The details of the method 700 for averaging the input of the ion balance sensor are shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7. Blocks 701-706 describe the operation of the sample-and-hold circuit 205 and the operation of ADC conversion on the data from the sample-and-hold circuit 205. At the end of ADC conversion 701, about 0.1 milliseconds later, the sample-and-hold block 205 is disabled to prevent noise and current surge from making the balance measurement unreliable. The resulting measurement result 703 and sampling counter 705 are added to the previous original measurement sum 704 value and saved, waiting for further processing. Blocks 707-716 are averaging routines for averaging the measurement results of the sensors 101 and/or 204, and obtaining the ion balance measurement average value, and then use the finite impulse response calculation to combine the balance measurement average value The balance measurement average value is combined with the previous measurement result 714 to generate the final balance measurement result used in the balance control loop. The calculation in block 714 calculates a weighted average from the previous series of sensor input measurement results. In block 715, the event routine is called to adjust ion generation based on the calculation in block 714.

The flowcharts in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 illustrate the system operation during the period when the negative and positive pulse trains are formed. The ionization cycle 531 includes a series of positive pulses 502, 602, followed by a stop time interval 503, 603, followed by a series of negative pulses 517, 604, and then a stop time interval 518, 605. When the specified number of ionization cycles has occurred 708, the average ion balance measurement 709 is calculated, and the original measurement total 710 and sampling counter values 710, 711 are cleared.

Refer now to Figures 5A, 5B and 6. The figures are flowcharts of system operations during the formation of the negative pulse train and the positive pulse train, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In block 501, a normal start for the next pulse phase of the negative pulse train. Blocks 502-515 describe the steps used to generate the negative series of pulses and the stop time of the pulse duration. Blocks 517-532 describe the steps used to generate the positive series of pulses and the stop time of the pulse duration. Blocks 601-613 describe the steps used to generate the next pulse phase or whether to continue the current pulse phase.

The finite impulse response calculation is then combined with the balance measurement average to combine the balance measurement average with the previous measurement result 714 to generate the final balance measurement result used in the balance control loop.

The balance control loop 301 compares the balance measurement result with the set value 302 to generate an error value. The error signal is multiplied by the loop gain 303, checked for over/under 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 high voltage (HV) waves 814, 801, 802 caused. In this case, change the negative pulse amplitude to make the change in ion balance take effect. If the error signal value is greater than zero, the negative pulse width is increased, so that the amplitude of the negative HV pulse is increased, and the balance changes in a negative direction. Conversely, if the balance is negative, lower the negative pulse width, so that the balance changes in the positive direction.

During the continuous adjustment of the negative pulse width and when conditions permit, the negative pulse width may hit its control limit. In this case, the positive pulse width is adjusted lower by 307 for positive imbalance or the positive pulse width is adjusted higher by 309 for negative imbalance, until the negative pulse width can be controlled again. This method of using negative and positive pulse widths for control produces an average balance control adjustment range of about 10V, where the stability is less than 3V.

According to another embodiment under large imbalance conditions (for example, when the ionization blower is started, when a large amount of contaminants accumulate, or when the emitter corrodes as they age), the negative pulse width and the positive pulse width will reach their Control limits 310, 312. In this case, adjusting the positive pulse repetition rate 311 and adjusting the negative pulse repetition rate 313 so that the balance reaches the point where the positive pulse width and the negative pulse width are again within their respective control ranges. Therefore, for large positive unbalance conditions, the negative pulse repetition rate is increased by 313, which results in a negative shift in balance. If the condition still exists, the positive pulse repetition rate is reduced by 313, which also causes a negative shift in the balance. This alternating method of changing the positive/negative repetition rate 313 continues until the negative pulse width and the positive pulse width are again within their control range. Similarly, for large negative imbalance conditions, the positive pulse repetition rate is increased by 311 and the negative pulse repetition rate is alternately decreased by 311, resulting in a positive shift in balance. This action continues as before, until the negative pulse width and the positive pulse width are again within their control range.

In the presence of extremely unbalanced conditions, the negative/positive pulse width and positive/negative repetition rate adjustments may have hit their respective control limits 310, 312, 314, 316, and then the positive pulse count value and Negative pulse counts to balance the positive/negative repetition rate are again points within their respective control ranges. Therefore, for an extremely positive unbalance condition, the positive pulse count value will decrease by 317 and the stop time pulse count value 317 will increase by one pulse number, resulting in a negative change in the balance.

If the condition still exists, the stop time pulse count value will be reduced by 317 and the negative pulse count value will be increased by 317 pulses, resulting in a further negative change in the balance. This act of shifting a pulse from a negative packet/column to a positive packet/column continues until the positive/negative repetition rate is again within their control range. Similarly, for extreme negative imbalance conditions, one pulse at a time will be shifted from the positive pulse 315 packet/column through the stop time pulse count value to the negative pulse packet 315, resulting in a positive change in balance until positive/negative The repetition rate is again within their control range.

In a parallel program, the balance measurement result will be compared with the set point. If the balance measurement result is judged to be outside the specified range (corresponding to the average CPM (charge plate monitor) reading of ±15V measured at a distance of 1 foot from the ionizer), then the ionizer’s The control system will trigger a balance warning.

In Fig. 9 is a method for providing a feedback routine. If an ion imbalance exists, the feedback routine activates an ion balance warning. Blocks 901-909 perform measurements and compare these measurements with thresholds to determine whether to activate the balance warning. Blocks 910-916 determine whether to activate the balance warning.

In a time interval of once every 5 seconds, the balance measurement result 903 is estimated. When this range is exceeded, "1" will be shifted to the left of the warning register 904, otherwise "0" will be shifted to the left of the warning register中902. When the warning register contains 255 values (all "1"), the balance measurement result is announced in the warning. Similarly, if the warning register contains a value of 0 (all "0"), the balance measurement result will not be declared in the warning. Ignore any value other than 255 or 0 in the warning register and the status of the warning remains unchanged. This action filters out warning notifications and prevents accidental notifications. As a by-product, the notification delay allows sufficient time for the balance control system to recover from external stimuli.

In another balancing program that runs at the end of each ADC conversion cycle, the balancing control system is monitored approximately once every millisecond (Figure 9B). This routine 910 checks the restriction conditions 911 and 912 for positive and negative pulse count values. As described above, when an imbalance condition exists and the positive/negative pulse width and the positive/negative repetition rate are at their respective limits, adjust the positive and negative pulse count values. However, when the balance cannot be brought back to the specification and the positive/negative pulse count values have reached their adjustment limits 911, 912, by setting the warning register to all "1" values 913, set the warning The flag 914 and two warning status bits 915 are set to enforce the warning status.

The method and technology of automatic balance control discussed above are not limited to one type of ionization blower. These methods and techniques can be used in ionization blowers of different models with various emitter electrodes. Other applications of automated systems include models of ionizing rods with micro-pulse high-voltage power supplies.

The above description of the illustrated embodiments of the invention (including those described in the abstract) is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed. As those skilled in the relevant art will recognize, although specific embodiments and examples of the present invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

These changes can be made to the present invention in the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims. Instead, the scope of the present invention should be determined solely by the following claims, and the claims should be interpreted according to the established principle of interpretation of the claims.

100. Grid/Vent 107‧‧‧Control system 108‧‧‧Sensitive electrode 109‧‧‧Blind-type thin dielectric plate 110‧‧‧Grounding flat electrode 125‧‧‧Air flow 125a‧‧‧Sample 125b‧‧‧By Ionized air flow 127‧‧‧Block 130‧‧‧Space 131‧‧‧Exit 132‧‧‧Top side 133‧‧‧Bottom side 135‧‧‧Voltage/signal 200‧‧‧System 201‧‧‧Control system /Microcontroller 202‧‧‧Pulse driver 203‧‧‧Transformer 204‧‧‧Return current sensor 205‧‧‧Sample and hold circuit 206‧‧‧Low pass filter 207‧‧‧Amplifier 208‧‧‧Balance adjustment Potentiometer 209‧‧‧Power converter 210‧‧‧Return current 214‧‧‧Current 215‧‧‧Sample signal 216‧‧‧Switch 218‧‧‧Amplifier 220‧‧Ion current 230‧‧‧HV transformer 250‧ ‧‧High voltage terminal 251‧‧‧Low voltage terminal 252‧‧‧Balance signal 253‧‧‧Setpoint signal 254‧‧‧HV output 256‧‧‧Voltage bias 257‧‧‧Line 258‧‧‧Voltage source value 300. ‧Block 310‧‧‧Block 311‧‧‧Block 312‧‧‧Block 313‧‧‧Block 314‧‧‧Block 315 ‧Micropulse generator control algorithm 401‧‧‧Block 402‧‧‧Block 403‧‧‧Block 404‧‧‧Block 405‧‧‧Block 406‧‧‧Block 407‧‧‧Block 408‧‧‧Block 409 ‧‧‧Block 410‧‧‧Block 411‧‧‧Block 412‧‧‧Block 413‧‧‧Block 414‧‧‧Block 415 ‧‧‧Micro-pulse drive signal 454‧‧‧Micro-pulse width 456 ‧‧Block 506‧‧‧Block 507‧‧‧Block 508‧‧‧Block 509‧‧‧Block 510‧‧‧Block 511 ‧‧Block 516‧‧‧Block 517‧‧‧Block 518‧‧‧Block 519‧‧‧Block 520‧‧‧Block 521 ‧‧‧Block 522‧‧‧Block 523‧‧‧Block 524‧‧‧Block 525‧‧‧Block 526‧‧‧Block 527 ‧‧‧Block 532‧‧‧Block 601‧‧‧Block 602‧‧‧Block 603‧‧‧Block 604‧‧‧Block 605 ‧‧‧Block 611‧‧‧Block 612‧‧‧Block 613‧‧‧Block 700‧‧‧Method 701‧‧‧Block 702 ‧‧‧Block 707‧‧‧Block 708‧‧‧Block 709‧‧‧Block 710‧‧‧Block 711‧‧‧Block 712 ‧‧‧Block 801‧‧‧Positive micropulse 802‧‧‧Negative micropulse 803‧‧‧Positive pulse 804‧‧‧Negative pulse 810‧‧‧Positive pulse width (duration) 811‧‧‧Negative pulse width (continued Time) 812‧‧‧Positive repetition rate 813‧‧‧Negative repetition rate 814‧‧‧Ionization waveform 815‧‧‧Positive pulse output 816‧‧‧Negative pulse output 901‧‧‧Block 902‧‧‧Block 903‧‧ ‧Block 904‧‧‧Block 905‧‧‧Block 906‧‧‧Block 907‧‧‧Block 908‧‧‧Block 909‧‧‧Block 910‧‧‧Block 911‧‧‧Block 912 ‧Block 914‧‧‧Block 915‧‧‧Block 916‧‧‧Block

Various embodiments in which this disclosure is proposed as an example will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which similar element symbols refer to similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a general diagram of an ionization blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the blower of Fig. 1A.

FIG. 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 ionization blower of FIG. 1A and the ionized air flow from the blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2B is an electrical block diagram of the system in the ionization blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a feedback algorithm 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 is a flowchart of a micro pulse generator control algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart of system operation during the formation of a negative pulse train according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart of system operation during the formation of a positive pulse train according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of system operation during the current pulse phase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of system operation during sensor input measurement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a waveform diagram of micro pulses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of system operation during a balance alert period according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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100: Ionization blower

101: Air ionization sensor

102: emission point array / emission point

103: Fan

106: Protection grille/air duct

Claims (17)

An apparatus for an automatically balanced ionization blower includes: an ion balance control system configured to sample and compare output signals in a time interval between ionization pulses, the output signals coming from an ionization current At least one of a return sensor or an ionization voltage sensor, wherein the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor are remote sensors external to the ionization blower, and The ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor are individually addressable and have a unique identification code to allow the sensors to be specifically paired with the ionization blower. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ion balance control system is configured to receive the output signals through a wireless connection, the output signals coming from the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor At least one of. The device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one of the ion balance control system and the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor is individually addressable through the wireless connection. The device according to claim 2, wherein the ion balance control system is configured to interact with the ionization current return sensor or the ionization The at least one of the voltage sensors is paired to receive the output signals. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ion balance control system is further configured to compare the output signals from the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor. A control system for a balanced micropulse ionization blower, the control system comprising: a micropulse high-voltage AC (alternating current) power supply configured to generate a short-duration positive ionization pulse and a short-duration negative electrode Ionization pulse; an ion balance control system configured to receive output signals in a time interval between the plasmaization pulses, the output signals from an ionization current return sensor or an ionization voltage sensor And a microcontroller configured to control the AC power source based on the output signals, wherein the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor are the components of the ionization blower An external remote sensor, and the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor are individually addressable and have a unique identification code to allow the sensors and the ionization blower Paired specifically. The control system according to claim 6, wherein the ion balance control system is configured to receive the output signals through a wireless connection, the output signals coming from the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor At least one of. The control system according to claim 7, wherein the ion balance control system and the at least one of the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor are individually addressable through the wireless connection. The control system according to claim 7, wherein the ion balance control system is configured to be paired with the at least one of the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor to receive the output signals. The control system according to claim 6, wherein the ion balance control system is further configured to compare the output signals from the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor. The control system according to claim 6, wherein the microcontroller achieves an ion balance by at least one of the following steps: increasing and/or decreasing a positive pulse width value and/or negative pulse of the plasma pulse Width value; increase and/or decrease the time between the positive pulse and/or negative pulse of the plasma pulse; or Increase and/or decrease the number of positive polarity pulses and/or negative polarity pulses of the plasma pulse. A method for providing control in a balanced micropulse ionization blower, the method comprising the following steps: generating a short-duration positive polarity ionization pulse and a short-duration negative polarity ionization pulse; wherein the plasma pulse is generated The steps further include: receiving output signals in a time interval between the plasma pulses, the output signals coming from at least one of an ionization current return sensor or an ionization voltage sensor; and The output signals control an AC power source for generating the plasma pulse, wherein the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor are remote sensors external to the ionization blower, and The ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor are individually addressable and have a unique identification code to allow the sensors to be specifically paired with the ionization blower. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of receiving the output signals from the at least one of the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor includes receiving the output signals through a wireless connection Output signal. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one of the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor is individually addressable through the wireless connection. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: establishing a pairing with the at least one of the ionization current return sensor or the ionization voltage sensor to receive the output signals. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the following step: comparing the output signals from the ionization current return sensor and the ionization voltage sensor. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the following steps: achieving an ion balance based on controlling at least one of the following steps: increasing and/or decreasing a positive pulse width value and/or negative pulse width of the plasma pulse Value; increase and/or decrease a time between the positive and/or negative pulses of the plasma pulse; or increase and/or decrease the number of positive pulses and/or negative pulses of the plasma pulse.

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