U.S. patent application number 10/717420 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner devices with insulated driver electrodes.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sharper Image Corporation. Invention is credited to Botvinnik, Igor Y., Parker, Andrew J., Taylor, Charles E..
Application Number | 20050051420 10/717420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34228695 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050051420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Botvinnik, Igor Y. ; et
al. |
March 10, 2005 |
Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner devices with
insulated driver electrodes
Abstract
Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems and
methods are provided. A system includes at least one emitter
electrode and at least a one collector (and likely, at least a pair
of collector electrodes) that are downstream from the emitter
electrode. An insulated driver electrode is located adjacent a
collector electrode, and where there is at least a pair of
collector electrodes, between each pair of collector electrodes. A
high voltage source provides a voltage potential to the at least
one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode(s), to
thereby provide a potential different therebetween. The insulated
driver electrode(s) may or may not be at a same voltage potential
as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage
potential than the collector electrode(s).
Inventors: |
Botvinnik, Igor Y.; (Novato,
CA) ; Parker, Andrew J.; (Novato, CA) ;
Taylor, Charles E.; (Punta Gorda, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLIESLER MEYER, LLP
FOUR EMBARCADERO CENTER
SUITE 400
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111
US
|
Assignee: |
Sharper Image Corporation
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
34228695 |
Appl. No.: |
10/717420 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60500437 |
Sep 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/164 ;
422/186.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B03C 2201/14 20130101;
B03C 3/08 20130101; B03C 3/47 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/164 ;
422/186.04 |
International
Class: |
H05F 003/00; B01J
019/08 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter electrode; a pair of collector electrodes
that are downstream from said emitter electrode; an insulated
driver electrode located between said pair of collector electrodes;
and a high voltage source that provides a voltage potential to at
least one of said emitter electrode and said pair of collector
electrodes to thereby provide a potential different
therebetween.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein: said emitter electrode is
grounded; said pair of collector electrodes are negatively charged
by said high voltage source; and said insulated driver electrode is
grounded.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said emitter electrode and said
insulated driver electrode are at a same voltage potential.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein: said emitter electrode is at a
first voltage potential; said pair of collector electrodes are at a
second voltage potential different than said first voltage
potential; and said insulated driver electrode is at a third
voltage potential different than said first and second voltage
potentials.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said emitter electrode is
generally equidistant from a upstream end of each of said collector
electrodes.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said pair of collector electrodes
and said insulated driver electrode each includes a corresponding
upstream end closest to said emitter electrode and a downstream end
farthest from said emitter electrode; and wherein the upstream end
of the insulated driver electrode is set back a distance X from the
upstream ends of the collector electrodes, the distance X being
generally equal to a distance Y between said pair of collector
electrodes.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulated driver electrode is
coated with an ozone reducing catalyst.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulated driver includes an
electrically conductive electrode covered by a dielectric
material.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the dielectric material is coated
with an ozone reducing catalyst.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the dielectric material
comprises a non-electrically conductive ozone reducing
catalyst.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive
electrode of the insulated driver electrode includes generally flat
elongated sides that are generally parallel with said collector
electrodes.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein said insulated driver electrode
includes at least one wire or rod shaped electrode covered by a
dielectric material.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the driver electrode includes a
row of wire or rod shaped electrodes each covered by a dielectric
material, said row being generally parallel to said collector
electrodes.
14. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter array including at least one emitter
electrode; a collector array including at least two collector
electrodes; a driver array including an insulated driver electrode
located between each pair of adjacent collector electrodes in said
collector array; and a high voltage source that provides a voltage
potential difference between said emitter array and said collector
array.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein a further voltage potential
difference exists between said collector array and said driver
array, said further voltage potential difference causing charged
particles produced near said emitter electrodes to be pushed toward
said collector electrodes as the charged particles pass between air
gaps between an insulated driver electrode and adjacent collector
electrodes.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein: said emitter array is
grounded; said collector array is negatively charged by said high
voltage source; and said driver array is grounded.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein said emitter array and said
driver array are at a same voltage potential.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein: said emitter array is at a
first voltage potential; said collector array is a second voltage
potential different than said first voltage potential; and said
driver array is at a third voltage potential different than said
first and second voltage potentials.
19. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter array including at least one emitter
electrode; a collector array including at least two collector
electrodes; a driver array including an insulated driver electrode
located between each pair of adjacent collector electrodes in said
collector array; and a high voltage source that provides a first
voltage potential difference between said emitter array and said
collector array, and a second voltage potential between said
collector array and said driver array.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said emitter array is
grounded.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein said emitter array and said
driver array are grounded, and wherein said collector array is
receives a negative voltage potential from said high voltage
source.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein each emitter electrode is
generally equidistant from upstream ends of a closest pair of said
collector electrodes.
23. The system of claim 19, wherein each collector electrode and
each insulated driver electrode each includes a corresponding
upstream end closest to said emitter array and a downstream end
farthest from said emitter array; and wherein the upstream end of
each insulated driver electrode is set back a distance X from the
upstream ends of said collector electrodes, the distance X being
generally equal to a distance Y between each pair of adjacent
collector electrodes.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one insulated driver
electrode is coated with an ozone reducing catalyst.
25. The system of claim 19, wherein each insulated driver include
an electrically conductive electrode covered by a dielectric
material.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the dielectric material is
coated with an ozone reducing catalyst.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the dielectric material
comprises a non-electrically conductive ozone reducing
catalyst.
28. The system of claim 25, wherein the electrically conductive
electrode of each insulated driver electrode includes generally
flat elongated sides that are generally parallel with said
collector electrodes.
29. The system of claim 19, wherein each insulated driver electrode
includes at least one wire or rod shaped electrode covered by a
dielectric material.
30. The system of claim 19, wherein each driver electrode includes
a row of wire or rod shaped electrodes each covered by a dielectric
material, said row being generally parallel to said collector
electrodes.
31. A method for providing an electro-kinetic air
transporter-conditioner system with increased particle collecting
efficiency, comprising: providing an emitter electrode; providing
at least a pair of collector electrodes downstream from said
emitter electrode; providing a driver electrode between each pair
of adjacent collector electrodes; insulating each driver electrode
with a dielectric; and proving a voltage potential difference
between each driver electrode and said collector electrodes that is
greater than a voltage potential difference that could have been
obtained, without arcing, if each driver electrode were not
insulated.
32. A method for providing an electro-kinetic air
transporter-conditioner system with increased particle collecting
efficiency, comprising: providing an emitter electrode; providing
at least a pair of collector electrodes downstream from said
emitter electrode; providing an insulated driver electrode between
each pair of adjacent collector electrodes; and proving a voltage
potential difference between each driver electrode and said
collector electrodes that is greater than a voltage potential
difference that could have been obtained, without arcing, if each
driver electrode were not insulated.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: coating at least
one said insulated driver electrode with an ozone reducing
catalyst.
34. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter electrode; a collector electrode that is
downstream from said emitter electrode; an insulated driver
electrode generally adjacent said a collector electrode; and a high
voltage source that provides a voltage potential to at least one of
said emitter electrode and said collector electrode to thereby
provide a potential different therebetween.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein: said emitter electrode is
grounded; said collector electrode is negatively charged by said
high voltage source; and said insulated driver electrode is
grounded.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein said emitter electrode and said
insulated driver electrode are at a same voltage potential.
37. The system of claim 34, wherein: said emitter electrode is at a
first voltage potential; said collector electrode is at a second
voltage potential different than said first voltage potential; and
said insulated driver electrode is at a third voltage potential
different than said first and second voltage potentials.
38. The system of claim 34, wherein the insulated driver electrode
is coated with an ozone reducing catalyst.
39. The system of claim 34, wherein the insulated driver includes
an electrically conductive electrode covered by a dielectric
material.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the dielectric material is
coated with an ozone reducing catalyst.
41. The system of claim 39, wherein the dielectric material
comprises a non-electrically conductive ozone reducing
catalyst.
42. The system of claim 39, wherein the electrically conductive
electrode of the insulated driver electrode includes generally flat
elongated sides that are generally parallel with said collector
electrodes.
43. The system of claim 34, wherein said insulated driver electrode
includes at least one wire or rod shaped electrode covered by a
dielectric material.
44. The system of claim 34, wherein the driver electrode includes a
row of wire or rod shaped electrodes each covered by a dielectric
material, said row being generally parallel to said collector
electrode.
45. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter electrode that is grounded or floating; a
pair of collector electrodes that are downstream from said emitter
electrode, said collector electrodes having a high negative voltage
potential; and an insulated driver electrode located between said
pair of collector electrodes.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein said insulated driver electrode
is grounded or floating.
47. The system of claim 45, wherein said insulated driver electrode
has a negative voltage potential that is less than said high
negative voltage potential of said collector electrodes.
48. The system of claim 45, wherein said insulated driver electrode
is has a positive voltage potential.
49. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter electrode; a pair of collector electrodes
that are downstream from said emitter electrode; an insulated
driver electrode located between said pair of collector, wherein
the insulated driver electrode is coated with an ozone reducing
catalyst; a high voltage source that provides a voltage potential
to at least one of said emitter electrode and said pair of
collector electrodes to thereby provide a potential different
therebetween; and a lamp that can emit radiation in order to reduce
the amount of microorganisms in air passing through said system,
the radiation also irradiating the ozone reducing catalyst.
50. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter electrode; a pair of collector electrodes
that are downstream from said emitter electrode; an insulated
driver electrode located between said pair of collector electrodes,
said insulated driver including an electrically conductive
electrode covered by a ceramic or porcelain insulating layer; and a
high voltage source that provides a voltage potential to at least
one of said emitter electrode and said pair of collector electrodes
to thereby provide a potential different therebetween.
51. The system of claim 50, wherein: said emitter electrode is
grounded; said pair of collector electrodes are negatively charged
by said high voltage source; and said insulated driver electrode is
grounded.
52. The system of claim 50, wherein said emitter electrode and said
insulated driver electrode are at a same voltage potential.
53. An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system,
comprising: an emitter array including N emitter electrodes, where
N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a collector array
including N+1 collector electrodes located downstream from said
emitter array; a driver array including an insulated driver
electrode located between each pair of adjacent collector
electrodes in said collector array; and a high voltage source that
provides a voltage potential difference between said emitter array
and said collector array; wherein each of a pair of outermost
emitter electrodes is located closer to a corresponding outermost
collector electrode, than to a next closest collector
electrode.
54. The system of claim 53, where N is an integer greater than or
equal to 3, and wherein each emitter electrode, that is not one of
the pair of outermost emitter electrodes, is substantially
equidistant from a closest pair of said collector electrodes.
55. The system of claim 53, wherein: said emitter electrode is
grounded; said pair of collector electrodes are negatively charged
by said high voltage source; and said insulated driver electrode is
grounded.
56. The system of claim 53, wherein said emitter electrode and said
insulated driver electrode are at a same voltage potential.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/500,437, filed
Sep. 5, 2003, entitled "Electro-Kinetic Air Transporter and
Conditioner Devices with Insulated Driver Electrodes."
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ART
[0002] The present invention is related to the following patent
applications and patent, each of which is incorporated herein by
reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,207, filed Feb.
12, 2002, entitled "Electro-Kinetic Air Transporter-Conditioner
Devices with Interstitial Electrode"; U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/074,827, filed Feb. 12, 2002, "Electro-Kinetic Air
Transporter-Conditioner with Non-Equidistant Collector Electrodes";
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,977, entitled "Electro-Kinetic Air
Transporter-Conditioner".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to devices that
electro-kinetically transport and/or condition air.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is known in the art to produce an airflow using
electro-kinetic techniques, by which electrical power is converted
into a flow of air without mechanically moving components. One such
system was described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 to Lee (1988),
depicted herein in simplified form as FIG. 1. System 100 includes a
first array 110 of emitter electrodes 112 that are spaced-apart
symmetrically from a second array 120 of collector electrodes 122.
The positive terminal of a high voltage pulse generator 140 that
outputs a train of high voltage pulses (e.g., 0 to perhaps +5 KV)
is coupled to the first array 110, and the negative pulse generator
terminal is coupled to the second array 120 in this example.
[0005] The high voltage pulses ionize the air between arrays 110
and 120, and create an airflow 150 from the first array 110 toward
the second array 120, without requiring any moving parts.
Particulate matter 160 in the air is entrained within the airflow
150 and also moves towards the collector electrodes 122. Some of
the particulate matter is electrostatically attracted to the
surfaces of the collector electrodes 122, where it remains, thus
conditioning the flow of air exiting system 100. Further, the
corona discharge produced between the electrode arrays can release
ozone into the ambient environment, which can eliminate odors that
are entrained in the airflow, but is generally undesirable in
excess quantities.
[0006] In a further embodiment of Lee shown herein as FIG. 2, a
third array 230 includes passive collector electrodes 232 that are
positioned midway between each pair of collector electrodes 122.
According to Lee, these passive collector electrodes 232, which
were described as being grounded, increase precipitation
efficiency. However, because the grounded passive collector
electrodes 232 (also referred to hereafter as driver electrodes)
are located close to adjacent negatively charged collector
electrodes 122, undesirable arcing (also known as breakdown or
sparking) will occur between collector electrodes 122 and driver
electrodes 232 if the potential difference therebetween is too
high, or if a carbon path is produced between an electrode 122 and
an electrode 232 (e.g., due to a moth or other insect that got
stuck between an electrode 122 and electrode 232). It is also noted
that driver electrodes are sometimes referred to as interstitial
electrodes because they are situated between other (i.e.,
collector) electrodes.
[0007] Increasing the voltage difference between the emitter
electrodes 112 and the collector electrodes 122 is one way to
further increase particle collecting efficiency and air flow rate.
However, the extent that the voltage difference can be increased is
limited because arcing will eventually occur between the collector
electrodes 122 and the driver electrodes 232. Such arcing will
typically decrease the collecting efficiency of the system, as well
as produce an unpleasant odor.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a desire to improve upon existing
electro-kinetic techniques. More specifically there is a desire to
increase particle collecting efficiency and airflow rate, and to
reduce arcing between electrodes.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are related to
electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner systems and methods. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system
includes at least one emitter electrode and at least one collector
electrode that is downstream from the emitter electrode. An
insulated driver electrode is located adjacent the collector
electrode. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at
least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode to
thereby provide a potential different therebetween. The insulated
driver electrode(s) may or may not be at a same voltage potential
as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage
potential than the collector electrode.
[0010] The insulation (i.e., dielectric material) on the driver
electrodes allows the voltage potential to be increased between the
driver and collector electrodes, to a voltage potential that would
otherwise cause arcing if the insulation were not present. This
increased voltage potential increases particle collection
efficiency. Additionally, the insulation will reduce, and likely
prevent, any arcing from occurring if a carbon path is formed
between the collector and driver electrodes, e.g., due to an insect
getting caught therebetween.
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the emitter electrode(s) and the insulated driver electrode(s) are
grounded, while the high voltage source is used to provide a high
voltage potential to the collector electrode(s) (e.g., -16 KV).
This is a relatively easy embodiment to implement since the high
voltage source need only provide one polarity.
[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the emitter electrode(s) is at a first voltage potential, the
collector electrode(s) is at a second voltage potential different
than the first voltage potential, and the insulated driver
electrode is at a third voltage potential different than the first
and second voltage potentials. One of the first, second and third
voltage potentials can be ground, but need not be. Other
variations, such as the emitter and driver electrodes being at the
same potential (ground or otherwise) are within the scope of the
invention.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the emitter electrode(s) may be generally equidistant from the
upstream ends of the closest pair of collector electrodes. In other
embodiments, certain emitter electrodes are moved outward to
thereby adjust the electric fields produced between the emitter
electrodes and the collector electrodes, and thus establish a
non-equidistant relationship.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
an the upstream end of each insulated driver electrode is set back
a distance from the upstream end of the collector electrode(s).
[0015] Each insulated driver electrode includes an underlying
electrically conductive electrode that is covered with, for
example, a dielectric material. The dielectric material can be, for
example, a heat shrink tubing material or an insulating varnish
type material. In accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the dielectric material is coated with an ozone reducing
catalyst. In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the dielectric material includes or is an ozone reducing
catalyst.
[0016] The embodiments as describe above have some or all of the
advantages of increasing the particle collection efficiency,
increasing the rate and/or volume of airflow, reducing arcing,
and/or reducing the amount of ozone generated. Further, ions
generated using many of the embodiments of the present invention
will be more of the negative variety as opposed to the positive
variety.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
an insulated driver electrode includes generally flat elongated
sides that are generally parallel with the adjacent collector
electrode(s). Alternatively, an insulated driver electrode can
include one, or preferably a row of, insulated wire-shaped
electrodes.
[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear
from the following description in which the preferred embodiments
have been set forth in detail, in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically, a prior art
electro-kinetic conditioner system.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically, a further prior art
electro-kinetic conditioner system.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to a further embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary electrostatic field lines
produced using embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates the relative distances between various
electrodes of the electro-kinetic conditioner systems of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to a further embodiment of the present
invention where additional emitter electrodes are used.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present
invention, where the location of the emitter electrodes are
adjusted to change the electric field distribution.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present
invention, where the location of the collector electrodes are
adjusted to change the electric field distribution.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates the use of a ozone reducing catalyst
over the insulation of the insulating driver electrodes of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present
invention, where the insulated driver electrodes are wire-like.
[0031] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrates an electro-kinetic conditioner
system, according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the collector electrodes are U-shaped.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an electro-kinetic
conditioner unit, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 15 is block diagram showing an exemplary implementation
of a high voltage source that can be used with embodiments of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 16 is graph that is useful for showing how embodiments
of the present invention can be used to increase particle
collection efficiency.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system 300 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The system includes a first array 310 (i.e., emitter
array) of emitter electrodes 312, a second array 320 (i.e.
collector array) of collector electrodes 322 and a third array 330
of insulated driver electrodes 330. In this embodiment, the first
array 310 is shown as being connected to a positive terminal of a
high voltage source 340, and the second array 320 is shown as being
connected to a negative terminal of the high voltage source 340.
The third array 330 of insulated driver electrodes 332 are shown as
being grounded.
[0036] Each insulated driver electrode 332 includes an electrically
conductive electrode 334 that is covered by a dielectric material
336. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
dielectric material 336 is heat shrink tubing. During manufacture,
the heat shrink tubing is placed over the driver electrodes 334 and
then heated, which causes the tubing to shrink to the shape of the
driver electrodes 334. An exemplary heat shrinkable tubing is type
FP-301 flexible polyolefin tubing available from 3M of St. Paul,
Minn.
[0037] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the dielectric material 336 is an insulating varnish,
lacquer or resin. For example, a varnish, after being applied to
the surface of the driver electrodes 334, dries and forms an
insulating coat or film a few mil (thousands of an inch) in
thickness covering the electrodes 334. The dielectric strength of
the varnish or lacquer can be, for example, above 1000 V/mil (one
thousands of an inch). Such insulating varnishes, lacquer and
resins are commercially available from various sources, such as
from John C. Dolph Company of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, and
Ranbar Electrical Materials Inc. of Manor, Pennsylvania.
[0038] Other possible dielectric materials that can be used to
insulate the driver electrodes include ceramic or porcelain enamel
or fiberglass. These are just a few examples of dielectric
materials that can be used to insulate the driver electrodes 334.
It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that
other insulating dielectric materials can be used to insulate the
driver electrodes.
[0039] During operation of system 300, the high voltage source 340
positively charges the emitter electrodes 312 (of the first array
310) and negatively charges the collector electrodes 322 (of the
second array 320). For example, the voltage on the emitter
electrodes 312 can be +6 KV, while the voltage on the collector
electrodes 322 can be -10 KV, resulting in a 16 KV potential
difference between the emitter electrodes 312 and collector
electrodes 322. This potential difference will produces a high
intensity electric field the is highly concentrated around the
emitter electrodes 312. More specifically, a corona discharge takes
place from the emitter electrodes 312 to the collector electrodes
322, producing positively charged ions. Particles (e.g., dust
particles) in the vicinity of the emitter electrodes 312 are
positively charged by the ions. The positively charged ions are
repelled by the positively charged emitter electrodes 312, and are
attracted to and deposited on the negatively charged collector
electrodes 322.
[0040] Further electric fields are produced between the insulates
driver electrodes 332 and collector electrodes 322, which further
push the positively charged particles toward the collector
electrodes 322. Generally, the greater this electric field between
the driver electrodes and collector electrodes, the greater the
particle collection efficiency. In the prior art, the extent that
this voltage difference (and thus, the electric field) could be
increased was limited because arcing would occur between the
collector electrodes and un-insulated driver electrodes beyond a
certain voltage potential difference. However, with the present
invention, the insulation 336 covering electrodes 334 significantly
increases the voltage potential difference that can be obtained
between the collector electrodes 322 and the driver electrodes 332
without arcing. The increased potential difference results in an
increase electric field, which significantly increases particle
collecting efficiency. By analogy, the insulation 336 works much
the same way as a dielectric material works in a parallel plate
capacitor. That is, even though a parallel plate capacitor can be
created with only an air gap between a pair of differently charged
conductive plates, the electric field can be significantly
increased by placing a dielectric material between the plates.
[0041] As will be described in further detail below, a system such
as system 300 will likely be included within a freestanding housing
the is meant to be placed in a room (e.g., near a corner of a room)
to thereby clean the air in the room, circulate the air in the
room, and increase the concentration of negative ions in the room.
Such a housing will likely include a side having one or more inlet
vents and an opposing side having one or more outlet vents, with
the side having the outlet vent(s) intended not to face any wall.
Thus, the side of the housing having the inlet vent(s) will often
be placed close to wall. Accordingly, it is likely that the
positively charged emitter electrodes 312 will be in close
proximity to the floor and/or wall(s) of a room. The floor or walls
of a room can generally be thought of as having a grounded voltage
potential. Accordingly, with system 300 there will be a potential
difference, and thus electric field, between the positively charge
emitter electrodes 312 and any nearby floor and/or wall(s), or even
furniture, in a room. The effect of this is that a portion of the
positively charged ions (and positively charge particles) produced
in the vicinity of the emitter electrodes 312 may travel backward,
i.e., in a direction opposite or away from the collector electrodes
322. This can cause the undesirable effects of reducing cleaning
efficiency, increasing positive ions in a room, and causing
particles to stick to the floor and/or walls in the room. Many of
the following embodiments of the present invention overcome these
just mentioned deficiencies.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system 400 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. The arrangement of system 400 is similar to that
of system 300 (and thus, is numbered in the same manner), except
that the emitter electrodes 312 are grounded in system 400, rather
than being connected to the positive output terminal of a high
voltage source 340. The collector electrodes 322 are still
negatively charged. Further, the insulated driver electrodes 332
are still grounded.
[0043] The electro-kinetic conditioner system 400 operates in a
similar manner to system 300. More specifically, during operation
of system 400, the high voltage source 340 negatively charges the
collector electrodes 322 (of the collector array 320). For example,
the voltage on the collector electrodes 322 can be -16 KV,
resulting in a 16 KV potential difference between the grounded
emitter electrodes 312 and the collector electrodes 322. This
potential difference will produces a high intensity electric field
that is highly concentrated around the emitter electrodes 312. More
specifically, a corona discharge takes place from the emitter
electrodes 312 to the collector electrodes 322, producing positive
ions. This causes particles (e.g., dust particles) in the vicinity
of the emitter electrodes 312 become positively charged relative to
the collector electrodes 322. The particles are attracted to and
deposited on the negatively charged collector electrodes 322.
Additionally, there will be a 16 KV potential difference between
the insulated driver electrodes 332 and the collector electrodes
322, which pushes particles toward the collector electrodes 322.
Advantageously, in this embodiment the emitter electrodes 312 will
be generally at the same potential as the floor and walls of a room
within which system 400 is placed. This will significantly reduce,
and possibly prevent, any charged particles from flowing backward,
i.e., away from the collector electrodes.
[0044] Another advantage of system 400 is that it requires only a
single polarity voltage supply (e.g., voltage source 340 need only
provide a -16 KV potential, without requiring any positive supply
potential). Thus, system 400 is relatively simple to design, build
and manufacture, making it a very cost effective system.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically, an electro-kinetic
conditioner system 500 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. The arrangement of system 500 is similar to that
of system 400 (and thus, is numbered in the same manner), except
that the insulated driver electrodes 332 are connected to the
positive output terminal of the high voltage source 340, rather
than being grounded as in system 300. The collector electrodes 322
are still negatively charged. Further, the emitter electrodes 312
are still grounded. Positively charging the insulated drivers 332
can be used to increase the potential difference between the
insulated driver array 330 and the collector array 320, thereby
increasing the particle collecting efficiency. For example, the
voltage on the collector electrodes 322 can be -16 KV, while the
voltage on the insulated drivers 332 can be +5 KV, resulting in a
21 KV potential difference between the collector electrodes 322 and
the insulated driver electrodes 332, while keeping the voltage
potential difference between the emitter electrodes 312 and
collector electrodes 322 at 16 KV.
[0046] The electro-kinetic conditioner system 500 operates in a
similar manner to system 400. Advantageously, as in system 400, in
this embodiment the emitter electrodes 312 will be generally at the
same potential as the floor and walls of a room within which system
500 is placed, which will significantly reduce, and possibly
prevent, any charged particles from flowing backward, i.e., away
from the collector electrodes 322. While system 500 will be quite
effective, it will require a slightly more complex voltage source
340, since voltage source 340 must provide both a positive and
negative voltage potential.
[0047] In addition to those described above, there are other
voltage potential variations that can be used to drive an
electro-kinetic system including an insulated driver electrode(s)
332. To summarize, in system 300 shown in FIG. 3, the emitter
electrodes 312 were positive, the collector electrodes 322 were
negative, and the insulated driver electrodes 332 were grounded. In
system 400 shown in FIG. 4, the emitter electrodes 312 and the
insulated driver electrodes 332 were grounded, and the collector
electrodes 322 were negative. It would also be possible to modify
the system 400 to make the insulated driver electrodes 332 slightly
negative (e.g., -1 KV) so long as the collector electrodes 322 were
significantly more negative (e.g., -16 KV). In system 400, the
emitter electrodes 312 were grounded, the collector electrodes 322
were negative, and the insulated driver electrodes 332 were
positive. System 400 can be modified, for example, by making the
emitter electrodes 312 slightly negative or slightly positive.
Other variations are also possible while still being within the
spirit as scope of the present invention. For example, the emitter
electrodes 312 and insulated driver electrodes 332 can be grounded,
while the collector electrodes 322 have a high negative voltage
potential or a high positive voltage potential. It is also possible
that the instead of grounding certain portions of the electrode
arrangement, the entire arrangement can float (e.g., the insulated
driver electrodes 332 and the emitter electrodes 312 can be at a
floating voltage potential, with the collector electrodes 322
offset from the floating voltage potential).
[0048] An important feature according to an embodiment of the
present invention is that, if desired, the voltage potential of the
emitter electrodes 312 and insulated driver electrodes 332 can be
independently adjusted. This allows for corona current adjustment
(produced by the electric field between the emitter electrodes 312
and collector electrodes 322) to be performed independently of the
adjustments to the electric fields between the insulated driver
electrodes 332 and collector electrodes 322. More specifically,
this allows the voltage potential between the emitter electrodes
312 and collector electrodes 322 to be kept below arcing levels,
while still being able to independently increase the voltage
potential between the insulated driver electrodes 332 and collector
electrodes 322 to a higher voltage potential difference than would
be possible between the emitters 312 and collectors 322.
[0049] The electric fields produced between the emitter electrodes
312 and collector electrodes 322 (also referred to as the
ionization regions), and the electric fields produced between the
insulated driver electrodes 332 and collector electrodes 322 (also
referred to as the collector regions), are show as exemplary dashed
lines in FIG. 6. The ionization regions produce ions and cause air
movement in a downstream direction from the emitter electrodes 312
toward the collector electrodes 322. The collector regions increase
particle capture by pushing charged particles in the air flow
toward the collector electrodes 322.
[0050] It is preferably that the electric fields produced between
the insulated driver electrode(s) 332 and collector electrodes 322
(i.e. the collecting regions) do not interfere with the electric
fields between the emitter electrode(s) 312 and the collector
electrodes 322 (i.e., the ionization regions). If this were to
occur, the collecting regions will reduce the intensity of the
ionization regions, thereby reducing the production of ions and
slowing down air movement. Accordingly, the leading ends of the
driver electrodes 332 are preferably set back (i.e., downstream)
from the leading ends of the collector electrodes 322 by about the
same distance that the emitter electrodes 312 are from the
collector electrodes 322. This is shown in FIG. 7, where the
setback distance X of an insulated driver electrodes 332 is
approximately equal to the distance Z between an emitter electrode
312 and the closest collector electrodes 322. Still referring to
FIG. 7, it is also desirable to have the distance Y between a pair
of adjacent emitter electrodes 312 about equal to the setback
distance X. However, other set back distances are within the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0051] As explained above, the emitter electrodes 312 and insulated
driver electrodes 332 may or may not be at the same voltage
potential, depending on which embodiment of the present invention
is practiced. When at the same voltage potential, there will be no
problem of arcing occurring between the emitter electrodes 312 and
insulated driver electrodes 332. Further, even when at different
potentials, because the insulated driver electrodes 332 are setback
as described above, the collector electrodes 322 will shield the
insulated driver electrodes 332, as can be appreciated from the
electric field lines shown in FIG. 6. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6,
there is generally no electric field produced between the emitter
electrodes 312 and the insulated driver electrodes 332.
Accordingly, arcing should not occur therebetween.
[0052] Referring back to FIG. 6, it can be appreciated that the
outermost surfaces of the outer collector electrodes 322a and 322d
are farthest from any of the emitter electrodes 312, resulting in a
lower electric field at these surfaces. This will reduce the
particle collecting efficiency of the outermost surfaces of the
outer collector electrodes 322a and 322d. To increase the electric
field at these surfaces, and thus the particle collection
efficiency, two extra emitter electrodes can be added in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8.
While the extra emitters will increase particle collection
efficiency, they may also add to the overall size of the system,
potentially increase ozone production, and increase the power
consumption of the system.
[0053] An scheme for producing a more uniform airflow, is to move
the outer emitter electrodes outward, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0054] Referring back to FIG. 6, it can be appreciated that the
strength of the electric field generated at the leading or upstream
ends of the inner most collector electrodes 322b and 322c (i.e.,
the ends closest to the emitter electrodes 312) will be greater
than the electric field generated at the leading ends of the outer
most collector electrodes 322a and 322d. This may cause a greater
amount of airflow movement in the middle of collector array 320
(i.e., near collector electrode 322b and 322c), as compared to near
the outer collector electrodes 322a and 322d. If a more even
airflow is desired, the inner collector electrodes 322b and 322c
can be moved slightly downstream, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0055] In addition to producing ions, the systems described above
will also produce ozone (O.sub.3). While limited amounts of ozone
are useful for eliminating odors, concentrations of ozone beyond
recommended levels are generally undesirable. In accordance with
embodiments of the present invention, ozone production is reduced
by coating the insulated driver electrodes 332 with an ozone
reducing catalyst. Exemplary ozone reducing catalysts include
manganese dioxide and activated carbon. Commercially available
ozone reducing catalysts such as PremAir.TM. manufactured by
Englehard Corporation of Iselin, New Jersey, can also be used.
[0056] Some ozone reducing catalysts, such as manganese dioxide are
not electrically conductive, while others, such as activated carbon
are electrically conductive. When using a catalyst that is not
electrically conductive, the insulation 334 can be coated in any
available manner because the catalyst will act as an additional
insulator, and thus not defeat the purpose of adding the insulator
334. However, when using a catalyst that is electrically
conductive, it is important that the electrically conductive
catalyst does not interfere with the benefits of insulating the
driver. This will be described with reference to FIG. 11
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 11, an underlying driver electrode 334
is covered by dielectric insulation 336 to produce an insulated
driver electrode 332. The underlying driver electrode 334 is shown
as being connected by a wire 1102 (or other conductor) to a voltage
potential (ground in this example). An ozone reducing catalyst 1104
covers most of the insulation 336. If the ozone reducing catalyst
does not conduct electricity, then the ozone reducing catalyst 1104
may contact the wire or other conductor 1102 without negating the
advantages provided by insulating the underlying driver electrodes
334. However, if the ozone reducing catalyst 1104 is electrically
conductive, then care must be taken so that the electrically
conductive ozone reducing catalyst 1104 (covering the insulation
336) does not touch the wire or other conductor 1102 that connects
the underlying driver electrode 334 to a voltage potential (e.g.,
ground, a positive voltage, or a negative voltage). So long as an
electrically conductive ozone reducing catalyst does not touch the
wire 1104 that connects the driver electrode 334 to a voltage
potential, then the potential of the electrically conductive ozone
reducing catalyst will remain floating, thereby still allowing an
increased voltage potential between insulated driver electrode 332
and adjacent collector electrodes 322. Other example of
electrically conductive ozone reducing catalyst include, but are
not limited to, noble metals.
[0058] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, if the ozone reducing catalyst is not electrically
conductive, then the ozone reducing catalyst can be included in, or
used as, the insulation 336. Preferably the ozone reducing
catalysts should have a dielectric strength of at least 1000 V/mil
(one-hundredth of an inch) in this embodiment.
[0059] The positively charged particles that travel from the
regions near the emitter electrodes 312 toward the collector
electrodes 322 are missing electrons. In order to clean the air, it
is desirable that the particles stick to the collector electrodes
322 (which can later be cleaned). Accordingly, it is desirable that
the exposed surfaces of the collector electrodes 322 are
electrically conductive so that the collector electrodes 322 can
give up a charge (i.e., an electron), thereby causing the particles
to stick to the collector electrodes 322. Accordingly, if an ozone
reducing catalyst is electrically conductive, the collector
electrodes 322 can be coated with the catalyst. However, it is
preferably to coat the insulated driver electrodes 332 with an
ozone reducing catalyst, rather than the collector electrodes 322.
This is because as particles collect on the collector electrodes
322, the surfaces of the collector electrodes 322 become covered
with the particles, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the ozone
reducing catalyst. The insulated driver electrodes 332, on the
other hand, do not collect particles. Thus, the ozone reducing
effectiveness of a catalyst coating the insulated driver electrodes
332 will not diminish due to being covered by particles.
[0060] In the previous FIGS., the insulated driver electrodes 332
have been shown as including a generally plate like electrically
conductive electrode 334 covered by a dielectric insulator 336. In
alternative embodiments of the present invention, the insulated
driver electrodes can take other forms. For example, referring to
FIG. 12, the driver electrodes can be include a wire or rod-like
electrical conductor 334' covered by dielectric insulation 336'.
Although a single such insulated driver electrode 332' can be used,
it is preferably to use a row of such insulated drivers electrodes
332', as shown in FIG. 12. The electric field between such a row of
insulated driver electrodes 332' and the collector electrodes 322
will look similar to the corresponding electric field shown in FIG.
6.
[0061] In the various electrode arrangements described herein,
emitter electrode(s) 312 in the first electrode array 310 can be
fabricated, for example, from tungsten. Tungsten is sufficiently
robust in order to withstand cleaning, has a high melting point to
retard breakdown due to ionization, and has a rough exterior
surface that seems to promote efficient ionization. The emitter
electrodes 312 are likely wire-shaped, and are likely manufactured
from a wire or, if thicker than a typical wire, still has the
general appearance of a wire or rod. Alternatively, as in known in
the art, other types of ionizers, such as pin or needle shaped
electrodes can be used in place of a wire. For example, an
elongated saw-toothed edge can be used, with each edge functioning
as a corona discharge point. A column of tapered pins or needles
would function similarly. As another alternative, a plate with a
sharp downstream edge can be used as an emitter electrode. These
are just a few examples of the emitter electrodes that can be used
with embodiments of the present invention. Further, other materials
besides tungsten can be used to produce the emitter electrodes
312.
[0062] Collector electrodes 322 in the second electrode array 320
can have a highly polished exterior surface to minimize unwanted
point-to-point radiation. As such, collector electrodes 322 can be
fabricated, for example, from stainless steel and/or brass, among
other materials. The polished surface of collector electrodes 322
also promotes ease of electrode cleaning. The collector electrodes
322 are preferably lightweight, easy to fabricate, and lend
themselves to mass production. Accordingly, even though the
collector electrodes can be solid, it is more practical that the
collector electrodes be manufactured from sheet metal. When made
from sheet metal, the sheet metal can be readily configured to
define side regions and a bulbous nose region, forming a hollow,
elongated "U"-shaped electrode, for example, as shown in FIG. 13A.
Each "U"-shaped electrode has a nose and two trailing sides.
Similarly, in embodiments including plate like insulated driver
electrodes 332, the underlying driver electrodes can be made of a
similar material and in a similar shape (e.g., "U" shaped) as the
collector electrodes 322. FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of the
electrode assembly shown in FIG. 13A. The corresponding perspective
views for the electrode configurations discussed in the previous
FIGS. will look similar. It is within the spirit and scope of the
invention that the emitter electrodes 312 and collector electrodes
322, as well as the insulated driver electrodes 332, can have other
shapes besides those specifically mentioned herein.
[0063] In the FIGS. discussed above, four collector electrodes 322
and three insulated driver electrodes 332 were shown, with either
three emitter electrodes 312, or five emitter electrodes 312. These
numbers of electrodes have been shown for example, and can be
changed. Preferably there is at least a pair of collector
electrodes with an insulated driver electrode therebetween to push
charged particles toward the collector electrodes. However, it is
possible to have embodiments with only one collector electrode, and
one or more emitter electrodes. In such embodiments, the insulated
driver electrode should be generally parallel to the collector
electrode.
[0064] Preferably, there is at least one emitter electrode 312 for
each pair of collector electrodes 322. In the embodiment depicted,
each the emitter electrode 312 is preferably equidistant from the
noses or leading edges of the two closest collector electrodes 322,
as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. However, in certain embodiments,
such as the one discussed with reference to FIG. 9, the location of
the outermost emitter electrodes 312 may be change to alter the
resulting electric fields in a desired manner. As discussed with
reference to FIG. 8, adding emitter electrodes 312 may also be
useful.
[0065] It may also be practical to add insulated driver electrodes
an either sides of the outer collector electrodes (e.g., on either
side of collector electrodes 322a and 322d shown in FIG. 8). This
would push any charged particles passing adjacent to the outer
surfaces of the outer collector electrodes (e.g., 322a and 322d in
FIG. 8) toward the outer surfaces of the outer collector
electrodes.
[0066] In some embodiments, the number N1 of emitter electrodes 312
in the emitter array 310 can differ by one relative to the number
N2 of collector electrodes 322 in the collector array 320. In many
of the embodiments shown, N2>N1. However, if desired, additional
emitter electrodes could be added at the outer ends of array 310
such that N1>N2, e.g., five emitter electrodes 312 compared to
four collector electrodes 322, as in FIG. 8.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 14, the above described
electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner systems are likely
within or include a housing 1402. The housing likely includes
rear-located intake vents 1404 and front located exhaust or outlet
vents 1406, and a base pedestal 1408. Preferably, the housing 1402
is free standing and/or upstandingly vertical and/or elongated. The
base 1408, which may be pivotally mounted to the remainder of the
housing, allows the housing 1402 to remain in a vertical
position.
[0068] Internal to the transporter housing 1402 is one of the
electro-kinetic transporter and conditioner systems described
above. The electro-kinetic transporter and conditioner system is
likely powered by an AC-DC power supply that is energizable or
excitable using switch S1. Switch S1, along with the other user
operated switches such as a control dial 1410, are preferably
located on or near a top 1403 of the housing 1402. The whole system
is self-contained in that other than ambient air, nothing is
required from beyond the transporter housing 1402, except perhaps
an external operating voltage, for operation of the present
invention.
[0069] A user-liftable handle member 1412 is preferably affixed the
collector array 320 of collector electrodes 322, which normally
rests within the housing 1402. The housing 1402 also encloses the
array 310 of emitter electrodes 312 and the array 330 of insulated
driver electrodes 332. In the embodiment shown, the handle member
1412 can be used to lift the collector array 310 upward causing the
collector electrodes 322 to telescope out of the top of the housing
1402 and, if desired, out of the housing 1402 for cleaning, while
the emitter electrode array 310 and insulated driver electrodes
array 330 remain within the housing 1402. As is evident from FIG.
14, the collector array 310 can be lifted vertically out from the
top 1403 of the housing along the longitudinal axis or direction of
the elongated housing 1402. This arrangement with the collector
electrodes 322 removable through a top portion of the housing 1402,
makes it easy for a user to pull the collector electrodes 322 out
for cleaning, and to return the collector electrodes 322, with the
assistance of gravity, back to their resting position within the
housing 1402. If desired, the emitter array 310 and/or the
insulated driver array 330 may be made similarly removable.
[0070] There need be no real distinction between vents 1404 and
1406, except their location relative to the electrodes. These vents
serve to ensure that an adequate flow of ambient air can be drawn
into or made available to the electrodes, and that an adequate flow
of ionized cleaned air moves out from housing 1402.
[0071] The above described embodiments do not specifically include
a germicidal (e.g., ultra-violate) lamp. However, a germicidal lamp
can be included with the above configurations. Where the insulated
driver electrodes are coated with an ozone reducing catalyst, the
ultra-violate radiation from such a lamp may increase the
effectiveness of the catalyst. The inclusion of a germicidal lamp
is shown in FIG. 15. Additional details of the inclusion of a
germicidal lamp are included in U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,485, entitled
"Electro-Kinetic Device with Enhanced Anti-Microorganism
Capability," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,347,
entitled "Electro-Kinetic Air Transporter and Conditioner Device
with Enhanced Housing Configuration and Enhanced Anti-Microorganism
Capability," each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0072] FIG. 15 is an electrical block diagram showing an exemplary
implementation of the high voltage source 340 the can be used to
power the various embodiments of the present invention discussed
above. An electrical power cord 1502 that plugs into a common
electrical wall socket can be used to accept a nominal 110VAC. An
electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 1510 is placed across the
incoming nominal 110VAC line to reduce and/or eliminate high
frequencies generated by the various circuits. In embodiments
including a germicidal lamp 1590, an electronic ballast 1512 is
electrically connected to the germicidal lamp 1590 to regulate, or
control, the flow of current through the lamp 1590. Electrical
components such as the EMI Filter 1510 and electronic ballast 1512
are well known in the art and do not require a further
description.
[0073] A DC Power Supply 1514, which is well known, is designed to
receive the incoming nominal 110VAC and to output a first DC
voltage (e.g., 160VDC). The first DC voltage (e.g., 160VDC) is
shown as being stepped down through a resistor network to a second
DC voltage (e.g., about 12VDC) that a micro-controller unit (MCU)
1530 can monitor without being damaged. The MCU 1530 can be, for
example, a Motorola 68HC908 series micro-controller, available from
Motorola. In accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the MCU 1530 monitors the stepped down voltage (e.g.,
about 12VDC), which is labeled the AC voltage sense signal in FIG.
15, to determine if the AC line voltage is above or below the
nominal 110VAC, and to sense changes in the AC line voltage. For
example, if a nominal 110VAC increases by 10% to 121VAC, then the
stepped down DC voltage will also increase by 10%. The MCU 1530 can
sense this increase and then reduce the pulse width, duty cycle
and/or frequency of the low voltage pulses it outputs to maintain
the output power of the high voltage source 340 to be the same as
when the line voltage is at 110VAC. Conversely, when the line
voltage drops, the MCU 1530 can sense this decrease and
appropriately increase the pulse width, duty cycle and/or frequency
of the low voltage pulses to maintain a constant output power. Such
voltage adjustment features also enable the same unit to be used in
different countries that have different nominal voltages than in
the United States (e.g., in Japan the nominal AC voltage is
100VAC).
[0074] Output voltage potentials of the high voltage source 340 can
be provided to the emitter array 310, the collector array 320
and/or the insulated driver array 330, depending upon which
embodiment of the present invention discussed above is being
practiced. The high voltage source 340 can be implemented in many
ways. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the high voltage source
340 includes an electronic switch 1526, a step-up transformer 1516
and a voltage multiplier 1518. The primary side of the step-up
transformer 1516 receives the first DC voltage (e.g., 160VDC) from
the DC power supply. An electronic switch receives low voltage
pulses (of perhaps 20-25 KHz frequency) from the MCU 1530. Such a
switch is shown as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)
1526. The IGBT 1526, or other appropriate switch, couples the low
voltage pulses from the MCU 1530 to the input winding of the
step-up transformer 1516. The secondary winding of the transformer
1516 is coupled to the voltage multiplier 1518, which outputs high
voltage pulses that can be provided to the arrays 310, 320 and/or
330, based on which embodiment is implemented. In general, the IGBT
1526 operates as an electronic on/off switch. Such a transistor is
well known in the art and does not require a further description.
When driven, the high voltage source 340 receives the low input DC
voltage (e.g., 160VDC) from the DC power supply 1514 and the low
voltage pulses from the MCU 1530, and generates high voltage pulses
of, for example, 10 KV peak-to-peak, with a repetition rate of, for
example, about 20 to 25 KHz.
[0075] Referring back to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the voltage
multiplier 1518 can output, for example, +4 KV to the emitter array
310, and about -6 KV to the collector array 320. In this
embodiment, the insulated driver array 330 is grounded. Thus, in
this example there is a 10 KV voltage potential difference between
the emitter array 310 and the collector array 320, and a 6 KV
voltage potential difference between the insulated driver array 330
and the collector array 320.
[0076] Referring back to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the voltage
multiplier 1518 can output, for example, -10 KV to the collector
array 320, while both the emitter array 310 and the insulated
driver array 330 are grounded. In this example, there is a 10 KV
voltage potential difference between the emitter array 310 and the
collector array 320, and a 10 KV difference between the insulated
driver array 330 and the collector array 320.
[0077] Referring back to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the voltage
multiplier 1518 can output, for example, -10 KV to the collector
array 320, and +5 KV to the insulated driver array 330. In this
embodiment the emitter array 310 is grounded. Thus, in this example
there is a 10 KV voltage potential difference between the emitter
array 310 and the collector array 320, and a 15 KV difference
between the insulated driver array 330 and the collector array
320.
[0078] These are just a few examples of the various voltages the
can be provided for a few of the embodiments discussed above. It is
within the scope of the present invention for the voltage
multiplier 1518 to produce greater or smaller voltages. The high
voltage pulses can have a duty cycle of, for example, about
10%-15%, but may have other duty cycles, including a 100% duty
cycle.
[0079] The MCU 1530 can receive an indication of whether the
control dial 1410 is set to the LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH airflow
setting. The MCU 1530 controls the pulse width, duty cycle and/or
frequency of the low voltage pulse signal provided to switch 1526,
to thereby control the airflow output, based on the setting of the
control dial 1410. To increase the airflow output, the MCU 1530 can
increase the pulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle. Conversely,
to decrease the airflow output rate, the MCU 1530 can reduce the
pulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle. In accordance with an
embodiment, the low voltage pulse signal (provided from the MCU
1530 to the high voltage source 340) can have a fixed pulse width,
frequency and duty cycle for the LOW setting, another fixed pulse
width, frequency and duty cycle for the MEDIUM setting, and a
further fixed pulse width, frequency and duty cycle for the HIGH
setting. However, depending on the setting of the control dial
1410, the above described embodiment may produce too much ozone
(e.g., at the HIGH setting) or too little airflow output (e.g., at
the LOW setting). According, a more elegant solution, described
below, can be used.
[0080] In accordance with an embodiment, the low voltage pulse
signal created by the MCU 1530 modulates between a "high" airflow
signal and a "low" airflow signal, with the control dial setting
specifying the durations of the "high" airflow signal and/or the
"low" airflow signal. This will produce an acceptable airflow
output, while limiting ozone production to acceptable levels,
regardless of whether the control dial 1410 is set to HIGH, MEDIUM
or LOW. For example, the "high" airflow signal can have a pulse
width of 5 microseconds and a period of 40 microseconds (i.e., a
12.5% duty cycle), and the "low" airflow signal can have a pulse
width of 4 microseconds and a period of 40 microseconds (i.e., a
10% duty cycle). When the control dial 1410 is set to HIGH, the MCU
1530 outputs a low voltage pulse signal that modulates between the
"low" airflow signal and the "high" airflow signal, with, for
example, the "high" airflow signal being output for 2.0 seconds,
followed by the "low" airflow signal being output for 8.0 second.
When the control dial 1410 is set to MEDIUM, the "low" airflow
signal can be increased to, for example, 16 seconds (e.g., the low
voltage pulse signal will include the "high" airflow signal for 2.0
seconds, followed by the "low" airflow signal for 16 seconds). When
the control dial 1410 is set to LOW, the "low" airflow signal can
be further increased to, for example, 24 seconds (e.g., the low
voltage pulse signal will include a "high" airflow signal for 2.0
seconds, followed by the "low" airflow signal for 24 seconds).
Alternatively, or additionally, the frequency of the low voltage
pulse signal (used to drive the transformer 1516) can be adjusted
to distinguish between the LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH settings. These are
just a few examples of how air flow can be controlled based on a
control dial setting.
[0081] In practice, an electro-kinetic transporter-conditioner unit
is placed in a room and connected to an appropriate source of
operating potential, typically 110 VAC. The energized
electro-kinetic transporter conditioner emits ionized air and small
amounts of ozone via outlet vents 1460. The airflow is indeed
electro-kinetically produced, in that there are no intentionally
moving parts within unit. (Some mechanical vibration may occur
within the electrodes). Additionally, because particles are
collected on the collector electrodes 322, the air in the room is
cleaned. It would also be possible, if desired, to further increase
airflow by adding a fan. Even with a fan, the insulated driver
electrode(s) 332 can be used to increase particle collecting
efficiency by allowing the electrical field between the driver
electrode(s) and collector electrodes to be increased beyond what
would be allowable without the insulation.
[0082] Experiments have shown that insulating the driver electrodes
have allowed the voltage potential between the collectors and
driver(s) to be increased, thereby increasing particle collection
efficiency. These experiments were performed using a test system
including a single grounded emitter wire 312, a pair of collector
electrodes 322, and a single driver electrode. In a first test it
was determined that the voltage potential between the collector
electrodes 322 and a non-insulated driver electrode (located
between the collector electrodes 322) should be no more than 9.4
KV, with any higher voltage potential being very susceptible to
arcing between the collectors and driver. Specifically, the
collector electrodes 322 were placed at -15 KV, the non-insulated
driver was placed at -5.6 KV, and the emitter wire 312 was
grounded. The particle collecting efficiency was then measured for
various particle sizes ranging. The results are shown as line 1602
in the graph of FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the collecting
efficiency for small particles of about 0.3 .mu.m was only about
50%.
[0083] The non-insulated driver electrode was then replaced with an
insulated driver electrode 332 having the same dimensions. It was
then determined that the voltage potential difference between the
collector electrode 322 and the insulated driver electrode 332
could be increased to 15 KV without being highly susceptible to
arcing between the collectors 322 and insulated driver 332. By
increasing the voltage potential difference from 9.4 KV to 15 KV
the electric field between the collector and drivers increased from
about 750 V/mm to about 1200 V/mm. Specifically, the collector
electrodes 322 were placed at 15 KV and the emitter electrode 312
and the insulated driver electrode 332 were both grounded. The
results are shown as line 1604 in the graph of FIG. 16. As shown in
FIG. 16, the collecting efficiency for small particles of about 0.3
.mu.m increased to about 60%.
[0084] Experiments have also shown that particle collecting
efficiency can be further increased by increasing the width (the
dimension in the downstream direction) of the collector electrodes
322. However, this would also increase the cost and weight of a
system, and thus, is a design tradeoff. But for given width of
collector electrodes and driver electrodes, insulating the drivers
will allow the electric field between the collectors and drivers to
be increased (as compared to if the drivers were not insulated),
thereby increasing particle collection efficiency.
[0085] The foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention have been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner
skilled in the art. Modifications and variations may be made to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject and spirit
of the invention as defined by the following claims. Embodiments
were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles
of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling
others skilled in the art to understand the invention, the various
embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *