Interactions between flow fields induced by surface dielectric barrier discharge arrays

TL;DR

This paper explores how different electrode designs in surface dielectric barrier discharges influence flow fields and gas mixing, which are key to improving VOC pollution remediation efficiency.

Contribution

It provides experimental and simulation insights into flow dynamics and vortex behaviors induced by various electrode configurations in SDBD systems.

Findings

Electrode design affects vortex formation and flow confinement.

Parallel grid electrodes promote confined vortices near the surface.

Extended vortex structures enhance gas mixing and conversion efficiency.

Abstract

This study investigates the flow field induced by a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) system, known for its efficient pollution remediation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We aim to understand the flow dynamics that contribute to the high conversion observed in similar systems. Experimental techniques, including schlieren imaging and particle image velocimetry (PIV), applied with high temporal resolution, were used to analyse the flow field. Complementary, fluid simulations are employed to investigate the coupling between streamer and gas dynamics. Results show distinct fluid field behaviours for different electrode configurations, which differ in geometric complexity. The fluid field analysis of the most basic electrode design revealed behaviours commonly observed in actuator studies. The simulation results indicate the local information about the electron density as well as different temporal phases of the fluid flow. The electrode design with mostly parallel grid line structures exhibits confined vortices near the surface. In contrast, an electrode design also used in previous studies, is shown to promote strong gas transport through extended vortex structures, enhancing gas mixing and potentially explaining the high conversion observed.