Abstract:
A sound transducer for converting an audio signal into vibratory modulation of a fluid includes a HVPS and an electrostatic fluid accelerator The HVPS includes a control circuit (260) responsive to the audio signal, a power input stage (240) responsive to the control circuit for selectively supplying input power, and a power converter stage (230) configured to convert the input power to a h voltage The power converter stage may have an internal capacitive loading substantially less than an external capacitive loading.
Abstract:
A method of operating a corona discharge device (201) includes producing a high-intensity electric field in an immediate vicinity of at least one corona electrode (202) and continuously or periodically heating the corona electrode (202), by a low voltage power supply (208), to a temperature sufficient to mitigate an undesirable effect of an impurity, such as an oxide layer, formed on the corona electrode (202).
Abstract:
A space heater for heating air includes a duct for transporting air from an inlet to an outlet of the duct; a heating component; and an electrostatic discharge device within the duct for accelerating the gas through the duct from the inlet to the outlet. The electrostatic discharge device may include a high voltage power supply; at least one corona electrode connected to the high voltage power supply; and a collector electrode located proximate the corona electrode and connected to the high voltage power supply so as to induce a motion of the gas in a direction from the corona electrode toward the collector electrode.
Abstract:
A device for handling a fluid includes a corona discharge device and an electric power supply. The corona discharge device includes at least one corona discharge electrode and at least one collector electrode positioned proximate each other so as to provide a total inter-electrode capacitance within a predetermined range. The electric power supply is connected to supply an electric power signal to said corona discharge and collector electrodes so as to cause a corona current to flow between the corona discharge and collector electrodes. An amplitude of an alternating component of the voltage of the electric power signal generated is no greater than one-tenth that of an amplitude of a constant component of the voltage of the electric power signal. The alternating component of the voltage is of such amplitude and frequency that a ratio of an amplitude of the alternating component of the highest harmonic of the voltage divided by an amplitude of the constant component of said voltage being considerably less than that of a ratio of an amplitude of the highest harmonic of the alternating component of the corona current divided by an amplitude of the constant component of the corona current, i.e., (V
Abstract:
An electrostatic fluid accelerator (201) includes an electrode array (202) including an array of corona discharge electrodes and an array of accelerating electrodes. A detector (204) is configured to sense a constituent component of the fluid as present in an output from th electrode array (202). A control circuit supplies power to the electrode array, the control circuit being responsive to an output from the detector (204) for operating the electrode array responsive a level of the constituent component.
Abstract:
A method of water desalination and purification includes steps of flowing salted or contaminated water concentration into a narrow or pointed portion of a corona electrode; applying an electrical potential difference between the water and an opposite electrode; generating a corona discharge in the narrow or pointed portion; evaporating the water; electrically charging water droplets and molecules formed by the evaporating step by means of the corona discharge; moving the charged droplets and molecules toward the oppositely charged electrode; condensing fresh water; and collecting fresh water. A corresponding desalination device includes a corona electrode; at least one attracting electrode; a power supply generating electrical potential difference between the corona electrode and the attracting electrode; and at least one water condensing member.
Abstract:
The methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention provide substantially complete and rapid air cleaning and/or disinfection in the rooms that are substantially closed to outside air and have the typical complement and arrangement of furniture and people present, i.e. a "normal" environment. A study of air flow patterns in a variety of room configurations and arrangements demonstrates that EFA location within the room as well as furniture and people play a crucial role in air movement and airflow throughout the room, in minimizing or eliminating "dead spots" of stagnant air, and in achieving a goal of cleaning and disinfecting substantially all of the air.
Abstract:
An electrostatic fluid acceleration and method of operation thereof includes at least two synchronously powered stages with final or rear-most electrodes of one stage maintained at substantially the same instantaneous voltage as the immediately adjacent initial or forward-most electrodes of a next stage in an airflow direction. A single power supply or synchronized and phase controlled power supplies provide high voltage power to each of the stages such that both the phase and amplitude of the electric power applied to the corresponding electrodes are aligned in time. The frequency and phase control allows neighboring stages to be closely spaced at a distance of from 1 to 2 times an inter-electrode distance within a stage, and, in any case, minimizing or avoiding production of a back corona current from a corona discharge electrode of one stage to an electrode of a neighboring stage. Corona discharge electrodes of neighboring stages may be horizontally aligned, complementary collector electrodes of all stages being similarly horizontally aligned between and horizontally offset from the corona discharge electrodes.