US20050210902A1 - Electro-kinetic air transporter and/or conditioner devices with features for cleaning emitter electrodes - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for cleaning emitter electrodes of air conditioner systems are provided. The air conditioning system includes an emitter electrode, a collector electrode and a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between the emitter and collector electrodes. The system also includes a cleaning member having a channel through which the emitter electrode passes. A plunger mechanism and a spring, or a lever and a fulcrum, are used to force the cleaning member to travel upward along the emitter electrode to thereby frictionally removing debris from the emitter electrode. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures and the claims.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/545,698, filed Feb. 18, 2004 (Attorney Docket No. SHPR-01430US0), which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to devices that electrically transport and/or condition air. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning the emitter electrodes of such devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 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. Such systems were described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 to Lee (1988), as well as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,977 to Taylor et al. (2001). As is described in these patents, an electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner system typically includes a first array of emitter electrodes and second array of collector electrodes, with each array including one or more electrodes. Driver electrodes (also known as interstitial electrodes) may also be used, to increase the collecting efficiency of a system. While the collector electrodes are typically in need of cleaning more often then the emitter electrodes, the emitter electrodes can eventually accumulate a deposited layer or coating of fine ash-like material. It would be useful to provide new schemes for cleaning emitter electrodes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary electro-kinetic conditioner system.
• FIG. 2A illustrates an electro-kinetic conditioner system that includes wire loop emitter electrodes, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various mechanisms for removing debris from the wire loop emitter electrodes ofFIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which a wire emitter electrode is unwound from one spool and wound onto another spool, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate embodiments of the present invention where a spring is used to move, and more specifically project, a cleaning member along an emitter electrode.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of the present invention where a lever mechanism is used to move, and more specifically project, a cleaning member along an emitter electrode.FIGS. 4C and 4D are top views of exemplary levers that can be used in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B.
• FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate embodiments of the present invention where a plucker is used to vibrate an emitter electrode.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate embodiments of the present invention where a vibrating unit is used to vibrate an emitter electrode.
• FIG. 7 illustrates embodiments of the present invention where a current control circuit is used to heat an emitter electrode.
• FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary circuit used to the drive and control an electro-kinetic conditioner system, according to embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The purpose of emitter electrodes (e.g., wire shaped electrodes), of electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems, is to produce a corona discharge that ionizes (i.e., chargers) the particles in the air in the vicinity of the emitter electrodes. Collector electrodes, which typically have an opposite charge as the emitter electrodes, will attract the charged particles, causing the charged particles to stick or collect on the collector electrodes, thereby cleaning the air. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,417, to Lau et al. (2002) the collector electrodes can be removed from a housing (containing the electrodes), manually cleaned, and then returned to the housing (e.g., through a top of the housing). While the collector electrodes are typically in need of cleaning more often then the emitter electrodes, the emitter electrodes can eventually accumulate a deposited layer or coating of fine ash-like material. Additionally, dendrites may grow on the emitter electrodes. If such deposits (also referred to hereafter as debris) are allowed to accumulate, the efficiency of the system will eventually be degraded. Further, such deposits (i.e., debris) may also produce an audible oscillation that can be annoying to persons near the system.
• Accordingly, the '417 patent teaches various schemes for cleaning the emitter electrodes. In one embodiment, a sheet or strip of electrically insulating material extends from a base associated with the collector electrodes. When the collector electrodes are vertically removed from a top of the housing (and when returned to the housing), the insulating material scrapes against the emitter electrodes, frictionally cleaning the emitter electrodes. Additional details are provided in the '417 patent, which is incorporated herein by reference. While this embodiment of the '417 patent is very effective, it would be beneficial to provide further techniques for cleaning emitter electrodes that do not rely on the removal of the collector electrodes.
• In another embodiment, the '417 patent teaches the use of bead-like mechanisms to clean emitter electrodes. In this embodiment, the beads have a channel through which the wire-like emitter electrodes extend. By rotating the housing (which contains the electrodes), the beads are caused to slide along the emitter electrodes, thereby frictionally cleaning the emitter electrodes. While this embodiment of the '417 patent is very effective, it would be beneficial to provide further techniques for cleaning emitter electrodes that do not rely on rotation of a housing.
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/278,193 to Reeves et al. (now allowed), filed Oct. 21, 2002, discloses a bead lifting mechanism, that causes bead-like cleaners, similar to those in the '417 patent, to be lifted when the collector electrodes are vertically removed from the housing (which contains the electrodes). While this embodiment of the '193 application is very effective, it would be beneficial to provide further techniques for cleaning emitter electrodes that do not rely on removal of the collector electrodes.
• Embodiments of the present invention are related to electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner systems and methods. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention an emitter electrode comprises a wire loop, and debris is frictionally removed from the emitter electrode by a scraper, brush, or cleaning wheel as the wire loop is rotated. In other embodiments, various schemes are provided for causing a cleaning member to move along an emitter electrode, thereby frictionally removing debris from the emitter electrode. In further embodiments, debris is vibrated off an emitter electrode. In still other embodiments, an emitter electrode is heated such that debris is burned off the electrode. 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.
• FIG. 1A illustrates schematically, an exemplary electro-kinetic conditioner system100. The system includes a first array110 (i.e., emitter array) ofemitter electrodes112, a second array120 (i.e., collector array) ofcollector electrodes122 and athird array130 ofdriver electrodes130. While each array is shown as including multiple electrodes, an array can include as few as one electrode. In this embodiment, theemitter array110 is shown as being connected to a positive terminal of ahigh voltage generator140, and thecollector array120 is shown as being connected to a negative terminal of thehigh voltage generator140. Thethird array130 ofdriver electrodes132 is shown as being grounded. Each driver electrode can be insulated, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No., 10/717,420, filed Nov. 19, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, it is noted that embodiments of the present invention also relate to electrode arrangements that do not includedriver electrodes132.
• As shown inFIG. 1B, the above described electrodes are likely within ahousing102. Theexemplary housing102 includes intake vents104, outlet vents106, and abase pedestal108. Preferably, thehousing102 is free standing and/or upstandingly vertical and/or elongated. Thebase108, which may be pivotally mounted to the remainder of the housing, allows thehousing102 to remain in a vertical position.
• 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 acontrol dial144, are preferably located on or near a top103 of thehousing102. Additional, aboost button116, as well as one ormore indicator lights118, can be located on thehousing102. The whole system is self-contained in that other than ambient air, nothing is required from beyond thehousing102, except perhaps an external operating voltage, for operation.
• A user-liftable handle member142 is shown as being affixed thecollector array120 ofcollector electrodes122, which normally rests within thehousing102. Thehousing102 also encloses thearray110 ofemitter electrodes112 and thearray130 ofdriver electrodes132. In the embodiment shown, thehandle member142 can be used to lift thecollector array110 upward causing thecollector electrodes122 to telescope out of the top of thehousing102 and, if desired, out of thehousing102 for cleaning, while theemitter electrode array110 and thedriver electrodes array130 remain within thehousing102. As is evident fromFIG. 1B, thecollector array110 can be lifted vertically out from the top103 of the housing along the longitudinal axis or direction of theelongated housing102. This arrangement with thecollector electrodes122 removable through a top portion of thehousing102, makes it easy for a user to pull thecollector electrodes122 out for cleaning, and to return thecollector electrodes122, with the assistance of gravity, back to their resting position within thehousing102. If desired, thedriver array130 may be made similarly removable.
• There need be no real distinction betweenvents104 and106, except their locations relative to the electrodes. These vents serve to ensure that an adequate flow of ambient air can be drawn into thehousing102 and made available to the electrodes, and that an adequate flow of ionized cleaned air moves out fromhousing102.
• During operation ofsystem100, thehigh voltage generator140 produces a high voltage potential difference between the emitter electrodes112 (of the emitter array110) and the collector electrodes122 (of the second array120). For example, the voltage on theemitter electrodes112 can be +6 KV, while the voltage on the collector electrodes322 can be −10 KV, resulting in a 16 KV potential difference between theemitter electrodes312 and collector electrodes322. This potential difference will produces a high intensity electric field that is highly concentrated around theemitter electrodes112. More specifically, a corona discharge takes place from theemitter electrodes112 to thecollector electrodes122, producing charged ions. Particles (e.g., dust particles) in the vicinity of theemitter electrodes112 are charged by the ions. The charged ions are repelled by theemitter electrodes112, and are attracted to and deposited on thecollector electrodes122.
• In embodiments that include driver electrodes132 (which are preferably, but not necessarily insulated), further electric fields are produced between thedriver electrodes132 and thecollector electrodes122, which further push the particles toward thecollector electrodes122. Generally, the greater this electric field between thedriver electrodes132 andcollector electrodes122, the greater the particle collection efficiency.
• Thefreestanding housing102 can be placed in a room (e.g., near a comer 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. The number of electrodes shown inFIG. 1 is merely exemplary, and is not meant to be limiting. As mentioned above, asystem100 can include as few as oneemitter electrode112 and onecollector electrode122.
• Other voltage arrangements are also likely, as explained in the '420 application, which was incorporated by reference above. For example, theemitter electrodes112 can be grounded (rather than being connected to the positive output terminal of the high voltage generator140), while thecollector electrodes122 are still negatively charged, and thedriver electrodes132 are still grounded. Alternatively, thedriver electrodes132 can be connected to the positive output terminal of the high voltage generator140 (rather than being grounded), thecollector electrodes122 are negatively charged, and theemitter electrodes112 are still grounded. In another arrangement, theemitter electrodes112 anddriver electrodes132 can be grounded, while thecollector electrodes122 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., thedriver electrodes132 and theemitter electrodes112 can be at a floating voltage potential, with thecollector electrodes122 offset from the floating voltage potential). Other voltage variations are also possible while still being within the spirit as scope of the present invention.
• Theemitter electrodes112 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. While the collector electrodes are typically in need of cleaning more often then the emitter electrodes, the emitter electrodes can eventually accumulate a deposited layer or coating of fine ash-like material. Additionally, dendrites may grow on the emitter electrodes. If such deposits are allowed to accumulate, the collecting efficiency of the system will eventually be degraded. Further, such deposits may produce an audible oscillation that can be annoying to persons near the system. Embodiments of the present invention relate to new systems and methods for cleaning emitter electrodes.
• FIG. 2A illustratesemitter electrodes112′ according to embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, eachemitter electrode112′ is made from a loop of wire that is strung around a pair of rotatable wheels or pulleys202. In the arrangement shown, the plane of the each wire loop is generally parallel with the flat downstream walls of thecollector electrodes122. With this arrangement, half of eachwire loop112′ will be closer to thecollector electrodes122 that the other half of that loop.
• In another embodiment (not shown), eachwire loop112′ is in a common plane, which is generally perpendicular to the downstream flat walls of thecollector electrodes122. In such an embodiment, both halves of eachwire loop112′ will be equally distant from thecollector electrodes122, allowing each half of thewire loop112′ to simultaneously act as an ion emitting surface. By making the diameter of each pulley equal to a desired distance between adjacent emitter electrodes, the two halves of eachwire loop112′ will be the desired distance apart. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the wireloop emitter electrodes112′ are not parallel with thecollector electrodes122.
• For each pair ofpulleys202, at least a portion of one of thepulleys202 can be electrically connected to the positive or negative terminal of the voltage source140 (or to ground), to thereby impart a desired voltage potential to the wireloop emitter electrode112′ strung around thepulleys202.
• Each wireloop emitter electrode112′ can be rotated by rotating one of the pair ofpulleys202 around which thewire112′ is strung. For example, rotation of the lower pulleys202 (and/or upper pulleys202) will cause the wireloop emitter electrodes112′ to rotate, allowing for frictional cleaning of thewire emitter electrodes112′, as will be described with reference toFIGS. 2B-2D. Acommon shaft204 can connect all of the lower pulleys202 (or upper pulleys), thereby allowing asingle motor206 or manual mechanism to rotate all of the wireloop emitter electrodes112′. Alternatively, the pulleys can be connected through a gear system, or the like. Where a motor is used to rotate the pulleys, a button to activate the motor can be placed on thesystem housing102. In other embodiments, the motor can be periodically activated, or activated in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, etc. Alternatively, a crank, thumbwheel, or other manual mechanism can be placed on (or be accessible from) thesystem housing102 and used to allow for manual rotation of thepulleys202. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator (e.g., a light) can tell a user when they should use a manual mechanism to rotate, and thus clean, thewire emitter electrodes112′.
• Referring now toFIG. 2B, a pair ofpulleys202 and a single wireloop emitter electrode112′ are shown. Also shown is ascraper220, which is used to frictionally clean theemitter electrode112′ as it is rotated. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, thescraper220 is made from a sheet or strip of flexible insulating material, such as those marketed under the trademarks MYLAR and KAPTON. The sheet of insulating material includes afirst end222 attached within thehousing102 and afree end224 that scrapes against theemitter electrode112′ as it is rotated. Thissheet220 can be attached within the housing so that the sheet faces theemitter electrodes112′ and is nominally in a plane perpendicular theemitter electrode112′. Such sheet material preferably has high voltage breakdown, high dielectric constant, can withstand high temperature, and is flexible. Although not required, a slit can be located (e.g., cut) in thefree end224 of the sheet such that wire electrode fits112′ into the slit.
• Whenever one of thepulleys202 is rotated, the wireloop emitter electrode112′ rotates and frictionally scrapes against thefree end224 of the scraper220 (or the slit cut therein), causing debris to be frictionally removed from the wireloop emitter electrode112′, thereby cleaning theelectrode112′.
• In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thescraper220 is inflexible, and has a free end biased against thewire electrode112′, so that it scrapes against thewire electrode112′ as thewire electrode112′ rotates. As with the flexible embodiment, theinflexible scraper220 may or may not include a slit within which with wire electrode fits112′.
• embodiments including more than one wireloop emitter electrode112′, there can be aseparate scraper220 for eachwire loop electrode112′. Alternatively, asingle scraper220 can be made wide enough to clean more than one, and possible all, of thewire loop electrodes112′. Such ascraper220 may or may not include a slit that corresponds to eachelectrode112′ that it cleans.
• Referring now toFIG. 2C, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an additional rotatable pulley orwheel230 is located adjacent one of thepulleys202 about which the wireloop emitter electrode112′ rotates. Anouter surface232 of thewheel230, referred to hereafter as a cleaning wheel, contacts a portion of theemitter electrode112′ as theelectrode112′ is rotated about thepulleys202. Theouter surface232 is preferably rough or bristled, so that thecleaning wheel230 cleans debris from theelectrode112′ as it comes in contact with theelectrode112′. Friction between the wireloop emitter electrode112′ and theouter surface232 of thecleaning wheel230 will cause thecleaning wheel230 to rotate, when the wireloop emitter electrode112′ rotates. Accordingly, there is no need for a separate motor or other mechanism for rotating thecleaning wheel230, although one can be included. It is also possible that the rotation of thecleaning wheel230 could be used to cause one of thepulleys202 to rotate, thereby causing the rotation of the wireloop emitter electrode112′. It is also possible that gears, or the like, connect apulley202 and thecleaning wheel230, so that they both are rotated by a common motor or manual mechanism. Preferably, thecleaning wheel230 andadjacent pulley202 rotate in opposite directions, as shown inFIG. 2C.
• Alternatively, or additionally, acleaning wheel230′ be placed at other locations adjacent the wireloop emitter electrode112′, as shown in phantom.
• Referring now toFIG. 2D, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, abrush240 is located adjacent to and in contact with the wireloop emitter electrode112′. Thebrush240 cleans debris from theemitter electrode112′ as it rotates past thebrush240. Thebrush240 includesbristles242 which extend at least as far as, and possibly past, an adjacent portion of theelectrode112′. Thebristles242 preferably have a high voltage breakdown, have a high dielectric constant, and can withstand high temperature. Thebrush240 can be attached within thehousing102 so that thebristles242 extend toward theemitter electrode112′. InFIG. 2D, thebrush240 is shown as being located between the twopulleys230. It is also possible that thebrush240 can be located adjacent one of thepulleys202.
• In embodiments including more than one wireloop emitter electrode112′, there can be aseparate brush240 for eachwire loop electrode112′. Alternatively, asingle brush240 can be made wide enough to clean more than one, and possible all, of thewire loop electrodes112′.
• It is to be understood that in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A, 1B,2A,2B,2C and2D, if desired, the portion of eachwire loop112′ that is further from thecollector electrodes122 can be shielded from the portion of eachwire loop112′ that is closest to thecollector electrodes122, so that the further portion of thewire loop112′ does not interfere with the portion of thewire loop112′ that is closest to thecollector electrode122. This can be accomplished, for example by including an insulating shield or wall between each pair ofpulleys202.
• Referring now toFIG. 2E, in another embodiment of the present invention, awire emitter electrode112″ is unwound from one pulley or spool202 (e.g., the lower spool) and wound onto a second pulley or spool202 (e.g., the upper spool). As with the above described embodiments, a motor, hand crank, thumb wheel, or any other mechanism for rotating the windup pulley202 (e.g., the lower wheel) can be used. If a motor is used, the motor can be periodically activated, or activated in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, detection of a button being pressed, etc. In this embodiment, rather than cleaning thewire emitter electrode112′, a debris covered portion of thewire112″ gets wound up, and an unused clean portion of thewire112″ gets unwound and exposed, to act as the emitter. Eventually, when thewire112″ is used up, a new spool orwheel202 ofwire112″ can be installed. This embodiment is somewhat analogous to a rotating cloth towel machine, which is commonly used in commercial restrooms.
• In embodiments including more than one emitter electrode, there can be aseparate spool202 for eachemitter electrode112″. Alternatively, a single spool can be made wide enough to contain multiplewound emitter electrodes112″, which are spread apart from one another along the wide spool.
• FIGS. 3A-3E will now be used to describe how a spring loaded cleaningmember302, can be used to clean anemitter electrode112. As shown inFIG. 3A, themember302 will normally rest near the bottom of theemitter electrode112, above a spring306 (but not necessarily in direct contact with thespring306, as can be appreciated fromFIGS.3D and 3E). Theemitter electrode112 passes through achannel304 through themember302. Themember302 is preferably fabricated from a material that can withstand high temperature and high voltage, and is not likely to char, e.g., ceramic, glass, or an appropriate plastic.
• In response to thespring306 being compacted or downwardly biased, as shown inFIG. 3B, the spring (when released) will cause themember302 to move upward, and more specifically project upward, along theemitter electrode112, as shown inFIG. 3C. Preferably, the force produced by thespring306 is sufficient to cause themember302 to project upward the entire length of theemitter electrode112. Eventually, gravity will cause themember302 to travel downward along theemitter electrode112, where it will eventually come to rest near the bottom of theemitter electrode112, where it started. Themember302 will frictionally remove debris from theemitter electrode112 is it moves upward, and as it moves downward.
• Themember302 need not be circular, and may instead have any other shape, such as cylindrical, bell shaped, square, oval, etc. While it may be easiest to form thechannel304 with a circular cross-section, the cross-section could in fact be non-circular, e.g., triangular, square, irregular shaped, etc. Thechannel304 maybe formed through the center of themember302, or may be formed off-center to give asymmetry to themember302. An off-centered member will have a mechanical moment and will tend to slightly tension theemitter electrode112 as the member slides up and down, and can improve cleaning characteristics. It is also possible that the channel be slightly inclined, to impart a different frictional cleaning action.
• Thespring306 can be compressed (i.e., loaded) in various manners. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a plunger-like mechanism310 is used to compress thespring306, similar to how a plunger compresses a spring in a pin-ball machine. The plunger-like mechanism310 can be manually pulled downward. As shown inFIG. 3E, in other embodiments, theplunger310 can be part of, or controlled by, an electromagnetic solenoid or apiezoelectric actuator mechanism312, which can be used to pull the plunger-like mechanism downward. When theplunger310 is released, manually, or electrically, thespring306 will cause themember302 to project upward along theemitter electrode112, as explained above. Other ways of controlling theplunger310 are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• Where a solenoid oractuator mechanism312 is used, a button to activate the mechanism can be placed on the system housing (e.g.,102). In another embodiment, the solenoid oractuator312 can be activated periodically, or activated in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator (e.g., a light) can tell a user when they should manually pull theplunger310, which can be arranged in such a manner that it is accessible from outside thehousing102.
• embodiments including more than oneemitter electrode112, there can be aseparate cleaning member302 andspring306 for eachemitter electrode112. There can also be aseparate plunger310, and even a separate electromagnetic solenoid orpiezoelectric actuator mechanism312, for each cleaningmember304. Alternatively, a plurality ofplungers310 can be linked together and controlled by a single electromagnetic solenoid orpiezoelectric actuator mechanism312. It is even possible that awide cleaning member302 can includemultiple channels304, and thus be used to clean more than one, and possible all, of theemitter electrodes112.
• In another embodiment, described with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B, alever402 pivots about afulcrum404. Afirst end406 of thelever402 can extend outside the housing102 (e.g., through an opening in the housing102) so that it is accessible to a user. Asecond end408 of thelever402 rests under the cleaningmember302. As shown inFIG. 4B, when a downward force is applied to thefirst end406 of the lever402 (e.g., due to a user pushing down with their finger), thesecond end408 pivots upward, causing themember302 to project upward (and eventually fall downward), thereby frictionally cleaning debris from theemitter electrode112.
• Referring toFIG. 4C, which is a top view of anexemplary lever402, thesecond end408 likely includes aslit410, so that thesecond end408 can straddle theemitter electrode112 and be under themember302 when it is at rest. Thelever402 andfulcrum404 can be arranged and/or weighted such that thesecond end408 falls downward when the user stops pushing down on thefirst end404. Alternatively, or additionally, themember302 will cause thesecond end408 to move downward when themember302 travels back down theemitter electrode112 due to gravity.
• In embodiments including more than oneemitter electrode112, there can be aseparate lever402 for eachelectrode112. The first ends404 of themultiple levers402 can be connected together so that a user need only push down one lever to cleanmultiple emitter electrodes112. Alternatively, thesecond end408 of asingle lever402 can be made wide enough such that when it pivots upward, it forces multiple cleaningmembers302 upward, and thus, asingle lever402 can be used to cleanmultiple emitter electrodes112. In such an embodiment, thesecond end408 likely includes aslit410 for eachemitter electrode112 that it is used to clean, as shownFIG. 4D, which is the top view of alevel402 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This enables thesecond end408 to straddlemultiple emitter electrodes112 and be under multiple cleaningmembers302 when they are at rest. It is also possible that asingle lever402 can be used to force asingle cleaning member302 upward, where thesingle member302 is a wide cleaning member that includesmultiple channels304, to thereby clean multiple, and possible all, of theemitter electrodes112.
• Thelever402 can be controlled by an electromagnetic solenoid or a piezoelectric actuator mechanism, similar to themechanism312 discussed above with reference toFIG. 3E. Other ways of, and mechanisms for, controlling thelever402 are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• Where a solenoid or actuator mechanism is used, a button to activate the mechanism can be placed on the system housing (e.g.,102). In another embodiment, the solenoid or actuator can be activated periodically, or activated in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator (e.g., a light) can tell a user when they should manually use thelever402 to clean the emitter electrode(s)112.
• In another embodiment, described with reference to FIGS. SA-5C, aplucker502 is used to pluck anemitter electrode112, to thereby vibrate theemitter electrode112, causing debris to fall off the emitter electrode. Theplucker502 includes afirst end506, which can extend outside the housing102 (e.g., through an opening in the housing102) so that it is accessible to a user. Asecond end508 of theplucker502 includes alip510 or similar structure that can be used to engage theemitter electrode112. Theplucker502 can rest in achannel512 or be supported by another structure. As shown inFIG. 5B, theplucker502 can be moved toward theemitter electrode112, such that thelip510 engages theemitter electrode112. When theplucker502 is then pulled away from theemitter electrode112, theemitter electrode112 will vibrate, as exaggeratedly shown inFIG. 5C. Such vibration will cause at least a portion of the debris that accumulates on theemitter electrode112 to shake free.
• In an alternative embodiment, rather than having aplucker502 that moves toward and away from theemitter electrode112, a plucker can rotate in a plane that is generally perpendicular to theemitter112. A lip or similar structure can engage theemitter electrode112 when the plucker is rotated toward theemitter electrode112. Then, when the plucker is rotated away from theemitter electrode112, theemitter electrode112 will vibrate, thereby causing at least a portion of the debris that accumulates on theemitter electrode112 to shake free. In still another embodiment, a plucker can pluck theemitter electrode112 when it is rotated toward and past theemitter electrode112.
• In embodiments including more than oneemitter electrode112, there can be aseparate plucker502 for eachelectrode112. Alternatively, a single plucker can be made to pluck multiple emitter electrodes at once.
• As mentioned above, thefirst end506 of theplucker502 can extend outside thehousing102, thereby enabling a user to manually operate theplucker502. Alternatively, theplucker502 can be controlled by, an electromagnetic solenoid or a piezoelectric actuator mechanism, similar to themechanism312 discussed above with reference toFIG. 3E. Other ways of, and mechanisms for, controlling theplucker502 are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• Where a solenoid or actuator mechanism is used, a button to activate the mechanism can be placed on the system housing (e.g.,102). In another embodiment, the solenoid or actuator can be activated periodically, or activated in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator (e.g., a light) can tell a user when they should manually use theplucker502 to clean the emitter electrode(s)112.
• There are other schemes for vibrating anemitter electrode112, to cause debris to shake free from theemitter electrode112. For example, a vibratingunit602 can be connected to one end of theemitter electrode112, as shown inFIG. 6A. Alternatively, the vibratingunit602 can be connected somewhere along the length of the emitter electrode, as shown inFIG. 6B. The vibratingunit602 can include a piezoelectric vibrator. In another example, the vibratingunit602 can include a simple DC motor with an eccentric weight connected to the rotor shaft of the DC motor. In another embodiment, the rotor of the DC motor is eccentric, to thereby produce vibration. Alternatively, the vibratingunit602 can use electro-magnetics to produce vibration. In another example, the vibratingunit602 includes a vibratory gyroscope. These are just a few examples of how the vibratingunit602 can vibrate theemitter electrode112. Other mechanisms for vibrating theemitter electrode112 are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• In embodiments including more than oneemitter electrode112, there can be a separate vibratingunit602 for eachemitter electrode112. Alternatively, a single vibratingunit602 can be used to vibrate multiple, and possible all, of theemitter electrodes112.
• A button to activate the vibratingunit602 can be placed on the system housing (e.g.,102). In another embodiment, the vibratingunit602 can be activated periodically, or activated in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator (e.g., a light) can tell a user when they should press the button that will activate the vibratingunit602.
• In another embodiment, a sufficient current is applied to anemitter electrode112 so as to heat theemitter electrode112 to a sufficient temperature to cause debris collected on the emitter electrode to be burned off. This can be accomplished, e.g., by connecting acurrent control circuit702 between thevoltage source140 and theemitter electrode112, as shown inFIG. 7. Using simple transistors and/or resistors, thecurrent control circuit702 can provide one current/voltage to the emitter electrode(s)112 when the emitter electrode(s)112 is being used to charged particles, in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 1A. Thecurrent control circuit702 can provide a different current/voltage (likely, a significantly higher current) to heat up the emitter electrode(s)112, thereby cleaning the emitter electrode(s)112.
• A button to initiate electrode heating can be placed on thesystem housing102. In another embodiment, thecurrent control unit702 can be instructed to cause the heating of the emitter electrode(s)112 periodically, or in response to some event, such as detection of arcing, or detection of the system being turned on, etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator (e.g., a light) can tell a user when they should press the button that will initiate the heating of the emitter electrode(s)112.
• FIG.8 illustrates an electrical block diagram for driving the electro-kinetic systems described above, according to embodiments of the present invention. An electrical power cord that plugs into a common electrical wall socket provides a nominal 110 VAC. An electromagnetic interference (EMI)filter810 is placed across the incoming nominal 110 VAC line to reduce and/or eliminate high frequencies generated by the various circuits. Batteries can alternatively be used to power systems, as would be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art.
• ADC Power Supply814 is designed to receive the incoming nominal 110 VAC and to output a first DC voltage (e.g., 160 VDC) for thehigh voltage generator140. The first DC voltage (e.g., 160 VDC) is also stepped down through a resistor network to a second DC voltage (e.g., about 12 VDC) that a micro-controller unit (MCU)830 can monitor without being damaged. TheMCU830 can be, for example, a Motorola 68HC908 series micro-controller, available from Motorola. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, theMCU830 monitors the stepped down voltage (e.g., about 12 VDC), which is labeled the AC voltage sense signal inFIG. 8, to determine if the AC line voltage is above or below the nominal 110 VAC, and to sense changes in the AC line voltage. For example, if a nominal 110 VAC increases by 10% to 121 VAC, then the stepped down DC voltage will also increase by 10%. TheMCU830 can sense this increase and then reduce the pulse width, duty cycle and/or frequency of the low voltage pulses to maintain the output power (provided to the high voltage generator140) to be the same as when the line voltage is at 110 VAC. Conversely, when the line voltage drops, theMCU830 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 of the present invention 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 110 VAC).
• The highvoltage pulse generator140 is coupled between thefirst electrode array110 and thesecond electrode array120, to provide a potential difference between the arrays. Each array can include one or more electrodes. Thehigh voltage generator140 may additionally, or alternatively, apply a voltage potential to thedriver electrode array130. The highvoltage pulse generator140 may be implemented in many ways. In the embodiment shown, the highvoltage pulse generator140 includes anelectronic switch826, a step-uptransformer816 and avoltage multiplier818. The primary side of the step-uptransformer816 receives the first DC voltage (e.g., 160 VDC) from the DC power supply. An electronic switch receives low voltage pulses (of perhaps 20-25 KHz frequency) from the micro-controller unit (MCU)830. Such a switch is shown as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)826. TheIGBT826, or other appropriate switch, couples the low voltage pulses from theMCU830 to the input winding of the step-uptransformer816. The secondary winding of thetransformer816 is coupled to thevoltage multiplier818, which outputs high voltages to the emitter andcollector electrode arrays110 and120. In general, theIGBT826 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, thegenerator140 receives the low input DC voltage (e.g., 160 VDC) from theDC power supply814 and the low voltage pulses from theMCU830, and generates high voltage pulses of preferably at least 5 KV peak-to-peak with a repetition rate of about 20 to 25 KHz. Preferably, thevoltage multiplier818 outputs about 6 to 9 KV to theemitter array110, and about 12 to 18 KV to thecollector array120. It is within the scope of the present invention for thevoltage multiplier818 to produce greater or smaller voltages. The high voltage pulses preferably have a duty cycle of about 10%-15%, but may have other duty cycles, including a 100% duty cycle.
• TheMCU830 receives an indication of whether thecontrol dial144 is set to the LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH airflow setting. TheMCU830 controls the pulse width, duty cycle and/or frequency of the low voltage pulse signal provided to switch826, to thereby control the airflow output, based on the setting of the control dial114. To increase the airflow output, theMCU830 can increase the pulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle. Conversely, to decrease the airflow output rate, theMCU830 can reduce the pulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle. In accordance with an embodiment, the low voltage pulse signal (provided from theMCU830 to the high voltage generator140) 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.
• TheMCU830 can provide various timing and maintenance features. For example, theMCU830 can provide a cleaning reminder feature (e.g., a 2 week timing feature) that provides a reminder to clean theemitter electrodes112 and/or collector electrode122 (e.g., by causing indicator light118 to turn on amber, and/or by triggering an audible alarm (not shown) that produces a buzzing or beeping noise). TheMCU830 can also provide arc sensing, suppression and indicator features, as well as the ability to shut down thehigh voltage generator140 in the case of continued arcing. TheMCU830 can also initiate the cleaning of the emitter electrode(s) (112,112′,112″), periodically, in response to arcing being detected, in response to a button being pressed by a user, etc. For example, referring back to the embodiments of2A-2D, theMCU830 can control the rotation of wireloop emitter electrode112′, e.g., by controlling one or more motors that rotate one ormore pulleys202. Referring back toFIG. 2E, theMCU830 can similarly control the winding and unwinding ofemitter electrode112″. Referring back toFIGS. 3A-3E, theMCU830 can control the electro-mechanical mechanism312 used to control theplunger306. TheMCU830 may even control an electro-mechanical mechanism that appropriately maneuvers thelever402, ofFIGS. 4A-4D, or theplucker502 ofFIGS. 5A-5C. In another embodiment, theMCU830 controls the vibratingunit602 discussed with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B. TheMCU830 may also control the heating ofemitter electrodes112, e.g., by controlling thecurrent control unit702, discussed above with reference toFIG. 7.
• TheMCU830 can detect arcing in various manners. For example, an arc sensing signal can be provided to theMCU830, as shown inFIG. 8. The arc sensing signal can be compared to an arcing threshold, to determine when arcing occurs. An arcing threshold may exist for each of the various setting of thecontrol dial144. For example, there can be a high threshold, a medium threshold and a low threshold. These thresholds can be current thresholds, but it is possible that other thresholds, such as voltage thresholds, can be used.
• The arc sensing signal can be periodically sampled (e.g., one every 10 msec) to produce a running average current value. TheMCU830 can perform this by sampling the current at the emitter of theIGBT826 of the high voltage generator140 (seeFIG. 8). The running average current value can be determined by averaging a sampled value with a previous number of samples (e.g., with the previous three samples). A benefit of using averages, rather than individual values, is that averaging has the effect of filtering out and thereby reducing false arcing detections. However, in alternative embodiments no averaging is used. The average current value can be compared to the appropriate threshold value. If the average current value does not equal or exceed the threshold value, then it is determined that arcing is not occurring. If the average current value is equal to or exceeds the threshold value, then it is determined that arcing is occurring, and theMCU830 can attempt to stop the arcing by cleaning the emitter electrode using one of the embodiments discussed above.
• Alternatively, theMCU830 may simply turn on an indicator (e.g., indicator light118) to inform a user that the emitter electrode(s) and collector electrode(s) should be cleaned. The user can then use one of the above described embodiments to clean the emitter electrodes. The collector electrodes are most likely cleaned by manually removing them from the housing, as was discussed above with respect toFIG. 1B. More detailed and alternative algorithms for detecting arcing are provided in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/625,401, entitled “Electro-Kinetic Air Transporter and Conditioner Devices with Enhanced Arcing Detection and Suppression Features,” filed Jul. 23, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other schemes for detecting arcing are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• Many of the above described features of the present invention relate to cleaning emitter electrodes of electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner devices. However, these features can also be used to clean wire-like emitter electrodes in electrostatic precipitator (ESP) devices that do not electro-kinetically transport air. ESP devices are similar to electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner devices in that both types of devices electronically condition the air using emitter electrodes, collector electrodes, and possibly driver electrodes. However, ESP devices often rely on a mechanical means for moving air, such as a fan, rather than on electro-kinetic air movement. Nevertheless, debris may similarly accumulate on the emitter electrodes of ESP devices, thereby degrading the efficiency of the ESP system, and possibly producing annoying audible oscillations. Accordingly, the above described emitter cleaning features of the present invention can also be applied to ESP devices. Collectively, electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner devices and ESP devices will be referred to hereafter simply as air conditioning devices, since both types of devices condition the air by electronically cleaning the air and producing ions.
• 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.

Claims (33)

1. An air conditioning system, comprising:

an emitter electrode;

a collector electrode;

a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode;

a cleaning member associated with said emitter electrode; and

means for projecting said cleaning member upward along said emitter electrode;

wherein said cleaning member frictionally removes debris from said emitter electrode as it projects upward along said emitter electrode.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said cleaning member include a channel through which said emitter electrode passes

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said means for projecting said cleaning member upward comprises:

a spring; and

a plunger mechanism to compress said spring, and said spring to project said cleaning member upward along said emitter electrode when said spring is allowed to expand after being compressed.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said means for projecting said cleaning member to travel upward comprises:

a lever including a first end and a second end, said second end resting at least partially under said cleaning member; and

a fulcrum positioned between said first and second ends of said lever;

wherein a downward force on said first end of said lever translates to an upward force on said second end of said lever, as said lever pivots about said fulcrum, thereby causing said cleaning member to project upward along said emitter electrode and to frictionally remove debris from said emitter electrode.

5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising an actuating means for maneuvering said means for projecting said cleaning member upward.

6. The system ofclaim 5, further comprising a controller to control said actuating means so that said cleaning member is periodically projected upward along said emitter electrode to remove debris from said emitter electrode.

7. The system ofclaim 5, further comprising a controller to control said actuating means so that said cleaning member is projected upward along said emitter electrode to remove debris from said emitter electrode, in response to detecting arcing between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode.

8. The system ofclaim 5, further comprising a button or switch that activates said actuating means.

9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said means for projecting said cleaning member upward can be manually operated.

10. The system ofclaim 9, further comprising an indicator that identifies to a user that they should manually operate said means for projecting said cleaning member upward.

11. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a freestanding housing within which said emitter electrode, said collector electrode, and said high voltage generator are contained, said housing including at least one air vent.

12. An air conditioning system, comprising:

an emitter electrode;

a collector electrode;

a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode;

a cleaning member associated with said emitter electrode;

a spring; and

a plunger mechanism to compress said spring, and said spring to project said cleaning member upward along said emitter electrode when said spring is allowed to expand after being compressed;

wherein said cleaning member frictionally removes debris from said emitter electrode as it projects upward along said emitter electrode.

13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said cleaning member includes a channel through which said emitter electrode passes.

14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein gravity will cause said cleaning member to travel downward along said emitter electrode, after said cleaning member has been projected upward along said emitter electrode; and wherein said cleaning member frictionally removes debris from said emitter electrode as it travels downward along said emitter electrode.

15. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising an electromagnetic solenoid to pull said plunger mechanism in a downward direction, thereby compressing said spring.

16. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising a piezoelectric actuator to pull said plunger mechanism in a downward direction, thereby compressing said spring.

17. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising an actuating means for pulling said plunger mechanism in a downward direction, thereby compressing said spring.

18. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising a controller to control said actuating means so that said cleaning member is periodically projected upward along said emitter electrode to remove debris from said emitter electrode.

19. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising a controller to control said actuating means so that said cleaning member is projected upward along said emitter electrode to remove debris from said emitter electrode, in response to detecting arcing between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode.

20. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising a button or switch that activates said actuating means.

21. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said plunger mechanism can be manually pulled in a downward direction to compress said spring.

22. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising an indicator that identifies to a user that they should manually pull down said plunger mechanism and then release said plunger mechanism.

23. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising:

a freestanding housing within which said emitter electrode, said collector electrode, and said high voltage generator are contained, said housing including at least one air vent.

24. An air conditioning system, comprising:

an emitter electrode;

a collector electrode;

a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode; and

a cleaning member;

a lever including a first end and a second end, said second end resting at least partially under said cleaning member; and

a fulcrum positioned between said first and second ends of said lever;

wherein a downward force on said first end of said lever translates to an upward force on said second end of said lever, as said lever pivots about said fulcrum, thereby causing said cleaning member to be projected upward along said emitter electrode and to frictionally remove debris from said emitter electrode.

25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein said cleaning member includes a channel through which said emitter electrode passes.

26. The system ofclaim 24, wherein gravity will cause said cleaning member to travel downward along said emitter electrode, after said cleaning member has been projected upward along said emitter electrode; and wherein said cleaning member frictionally removes debris from said emitter electrode as it travels downward along said emitter electrode.

27. The system ofclaim 24, wherein said second end of said lever includes a slit so that said second end can straddle said emitter electrode.

28. The system ofclaim 24, further comprising an indicator that identifies to a user that they should manually push down said first end of said lever.

29. The system ofclaim 24, further comprising:

a freestanding housing within which said emitter electrode, said collector electrode, and said high voltage generator are contained, said housing including at least one air vent.

30. The system ofclaim 24, further comprising:

at least one of an electromagnetic solenoid and a piezoelectric actuator to maneuver the first end of the lever.

31. An air conditioning system, comprising:

an emitter electrode;

a collector electrode;

a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode;

a freestanding housing within which said emitter electrode, said collector electrode, and said high voltage generator are contained, said housing including at least one air vent;

a cleaning member associated with said emitter electrode;

an actuating means for projecting said cleaning member upward along said emitter electrode;

wherein said cleaning member frictionally removes debris from said emitter electrode as it projects upward along said emitter electrode; and

a controller to control said actuating means so that said cleaning member is automatically projected upward along said emitter electrode to remove debris from said emitter electrode.

32. The system ofclaim 31, wherein said controller controls said actuating means to periodically project said cleaning member upward along said emitter electrode.

33. The system ofclaim 31, wherein said controller controls said actuating means to project said cleaning member upward along said emitter electrode, in response to detecting arcing between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode.

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