Contribution to the electro-thermal behavior study of a porous dielectric barrier plasma reactor under direct current
Fatiha Tounsi1, 2, Rabah Ouiddir3, Abdelber Bendaoud1, *, Mohamed Miloudi4, Houcine Miloudi1
* The author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
1 APELEC Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
2 University of Mascara, Algeri
3 Mohamed Boudiaf University (USTO) Oran, Algeria
4 University of Relizane, Algeria
Abstract
Nonthermal plasma generated by atmospheric pressure electrical discharges has garnered increasing scientific and industrial interest due to its numerous technological applications. Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) are particularly well-recognized and widely used for various applications, ranging from surface sterilization to material modification. However, they present certain operational challenges, primarily due to their relatively high energy consumption, especially when operating under alternating voltage. This energy cost represents a major issue for industries seeking to optimize the energy efficiency of these systems. Another challenge lies in the thermal management of DBDs: indeed, the thermal nature of the discharges requires precise regulation of the dielectric barrier's temperature to prevent the risk of thermal shocks, which can damage the device. To achieve this, current systems often require the integration of an auxiliary cooling system that operates continuously, further increasing energy consumption. This article contributes to addressing this issue by conducting an experimental electro-thermal behavior study of a porous dielectric barrier plasma reactor. The main innovation of this approach lies in the reactor's design, which allows, on the one hand, operation under direct voltage. This choice enables significant energy optimization while minimizing the risk of arcing, which is a major advantage for the durability and safety of industrial systems. On the other hand, the porous nature of the dielectric barrier provides a natural solution for dissipating the heat generated by the active electrode, as the thermal flux can be effectively evacuated through the material's pores. The experimental results demonstrate notable discharge stability over time, confirming the potential of this configuration for industrial applications. In addition to demonstrating improved thermal management, this solution offers promising prospects for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs associated with dielectric barrier discharge systems in industrial settings.
Keywords - Nonthermal plasma, dielectric barrier discharges (DBD), energy efficiency, thermal management, porous dielectric barrier.