Development of scalable and exible non-thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge systems for novel low-temperature plasma applications

Abstract

Atmospheric non-thermal plasma has gained increasing interest for various applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties. For example, reactive species produced by atmospheric non-thermal plasma can decontaminate spacecrafts featuring thermally sensitive materials. Although Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) systems have been demonstrated as one of the many promising methods to generate non-thermal plasma, the generation of non-thermal plasma over large and complex geometries, such as spacecraft or the human body, remains challenging to date. This thesis, therefore, aims to investigate and develop a scalable and flexible non-thermal plasma generation system, thus promoting further implementation of non-thermal plasma technology. Firstly, a new method using printed electronics techniques on thin materials is employed for the fabrication of electrodes of DBD systems to enhance their scalability and flexibility. An experimental study is carried out, where the DBD systems are assessed for varying system sizes to assess the capability of large scale plasma geometries. Moreover, the flexibility of the systems is quantified for varying curvatures to allow the generation of non-thermal plasma over complex geometries. A fully scalable and flexible plasma source can require a complex electrode geometry to be successfully used in an application. Therefore, in conjunction with the experimental study, a new electrical model is developed for complex electrode designs. This electrical model can play an important role in the characterization, design, and definition of optimal operating conditions for non-thermal plasma sources in a wide field of applications. The presented model focuses on the partitioning of the electrode surface into a plasma discharging and non-discharging area. Thus the electrical model accounts for the dynamic behaviour of the plasma generation over complex electrode geometries during operation. Lastly, the developed DBD systems are employed for three feasibility studies, where they successfully demonstrate their ability for applications within the aerospace sector and the biomedical field. In the aerospace sector, the DBD systems and their ability to produce a high electron density are used for a new “Cold Radio Blackout Testing” solution. This approach aims to model the spatial gradient of the electron density within a re-entry plasma sheath around space vehicles, causing a communication interruption, the Radio Blackout. Further, the DBD systems are used as a decontamination system for medical equipment, such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID19 pandemic. The last feasibility study presents a new thin and narrow plasma source, the plasma yarn, which is successfully used for the sterilisation of biofilms in narrow spaces, such as endoscopes.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Henrike Jakob: orcid.org/0000-0002-6035-2150

ORCID for Min Kwan Kim: orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-312X

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