Ozone Production in a High Frequency Dielectric Barrier Discharge Generator

Factors that affect the performance of an expanded-mesh dielectric barrier discharge ozone cell were investigated. A gas feed pf 94% O₂, 4% Ar and 1% N₂ was used. An improvement in the productivity (g ozone/kWh) of about 20 % was achieved by doubling the gas flow rate through the cell. Decreasing the cell operating frequency (in the range 72 kHz to 19 kHz) increased the productivity of the ozone generator at constant power. The ozone production increased approximately in proportion to the input power; however productivity did not vary significantly with power above a minimum level. As the cell voltage was increased the dependence of productivity on power or frequency was reduced. Changing the feed gas temperature between ? 5^°C and + 42^°C had no effect on productivity. Finer meshes drew more power than coarser ones for a given voltage. Using a thinner mesh for the centre electrode increased productivity. The best results were obtained with a 6 × 3 × 1.86 mm titanium mesh giving a productivity of 110 g ozone/kWhr at 30–60 W, 1500–1900V and 23 KHz.