Simulation of Ozone Synthesis in Oxygen- and Air-Fed Surface Discharge Arrangements

Surface discharge (SD) arrangements are used in commercial ozone generators like conventional arrangements with a gas gap. While in oxygen the characteristics of the ozone production are comparable in both arrangements, the efficiency of ozone production from air is significant lower in SDs. From experimental results it is believed that high temperatures in the discharge cause this “poisoning” of air-fed SD ozone generators. To clarify this, the ozone synthesis from air near atmospheric pressure is investigated with the help of a two-dimensional self-consistent modeling of the discharge development and the relevant plasma-chemical reactions. The temperature in the discharge area is determined from energy densities of electrons and ions and included in the relevant chemical reaction system. The results show a significant temperature increase in front of the metallic surface electrodes combined with an increased concentration of nitrogen oxides.