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A new method for the interneedle-distance optimization of a multineedle-to-plane barrier discharge reactor is presented. As we know, there is gas breakdown when, in some regions between electrodes, the electric field is higher than the breakdown field; hence, the regionmay play a dominant role for the discharge, and the enhancement of its volume ratio in the reactor will allow an increase in discharge energy density. This can be achieved by structure optimization. With the finite-element method, the 3-D profiles of an electrostatic field in the reactor are acquired for a series of interneedle distances, thereby the one-to-one relationship between the volume ratio and interneedle distance is obtained. This allows the optimal interneedle distance for power input efficiency to be identified, as related to the maximal volume ratio. The optimal distance is between 7.2 and 8.4 mm in our simulation range, decreasing with the increase of operating voltages from 16 to 26 kV. The simulation results are experimentally validated by discharge energy measurement as well as the performance of SO2 removal from indoor air. This structure optimization method leads to a simple way to obtain the optimal interneedle distance for energy input efficiency and hence benefits commercial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly contributes to the estimation of 2-D current-density distribution in a moving arc root. For this purpose, the multiple-split-cathode-with-different-slit-angle method is used to perform measurements of the linear current distribution of the arc root in seven different directions. On the basis of the measurement results, a large system of linear algebraic equations is treated with the algebraic-reconstruction-technique algorithm to obtain the 2-D current density. The calculation results indicate that the transverse profile of current density in a moving arc root can be characterized by a high-current core with two low-current hysteretic wings and that the maximum current density tends to the fore part of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]