Modelling of electric field distribution in a non-thermal plasma reactor using COMSOL multiphysics

Abstract

The importance of the electric field and charged particles dynamics in various applications including plasma reactors has been recognized more than ever. Furthermore, the role of the multiphysics modelling and simulation in the process of investigation, design and product prototyping is also becoming more popular due to increased speed of computers and advanced software techniques. In this work, electric field distribution in a non-thermal plasma (NTP) reactor has been studied using COMSOL multiphysics for the application of NOx reduction in the emission control. NTP was created in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cylindrical reactor with high voltage- ground electrodes. This study investigates the electric field distribution in non-thermal plasma under different reactor configurations. We investigated electric field distribution with and without applying space charge density; reactor design with multi ground electrodes, reactor design with a 1.2 m ground electrode and variable HV electrode dimensions. This study has provided an overall insight on the electric field distribution in non-thermal plasma and can be used as a guide for the electric field behaviour within a nitrogen gas non-thermal plasma.