Plasma for Clean Air project receives 850K grant to fight air pollution

A step needs to be made in energy efficiency and robustness of the technology. We have robust technology that is less energy efficient than required and we have energy-efficient technology that is difficult to turn into an industrial product. This research aims to take the best of both worlds and through new research with new technology end up with the desired solution.

Transient plasma for air purification

Today’s society is facing a major challenge in fighting air pollution, in which industrial processes have a significant contribution. Especially the high emissions of odor, nitrogen-based pollution and harmful biological pathogens is currently a major bottleneck in the operation of many industries. The growing demands on filtering the waste gas of such processes cannot be efficiently and effectively using traditional methods. A promising alternative is transient plasma, in which chemically active species that are generated by electrical discharges combat air pollution efficiently.

Research and application tests already demonstrated the potential of transient plasma for air purification. However, a large step in efficiency, robustness, modularity, flexibility and upscaling is still required for economic and industrial success. With the research in this proposal we aim to make this step by addressing the knowledge gap and by researching and developing new state-of-the art high-voltage technology. By working closely together with the project partners we will ensure a rapid translation of the research results into industry.

Upscaling of the plasma technology

In order to achieve energy-efficient plasma processing with robust technologies, we will use power electronics to develop a high-voltage system. For upscaling of the plasma technology, it means that we need to develop systems of >100.000V with power electronic components that can only handle <1500V. In addition, we need these components to switch much faster (in less than a nanosecond) than that they were designed for. So we need to research and develop topologies and driving methods for the power electronics that allows them to work together to achieve our goals (<1ns switching at over 100.000V).

Relevance for industry and society

WHO recently published an article that states “Every year, exposure to air pollution is estimated to cause 7 million premature deaths and result in the loss of millions more healthy years of life[1]”. While this is quite broadly stated, in The Netherlands we are also faced with many sources of air pollution (swineries, industry, etc.). Our research aims to address this air pollution with transient plasma technology. More specifically, our research will make large-scale air purification with this technology possible.

Tom Huiskamp: "With the granting of my VENI project in 2018 (‘Fast, flexible pulses for a better environment’) my research into solid-state high-voltage pulse technologies for plasma generation received a solid foundation. Together with another OTP project (‘Plasma for Plants’) the Plasma for Clean Air project ensures that we can take the research into larger-scale applications and into the real world. It further consolidates my research ambitions of nanosecond pulse generation with very high voltage pulses and to use these in the real world for environmental applications. Together with Bas Vermulst (a TU/e power electronics expert) we will ensure that this can be done with high-speed power electronics.”

Bluereactor Systems, a company working on development, production and sales of equipment for plasma air purification technology, will use the results of this project for their next generation plasma air purification technology which needs to be more energy efficient, robust, modular and flexible. Founder André Kapitein says that making use of this state of art solid-state high-voltage pulse technologie will ensure they will stay ahead of competition for years to come.

[1] https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/press-releases/2021/new-who-global-air-quality-guidelines-aim-to-save-millions-of-lives-from-air-pollution