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 chamber with high voltage- ground electrodes. This study investigates the electric field distribution with and without the space charge density in the main reactor, and electric field investigation for two additional ground electrode configurations without the effect of the space charge density. This study has provided an overall insight on the electric field distribution in a non-thermal plasma and can be used as a guide for the electric field behavior within a Nitrogen gas.