Work

Electrohydrodynamic Flow and Particle Behavior in Electrostatic Precipitators with Two Shaped Collecting Plates

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective This study employs numerical simulations to investigate how the structural configurations of collecting plates (flat vs. corrugated plates) affect the efficiency of wire-plate electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). Methods A coupled model was developed, integrating fluid dynamics, electric fields, and particle motion, with User-Defined Functions explicitly programmed to establish strong connections between these physical fields. The complex fluid dynamics within the ESP channel was captured using the k-ε turbulence model, considering the electric body forces computed from the finite volume solvers of electric field and ion charge. Furthermore, the trajectories of particles were simulated using the Lagrangian approach, considering particle size distribution and particle charging process. Results The corrugated plate optimize the ion charge distribution and intensify the electric field strength in ESPs, favoring particle charging and accelerating particle deposition, particularly for coarse particles. However, this also produces stronger electric wind, leading to the formation of distinct vortex structures in the corrugated channel, which hinder the deposition of fine particles near the walls. At low inlet velocities, the electric wind effect exacerbated the vortices, weakening the separation of fine particles. In comparison, the flat plate exhibited better performance in this regard. Conclusion These findings provide important theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the design and optimization of ESPs, especially improving the removal efficiency for particles of different sizes. Graphical Abstract

Source: Aerosol and Air Quality Research

DOI: 10.1007/s44408-025-00036-8

Authors: Heng Shen, Wanxuan Yu, Weihao Wang, Yonghao Zheng, Yanming Kang

Institutions: Shanghai Ocean University, Donghua University

Language: English

Topic: Aerosol Filtration and Electrostatic Precipitation

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Universities Scientific Fund