Design of the electrode structure for the dust removal efficiency optimization of electrostatic precipitator

Abstract Air dust pollution prevention and control is a global environmental concern. Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) play a crucial role in dust pollution control, and its electrode structure significantly affects plasma parameters and the movement of charged dust particles, which in turn influences the dust removal efficiency. This study focuses on optimizing the commonly used wire-plate dust removal device, experimental research is conducted first, revealing that the hole-hole electrode structure of an ESP exhibits higher peak currents at the same voltage compared to both plate-hole and plate-plate electrode configurations. For the removal efficiency of particles with a radius greater than 1 μm, the ESP with a hole-hole electrode structure performs better than those with plate-hole and plate-plate electrode structures. Moreover, the particle collection efficiency is positively correlated with particle radius, larger particles correspond to higher dust removal efficiency. Based on experimental findings, simulations are conducted to provide a deeper analysis and understanding of the dust removal mechanisms of ESPs. This paper primarily utilizes COMSOL Multiphysics numerical simulation software to simulate traditional wire-plate ESPs and a new wire-hole ESP. It explores the multiphysical characteristics of ESPs under different electrode structure configurations, and investigates in depth the impact of electrode structure on dust removal efficiency. The simulation results indicate that compared to flat collecting electrodes, porous collecting electrodes exhibit a significant increase in electric field intensity at the openings, and they have a lower surface charge density than flat plates, thereby reducing reverse corona phenomena. Ion wind affects the internal airflow dynamics of ESPs, thereby influencing their efficiency in capturing fine particulate matter. This negative impact of ion wind can be mitigated by introducing perforations in the collection plates.