Numerical simulation and structural optimization of electrostatic precipitators for particle purification in space capsules

Abstract

To support the performance optimization of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for potential aerospace applications, a coupled numerical model integrating the discrete phase model (DPM) with user-defined scalar (UDS) transport equations was developed to resolve the electric-field characteristics and particle transport behavior within the ESP. Focusing on the structural optimization of the discharge electrode and collection plate, four representative ESP configurations were established for comparison: a conventional flat-plate type, a W-type, a W1-type combining a corrugated collection plate with an auxiliary electrode, and a single-electrode type. The effects of a pre-installed filter screen, the internal airflow distribution, the electric-field and charge-density characteristics, and the relationship between particle trajectories and collection efficiency were systematically investigated. Under identical operating conditions, the W1-type and single-electrode configurations achieved collection efficiencies exceeding 92% for particles with diameters of 0.2–1.0 μm. For 0.5 μm particles, their collection efficiencies exceeded 90%, corresponding to an approximately 40-percentage-point increase in absolute efficiency relative to the conventional flat-plate configuration. The pre-installed filter screen provided an additional mechanical-interception stage for relatively coarse particles and enhanced the overall purification performance, although this benefit was accompanied by an increase in flow resistance.These results clarify the configuration-dependent coupling mechanisms between airflow, electric fields, and particle transport, and provide a numerical basis for the design and optimization of ESPs for aerospace applications.