Ozone production and de-NOx modeling in dry air electrical discharges

Numerical simulations are performed to assess the possibility of using different kinds of electrical discharges operating in dry air under normal conditions as ozone generators. The ozone production and NOx destruction efficiency are investigated as a function of discharge parameters such as the reduced electric field, the energy deposition, and the electron density. The specific energy deposition becomes a key parameter to compare the different classes of ozonators. During the operative phase the electric discharge produces an appreciable amount of nitrogen oxides. Taking into consideration both the active phase of flue gas processing and the post-discharge phase it is possible to achieve a good NOx-removal efficiency even for initial concentrations as high as 1000 ppm. The main processes and characteristic times are discussed.