Parameters Identification and Gas Behavior Characterization of DBD Systems

This paper proposes an efficient modeling and an identification method for dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) systems, based on input–output (current–voltage) experimental measurements. The DBD is modeled using an equivalent electric circuit associated with a differential equation that describes the dynamics of its conductance. This equation assumes a homogeneous behavior of the gas. This paper introduces a series of polynomial terms of the current of the gas into the conductance equation. These terms, after identification, are a very useful tool to analyze the physical mechanisms that take place in the gas. The identification process also returns the numerical values of other DBD parameters, such as associated capacitances and the breakdown voltage. In addition, an asymmetric model for the gas, which considers the direction of the current, is proposed to consider the possible geometrical dissimilarity between the two electrodes of the DBD setup. Experimental measurements taken on two different DBD applications are used for validating the proposed approach.

I. Introduction

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) offer specific properties that are very interesting for a large number of processes. The obtained plasma is maintained at low temperatures, the barriers contribute to spread the discharge on the whole surface of the electrodes and they avoid direct contact between the metallic electrodes and the gas. Thus, it increases lifetimes and reduces costs. For these reasons, DBD are widely used in industrial applications such as ozone generators, surface treatments, thin film deposits and coating, lighting, and displays [1]–[3].