Improved model for the analysis of back corona in pulse energised electrostatic precipitators

Formation of back corona and its effect on the voltage–current characteristics, etc., have been analysed by several authors. It has also been examined how the harmful effect of back corona can be reduced, for example by the application of pulse energisation. However, to find an optimal solution, modelling of the back corona effect is necessary. Different back corona models were created to estimate the time of its development, the change in current–voltage characteristics, the decrease in particle charge and finally, the collection efficiency of the ESP with back corona. In this paper the authors present an improved numerical ESP model that is capable of determining the parameters of back corona in such cases, when pulse energisation is applied for the power supply of the electrostatic precipitator. Based on the modular structure of the model, different modules calculate the distribution of gas velocity, electric field intensity, particle charging and particle movement. All these parameters are important to determine the properties of back corona while it feeds back on these parameters; therefore iteration is necessary to obtain reliable result. The harmful effects of back corona can be characterised with the help of the evaluation of calculated results.