plasmacluster
 

my TCH has plasmacluster when does this operate and can this be operated manually?

Re: plasmacluster
 

If you're talking about the "air freshener" there's no control for it.

Re: plasmacluster
 

It is on whenever you have the climate controls on. It is located within the driver-side vent airway.

Re: plasmacluster
 

Thanks for correcting me there. I forgot to mention that part. I was curious about that when I first got mine. I am kind of becoming addicted to finding out how everything operates on this vehicle now.

Re: plasmacluster
 

And I pray I did not give misinformation ;) ... as my mind fails I need to start adding qualifiers like "I think."

Re: plasmacluster
 

how come i dont hear noises when it works anymore?
before i used to hear sounds that it works i hear static sounds when its operating...
and how do you know if your plasmacluster is broke?

Re: plasmacluster
 

I haven't looked at this particular ion generator, but I am familiar with other ion generators. They have been used as air cleaners for many years. An ion generator consists of charged pieces of metal that emit electrons (ions) into the passing air stream. The charge makes the dust particles stick to other surfaces, and so "cleans" the air. Some ion generator products have built-in filters that are positively charged, to collect the particles. They have been used as "smoke eaters" in bars, and as air purifiers in homes, for many years.

Ion generators don't make noise when they are operating properly. Sometimes the space between the + and - electrical plates in an ion generator can accumulate debris, and then it can short and make sparking noises, but that happens only when it is dirty. Cleaning makes the noise go away. There is nothing to break -- no moving parts at all.

The think I don't like about them is that they emit ozone. The charge causes the O2 molecules in the air to separate and make ozone. The ozone damages skin and upholstry, and other products, by a process called oxidation. Over a long period of time, and in high concentration, it can negatively affect your health. Because the generator in this car is very small, I don't think it can put out very much charge, and it can't make much ozone. Then, because of the high rate of ventilation, even that little bit gets flushed out of the cabin very quickly. So I don't think it is likely to have any health effects.

Re: plasmacluster
 

Ozone is actually O3 (3 oxygen molecules)...:secret:

Re: plasmacluster
 

Correct, but it is the stable O2 configuration of "naturally" occuring oxygen that is first broken down, in order to produce the O3 molecules.

Re: plasmacluster
 

Sharp (the manufacturer) claims that their Plasmacluster device produces no ozone. An electrically neutral mixture of particles is emitted.

Stan

Re: plasmacluster
 

Any ionization will create O3, though the amount may vary. Personally can smell Ozone in very small amounts. (Many years in electronics) I have not noticed even the slightest amount coming from the air vents. I have a O3 detector, along with a combustible gas detector. I'll grab it and do some tests.

As for how it works, Steve nailed it. Also with the O3... The Ionization can break down weak O2 molecules, causing the two oxygen atoms to create an unstable bond with strong O2 molecules. Creating two O3 for each O2 broken down.

Have a look at this Wikipedia article on Purifiers.

Re: plasmacluster
 

"Plasmacluster" . . . Now, there's a name that's cooler than the product.

Sounds like something you'd have right next to your photon torpedoes and phase cannons. :plane:

Re: plasmacluster
 

so how can you tell if its working or not?

Re: plasmacluster
 

lol

Re: plasmacluster
 

That's a good question....no clue...I suspect you don't.

Re: plasmacluster
 

The simplest way to tell is the amount of dust that collects on your dashboard. Many will notice that the amount that collects is very minimal as compared to another car, or even the same car without the A/C running. It will be simpler to tell in the winter when you don't use the A/C. Much more dust will collect.

Re: plasmacluster
 

So if the dust isn't collecting on the dashboard, where is it collecting? Is there a filter within the plasmacluster that needs to be cleaned or changed, maybe by being run through a negative ion phase-inverter with the warp core power in a feedback loop?

I rarely use my A/C. Will running the heat in winter not send the air through for the dust reduction?

Re: plasmacluster
 

The dust ends up on the floor and in the cabin filter. The negative charge makes the dust not only cling together and get stuck in the filter better, but it also makes it no longer attracted to the plastic in the dash.

I'm not sure if the ion generator works with the heat is on. I'll look into that.