plasmacluster
#4
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.
#5
Re: plasmacluster
And I pray I did not give misinformation ... as my mind fails I need to start adding qualifiers like "I think."
#7
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.
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.
Last edited by SteveHansen; 08-07-2008 at 05:13 AM. Reason: add information
#9
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.