Empirical and Numerical Analysis of Conduction and Induction Charging of Droplets in a Three-Electrode System

The charging process of water droplets in different electrification systems using empirical and numerical analysis is described. A simplified model based on capacitance distribution is proposed. The results of the experimental studies and numerical calculations enable comparison of the induction and conduction charging methods in terms of the droplet charging level, described by the Q/m parameter. Research findings indicate that the conduction method in a 3-electrode system is the most effective among all the considered methods. It has been also shown that the application of a 2-electrode system under certain conditions provides greater Q/m parameter values in comparison to the system with three electrodes using the induction method. The research results can be used to develop charging systems (e.g., nozzles) that produce streams with electrically charged liquid particles.