In terms of ozone generator structure, there are two types: gap discharge (DBD) and open type. The structural feature of the gap discharge type is that ozone is generated in the gap between the inner and outer electrode regions. The ozone can be collected and output with a high concentration, making it suitable for water treatment, among other applications. The open type generator has electrodes exposed to the air, with the generated ozone diffusing directly into the atmosphere. Due to the lower ozone concentration, it is typically used for air sterilization in smaller spaces or for surface disinfection of certain small items. The gap discharge generator can be used in place of the open type generator, but the cost of the gap discharge ozone generator is significantly higher.
In terms of cooling methods, there are water-cooled and air-cooled types. The ozone generator produces a significant amount of heat during operation, necessitating cooling to prevent the ozone from being produced and decomposed simultaneously due to high temperatures. Water-cooled generators offer excellent cooling performance, stable operation, ozone without degradation, and the ability to work continuously for extended periods. However, they have a complex structure and slightly higher costs. Air-cooled generators do not provide ideal cooling, resulting in noticeable ozone degradation. High-performance ozone generators with overall stable performance are typically water-cooled. Air cooling is generally used only for lower-end ozone generators with smaller ozone output. When selecting a generator, it is best to opt for a water-cooled model.
Diverse types of dielectric materials are commonly used, including quartz tubes (a type of glass), ceramic plates, ceramic tubes, glass tubes, and enameled tubes. Ozone generators manufactured with various dielectric materials are available on the market, each with different performance characteristics. Glass dielectrics, known for their low cost and stable performance, are one of the earliest materials used in artificial ozone generation, although they lack mechanical strength. Ceramics are similar to glass but are not easily processed, particularly in large ozone generators, which limits their use. Enameled materials, a new type of dielectric, integrate the dielectric and electrode into one, offering high mechanical strength and precision in processing, and are widely used in medium to large ozone generators, although they are more expensive to produce.
