There is an enormous, worldwide interest in finding ways to meet the energy needs of the future, including advanced nuclear generation, fuel cell, cleaner-burning fuels, and clean coal technologies. Additionally, there is increased concern with environmental damage and the hazard of global warming connected to energy generation by fossil fuels. Thus, in the first section of the presentation, major forces and key uncertainties that will shape future energy supply/demand, as well as the application of the plasma used in the environmental pollution control will be described and identified.

It is well known that a space charge gradient coupled with an electric field, induces instabilities leading to a fluid motion known as electrohydrodynamically induced secondary flow. This type of flow can be used not only for pressure drop control in a flow channel but also for the enhancement of heat and particulate matter transfer. Experimental results from the particle image velocimetry measurements of the flow velocity fields in a wire-plate type electrostatic precipitator will be presented for wide range of Reynolds and Electrohydrodynamic numbers. Additionally, the flow regime map and the dust particle collection efficiency of electrostatic precipitators will be discussed as an example of particulate matter removal from flue gasses by corona-discharge type of non-thermal plasmas.

Drazena Brocilo received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University, Hamilton, in 2003. From 2004 to 2005, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Department of Engineering Physics and Sessional Lecturer in Electrical Engineering Department at McMaster University. She is currently part-time Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering at McMaster, while on the parental leave.

Dr. Brocilo main interests are in the field of air pollution control technology by non-thermal plasma, power system analysis, and overhead cable design. Presently she is working on fuel reforming by non-thermal plasma, EHD (Electrohydrodynamicly) enhanced capillary gas pump, and effect of EHD flow on collection efficiency of submicron and ultra fine dust particles in electrostatic precipitators. Dr. Brocilo co-authored over 25 technical papers and organized workshop on Diesel and Microgas Turbine Emission Reduction Technology in 2004, Hamilton. She is a member of Canadian Association of High Voltage Engineering and Electrostatics (CAGE club - won the first prize in graduate student category for two consecutive years) and a Member of IEEE DEI EHD Technical Committee.