Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>To address the demand for performance optimization of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for space applications, this study numerically solves and analyzes the electric field characteristics and microparticle flow behaviors of ESP structures by coupling the discrete phase model (DPM) with the user-defined scalar (UDS) transport equation. Taking the structural optimization of electrodes and dust collection plates as the core entry point, four types of ESP structures were established for comparative research, namely the conventional Flat-type, W-type, W1-type (wave plate‑auxiliary electrode composite type) and Single-type (horizontal single-electrode type). The research focuses on investigating the synergistic effect of the pre-installed filter screen, the flow field distribution inside the ESP structure, the characteristics of electric field and charge density, as well as the correlation between particle motion trajectories and dust collection efficiency.The results show that after adopting strategies including expanding the area of dust collection plates, optimizing electric field distribution and extending the corona discharge region, the dust collection efficiency of particles with sizes ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 μm in the W1-type and Single-type structures both exceeds 92%. Compared with the Flat-type structure, the dust collection efficiency of the W1-type and Single-type structures for 0.5 μm particles is increased to over 90%, representing an improvement of approximately 40% relative to the conventional structure. In addition, the pre-installed filter screen enables the synergistic purification of mechanical interception and electrostatic collection, further enhancing the dust removal efficiency, which verifies the feasibility of the multi-stage purification mode. This study provides a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of electrostatic precipitators in the aerospace field.</p>