US Patent 12106939 Systems and methods of plasma generation with microwaves

Plasma generators and methods of generating plasma are disclosed. Electrodes in a reaction zone are energized by a high voltage power source that is electrically insulated from the electrodes. A first conductor array, preferably a coil, is electrically coupled to the power source and electrically insulated from the electrodes. A second conductor array, preferably a coaxial coil nested within the first conductor array, is electrically coupled to the electrodes. Electromagnetic induction between the first conductor array and the second conductor array is used to energize the electrodes and generate a plasma in the reaction zone. One or more microwaves are further directed at the plasma to form microwave plasma, either in parallel or in series. Such plasmas are used to reform a hydrocarbon feedstock into low C hydrocarbons, carbon, or hydrogen. Plasma generators combining induction plasma with serial microwave plasmas are further contemplated.