Reusable high-power plasma generator device

Abstract

The invention discloses a reusable high-power plasma generator device, relates to the technical field of plasmas, and is used for solving the problems that in the prior art, plasmas are difficult to continuously form, and the breakdown voltage requirement for forming the plasmas is high. The reusable high-power plasma generator device comprises a positive electrode, an insulating cylinder, a negative electrode, a shell, a positioning assembly, an insulating tube, a free conductor and a limiting spring, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are coaxially arranged, the insulating cylinder is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the insulating cylinder is connected with the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the negative electrode is connected with the shell, the positioning assembly positions and restrains the shell, the insulating tube is connected with the insulating cylinder, and the insulating tube is connected with the insulating cylinder. And the free conductor is connected with the insulating tube through the limiting spring. According to the reusable high-power plasma generator device, plasma can be formed without high breakdown voltage, and the plasma can be continuously formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plasma, and more particularly to a reusable high-power plasma generator device. Background Technology

[0002] Plasma is a macroscopic system with collective behavior, composed of charged particles in an unbound state and neutral gas particles. It is an ionized gas with a wide range of ionization degree, ranging from a fully ionized gas to a partially ionized gas with a relatively low degree of ionization.

[0003] High-pulse discharge plasma is characterized by high temperature, high output power, extremely high transport velocity, and high ion density, making it applicable to fields such as gas phase transition and space exploration. Currently, the main applications of high-pulse discharge plasma formation technology include plasma generators and coaxial guns.

[0004] Currently, most plasma generators are single-use devices and cannot continuously generate plasma without human correction. Research on coaxial guns is mainly focused on single-pulse energy output of no more than tens of kilojoules and extremely high voltage (above 10kV). Although the energy is low, the breakdown voltage requirement is high. In order to apply it to high-energy demand scenarios such as gas phase transition and space, it is urgent to improve the continuous plasma generation capability and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide a reusable high-power plasma generator device to solve the problems of difficulty in continuously generating plasma and high breakdown voltage requirements for plasma generation in the prior art. The objective of the present invention is mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] This invention provides a reusable high-power plasma generator device, comprising a positive electrode, an insulating cylinder, a negative electrode, a housing, a positioning component, an insulating tube, a free conductor, and a limiting spring; the positive electrode and the negative electrode are coaxially arranged, the insulating cylinder is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the insulating cylinder is connected to both the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the negative electrode is connected to the housing, the positioning component positions and constrains the housing, the insulating tube is connected to the insulating cylinder, and the free conductor is connected to the insulating tube through the limiting spring; the free conductor and the limiting spring are used to control the generation and termination of plasma.

[0007] Furthermore, the insulating tube is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0008] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the insulating tube, which is used to limit the position of the limiting spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the distance between the free conductor and the insulating tube is greater than the length of the limiting spring in its natural state.

[0010] Furthermore, there are multiple free conductors, one end of which is connected to the positive electrode and the other end of which is connected to the negative electrode.

[0011] Furthermore, a connecting block is provided on the outer shell, and a first connecting hole is provided on the connecting block.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning component includes a positioning hoop and a positioning pin, and the positioning hoop is provided with a placement groove and a second connecting hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the placement slot is adapted to the connecting block, and the connecting block can be placed in the placement slot.

[0014] Furthermore, the position and shape of the first connecting hole are adapted to the second connecting hole, and the positioning pin can pass through the second connecting hole and connect with the first connecting hole, so that the positioning clamp is connected to the outer shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the positive electrode is configured as a rod-type structure, and the negative electrode is configured as a central tube-type structure.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for generating reusable high-power plasma, using the above-described reusable high-power plasma generator apparatus.

[0017] Furthermore, the above-mentioned method for generating reusable high-power plasma includes the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: Connect the pulse power supply;

[0019] Step 2: Adjust the discharge parameters;

[0020] Step 3: Generate plasma;

[0021] Step 4: Stop generating plasma;

[0022] Step 5: Continue generating plasma.

[0023] Furthermore, step 1 includes connecting a prior art pulse power supply to the positive and negative terminals respectively, turning on the power supply, and allowing current to flow along the positive terminal through the free conductor to the negative terminal.

[0024] Furthermore, step 2 includes increasing the current, thereby increasing the electromagnetic force generated by the current, causing the free conductor to move under the action of the electromagnetic force, ending the connection with the positive and negative electrodes, thereby breaking the circuit between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0025] Furthermore, step 4 includes adjusting the discharge parameters to reduce the current, which gradually reduces the electromagnetic force acting on the free conductor, causing the limiting spring to return from its stretched state and move the free conductor closer to the positive and negative electrodes. When the free conductor moves to contact the positive and negative electrodes, the gap between the free conductor and the positive and negative electrodes is 0, and the plasma generation process ends.

[0026] Furthermore, step 5 includes adjusting the discharge parameters to increase the current, causing the free conductor to move away from the positive and negative electrodes again under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0027] Furthermore, the free conductor is provided with through holes, fixing grooves, and disassembly components.

[0028] Furthermore, the through hole is provided on the free conductor, the through hole communicates with the fixing groove, the disassembly assembly is placed in the through hole and the fixing groove, and the disassembly assembly is connected to the limiting spring for disassembling the free conductor.

[0029] Furthermore, the disassembly assembly includes a screw, a nut, and a spring. The screw passes through the free conductor and is threadedly connected to the spring. The spring is connected to the limiting spring, which is placed in the slot of the insulating tube. The nut is threadedly connected to the screw and is used to secure the connection between the screw, the spring, and the free conductor.

[0030] Furthermore, the spring is placed in the fixing groove, the screw passes through the through hole and is threaded to the spring, and the other end of the screw connected to the spring is threaded to the nut, which is on the free conductor.

[0031] Furthermore, the distance between the free conductor and the insulating tube is greater than the length of the limiting spring in its natural state, and the limiting spring exerts a preload on the free conductor.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0033] (1) The present invention provides a reusable high-power plasma generator device that uses electromagnetic force generated by current to drive a free conductor to move and complete the switching between open circuit and closed circuit, and can be reused multiple times;

[0034] (2) The reusable high-power plasma generator device of the present invention achieves arc breakdown by driving a free conductor with electromagnetic force, and can generate plasma without reaching a breakdown voltage of more than 10KV, which reduces the difficulty of arc breakdown and improves the plasma formation efficiency.

[0035] (3) By setting a limit spring, the free conductor can be automatically reset, and the preparation work for the next plasma generation can be completed without human intervention;

[0036] (4) The use of an insulating material shell improves the safety of the plasma generator during use, and the positioning clamp facilitates the connection of the plasma generator to other equipment.

[0037] (5) By setting through holes, fixing slots and disassembly components, free conductors can be quickly replaced; when a free conductor fails or needs to be replaced due to wear, the free conductor can be disassembled separately through the disassembly components without affecting the connection status of other free conductors.

[0038] (6) By replacing the free conductor, the service life of the plasma generator device can be extended and the number of plasma generation times can be increased.

[0039] (7) The reusable high-power plasma generator device of the present invention has a simple structure and ingenious design. By setting a limiting spring and a free conductor, the plasma generator device can be reused and can reliably achieve continuous plasma arc breakdown without the action of external force. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the reusable high-power plasma generator device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the reusable high-power plasma generator device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 As in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of part A;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning component according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a free conductor disconnected from the positive and negative electrodes in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7This is a flowchart of the reusable high-power plasma generation method of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the reusable high-power plasma generator device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the through hole and fixing groove in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection between the free conductor and the limiting spring in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0051] Figure label:

[0052] 1-Positive electrode; 2-Insulating cylinder; 3-Negative electrode; 4-Outer shell; 41-Connecting block; 411-First connecting hole; 5-Positioning component; 51-Positioning clamp; 511-Placement groove; 512-Second connecting hole; 52-Positioning pin; 6-Insulating tube; 61-Slot; 7-Free conductor; 71-Through hole; 72-Fixing groove; 73-Disassembly component; 731-Screw; 732-Nut; 733-Spring; 8-Limiting spring Detailed Implementation

[0053] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the present invention and are used together with the invention to illustrate the principles of the invention.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] This embodiment provides a reusable high-power plasma generator device, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the system includes a positive electrode 1, an insulating cylinder 2, a negative electrode 3, a shell 4, a positioning component 5, an insulating tube 6, a free conductor 7, and a limiting spring 8. The positive electrode 1 and negative electrode 3 are coaxially arranged. The insulating cylinder 2 is located between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3, and is connected to both the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3 to provide insulation. The negative electrode 3 is connected to the shell 4, which is made of insulating material. The positioning component 5 positions and constrains the shell 4. The insulating tube 6 is connected to the insulating cylinder 2, maintaining insulation between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3 at the connection point of the free conductor 7. The free conductor 7 and the insulating tube 6 are connected by the limiting spring 8. The free conductor 7 and the limiting spring 8 are used to control the generation and termination of plasma.

[0056] For example, the insulating cylinder 2 and the outer shell 4 are made of epoxy resin material.

[0057] For example, the elastic modulus of the limiting spring 8 is 5 N / mm.

[0058] The positive electrode 1 is configured as a rod-type structure, preferably made of copper alloy; the negative electrode 3 is configured as a central tube-type structure, preferably made of copper alloy. An insulating cylinder 2 is connected to both the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3. The insulating cylinder 2 separates the positive electrode 1 from the negative electrode 3, thus achieving insulation.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the insulating tube 6 is disposed between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3. For example, the insulating tube 6 is made of polyethylene. A groove 61 is provided on the insulating tube 6 to limit the position of the limiting spring 8. The limiting spring 8 is connected to both the free conductor 7 and the insulating tube 6. The distance between the free conductor 7 and the insulating tube 6 is greater than the length of the limiting spring 8 in its natural state, causing the limiting spring 8 to generate a pre-tension force on the free conductor 7. For example, the pre-tension force generated by the limiting spring 8 is 1N. There are multiple free conductors 7, one end of which overlaps with the positive electrode 1, and the other end overlaps with the negative electrode 3.

[0060] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the outer casing 4 is provided with connecting blocks 41, and there are multiple connecting blocks 41. Each connecting block 41 is provided with a first connecting hole 411. The positioning component 5 includes a positioning clamp 51 and a positioning pin 52. The positioning clamp 51 is provided with a placement groove 511 and a second connecting hole 512. The placement groove 511 is adapted to the connecting block 41, and the connecting block 41 can be placed in the placement groove 511. The position and shape of the first connecting hole 411 are adapted to the second connecting hole 512, and the positioning pin 52 can pass through the second connecting hole 512 and connect to the first connecting hole 411, so that the positioning clamp 51 is connected to the outer casing 4.

[0061] Preferably, the outer surface of the positioning clamp 51 is provided with threads or snaps to facilitate the connection of the plasma generator to other devices.

[0062] It is understood that the reusable high-power plasma generator device of the present invention uses the electromagnetic force generated by the current to drive the free conductor 7 to move and complete the conversion between open and closed circuits, and can be reused multiple times; the reusable high-power plasma generator device of the present invention uses the electromagnetic force to drive the free conductor 7 to achieve arc breakdown, and can generate plasma without reaching a breakdown voltage of more than 10KV, reducing the difficulty of arc breakdown and improving the plasma formation efficiency; by setting a limiting spring 8, the free conductor 7 can be automatically reset, and the preparation work for the next plasma generation can be completed without human intervention; the outer shell 4 made of insulating material improves the safety of the plasma generator device during use; the positioning clamp 51 facilitates the connection and use of the plasma generator device with other equipment; the reusable high-power plasma generator device of the present invention has a simple structure and ingenious design. By setting the limiting spring 8 and the free conductor 7, the plasma generator device can be reused and can reliably achieve continuous plasma arc breakdown without external force.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] A specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a method for generating reusable high-power plasma is disclosed, employing the reusable high-power plasma generator apparatus of Example 1.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the steps of the method for generating reusable high-power plasma are as follows:

[0066] Step 1: Connect the pulse power supply.

[0067] Specifically, the existing pulse power supply is connected to the positive terminal 1 and the negative terminal 3 respectively according to the positive and negative terminals. When the power is turned on, the current flows along the positive terminal 1 through the free conductor 7 to the negative terminal.

[0068] In this step, the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3 are insulated from each other by the insulating cylinder 6 and the insulating tube 2, so that the direction of the current is maintained along the positive electrode 1 and flows through the free conductor 7 to the negative electrode.

[0069] Step 2: Adjust the discharge parameters.

[0070] Specifically, by adjusting the discharge parameters of the pulse power supply and increasing the current, the electromagnetic force generated by the current is increased, causing the free conductor 7 to move under the action of the electromagnetic force, thereby breaking the circuit between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3.

[0071] In this step, the free conductor 7 and the insulating tube 6 are connected by a limiting spring 8. The limiting spring 8 has a pre-tension force on the free conductor 7 due to the tension. The electromagnetic force generated by the current has a force on the free conductor 7 that is opposite to the pre-tension force provided by the limiting spring 8. The current parameters are adjusted so that the electromagnetic force is greater than the pre-tension force of the limiting spring 8. At this time, under the action of the electromagnetic force, the free conductor 7 moves away from the positive pole 1 and the negative pole 3, ending the connection with the positive pole 1 and the negative pole 3, and breaking the circuit between the positive pole 1 and the negative pole 3.

[0072] Step 3: Generate plasma.

[0073] In this step, due to the displacement of the free conductor 7 under the action of electromagnetic force, a gap is generated between the free conductor 7 and the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3, starting from 0 and gradually increasing with the increase of current. At the initial moment, since the gap is small enough, an electric arc breakdown phenomenon occurs between the gap. The electric arc widens as the gap between the free conductor 7 and the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3 increases, and the plasma moves continuously in all directions between the positive electrode 1, the free conductor 7 and the negative electrode 3.

[0074] Step 4: Stop generating plasma.

[0075] Specifically, the discharge parameters are adjusted to reduce the current. As the current decreases, the electromagnetic force acting on the free conductor 7 also gradually decreases. When the electromagnetic force generated by the current is less than the tension on the free conductor 7 when the limiting spring 8 is stretched, the limiting spring 8 returns from the stretched state and drives the free conductor 7 to move closer to the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3, thereby causing the width of the generated plasma to gradually decrease. When the free conductor 7 moves to overlap with the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3, the gap between the free conductor 7 and the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3 is 0, and the plasma generation process ends.

[0076] Step 5: Continue generating plasma.

[0077] Specifically, by adjusting the discharge parameters to increase the current, when the electromagnetic force generated by the current is greater than the preload of the limiting spring 8, the free conductor 7 moves away from the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3 again under the action of the electromagnetic force. A gap is generated between the free conductor 7 and the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 3, starting from 0 and gradually increasing with the increase of the current, thereby generating an electric arc breakdown. Plasma is continuously generated by controlling the magnitude of the current without human intervention.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] Another specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 8-10As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the free conductor 7 is provided with a through hole 71, a fixing groove 72 and a disassembly component 73. The through hole 71 is provided on the free conductor 7 and is connected to the fixing groove 72. The disassembly component 73 is placed in the through hole 71 and the fixing groove 72 and is connected to the limiting spring 8 for disassembling the free conductor 7.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, the disassembly assembly 73 includes a screw 731, a nut 732, and a spring 733. The screw 731 passes through the free conductor 7 and is threadedly connected to the spring 733. The spring 733 is connected to a limiting spring 8, which is placed in the slot 61 of the insulating tube 6. The nut 732 is threadedly connected to the screw 731 and is used to fasten the connection between the screw 731, the spring 733, and the free conductor 7.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, the spring piece 733 is placed in the fixing groove 72, and the screw 731 passes through the through hole 71 and is threadedly connected to the spring piece 733. The other end of the screw 731 connected to the spring piece 733 is threadedly connected to the nut 732, which is on the free conductor 7.

[0082] The free conductor 7 is gradually consumed during plasma generation. To ensure the effectiveness of plasma generation, damaged free conductors 7 need to be replaced periodically. When it is necessary to replace the free conductor 7, rotate the nut 732 to separate the nut 732 from the free conductor 7, remove the screw 731, disconnect the free conductor 7 from the spring 733 and the limiting spring 8, and remove the spring 733 from the fixing slot 72, thereby separating the free conductor 7 from the plasma generator device. When it is necessary to install a new free conductor 7, place the spring 733 in the fixing slot 72 of the new free conductor 7, thread the screw 731 through the through hole 71 and connect it to the spring 733, and tighten the connection between the screw 731 and the free conductor 7 at the other end of the connection between the screw 731 and the spring 733 using the nut 732, thereby installing the new free conductor 7 on the plasma generator device.

[0083] It is understood that by setting through holes 71, fixing grooves 72 and disassembly components 73, the free conductors 7 can be quickly replaced; when a free conductor 7 malfunctions or needs to be replaced due to wear, the free conductor 7 can be disassembled separately by disassembly components 73 without affecting the connection status of other free conductors 7; by replacing the free conductors 7, the service life of the plasma generator device can be extended and the number of plasma generation times can be increased.

[0084] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reusable high-power plasma generator device, characterized in that, The device includes a positive electrode (1), an insulating cylinder (2), a negative electrode (3), a shell (4), a positioning component (5), an insulating tube (6), a free conductor (7), and a limiting spring (8). The positive electrode (1) and the negative electrode (3) are coaxially arranged. The insulating cylinder (2) is located between the positive electrode (1) and the negative electrode (3). The insulating cylinder (2) is connected to the positive electrode (1) and the negative electrode (3). The negative electrode (3) is connected to the shell (4). The positioning component (5) positions and constrains the shell (4). The insulating tube (6) is connected to the insulating cylinder (2). The free conductor (7) is connected to the insulating tube (6) through the limiting spring (8). The free conductor (7) and the limiting spring (8) are used to control the generation and termination of plasma.

2. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating tube (6) is disposed between the positive electrode (1) and the negative electrode (3).

3. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating tube (6) is provided with a slot (61), which is used to limit the position of the limiting spring (8).

4. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of free conductors (7) is multiple, with one end of the free conductor (7) connected to the positive electrode (1) and the other end connected to the negative electrode (3).

5. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting block (41) is provided on the outer shell (4), and a first connecting hole (411) is provided on the connecting block (41).

6. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning component (5) includes a positioning clamp (51) and a positioning pin (52). The positioning clamp (51) is provided with a placement groove (511) and a second connecting hole (512).

7. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The placement slot (511) is adapted to the connecting block (41), and the connecting block (41) can be placed in the placement slot (511).

8. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The position and shape of the first connecting hole (411) are adapted to the second connecting hole (512), and the positioning pin (52) can pass through the second connecting hole (512) and connect to the first connecting hole (411), so that the positioning clamp (51) is connected to the outer shell (4).

9. The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positive electrode (1) is configured as a rod structure, and the negative electrode (3) is configured as a central tube structure.

10. A method for generating reusable high-power plasma, characterized in that, The reusable high-power plasma generator device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is adopted.

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