Resonant converter for corona generator

Abstract

To provide a resonant converter for a corona generator.SOLUTION: One example provides a corona generator including a resonant converter, a voltage multiplier circuit, a driver circuit, a driver circuit power source, and a controller. The voltage multiplier circuit is connected to the resonant converter, and is configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter, and thereby generate output of the corona generator. The driver circuit is connected to the resonant converter, and is configured to supply a driver signal to the resonant converter. The driver circuit power source is configured to supply power to the driver circuit. The controller is configured to receive a voltage feedback indicating the voltage of the output of the corona generator, compare the voltage feedback with a desired output voltage of the output of the corona generator, and transmit a command to the driver circuit power source in order to adjust the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples, cases, and aspects described herein relate to power supply systems, and more particularly to controlling a resonant converter in a corona generator. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] A corona generator, or corona discharge generator, is a generator that generates an electric charge to ionize air. Corona generators can be used for applications such as air purification and ozone generation. A corona generator contains a power supply that converts an input voltage to a voltage of several kilovolts between an electrode and ground, allowing a corona discharge to be generated. A common power supply topology can include, for example, a fly-forward topology connected to a Billard voltage multiplier. While such topologies are simple to implement and require relatively few components, they are often constrained by switching frequency and radiated emissions levels. Other topologies, such as resonant half-bridge or full-bridge converters, operate at higher switching frequencies and achieve lower radiated emissions levels than the fly-forward topology. However, resonant topologies often include more components than the fly-forward topology, resulting in higher costs and occupying more space on the circuit board. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Among other things, the examples, cases, and aspects described herein reduce the complexity and cost of resonant topologies in corona generators, thereby enabling their implementation in air purification and ozone generator applications, including automotive applications. Some examples provide a microprocessor-controlled resonant converter connected to a voltage multiplier capable of generating voltages greater than 10 kV using a 12 V vehicle battery. Furthermore, the output voltage of the corona generator is controlled using a closed-loop feedback control system. The output voltage may be controlled, for example, by adjusting the power applied to the resonant converter driver and / or by adjusting the frequency of the control signal applied to the resonant converter driver. Feedback on the output of the corona generator is used to adjust the power applied to the driver and the frequency of the control signal applied to the driver.

[0004] One example provides a corona generator including a resonant converter, a voltage multiplier circuit, a driver circuit, a driver circuit power supply, and a controller. The voltage multiplier circuit is connected to the resonant converter and configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter, thereby generating a corona generator output. The driver circuit is connected to the resonant converter and configured to provide a driver signal to the resonant converter. The driver circuit power supply is configured to provide power to the driver circuit. The controller includes an electronic processor and is connected to the driver circuit and the driver circuit power supply. The controller is configured to receive voltage feedback indicative of a voltage of the corona generator output, compare the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the corona generator output, and send commands to the driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power provided to the driver circuit.

[0005] Another example provides a method for controlling a corona generator, the corona generator including a resonant converter, a voltage multiplier circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter to thereby generate an output of the corona generator, a driver circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to provide a driver signal to the resonant converter, and a driver circuit power supply configured to provide power to the driver circuit, the method including receiving voltage feedback indicative of a voltage of the output of the corona generator, comparing the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the output of the corona generator, and sending a command to the driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power provided to the driver circuit.

[0006]

[0006] Another example provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to perform operations including receiving voltage feedback indicative of a voltage at an output of a corona generator of a corona generator, comparing the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the output of the corona generator, and sending a command to a driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power supplied to a driver circuit of the corona generator.

[0007] Other features, aspects, and benefits of the various examples will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0008] In the accompanying drawings, like or identical reference numerals may be repeated to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. These drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of this specification and serve to further illustrate various embodiments, examples, aspects, and features of concepts comprising the claimed subject matter and to explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments, examples, aspects, and features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a corona generator, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2]

[0010] 2 is a block diagram of the controller of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 3]

[0011] 2 is a circuit diagram of the driver circuit of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 4]

[0012] 2 is a circuit diagram of the driver circuit power supply of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 5]

[0013] 2 is a circuit diagram of the voltage multiplier of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 6]

[0014] 2 is a circuit diagram of the output voltage feedback circuit of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 7]

[0015] 2 is a circuit diagram of the current feedback circuit of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 8]

[0016] 2 is a block diagram of a method for adjusting power supplied to the driver circuit of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 9]

[0017] 2 is a block diagram of a method for detecting an operational error of the corona generator of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 10]

[0018] 2 is a block diagram of another method for detecting operational errors of the corona generator of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 11]

[0019] 2 is a block diagram for adjusting the frequency supplied to the driver circuit of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate an understanding of examples, aspects, and features presented in the present disclosure.

[0010]

[0021] Components of the systems, devices, and methods are represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only specific details relevant to an understanding of the various embodiments, examples, aspects, and features of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0011]

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a corona generator 100 according to some embodiments. The corona generator 100 includes, among other components, a controller 102, a driver circuit 104, a driver circuit power supply 106, a resonant converter 108, and a voltage multiplier 110. The controller 102 is connected to the driver circuit 104 and the driver circuit power supply 106. The controller 102 provides control signals (e.g., commands) to the driver circuit 104 and the driver circuit power supply 106. For example, the controller 102 may send a command signal to the driver circuit power supply 106 indicating the amount of power to supply to the driver circuit 104. The controller 102 may also send a command signal to the driver circuit 104, such as a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal that sets the frequency of the driver circuit 104. In some cases, the controller 102 is connected to another controller or device (e.g., an external controller) via a communication bus 118. If the corona generator 100 is implemented in a vehicle, the controller 102 may be connected to a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) via the communication bus 118.

[0012]

[0023] The driver circuit power supply 106 receives a command signal from the controller 102 indicating the amount of power to provide to the driver circuit 104. The driver circuit power supply 106 provides the indicated amount of power to the driver circuit 104.

[0013]

[0024] The driver circuit 104 receives a command signal from the controller 102 that sets the frequency of the driver circuit 104 and receives power from a driver circuit power supply 106. The driver circuit 104 acts as a driver for the resonant converter 108 and provides a driver signal having a voltage magnitude and frequency to the resonant converter 108.

[0014]

[0025] The resonant converter 108 may be, for example, a transformer receiving a driver signal from the resonant converter 108. In some embodiments, the resonant converter 108 has, for example, a primary inductance of approximately 80 μH (at 1 V at 10 kHz), a leakage inductance of approximately 8 μH (at 1 V at 10 kHz), and a primary parallel winding capacitance of 84.4 nF. The resonant converter 108 has a primary side DC resistance of approximately 350 mΩ and a secondary side DC resistance of approximately 240 Ω. In some cases, the resonant converter 108 has a primary-to-secondary turns ratio of approximately 1:138. The resonant converter 108 may have a high-potential (Hi-Pot) value of approximately 3.5 kVDC. These values ​​are merely examples, and transformers with other operating characteristics may also be implemented as the resonant converter 108.

[0015]

[0026] The voltage multiplier 110 amplifies (e.g., boosts) the output of the resonant converter 108. The voltage multiplier 110 multiplies the output V out The output of the high voltage corona generator is V out may have a voltage in the range of, for example, −7 kV to −11 kV. In some applications, such as when corona generator 100 is used for ozone generation, the output of the high voltage corona generator V out The corona generator output V can have a voltage of up to -20 kV. out may, for example, generate a corona discharge for ozone generation and / or air purification.

[0016]

[0027] In some cases, the corona generator 100 also includes feedback circuits, such as an output voltage feedback circuit 112, a current feedback circuit 114, and a power supply feedback circuit 116. The output voltage feedback circuit 112 provides a feedback signal between the controller 102 and the corona generator output V out The corona generator output V is connected between out The voltage at the corona generator output V is fed to the controller 102. The current feedback circuit 114 is connected to the controller 102 and the corona generator output V out The corona generator output V is connected between out 1, the current feedback circuit 114 is connected between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2. The power feedback circuit 116 is connected between the driver circuit power supply 106 and the controller 102 and indicates to the controller 102 the power output by the driver circuit power supply 106.

[0017]

[0028] 2 shows a block diagram of the controller 102 of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. The controller 102 includes, among other things, an electronic processor 200, a memory 202, and an input / output (I / O) interface 204. The electronic processor 200, the memory 202, and the I / O interface 204 communicate via one or more control buses and / or data buses. FIG. 2 shows only one example of the controller 102. The controller 102 may include more or fewer components and may perform functions other than those explicitly described herein.

[0018]

[0029] In some examples, the electronic processor 200 is implemented as a microcontroller with a separate memory, such as memory 202. In other examples, the electronic processor 200 may be implemented as a microcontroller with memory 202 on the same chip. In other examples, the electronic processor 200 may be implemented partially or entirely as, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., and the memory 202 may not be required or may be modified accordingly. In the illustrated example, the memory 202 includes a non-transitory computer-readable memory (or medium) that stores instructions received and executed by the electronic processor 200 to perform the functions of the corona generator 100 described herein. The memory 202 may include, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memory, such as non-volatile read-only memory, non-volatile flash memory, and volatile random access memory.

[0019]

[0030] The I / O interface 204 may include one or more input mechanisms (e.g., a touchpad, a keyboard, etc.), one or more output mechanisms (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.), or a combination thereof, or a combination of input and output mechanisms, such as a touchscreen. The I / O interface 204 may include a transceiver that enables wired and / or wireless communication between the controller 102 and another device. For example, the I / O interface 204 may enable communication between the controller 102 and another device, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, connected via the communication bus 118.

[0020]

[0031] The controller 102 receives feedback regarding the status of the corona generator 100 from an output voltage feedback circuit 112, a current feedback circuit 114, and a power supply feedback circuit 116. For example, the output voltage feedback circuit 112 provides the controller 102 with a signal indicative of the output voltage of the corona generator 100. The current feedback circuit 114 provides the controller 102 with a signal indicative of the output current of the corona generator 100. The power supply feedback circuit 116 provides the controller 102 with a signal indicative of the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the driver circuit 104 by the driver circuit power supply 106. The controller 102 processes (e.g., analyzes) these feedback signals and determines commands to provide to the driver circuit 104 and the driver circuit power supply 106 based on the feedback signals. For example, the controller 102 determines the voltage that the driver circuit power supply 106 should supply to the driver circuit 104 based on the feedback signals and sends a command indicative of that voltage to the driver circuit power supply 106. In another example, the controller 102 determines a frequency at which to drive the driver circuit 104 based on the feedback signal and sends a command to the driver circuit 104 to drive the driver circuit 104 at the determined frequency. Further operations of the controller 102 are described in more detail below.

[0021]

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of a driver circuit 104 according to some embodiments. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the driver circuit 104 is a dual-output low-side MOSFET / IGBT gate driver. The driver circuit 104 of the illustrated example includes two operating channels. The first operating channel has input terminals Enable A (ENA) and Input A (INA) and an output terminal Output A (OUTA). The second operating channel has input terminals Enable B (ENB) and Input B (INB) and an output terminal Output B (OUTB). However, other types of driver circuits may also be implemented. The driver circuit 104 receives a supply voltage V_T having a voltage range between approximately 4.5 V and 18 V. In some cases, such as when a vehicle battery powers the corona generator 100, the supply voltage V_T has a voltage of approximately 12 V. The supply voltage V_T may be provided by the driver circuit power supply 106 (via terminals ENA, ENB, and VDD). If the driver circuit 104 is a gate driver, the driver circuit 104 both sources and sinks current. In such a case, the ENA and ENB inputs may be connected in parallel, the INA and INB inputs may be connected in parallel, and the OUTA and OUTB outputs may be connected in parallel, such that the channels of the driver circuit 104 are connected in parallel, thereby providing higher current source and sink capabilities.

[0022]

[0033] The driver circuit 104 also receives as an input a command signal BOOST_PWM from the controller 102 (to terminals INA and INB). The command signal may be, for example, a PWM signal having a frequency set by the controller 102. In some implementations, the driver signal is a logic-level square wave. The output of the driver circuit 104 (at terminals OUTA and OUTB) is a driver signal having a magnitude approximately equal to the supply voltage V_T from the driver circuit power supply 106 and having a frequency and / or shape approximately equal to the command signal BOOST_PWM. For example, if the command signal is a square wave, then the driver signal output by the driver circuit 104 to the resonant converter 108 is a square wave of magnitude V_T. In other embodiments, the driver signal may be a sine wave.

[0023]

[0034] Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of the driver circuit power supply 106, according to some embodiments. The circuit diagram of Figure 4 also shows an example power supply feedback circuit 116. Because the magnitude of the driver signal output by the driver circuit 104 is approximately equal to the power supplied to the driver circuit 104 by the driver circuit power supply 106, dynamically adjusting the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply 106 adjusts the power applied to the resonant converter 108.

[0024]

[0035] 4, the driver circuit power supply 106 includes a buck regulator 400. However, other topologies, such as a boost regulator or a buck-boost regulator, may alternatively be implemented. The buck regulator 400 receives an input power V_IN_A, which is the power source to the corona generator 100 (e.g., the power provided by a vehicle battery). The buck regulator 400 outputs a reduced voltage that is lower than the input voltage V_IN_A. The output voltage V_T of the driver circuit power supply 106 (shown at node 402) is fixed depending on the values ​​of R3, R4, R5, and the low-pass filter C1 / R6.

[0025]

[0036] The driver circuit power supply 106 receives a command signal VADJ_PWM from the controller 102, which indicates the desired output power from the driver circuit power supply 106. The command signal VADJ_PWM may be a PWM signal having a duty cycle provided directly from the controller 102. The command signal VADJ_PWM is rectified by a low pass filter C1 / R6, effectively providing a DC signal across R5, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated digital-to-analog converter. As the controller 102 adjusts the duty cycle of the command signal VADJ_PWM, the output voltage V_T of the driver circuit power supply 106 changes. Thus, by adjusting the duty cycle of the command signal VADJ_PWM, the controller 102 controls the output voltage V_T of the driver circuit power supply 106, which is provided to the driver circuit 104. Table 1, shown below, provides a relationship between V_t and V_t for various duty cycle values ​​of VADJ_PWM. out In the example in Table 1, R1 = 270 kΩ, R2 = 24.5 kΩ, R3 = 270 kΩ, and the switching frequency is 55 kHz. The range of minimum and maximum achievable voltages depends on the values ​​of R1, R2, and R3.

[0026] [Table 1]

[0027]

[0037] 5 shows a circuit diagram of a voltage multiplier 110, according to some embodiments. The voltage multiplier 110 is connected to the output terminals of the resonant converter 108 and multiplies the output voltage V out 5, the voltage multiplier 110 is a seven-stage Billard voltage multiplier; however, other types of voltage multiplier circuits may alternatively be implemented.

[0028]

[0038] 6 shows a circuit diagram of an output voltage feedback circuit 112, according to some embodiments. The output voltage feedback circuit 112 is connected to the output of the voltage multiplier 110 and controls the output voltage V outThe output voltage feedback circuit 112 detects the output voltage V out into a voltage feedback signal that can be processed by the controller 102 (e.g., the output voltage V out The voltage feedback signal is provided to the controller 102 by an output voltage feedback circuit 112. Referring to FIG. 6, the output voltage V out is calculated from the voltage feedback signal HV_FBV by the formula V out =HV_FBV-(RH1+RH2+RH3+RH4+RH5+RH6)*(VDD-HV_FBV) / RL1 For example, if the sum of RH1 to RH6 is 600 MΩ, RL1 is 120 kΩ, and VDD=3.3 V, the feedback voltage HV_FBV=0.75 V is the output voltage V out =-12.8kV.

[0029]

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a circuit diagram of the current feedback circuit 114, according to some embodiments. The current feedback circuit 114 is connected in parallel with the resonant converter 108 and the voltage multiplier 110. Specifically, the current feedback circuit 114 is connected to the output of the resonant converter 108 and the input of the voltage multiplier 110 at node 700. The current in the secondary side of the circuit can be estimated from the voltage HV_FBI depending on the resistance Rf_i (a 62KΩ resistor in the example in FIG. 7), i.e., Current = HV_FBI / 62000 Amps. For example, if the feedback voltage was 2V, a current of 32.26 μA can be estimated. Because the magnitude of HV_FBI may not exceed VDD, the value of the 62K resistor is chosen to limit the maximum expected current I max For specific applications, Rf_i <VDD / (I max )

[0030]

[0040] As mentioned above, the controller 102 processes feedback signals from the output voltage feedback circuit 112, the current feedback circuit 114, and the power supply feedback circuit 116 in controlling the driver circuit 104 and the driver circuit power supply 106. As an example, FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a method 800 for regulating the power supplied to the driver circuit 104. The method 800 is described as being performed by the controller 102. However, in some examples, aspects of the method 800 may be performed by another processing device. For example, the method 800 may be performed by the controller 102 in cooperation with another processing device connected via the communication bus 118.

[0031]

[0041] In block 802, the controller 102 receives a desired output voltage for the corona generator 100. The desired output voltage may be received, for example, from a vehicle controller of a vehicle connected to the controller 102 via a communication bus 118. In some cases, the desired output voltage is a range of acceptable output voltages.

[0032]

[0042] In block 804, the controller 102 determines the actual output voltage of the corona generator generator 100. For example, the controller 102 determines the output voltage V out The output voltage feedback circuit 112 receives a voltage feedback signal indicative of

[0033]

[0043] In block 806, the controller 102 determines whether the desired output voltage of the corona generator 100 is equal to the actual output voltage V out In some examples, the controller 102 determines whether the actual output voltage V of the corona generator 100 is equal to (or approximately equal to) out is within a range of an acceptable output voltage. The range of an acceptable output voltage of the corona generator 100 may be, for example, within a range of −15% to +15% of the desired output voltage.

[0034]

[0044] The desired output voltage of the corona generator 100 is equal to the actual output voltage V of the corona generator 100. out If the desired output voltage of the corona generator 100 is approximately equal to the actual output voltage V of the corona generator 100, the controller 102 responsively returns to block 804 and continues to monitor the output voltage of the corona generator 100. out If not, the controller 102 responsively proceeds to block 808. In block 808, the controller 102 adjusts the output of power from the driver circuit power supply 106 to the driver circuit 104. For example, if the actual output voltage V out If the actual output voltage is lower than the desired output voltage, the controller 102 may send a command to the driver circuit power supply 106 to increase the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit 104. If the actual output voltage is greater than the desired output voltage, the controller 102 may send a command to the driver circuit power supply 106 to decrease the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit 104.

[0035]

[0045] In some cases, the controller 102 detects an operational error in the corona generator 100 based on feedback signals from the output voltage feedback circuit 112, the current feedback circuit 114, and / or the power supply feedback circuit 116. As an example, FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a method 900 for detecting an operational error in the corona generator 100. The method 900 is described as being performed by the controller 102. However, in some examples, aspects of the method 900 may be performed by another processing device. For example, the method 900 may be performed by the controller 102 in cooperation with another processing device connected via the communication bus 118.

[0036]

[0046] In block 902, the controller 102 receives a range of allowable current values ​​for the corona generator 100. The range of allowable current values ​​may be received, for example, from a vehicle controller of a vehicle connected to the controller 102 via the communication bus 118. In some cases, the range of allowable current values ​​is pre-loaded and stored in the memory 202. The electronic processor 200 may then access (e.g., request) the range of allowable current values ​​from the memory 202.

[0037]

[0047] In block 904, the controller 102 determines the actual output current of the corona generator 100. For example, the controller 102 receives a current feedback signal from the current feedback circuit 114 that indicates the output current of the corona generator 100.

[0038]

[0048] In block 906, the controller 102 determines whether the actual output current of the corona generator 100 is within the range of acceptable current values ​​for the corona generator 100. If the output current of the corona generator 100 is within the range of acceptable current values, the controller 102 responsively returns to block 904 and continues monitoring the output current of the corona generator 100. If the output current of the corona generator 100 is not within the range of acceptable current values, the controller 102 responsively proceeds to block 908.

[0039]

[0049] In block 908, the controller 102 sends a notification indicating the detected error in the corona generator 100. For example, the controller 102 sends a notification indicating the error to a vehicle controller connected to the controller 102 via the communication bus 118.

[0040]

[0050] 10 shows a block diagram of another method 1000 for detecting operational errors in the corona generator 100. The method 1000 is described as being performed by the controller 102. However, in some examples, aspects of the method 1000 may be performed by another processing device. For example, the method 1000 may be performed by the controller 102 in cooperation with another processing device connected via the communication bus 118.

[0041]

[0051] In block 1002, the controller 102 receives a desired output voltage for the driver circuit power supply 106 to supply to the driver circuit 104. The desired output voltage of the driver circuit power supply 106 may be received, for example, from a vehicle controller of the vehicle connected to the controller 102 via the communication bus 118. In some cases, the desired output voltage of the driver circuit power supply 106 is pre-loaded and stored in the memory 202. The electronic processor 200 may then access (e.g., request) the desired output voltage from the memory 202.

[0042]

[0052] In block 1004, the controller 102 determines the actual output voltage from the driver circuit power supply 106 to the driver circuit 104. For example, the controller 102 receives a power supply feedback signal from the power supply feedback circuit 116 that indicates the voltage supplied by the driver circuit power supply 106 to the driver circuit 104.

[0043]

[0053] In block 1006, the controller 102 determines whether the actual output voltage of the driver circuit power supply 106 is within an acceptable range of the desired output voltage. If the actual output voltage of the driver circuit power supply 106 is within an acceptable range of the desired output voltage, the controller 102 returns to block 1004 and continues monitoring the output voltage of the driver circuit power supply 106. If the actual output voltage of the driver circuit power supply 106 is not within an acceptable range of the desired output voltage, the controller 102 proceeds to block 1008.

[0044]

[0054] In block 1008, the controller 102 sends a notification indicating the detected error in the corona generator 100. For example, the controller 102 sends a notification indicating the error to a vehicle controller connected to the controller 102 via the communication bus 118.

[0045]

[0055] While various frequencies for operating the resonant converter 108 are possible, in some cases, there may be an optimal frequency for operation of the resonant converter 108. Therefore, the controller 102 may execute a control loop to adjust the operating frequency of the resonant converter 108 based on changing conditions. For example, changes in temperature and / or humidity may change the optimal frequency of the resonant converter 108. FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of another method 1100 for adjusting the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. The method 1100 is described as being performed by the controller 102. However, in some examples, aspects of the method 1100 may be performed by another processing device. For example, the method 1100 may be performed by the controller 102 in cooperation with another processing device connected via the communication bus 118.

[0046]

[0056] In block 1102, the controller 102 applies a step increase in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. For example, the controller 102 increases the frequency of the command signal BOOST_PWM provided to the driver circuit 104. In some cases, the step increase in the operating frequency is less than 1%.

[0047]

[0057] In block 1104, the controller 102 determines whether the output voltage of the corona generator 100 should increase or decrease based on the step increase in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. For example, the controller 102 receives an output voltage feedback signal from the output voltage feedback circuit 112. An increase in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104 causes a response in the output voltage of the corona generator 100. The controller 102 processes the output voltage feedback signal and determines whether the output voltage of the corona generator 100 has increased or decreased (e.g., by comparing the new output voltage with the previous output voltage). If the output voltage of the corona generator 100 increases, the controller 102 returns to block 1102 and applies an additional step increase in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. In this manner, the controller 102 continues to increase the frequency in block 1102 as long as the increase in frequency causes the output voltage of the corona generator 100 to increase in block 1104.

[0048]

[0058] Once the output voltage of the corona generator 100 decreases in response to the increase in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104, the controller 102 proceeds to block 1106. In block 1106, the controller 102 applies a step decrease in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. For example, the controller 102 decreases the frequency of the command signal BOOST_PWM supplied to the driver circuit 104.

[0049]

[0059] In block 1108, the controller 102 determines whether the output voltage of the corona generator 100 will increase or decrease based on the step decrease in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. For example, the controller 102 receives an output voltage feedback signal from the output voltage feedback circuit 112. The controller 102 processes the output voltage feedback signal and determines whether the output voltage of the corona generator 100 has increased or decreased (e.g., by comparing the new output voltage with the previous output voltage). If the output voltage of the corona generator 100 increases, the controller 102 returns to block 1106 and applies an additional step decrease in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104. In this manner, the controller 102 continues to decrease the frequency in block 1106 as long as the increase in frequency causes the output voltage of the corona generator 100 to increase in block 1108.

[0050]

[0060] If the output voltage of the corona generator 100 decreases in response to a decrease in the operating frequency of the driver circuit 104, the controller 102 proceeds to block 1110. At block 1110, the controller 102 terminates the loop operation. In such a case, the resonant converter 108 is assumed to be operating at an optimal frequency. In some embodiments, the controller 102 executes the method 1100 periodically (e.g., every minute, every hour, etc.) to account for variations in the environmental conditions of the resonant converter 108.

[0051]

[0061] The examples, aspects, and examples described herein offer particular advantages over conventional corona generators. For example, the circuits and topologies described herein are simple to implement and require fewer components than conventional corona generators, enabling implementation in air purifiers or ozone generators for automotive applications. For example, by using a transformer as a resonant converter, the parasitic elements of the transformer are utilized as part of the resonant tank, eliminating the need for additional capacitors. Furthermore, components typically required in fly-forward topologies, such as diodes, capacitors, and resistors in resistor-capacitor-diode (RCD) snubbers, are not required in the topologies described herein, thereby saving cost and space.

[0052]

[0062] The closed-loop control of a resonant converter described herein also provides additional advantages over conventional corona generators. The method described herein maintains a desired output voltage of the corona generator while accounting for variations in the environmental conditions of the resonant converter. For example, in an air purification application, the quality and composition of the air being purified, as well as the amount of moisture present, are considered during control of the resonant converter. Furthermore, the desired output of the corona generator can be changed without modifying the hardware or firmware.

[0053]

[0063] Various examples and aspects of the inventions described herein are summarized by the following clauses.

[0064] Clause 1: A corona generator comprising: a resonant converter; a voltage multiplier circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter, thereby generating an output of the corona generator; a driver circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to provide a driver signal to the resonant converter; a driver circuit power supply configured to provide power to the driver circuit; and a controller including an electronic processor, the controller connected to the driver circuit and the driver circuit power supply, and configured to receive voltage feedback indicative of a voltage of the output of the corona generator, compare the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the output of the corona generator, and send commands to the driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit.

[0054]

[0065] Clause 2: The corona generator of clause 1, wherein the resonant converter is a transformer.

[0066] Clause 3: A corona generator according to any one of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the output of the corona generator produces a corona discharge for ozone generation.

[0055]

[0067] Clause 4: The corona generator of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the controller is configured to receive the desired output voltage from an external controller.

[0068] Clause 5: A corona generator as described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the driver signal is a square wave having a magnitude approximately equal to the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

[0056]

[0069] Clause 6: The corona generator of clause 5, wherein the driver circuit is configured to adjust the duty cycle of the square wave based on an amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

[0057]

[0070] Clause 7: A corona generator according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the voltage multiplier circuit is a seven-stage Billard voltage multiplier.

[0071] Clause 8: A corona generator as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to receive current feedback indicative of an output current of the voltage multiplier circuit, determine whether the output current is within a range of acceptable currents, and, in response to the output current not being within the range of acceptable currents, provide a notification indicating an error.

[0058]

[0072] Clause 9: A corona generator as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply is within an acceptable voltage range, and to provide a notification indicating an error in response to the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply not being within the acceptable voltage range.

[0059]

[0073] Clause 10: A corona generator as described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising a voltage feedback circuit configured to provide voltage feedback to the controller, the voltage feedback circuit being connected between the voltage multiplier circuit and the controller, the voltage feedback circuit including a plurality of parallel circuits, each parallel circuit including a resistor connected in parallel with a capacitor.

[0060]

[0074] Clause 11: The corona generator of any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising a current feedback circuit configured to provide current feedback to the controller, the current feedback circuit including a resistor connected between the resonant converter and the voltage multiplier circuit.

[0061]

[0075] Clause 12: A corona generator described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the controller is further configured to: send a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the driver circuit, the PWM signal having a frequency; and adjust the frequency of the PWM signal based on the voltage feedback.

[0062]

[0076] Clause 13: A method for controlling a corona generator, the corona generator including a resonant converter, a voltage multiplier circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter, thereby generating an output of the corona generator, a driver circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to provide a driver signal to the resonant converter, and a driver circuit power supply configured to supply power to the driver circuit, the method comprising the steps of receiving voltage feedback indicative of a voltage of the output of the corona generator, comparing the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the output of the corona generator, and sending a command to the driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit.

[0063]

[0077] Clause 14: The method of clause 13, receiving a desired output voltage from an external controller of the vehicle.

[0078] Clause 15: The method of any one of clauses 13 or 14, wherein the driver signal is a square wave having a magnitude approximately equal to the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

[0064]

[0079] Clause 16: The method of clause 15, further comprising using the driver circuit to adjust the duty cycle of the square wave based on the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

[0065]

[0080] Clause 17: The method of any one of clauses 13 to 16, further comprising the steps of receiving current feedback indicative of an output current of the voltage multiplier circuit, determining whether the output current is within a range of acceptable currents, and, in response to the output current not being within the range of acceptable currents, providing a notification indicative of an error.

[0066]

[0081] Clause 18: The method of any one of clauses 13 to 17, further comprising the steps of determining whether the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply is within an acceptable voltage range, and providing a notification indicating an error in response to the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply not being within the acceptable voltage range.

[0067]

[0082] Clause 19: The method of any one of clauses 13 to 18, further comprising the steps of: sending a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to a driver circuit, the PWM signal having a frequency; and adjusting the frequency of the PWM signal based on voltage feedback.

[0068]

[0083] Clause 20: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to perform operations comprising the method described in any one of clauses 13 to 19.

[0069]

[0084] In the foregoing specification, specific examples have been described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0070]

[0085] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may lead to the occurrence or manifestation of a benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as critical, essential, or essential features or elements of any or all claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and equivalents of the claims as issued.

[0071]

[0086] As used herein, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, but do not necessarily require or imply an actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. The words "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising, having, including, or containing a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or not inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0072]

[0087] It should also be noted that in various implementations, multiple hardware- and software-based devices and multiple different structural components may be utilized. Aspects, features, and examples may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules. For purposes of explanation, they may be shown and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, upon reading this detailed description, one skilled in the art will recognize that, in at least one instance, electronic-based aspects of the invention may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processors. Consequently, it should be noted that multiple hardware- and software-based devices and multiple different structural components may be utilized to implement the invention. For example, the "control units" and "controllers" described herein may include one or more electronic processors, one or more memories including non-transitory computer-readable media, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting the components.

[0073]

[0088] Unless the context of their usage clearly indicates otherwise, articles such as "a," "an," and "the" should not be construed as meaning "one" or "only one." Rather, these articles should be construed as meaning "at least one" or "one or more." Similarly, when the terms "the" or "said" are used to refer to a noun previously introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an," "the" and "said" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the usage clearly indicates otherwise.

[0074]

[0089] Also, while some diagrams show hardware and software located within particular devices, it should be understood that these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the illustrated components may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronic processors rather than being located and executed within a single electronic processor. Regardless of how the hardware and software components are combined or divided, they may be located on the same computing device or distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable connections or links.

[0075]

[0090] Thus, for example, if a claim claims an apparatus or system as including an electronic processor or other elements configured in a particular way, such as to make a plurality of decisions, the claim or claim element should be construed to refer to one or more electronic processors (or other elements), any one of which is configured as claimed to, for example, collectively make some or all of the plurality of decisions. Again, those electronic processors and processing may be distributed.

[0076]

[0091] This Summary of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. This specification is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. It can also be seen that in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in various instances to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examples require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features present in a single disclosed example. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100 Corona Generator 102 Controller 104 Driver Circuit 106 Driver circuit power supply 108 Resonant Converter 110 Voltage multiplier 112 Output voltage feedback circuit 114 Current Feedback Circuit 116 Power Supply Feedback Circuit 118 Communication Bus 200 Electronic Processors 202 memory 204 Input / Output (I / O) Interface 400 Buck Regulator 402 Node 700 nodes 800 ways 900 ways 1000 ways 1100 methods

Claims

1. a resonant converter; a voltage multiplier circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter, thereby generating a corona generator output; a driver circuit coupled to the resonant converter and configured to provide a driver signal to the resonant converter; a driver circuit power supply configured to provide power to the driver circuit; a controller including an electronic processor, said controller connected to said driver circuit and said driver circuit power supply; receiving a voltage feedback indicative of a voltage at an output of the corona generator; comparing the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the corona generator output; sending a command to the driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit; the controller configured to: A corona generator comprising:

2. 2. The corona generator of claim 1, wherein the resonant converter is a transformer.

3. 10. The corona generator of claim 1, wherein the output of the corona generator produces a corona discharge for ozone generation.

4. The controller: The corona generator of claim 1 configured to receive the desired output voltage from an external controller.

5. 2. The corona generator of claim 1, wherein said driver signal is a square wave having a magnitude approximately equal to said amount of power supplied to said driver circuit by said driver circuit power supply.

6. 6. The corona generator of claim 5, wherein the driver circuit is configured to adjust the duty cycle of the square wave based on the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

7. 2. The corona generator of claim 1, wherein said voltage multiplier circuit is a seven-stage Billard voltage multiplier.

8. The controller: receiving a current feedback indicative of an output current of the voltage multiplier circuit; determining whether the output current is within a range of allowable currents; providing a notification indicating an error in response to the output current not being within the acceptable current range; and The corona generator of claim 1 , further configured to:

9. The controller: determining whether the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply is within an acceptable voltage range; providing a notification indicating an error in response to the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply not being within the acceptable voltage range; and The corona generator of claim 1 , further configured to:

10. 2. The corona generator of claim 1, further comprising a voltage feedback circuit configured to provide the voltage feedback to the controller, the voltage feedback circuit being connected between the voltage multiplier circuit and the controller, the voltage feedback circuit including a plurality of parallel circuits, each parallel circuit including a resistor connected in parallel with a capacitor.

11. 2. The corona generator of claim 1, further comprising a current feedback circuit configured to provide current feedback to the controller, the current feedback circuit including a resistor connected between the resonant converter and the voltage multiplier circuit.

12. The controller: transmitting a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the driver circuit, the PWM signal having a frequency; adjusting the frequency of the PWM signal based on the voltage feedback; The corona generator of claim 1 , further configured to:

13. 1. A method for controlling a corona generator, the corona generator comprising: a resonant converter; a voltage multiplier circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to amplify a converter output voltage of the resonant converter, thereby generating a corona generator output; a driver circuit connected to the resonant converter and configured to provide a driver signal to the resonant converter; and a driver circuit power supply configured to provide power to the driver circuit; receiving voltage feedback indicative of a voltage at an output of the corona generator; comparing the voltage feedback to a desired output voltage of the corona generator output; sending a command to the driver circuit power supply to adjust the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit; A method comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising receiving the desired output voltage from an external controller of the vehicle.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the driver signal is a square wave having a magnitude approximately equal to the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of adjusting, with the driver circuit, a duty cycle of the square wave based on the amount of power supplied to the driver circuit by the driver circuit power supply.

17. receiving current feedback indicative of an output current of the voltage multiplier circuit; determining whether the output current is within an allowable current range; providing a notification indicating an error in response to the output current not being within the acceptable current range; The method of claim 13 further comprising:

18. determining whether the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply is within an acceptable voltage range; providing a notification indicating an error in response to the power supplied by the driver circuit power supply not being within the acceptable voltage range; The method of claim 13 further comprising:

19. transmitting a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the driver circuit, the PWM signal having a frequency; adjusting the frequency of the PWM signal based on the voltage feedback; The method of claim 13 further comprising:

20. 14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to perform operations comprising the method of claim 13.

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