Method and apparatus for supplying power to an ozone cell

Abstract

A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the steps of: obtaining a DC power source; generating an AC pulse voltage by applying a switching signal to a pair of transistors including a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the DC power source; modulating the pulse voltage according to a resonance condition set to correspond to the resonance frequency of an inductor and a capacitor included in the resonance circuit through a resonance circuit composed of an inductor and a capacitor connected to the output node of the transistor pair; obtaining a boosted high-voltage pulse voltage from the secondary winding of an isolation transformer by applying the modulated pulse voltage to the primary winding of an isolation transformer connected to the output of the resonance circuit; generating a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing the pulse of the high-voltage pulse voltage through an output filter capacitor connected to the secondary winding; and applying the output voltage to an ozone generator.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a high-voltage generating board for driving an ozone cell. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a power supply method for stably generating a high-voltage sinusoidal voltage and supplying power to an ozone generating device. Background Technology

[0002] An ozone generator is a device that produces ozone by inducing a discharge within an ozone cell to which a high-voltage power source is applied, and a power supply circuit capable of stably outputting a high-voltage sinusoidal voltage is essential. Conventional power supply units for ozone generation are typically configured to receive DC power as input, convert it into AC pulse voltage through an inverter circuit, shape the output waveform through a resonant circuit, step up the voltage to a high level through a transformer, and then smooth it into a sinusoidal wave through an output filter.

[0003] However, conventional technology faces issues such as the difficulty of designing resonant circuits, total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage, switching losses, and reduced system efficiency. Furthermore, it has limitations in that the circuit configuration is complex and it is difficult to omit or replace specific components. means of solving the problem

[0004] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of obtaining direct current (DC) power.

[0005] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating an alternating current (AC) pulse voltage by applying a switching signal to a pair of transistors, including a first transistor and a second transistor, connected to the DC power source.

[0006] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of modulating the pulse voltage according to a resonance condition set to correspond to the resonant frequency of the inductor and the capacitor included in the resonant circuit, through a resonant circuit composed of an inductor and a capacitor connected to the output node of the transistor pair.

[0007] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating a boosted high-voltage pulse voltage from the secondary winding of an isolated transformer by applying the modulated pulse voltage to the primary winding of the isolated transformer connected to the output of the resonant circuit.

[0008] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing the pulse of the high voltage pulse through an output filter capacitor connected to the secondary winding.

[0009] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of applying the output voltage to the ozone generator. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a voltage generating board in which a power supply method according to one embodiment is operated. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the invention will be described in detail.

[0012] The terms used in this invention have been selected based on currently widely used general terms, taking into account their functions within the invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0013] When a part of a specification is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0014] Additionally, the description 'at least one of A, B, and C' means that it may be any one of 'A', 'B', 'C', 'A and B', 'A and C', 'B and C', and 'A, B, and C'.

[0015] The components and operations described in various embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured as a single circuit or distributed among a plurality of independent circuits. Such circuit configurations may be integrated on a printed circuit board (PCB), or may be in the form of a single board or a structure composed of a plurality of modules.

[0016] The circuit operation according to the present disclosure may be implemented using a digital control method or an analog control method. For example, the generation of a switching signal may be performed by a microcontroller (MCU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a dedicated waveform generator, or a fixed waveform control circuit. Additionally, the generation of a control signal may be implemented by software-based firmware or a logic circuit embedded in hardware.

[0017] Connections between each component can be made electrically or electronically. The series or parallel connection method can be selected based on circuit capacity, voltage requirements, or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.

[0018] A power supply according to the present disclosure may be implemented in a manner that provides a single output voltage or selectively outputs a plurality of voltage levels. Such a manner may be selectively set according to load conditions, the required voltage specifications of an ozone generator, or the system operating state.

[0019] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific circuit configuration described and may be replaced with functionally equivalent components. For example, an N-type MOSFET may be replaced with other types of switching elements (e.g., IGBT, BJT, etc.), and the inductor and capacitor of the resonant circuit may also be replaced with components having similar electrical characteristics.

[0020] The following describes embodiments with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0021] In the embodiments of this specification, the term "user" may mean a person controlling a system, function, or operation.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment.

[0023] In step 110, the power supply method according to one embodiment can obtain direct current power.

[0024] DC power may be provided from an externally located power supply. The power supply may include at least one of an AC-DC converter, a battery system, a regulated power supply, or a power conversion module with a DC output.

[0025] An external power supply can be connected to the input terminal of the power supply circuit. The connection method may include at least one of a cable, a connector, a terminal block, or a soldered contact.

[0026] A DC power supply applied from an external power supply can be used as at least one of the reference voltage sources for a transistor switching circuit, a resonant circuit, or the entire power conversion circuit.

[0027] The voltage level of the DC power supply can be set according to system requirements. For example, the DC power supply can be 24V, 48V, 72V, or a high voltage of 100V or higher.

[0028] The external power supply may include a filter circuit to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). The external power supply may be configured with an isolated structure to provide a stable ground reference potential.

[0029] In step 120, a power supply method according to one embodiment can generate an alternating current pulse voltage by applying a switching signal to a pair of transistors including a first transistor and a second transistor connected to a DC power source.

[0030] A transistor pair may include a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series. The first transistor may be configured as an upper switching element. The second transistor may be configured as a lower switching element. The transistor pair may be electrically connected to a DC power source. The transistor pair may be formed in a half-bridge structure.

[0031] The first transistor and the second transistor may each be a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The first transistor and / or the second transistor may be an N-type MOSFET.

[0032] A switching signal can be applied to the gates of the first transistor and the second transistor, respectively. The switching signal may be a square waveform. The switching signal may be a complementary form.

[0033] The switching signal may be a complementary square pulse signal set so that the first transistor and the second transistor are alternately turned on and turned off.

[0034] A complementary switching signal may refer to a signal configured so that the first transistor and the second transistor are not turned on simultaneously. For example, when the first transistor is turned on according to the complementary switching signal, the second transistor may be in a turned-off state. For example, the operation may be such that the second transistor is turned on after the first transistor is turned off according to the complementary switching signal. The two transistors may alternately repeat the conduction and blocking states at a constant period.

[0035] The complementary switching operation of the transistor pair can be a driving condition that generates an alternating current pulse voltage. The alternating current pulse voltage can be output at the common contact of the transistor pair. The common contact may be a node where the source terminal of the first transistor and the drain terminal of the second transistor are connected.

[0036] The generated pulse voltage may be a repeating waveform with a constant duty ratio. The alternating current pulse voltage can be applied to a subsequent circuit and utilized in a power conversion or boosting process.

[0037] A switching signal can be generated by pulse-duration modulation (PWM) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) of a control voltage based on the difference between a reference current and a high-voltage pulse voltage and a corresponding output current.

[0038] A switching signal can be generated based on the control voltage.

[0039] The control voltage may refer to an electrical signal formed by comparing a reference voltage corresponding to a reference current with a sensed voltage corresponding to an output current. The control voltage may be formed by comparing the difference between the reference current and the output current.

[0040] Here, the reference current may refer to the minimum current required to drive the ozone generator. The output current may refer to the current actually supplied to the ozone reaction unit, which corresponds to the high-voltage pulse voltage induced through the secondary winding of the isolation transformer.

[0041] The control voltage can be used to generate a switching signal by performing pulse-duration modulation (PWM) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) in a switching control unit or a signal generator.

[0042] Pulse Width Modulation refers to a method of changing the conduction rate of a transistor, or the duty cycle, by adjusting the length of the pulse's ON time (turn-on interval) while keeping the period of each switching cycle fixed. As the duty cycle increases with higher control voltage, the average output power can increase.

[0043] Pulse frequency modulation refers to a method of controlling average output power by changing the interval (frequency) between switching cycles while maintaining the width of each pulse constant. As the control voltage increases, the switching frequency increases, which in turn increases the switching frequency of transistor pairs and can lead to an increase in output power.

[0044] PWM and PFM can be applied selectively, or simultaneously in a hybrid manner to improve control precision. The hybrid method can enhance the responsiveness of the entire circuit by having the control logic selectively apply PWM or PFM depending on the load condition, output current conditions, or deviation from the reference current.

[0045] A switching signal can be applied complementarily to each of the pair of transistors. Complementary application means that when the switching signal is in the ON state to the first transistor, a switching signal in the OFF state is applied to the second transistor, thereby controlling the two transistors so that they do not conduct simultaneously. This switching method is suitable for a half-bridge structure and can generate an alternating current (AC) pulse voltage in which the direction of the current changes in both directions as both transistors conduct alternately.

[0046] The generated switching signal is transmitted to the gate of a transistor to control turn-on and turn-off operations, thereby transmitting a high-voltage pulse voltage to downstream components and / or circuits such as a resonant circuit and an isolated transformer, so that a high-voltage output can be stably generated.

[0047] In step 130, a power supply method according to one embodiment can modulate a pulse voltage according to a resonance condition set to correspond to the resonance frequency of the inductor and the capacitor included in the resonance circuit through a resonance circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected to the output node of a transistor pair.

[0048] A resonant circuit can be connected to the output node of a transistor pair. The resonant circuit may include an inductor connected in series and a capacitor connected in parallel. The inductor can be connected in series with the output node of the transistor pair. The capacitor can be connected in parallel between the output terminal of the inductor and the ground node.

[0049] The inductor and capacitor included in the resonant circuit can be configured to have a specific resonant frequency. The resonant frequency can be calculated according to [Equation 1].

[0050] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0051]

[0052] L can represent the inductance of the inductor included in the resonant circuit.

[0053] C can represent the capacitance of the capacitor included in the resonant circuit.

[0054] The resonance condition may refer to a state where the frequency of the switching signal matches the resonance frequency or is set to operate near the resonance frequency. Under the resonance condition, the impedance of the circuit can be minimized. When impedance is minimized, the effect of relatively amplifying the output voltage can be obtained.

[0055] The resonant frequency may vary depending on the load condition. For example, if the equivalent capacitance increases as the voltage of the ozone reaction section increases, the resonant frequency may decrease. However, it is not limited to this.

[0056] When the resonance condition is satisfied, the circuit impedance is minimized, the amplitude of the output voltage increases, and power transfer efficiency can be improved. In particular, by setting a switching frequency higher than the resonance frequency, the Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) condition can be satisfied, which converges the voltage at the transistor's turn-on point to 0V. By satisfying the ZVS condition, switching losses are reduced and heat generation is minimized, thereby improving the stability and lifespan of the high-voltage driving circuit.

[0057] The frequency of the pulse voltage can be determined according to the period of the switching signal. A power supply method according to one embodiment can selectively amplify the voltage in the resonant circuit by matching the switching frequency to the resonant frequency. When the pulse voltage, which is periodically applied by switching, reaches the resonant circuit, the inductor and capacitor can sequentially repeat charging and discharging operations. The magnetic energy stored in the inductor can be transferred to the capacitor when the current decreases. Subsequently, the charge accumulated in the capacitor is discharged in the opposite direction and can induce current in the inductor again.

[0058] This energy exchange can be continuously repeated with minimal loss under resonant frequency conditions. Under conditions where energy accumulates, the amplitude of the voltage can gradually increase over time. Accordingly, the amplitude of the pulse voltage applied at the output terminal of the resonant circuit can be made to appear as an amplified voltage.

[0059] The amplitude of the pulse voltage can be increased depending on the resonance condition. The amplified voltage can be delivered to the primary winding of an isolated transformer. Selecting a frequency that satisfies the resonance condition can increase the energy transfer efficiency of the circuit. Setting the resonance condition can also be utilized for optimizing the circuit's frequency response or suppressing harmonics.

[0060] The pulse voltage can be modulated through a resonant circuit according to the resonance conditions described above. The modulated pulse voltage can be output from the output node of the resonant circuit. The modulated pulse voltage can be transmitted to the next stage power conversion or boost circuit.

[0061] In step 140, a power supply method according to one embodiment can generate a boosted high-voltage pulse voltage from the secondary winding of an isolated transformer by applying a modulated pulse voltage to the primary winding of an isolated transformer connected to the output of a resonant circuit.

[0062] An isolated transformer may be configured with a structure including a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding may be electrically connected to the output of a resonant circuit. The secondary winding may be connected to an output filter circuit or the input terminal of an ozone generator.

[0063] The primary winding of an isolation transformer may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal may be connected to the output node of a resonant circuit. The second terminal may be connected to a reference potential node or the ground terminal of a DC power source. The secondary winding of the isolation transformer may be wound in a center-tap manner or an asymmetric manner.

[0064] An isolation transformer may include a magnetic core through which magnetic flux passes. The magnetic core may be a ferrite core or a silicon steel core. The primary and secondary windings may be wound on the magnetic core to form a structure in which magnetic flux is coupled to each other.

[0065] A modulated pulse voltage can be applied to the primary winding of an isolated transformer. Depending on the application of the pulse voltage, an alternating current may flow in the primary winding. Due to the alternating current, the magnetic flux inside the core may change over time. The temporal change in magnetic flux can generate an induced voltage.

[0066] An induced voltage may be generated in the secondary winding depending on changes in magnetic flux. The induced voltage may be stepped up according to the turns ratio between the primary winding and the secondary winding. A power supply method according to one embodiment may set the turns ratio of an isolated transformer such that the number of turns in the secondary winding is 10 or more relative to the number of turns in the primary winding. When the turns ratio is set to 1:10 or more, a high voltage of 10 times or more than the voltage applied to the primary winding can be obtained in the secondary winding.

[0067] The voltage obtained from the secondary winding may be in the form of a high-voltage pulse. The high-voltage pulse may then be converted into a sinusoidal form through an output filter circuit or applied directly to an ozone generator.

[0068] In step 150, the power supply method according to one embodiment can generate a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing a pulse of high voltage pulse voltage through a capacitor for an output filter connected to a secondary winding.

[0069] The secondary winding can be connected in series with an inductor for the output filter.

[0070] The output terminal of the secondary winding and the input terminal of the output filter inductor can be directly electrically connected. The output filter inductor can receive a high-voltage pulse voltage and perform a filtering operation.

[0071] The capacitor for the output filter can be connected in parallel to the output filter inductor and the ground node.

[0072] The output filter capacitor can smooth the voltage passing through the output filter inductor. The output filter capacitor can remove residual ripple voltage or block high-frequency components.

[0073] The output filter capacitor can be electrically connected to the secondary winding of an isolated transformer. The output filter capacitor can be connected in parallel between the output node of the secondary winding and the ground node. The output filter capacitor can be part of a filter circuit for smoothing the output waveform of a high-voltage pulse voltage.

[0074] The capacitor for the output filter can reduce the pulses of high-voltage pulses. The capacitor can charge during the voltage rise phase and discharge during the voltage drop phase. Through this charging and discharging operation, the waveform of the output voltage can be rectified and flattened. Accordingly, the capacitor for the output filter can reduce voltage amplitude fluctuations.

[0075] A capacitor for an output filter can be used alone, or it can be used in combination with an inductor for an output filter to form an LC filter circuit. An LC filter circuit can remove harmonic components above a certain frequency.

[0076] The smoothed output voltage can be in the form of a continuous voltage that approximates a sinusoidal waveform. A sinusoidal output voltage can be used as a high-voltage input in an ozone generator. The sinusoidal waveform can reduce the distortion rate of the output waveform, extend the lifespan of the power generator, and improve ozone generation efficiency.

[0077] A power supply method according to one embodiment can generate a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing a high-voltage pulse voltage through an output filter inductor and an output filter capacitor.

[0078] An output filter inductor can have the characteristic of delaying the high-voltage pulse voltage induced in the secondary winding of a transformer. The output filter inductor acts like a resistive component in response to a rapid rate of current change, thereby suppressing the harmonic components of the pulse voltage.

[0079] The output filter capacitor can be connected in parallel with the output filter inductor and the ground node. The output filter capacitor can eliminate ripple by absorbing instantaneous voltage spikes. By storing and releasing voltage, the output filter capacitor can maintain an average voltage.

[0080] An output filter inductor and an output filter capacitor can be used together to form a low-pass filter. A low-pass filter can remove high-frequency components and allow only ground-frequency components to pass through. As a result, the pulse components of high-voltage pulses are suppressed, and a continuous waveform can be output.

[0081] The generated output voltage can appear in the form of a sinusoidal wave. A sinusoidal output voltage can increase the discharge efficiency of the ozone generator and extend the device's lifespan.

[0082] In step 160, the power supply method according to one embodiment can apply an output voltage to an ozone generator.

[0083] The output voltage can be generated by smoothing the voltage induced in the secondary winding of an isolated transformer. The output voltage can be formed in the shape of a sinusoidal wave. The output voltage can have a high voltage level. The magnitude of the output voltage can be several kilovolts (kV) or more.

[0084] The output voltage can be applied to an external device from the output terminal of the power supply circuit. The output terminal can be formed in a configuration such as a connector, terminal block, or harness. The output terminal may include an isolation structure.

[0085] The output voltage can be applied to the electrode structure of the ozone generator. The ozone generator may require high voltage to convert oxygen into ozone. The ozone generator may be configured using a corona discharge method or a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) method.

[0086] The output voltage can be applied to the discharge gap of the ozone generator. The discharge gap can induce a discharge by a high-voltage electric field. The discharge can induce a chemical reaction that decomposes oxygen molecules into ozone molecules and / or combines them.

[0087] The power supply method can control the output voltage level, waveform, frequency, etc., depending on the operating characteristics of the ozone generator. The stability of the output voltage and sinusoidal characteristics can directly affect ozone generation efficiency and the durability of the device.

[0088] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment.

[0089] Step 160 of Fig. 2 corresponds to Step 160 of Fig. 1.

[0090] In step 210, a power supply method according to one embodiment can identify whether the current induced in the secondary winding exceeds a threshold value through a current sensor connected in series with the secondary winding.

[0091] A voltage generating board on which a power supply method according to one embodiment is operated may include a current sensor connected in series with the secondary winding of an isolated transformer. The current sensor may detect an output current flowing through the secondary winding. The output current may refer to the current before the high-voltage pulse voltage is boosted by the transformer and delivered to the ozone generator.

[0092] A power supply method according to one embodiment can determine whether the output current value detected by a current sensor exceeds the safe operating range of the ozone reaction unit by comparing it with a reference threshold value. The reference threshold value can be pre-set by a user for stable operation of the ozone generator.

[0093] A power supply method according to one embodiment can provide a control signal to a driving circuit or a protection circuit when the current exceeds a threshold value, thereby triggering to block the control of a switching element or to perform a protection operation.

[0094] In step 220, the power supply method according to one embodiment may stop generating a high-voltage pulse voltage if it is identified that the current induced in the secondary winding exceeds a threshold value.

[0095] A power supply method according to one embodiment can detect the magnitude of the output current induced through the secondary winding of an isolated transformer in real time through a current sensor connected in series with the secondary winding of an isolated transformer.

[0096] A power supply method according to one embodiment can compare an output current detected by a current sensor with a preset threshold value, and if the output current is identified as exceeding the threshold value, the state can be determined as an overcurrent state.

[0097] A power supply method according to one embodiment may perform a control operation to stop the generation of a high-voltage pulse voltage when an overcurrent condition is identified. The output current may vary depending on the load conditions of the ozone generator, and an overcurrent may refer to a condition that can lead to device damage or thermal overload.

[0098] A power supply method according to one embodiment can stop the generation of high-voltage pulse voltage by blocking the application of a switching signal to a pair of transistors.

[0099] A power supply method according to one embodiment can determine whether to generate an alternating current pulse voltage by controlling a switching signal applied to the gate of a pair of transistors composed of a first transistor and a second transistor.

[0100] The switching signal is a control signal for driving the inverter section, provided in the form of a square pulse, and can determine the turn-on and turn-off operations of the transistor pair.

[0101] A power supply method according to one embodiment can stop the switching operation of a transistor pair by controlling that a switching signal is no longer applied to the gate of the transistor pair when it is identified that the output current exceeds a threshold value. Accordingly, current does not flow through the drain-source path of the transistor pair, and since a pulse voltage is not applied to the primary winding of the isolation transformer, a high-voltage pulse voltage is not generated in the secondary winding of the isolation transformer.

[0102] A power supply method according to one embodiment can stop the generation of high-voltage pulse voltage by blocking the supply of driving voltage to a transistor pair through a protection circuit.

[0103] A protection circuit may refer to a circuit configuration capable of detecting transient phenomena or abnormal conditions such as current, voltage, or temperature, and performing control operations to prevent damage to the circuit or system.

[0104] The protection circuit can operate as a circuit configuration to prevent damage to the power supply board or ozone reaction unit under conditions of excessive current. The protection circuit can function as an overcurrent protection means to ensure stable operation of the ozone generator.

[0105] A voltage generating board on which a power supply method according to one embodiment is operated may further include a gate drive circuit that supplies a gate driving voltage of a pair of transistors and a protection circuit that includes a comparator that determines whether the output current is overcurrent.

[0106] The comparator compares the voltage signal detected by the current sensor with the reference voltage to determine whether the output current is higher than a preset reference.

[0107] The signal output from the comparator is transmitted to the gate drive circuit, which can block the supply of the driving voltage applied to the transistor pair.

[0108] A power supply method according to one embodiment can stop switching operation through a transistor pair by blocking the supply of a driving voltage so that the transistor pair cannot be turned on. Accordingly, a power supply method according to one embodiment can stop the generation of a high-voltage pulse voltage that was generated through an isolated transformer.

[0109] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment.

[0110] Steps 140, 150, and 160 of Fig. 3 correspond to steps 140, 150, and 160 of Fig. 1, respectively.

[0111] In step 152, the power supply method according to one embodiment can set the inductance of the output filter inductor and the capacitance of the output filter capacitor so that the waveform distortion rate (Total Harmonic Distortion, THD) of the sinusoidal output voltage is less than or equal to a set value.

[0112] Waveform distortion rate can be an indicator of the degree to which the output voltage waveform deviates from an ideal sinusoidal wave. Waveform distortion rate may refer to the ratio of distortion caused by harmonic components of the output voltage.

[0113] An output filter inductor can attenuate high-frequency components of high-voltage pulses. An output filter inductor can reduce the influence of harmonic components by mitigating the response to abrupt current changes. The inductance of the output filter inductor can be set as a factor to determine the low-pass characteristics of the output filter circuit.

[0114] A power supply method according to one embodiment can set the capacitance of an output filter capacitor so that the waveform distortion rate of a sinusoidal output voltage is less than or equal to a set value.

[0115] The output filter capacitor is connected in parallel between the output filter inductor and the ground node to eliminate ripple from high-voltage pulses. The output filter capacitor can maintain an average voltage by preferentially bypassing high-frequency components. The capacitance of the output filter capacitor can be set according to the operating frequency of the filter.

[0116] A power supply method according to one embodiment can smooth the pulse of a high-voltage pulse voltage by setting the inductance and capacitance of an output filter inductor and an output filter capacitor, and maintain the waveform distortion rate of a sinusoidal output voltage below a set value.

[0117] The output filter inductor and output filter capacitor together form a low-pass filter to eliminate harmonic components. The set values ​​of the inductance and capacitance can affect the filter's cutoff frequency and attenuation characteristics. The output filter inductor and output filter capacitor can convert high-voltage pulse voltages into a continuous and flat sinusoidal waveform.

[0118] The setting value can be selected by the user. The setting value can be selected by the user according to the required output voltage quality conditions.

[0119] In step 154, a power supply method according to one embodiment can generate a sinusoidal output voltage with a waveform distortion rate less than or equal to a set value through an inductor for an output filter and a capacitor for an output filter.

[0120] An output filter inductor can be connected in series between the secondary winding of an isolated transformer and the node to which the output filter capacitor is connected. An output filter capacitor can be connected in parallel between the output filter inductor and the ground node.

[0121] Inductors for output filters can attenuate high-frequency components of high-voltage pulses. Capacitors for output filters can maintain a flat average voltage by bypassing high-frequency components.

[0122] The combination of an inductor for an output filter and a capacitor for an output filter can form a low-pass filter to remove harmonic components. Accordingly, a power supply method according to one embodiment can maintain the waveform distortion rate of the output voltage below a set value through the inductor for an output filter and the capacitor for an output filter.

[0123] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment.

[0124] Steps 140, 150, and 160 of Fig. 4 correspond to steps 140, 150, and 160 of Fig. 1, respectively.

[0125] In step 156, a power supply method according to one embodiment can generate an output voltage in the secondary winding of an isolated transformer by applying a switching signal to alternately turn on and turn off a pair of transistors.

[0126] A transistor pair may include a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor may be driven to operate complementarily to each other. A switching signal may control the first transistor and the second transistor to conduct and disconnect alternately. The output node of the transistor pair may be electrically connected to the primary winding of an isolated transformer. The first terminal of the primary winding may be connected to the output node of the transistor pair. The second terminal of the primary winding may be connected to the ground reference node of a DC power source.

[0127] As the transistor pairs are alternately turned on and off, an alternating current can be applied to the primary winding. The alternating current flowing through the primary winding can alternately change the magnetic flux of the isolation transformer. Depending on the alternation of the magnetic flux, an induced voltage can be generated in the secondary winding of the isolation transformer. The voltage induced in the secondary winding can be determined by the switching period of the transistor pairs, the transformer's winding ratio, the input voltage, etc.

[0128] An isolation transformer can be configured in a forward type. The forward type may be a method in which, depending on the switching operation of a transistor pair, a voltage applied to the primary winding generates magnetic flux, and that magnetic flux is induced in the secondary winding through a magnetic core to generate an output voltage. An isolation transformer configured in a forward type transfers energy only while a switching signal is applied, and may include a reset winding or a reset circuit to prevent core saturation during energy transfer.

[0129] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment.

[0130] Steps 140, 150, and 160 of Fig. 5 correspond to steps 140, 150, and 160 of Fig. 1, respectively.

[0131] In step 158, a power supply method according to one embodiment can generate an output voltage in the secondary winding of an isolated transformer by applying a pulse voltage generated through the output node of a transistor pair to the primary winding.

[0132] A transistor pair may include a first transistor and a second transistor. The output node of the transistor pair may be directly connected to the primary winding of an isolated transformer. The resonant circuit may be omitted or disabled.

[0133] A pulse voltage can be generated at the output node depending on the switching operation of the transistor pair. The generated pulse voltage can be directly applied to the primary winding of an isolation transformer. The pulse voltage applied to the primary winding can change the magnetic flux of the isolation transformer to induce a voltage in the secondary winding. The induced voltage can be stepped up or stepped down according to a set winding ratio. The voltage output from the secondary winding can be supplied to a load including an ozone generator.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to one embodiment.

[0135] Step 160 of Fig. 6 corresponds to Step 160 of Fig. 1.

[0136] In step 610, a power supply method according to one embodiment can determine one of a plurality of preset winding ratios based on the frequency and voltage level of the pulse voltage.

[0137] A pulse voltage can be generated through the switching operation of a transistor pair. The frequency of the pulse voltage can be determined by the period of the switching signal applied to the transistor pair. The voltage level of the pulse voltage can refer to the maximum voltage value or the average voltage value of the pulse voltage. The voltage level can be determined by the voltage magnitude of the DC power supply, the conduction time of the switching element, or the response characteristics of the resonant circuit.

[0138] The winding ratio of an isolated transformer may refer to the ratio of the number of turns between the primary winding and the secondary winding. Multiple winding ratios can be pre-set according to output voltage requirements. For example, the winding ratio may be configured as 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, etc.

[0139] The frequency and voltage level of the pulse voltage can be evaluated according to output voltage requirements or operating environment conditions. Based on the characteristics of the evaluated pulse voltage, at least one of a plurality of winding ratios can be selected. The selected winding ratio can be applied as a criterion for determining the number of windings of the primary and secondary windings of an isolated transformer.

[0140] The winding ratio of an isolation transformer can be defined as the ratio between the number of turns in the primary winding and the number of turns in the secondary winding. The primary and secondary windings of the isolation transformer can be configured according to a determined winding ratio selected based on the frequency and voltage level of the pulse voltage. A winding ratio configured in this way can secure a desired output voltage level.

[0141] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a voltage generating board in which a power supply method according to one embodiment is operated.

[0142] A voltage generating board on which a power supply method according to one embodiment is operated may include a rectifier (710), an inverter (720), a resonant reactor (730), a transformer (740), an output filter (750), and an ozone reaction unit (760).

[0143] The rectifier (710) may include a circuit for generating direct current (DC) power from an external alternating current (AC) power source. The rectifier (710) may include at least one of a rectifier diode, a smoothing capacitor, and an EMI filter. The rectifier diode and the smoothing capacitor may be connected in series or in a bridge structure. The rectifier diode can rectify the AC power and convert it into DC power. The smoothing capacitor can output a stable DC voltage by removing the ripple component of the rectified voltage. The EMI filter can suppress electromagnetic noise generated during the rectification operation. The rectifier (710) can supply DC power to the inverter (720).

[0144] The voltage generating board may include a DC / DC converter (not shown) for controlling the input power applied to the inverter section (720).

[0145] The DC / DC converter accepts direct current power provided by the rectifier (710) and can regulate the power delivered to the inverter (720) through the operation of an internal switching circuit.

[0146] The DC / DC converter can be configured as an isolated or non-isolated type and can be set to a step-up or step-down type depending on the input voltage level. A CT-type current sensor is connected to the output terminal of the DC / DC converter to detect the magnitude of the output current in real time. The output current detected by the current sensor is compared with a reference current for driving the ozone reactor and can be converted into a switching control signal using a pulse width (PWM) modulation method. The DC / DC converter can adjust the switching pulse width based on the current difference and precisely control the magnitude of the average output power delivered to the inverter unit (720).

[0147] The voltage generating board may include an LC filter circuit (not shown) located between the output terminal of the rectifier (710) and the input terminal of the inverter (720).

[0148] The LC filter circuit can perform the function of suppressing high-frequency noise and ripple voltage to provide stable DC power to the inverter section (720). The LC filter circuit can be composed of a choke inductor and a smoothing capacitor, and can attenuate electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the switching element.

[0149] The inverter unit (720) can convert the DC power transmitted from the rectifier unit (710) into an AC pulse voltage through a switching operation. The inverter unit (720) may include a pair of transistors composed of a first transistor and a second transistor. The pair of transistors included in the inverter unit (720) may be configured in a half-bridge or full-bridge manner. The inverter unit (720) can alternately turn on and turn off the transistors by applying a complementary square pulse signal to the pair of transistors. The pair of transistors may alternately turn on and turn off by receiving a complementary square switching signal. The pair of transistors may be connected to the resonant reactor unit (730) through a common contact.

[0150] The resonant reactor section (730) may be positioned between the output node of the inverter section (720) and the primary winding of the isolated transformer. The resonant reactor section (730) may include an inductor and a capacitor that constitute a resonant circuit. The inductor may be connected in series to the output node of the inverter section (720). The capacitor may be connected in parallel between the output terminal of the inductor and the ground node. The resonant reactor section (730) may include a resonant circuit comprising an inductor connected in series to the output node of a transistor pair and a capacitor connected in parallel between the output terminal and the ground node. The resonant reactor section (730) may modulate the pulse voltage to amplify it by controlling the frequency of the pulse voltage to match the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The resonant reactor section (730) can generate a resonant effect that amplifies the corresponding voltage when the frequency of the pulse voltage output from the inverter section (720) corresponds to the resonant frequency.

[0151] The transformer section (740) may include an isolation transformer. The primary winding of the isolation transformer may be connected in series with the output of the resonant reactor section (730). The secondary winding may be connected to the output filter section (750). The transformer section (740) may include an isolation transformer connected to the output of the resonant circuit. The transformer section (740) can obtain a high-voltage pulse voltage in the secondary winding by applying a modulated pulse voltage to the primary winding. The transformer section (740) may set the winding ratio of the isolation transformer such that the number of windings of the secondary winding relative to the number of windings of the primary winding is 10 or more. The primary winding and the secondary winding share a magnetic core, and the winding ratio may be set to 10 or more for high-voltage step-up. The pulse voltage applied to the primary winding may generate an induced voltage in the secondary winding due to the time change of the magnetic flux. The transformer (740) can generate a high voltage pulse voltage.

[0152] The transformer section (740) can be configured so that the output node of the transistor pair is directly connected to the primary winding of the isolated transformer without passing through a resonant circuit. This structure can be applied to high voltage generation in a form that omits the resonant circuit.

[0153] The transformer unit (740) can determine one of a plurality of preset winding ratios based on the voltage level and frequency of the pulse voltage. The transformer unit (740) can configure an isolated transformer according to the determined winding ratio.

[0154] The output filter section (750) can smooth a high-voltage pulse voltage into a sinusoidal output voltage. The output filter section (750) may include an output filter inductor and an output filter capacitor. The output filter inductor may be connected in series with the secondary winding of the transformer section (740). The output filter capacitor may be connected in parallel between the output filter inductor and the ground node. The output filter inductor and capacitor can form an LC filter to remove harmonic components of the pulse voltage. The output filter section (750) can provide a stable sinusoidal output by reducing the waveform distortion rate. The output filter section (750) can set the inductance of the output filter inductor and the output filter capacitance so that the waveform distortion rate of the output voltage is less than or equal to a set value. Based on the set inductance and capacitance, the output filter section (750) can generate a sinusoidal output voltage with a low waveform distortion rate.

[0155] The ozone reaction unit (760) can receive a sinusoidal high-voltage output transmitted from the output filter unit (750). The ozone reaction unit (760) may include an electrode structure to which the high voltage is applied. The ozone reaction unit (760) can generate ozone through discharge by receiving air or oxygen. The discharge structure may be formed in a dielectric barrier discharge method or a corona discharge method. The ozone reaction unit (760) can receive the sinusoidal high-voltage output from the output filter unit (750) and apply it to a load where an ozone reaction occurs.

[0156] A control unit (not shown) can generate a control voltage based on the difference between a reference current and an output current. The reference current may refer to the minimum current required to drive the ozone reaction unit (760). The output current may refer to a current corresponding to a high-voltage pulse voltage induced through the secondary winding of the transformer unit (740).

[0157] The control unit can form a control voltage by comparing the difference between the reference current and the output current. The control voltage can be used as an input value to generate a switching signal in the switching control logic.

[0158] The control unit generates a control voltage through an internal control circuit composed of an E / A amplifier, resistors, capacitors, etc., and this voltage can set the duty cycle and switching frequency according to the charge / discharge time of the RC combination circuit.

[0159] The control unit can perform pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM) based on the control voltage.

[0160] The control unit can fix the period of each switching cycle through pulse width modulation and change the duty cycle by adjusting the pulse width of the turn-on period. As the control unit increases the duty cycle as the control voltage increases, the average output power can increase.

[0161] The control unit can control the average output power by fixing the pulse width through pulse frequency modulation and adjusting the interval between switching cycles. The control unit can increase the output power as the switching frequency increases as the control voltage increases.

[0162] The control unit can simultaneously perform PWM and PFM in a hybrid manner and can dynamically change the control method according to load conditions. The generated switching signal can be applied complementarily to each gate of a pair of transistors included in the inverter unit (720). Complementary application may mean applying a signal so that the second transistor is turned off when the first transistor is turned on, thereby controlling the two transistors so that they do not conduct simultaneously.

[0163] The control unit can prevent a short circuit that may occur within the bridge circuit by controlling the two transistors so that they do not conduct simultaneously through complementary switching control. That is, the control unit can prevent an interlock phenomenon by applying a switching signal complementarily so that the second transistor is turned off when the first transistor is turned on.

[0164] The control unit can perform Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) selectively or in a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode can be dynamically selected and applied based on load conditions, output current conditions, or the difference from the reference current. Accordingly, the control unit can improve control precision and system responsiveness. For example, the control unit can start with a low duty cycle using PWM control during the initial discharge initiation phase, and then increase the frequency using PFM control after the discharge has stabilized.

[0165] The circuit protection unit (not shown) may include a current sensor connected in series with the secondary winding of the transformer unit (740). The circuit protection unit can detect the output current in real time through the current sensor.

[0166] The circuit protection unit can determine whether there is an overcurrent by comparing the detected output current with a reference threshold. The reference threshold may be a preset value for stable operation of the ozone reaction unit (760).

[0167] The circuit protection unit can block the switching signal applied to the inverter unit (720) when it is identified that the output current exceeds a threshold value.

[0168] Blocking of the switching signal can be achieved by interrupting the voltage supply to the gate drive circuit of the transistor pair.

[0169] The circuit protection unit may include a comparator and a gate drive circuit. The comparator can determine an overcurrent condition by comparing a voltage signal detected by a current sensor with a reference voltage. Depending on the determination result, the circuit protection unit may stop the switching control of the transistor pair by the gate drive circuit. Accordingly, the switching operation in the inverter unit (720) is stopped, and no more pulse voltage is applied to the primary winding of the transformer unit (740), thereby stopping the generation of high-voltage pulse voltage.

[0170] The circuit protection unit can stop the switching operation by cutting off the voltage supply to the gate drive circuit of the transistor pair when the output current exceeds a set threshold. This ensures that no pulse voltage is applied to the primary winding of the transformer, and that no high voltage is generated in the secondary winding, thereby stopping the power supply to the ozone reaction unit (760). This protection operation can contribute to protecting the system from circuit damage caused by overcurrent, thermal overload, or unstable discharge conditions.

[0171] The circuit protection unit can function to ensure the reliability of the ozone generation system in order to prevent circuit damage or thermal overload caused by overcurrent.

[0172] The voltage generation board can be configured with a modular structure. This modular structure allows for the efficient configuration of the power supply circuit even when multiple ozone reaction units are installed in parallel, and offers advantages in terms of maintenance and scalability. Each voltage generation board can be driven independently or controlled individually. This modular power board structure can simultaneously improve the efficiency and reliability of an ozone generator containing multiple ozone generation reaction units.

[0173] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of obtaining direct current (DC) power.

[0174] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating an alternating current (AC) pulse voltage by applying a switching signal to a pair of transistors, including a first transistor and a second transistor, connected to the DC power source.

[0175] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of modulating the pulse voltage according to a resonance condition set to correspond to the resonant frequency of the inductor and the capacitor included in the resonant circuit, through a resonant circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected to the output node of the transistor pair.

[0176] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating a boosted high-voltage pulse voltage from the secondary winding of an isolated transformer by applying the modulated pulse voltage to the primary winding of the isolated transformer connected to the output of the resonant circuit.

[0177] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing the pulse of the high voltage pulse through an output filter capacitor connected to the secondary winding.

[0178] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of applying the output voltage to the ozone generator.

[0179] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of identifying whether the current induced in the secondary winding exceeds a threshold value through a current sensor connected in series with the secondary winding.

[0180] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage when it is identified that the current induced in the secondary winding exceeds a threshold value.

[0181] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of stopping the generation of the high voltage pulse voltage by blocking the application of the switching signal to the transistor pair.

[0182] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage by blocking the supply of the driving voltage of the transistor pair through a protection circuit.

[0183] A switching signal according to one embodiment can be generated by pulse-duration modulation (PWM) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) of a control voltage based on the difference between a reference current and an output current corresponding to the high-voltage pulse voltage.

[0184] A reference current according to one embodiment may mean a minimum current for the ozone generator to operate.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the primary winding and the secondary winding may each be wound on a magnetic core through which magnetic flux passes, so that the magnetic flux is mutually coupled.

[0186] The turns ratio of the insulating transformer according to one embodiment may be such that the number of turns of the secondary winding is 10 or more relative to the number of turns of the primary winding.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the secondary winding is connected in series with an inductor for an output filter, and the capacitor for the output filter can be connected in parallel to the output end of the inductor for the output filter and the ground node.

[0188] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing the pulse of the high voltage pulse through the output filter inductor and the output filter capacitor.

[0189] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of setting the inductance of the output filter inductor and the capacitance of the output filter capacitor so that the total harmonic distortion of the sinusoidal output voltage is less than or equal to a set value.

[0190] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of generating a sinusoidal output voltage with a waveform distortion rate less than or equal to a set value through the output filter inductor and the output filter capacitor.

[0191] An isolated transformer according to one embodiment is configured as a forward type, and the first terminal of the primary winding is connected to the output node of the transistor pair, and the second terminal of the primary winding can be connected to the ground reference node of the DC power source.

[0192] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of applying a switching signal to alternately turn on and turn off the pair of transistors to generate an output voltage in the secondary winding of the isolated transformer.

[0193] The output node of the transistor pair according to one embodiment can be directly connected to the primary winding of the isolated transformer without passing through the resonant circuit.

[0194] A power supply method according to one embodiment may include the step of applying a pulse voltage generated through the output node of the transistor pair to the primary winding to generate an output voltage in the secondary winding of the isolation transformer.

[0195] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A power supply method for supplying high voltage to an ozone generator comprises: a step of obtaining a direct current (DC) power source; a step of generating an alternating current (AC) pulse voltage by applying a switching signal to a pair of transistors including a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the DC power source; a step of modulating the pulse voltage according to a resonant condition set to correspond to the resonant frequency of the inductor and the capacitor included in the resonant circuit, through a resonant circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected to the output node of the pair of transistors; a step of generating a boosted high-voltage pulse voltage from the secondary winding of an isolated transformer by applying the modulated pulse voltage to the primary winding of the isolated transformer connected to the output of the resonant circuit; and a step of generating a sinusoidal output voltage by smoothing the pulse of the high-voltage pulse voltage through an output filter capacitor connected to the secondary winding. A power supply method comprising: a step of applying the output voltage to the ozone generator; wherein the secondary winding is connected in series with an output filter inductor, and the output filter capacitor is connected in parallel to the output filter inductor and a ground node, and the step of generating the sinusoidal output voltage comprises: a step of setting the inductance of the output filter inductor and the capacitance of the output filter capacitor so that the total harmonic distortion of the sinusoidal output voltage is less than or equal to a set value; and a step of generating a sinusoidal output voltage with a total harmonic distortion less than or equal to a set value through the output filter inductor and the output filter capacitor. Claim 2 The power supply method according to claim 1 further comprises: a step of identifying whether the current induced in the secondary winding exceeds a threshold value through a current sensor connected in series with the secondary winding; and a step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage when it is identified that the current induced in the secondary winding exceeds the threshold value. Claim 3 A power supply method according to claim 2, wherein the step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage further comprises the step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage by blocking the application of the switching signal to the transistor pair. Claim 4 A power supply method according to claim 3, wherein the step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage comprises the step of stopping the generation of the high-voltage pulse voltage by blocking the driving voltage supply of the transistor pair through a protection circuit. Claim 5 A power supply method according to claim 1, wherein the switching signal is generated by pulse-duration modulation (PWM) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) of a control voltage based on the difference between a reference current and an output current corresponding to the high-voltage pulse voltage, and the reference current represents a minimum current for driving the ozone generator. Claim 6 A power supply method according to claim 1, wherein the primary winding and the secondary winding are each wound on a magnetic core through which magnetic flux passes so that the magnetic flux is mutually coupled, and the turns ratio of the isolation transformer is such that the number of turns of the secondary winding is 10 or more relative to the number of turns of the primary winding. Claim 7 A power supply method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the output voltage comprises the step of generating the output voltage in the form of a sinusoidal wave by smoothing the pulse of the high voltage pulse voltage through the output filter inductor and the output filter capacitor. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 In claim 6, the isolation type transformer is configured as a forward type, the first terminal of the primary winding is connected to the output node of the transistor pair, and the second terminal of the primary winding is connected to the ground reference node of the DC power source, and the step of generating the output voltage comprises: applying a switching signal to alternately turn on and turn off the transistor pair to generate an output voltage in the secondary winding of the isolation type transformer; a power supply method. Claim 10 delete

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