Adaptive Spark Gap with Movable Partition for Impulse Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spark gap designs are not flexible and cost-effective, as they are optimized for specific pulse energies, leading to sub-optimal performance for other energies and coordination issues with parallel diverter elements.
Innovation Solution
A spark gap with an adaptive cooling and/or damping device, featuring a plurality of disks between electrodes that adjust to impulse events, providing adjustable arc channels and thermal mass for efficient plasma cooling and extinguishing, using materials like WCu and ceramic for enhanced energy absorption and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spark gap is optimized for a specific impulse energy, then the ignition and cooling performance is optimal for that specific energy, but the performance becomes sub-optimal for other impulse energies
Solution Approach 1:
The spark gap incorporates a movable partition that can dynamically adjust its position based on the impulse energy level. For high impulse energies, the partition moves to create a longer arc path with enhanced cooling surfaces. For low impulse energies, the partition retracts to maintain an optimal shorter arc path, thus adapting the spark gap performance to different energy levels without requiring multiple fixed designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spark gap channel by moving the partition, thereby altering the arc path length, cooling surface area, and chamber volume. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the spark gap to optimize its ignition and cooling characteristics for varying impulse energies, resolving the contradiction between specific optimization and general adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drain devices are operated in parallel to handle different impulse energies, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The movable partition serves multiple functions: it acts as a cooling surface, a flow divider, and a dynamic geometry controller. By moving a single component, the spark gap can handle both high and low impulse energies effectively, replacing the need for multiple specialized drain devices and eliminating the coordination complexity between parallel arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple drain devices into a single integrated spark gap chamber with a movable partition. This consolidation achieves the adaptability of parallel devices while reducing overall system complexity, component count, and coordination requirements.
3Temperature
If the arc channel length is increased to improve cooling for high impulse energies, then the cooling efficiency improves, but the ignition reliability deteriorates for low impulse energies
Solution Approach 1:
The movable partition dynamically adjusts the arc channel length based on the impulse energy detected. During high impulse events, the partition moves to extend the arc path and increase cooling surface area, improving plasma cooling. During low impulse events, the partition retracts to maintain a shorter arc path, ensuring reliable ignition. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooling efficiency and ignition reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive design allows for reliable ignition and extinguishing of sparks across varying impulse strengths, effectively suppressing mains follow currents while maintaining high energy absorption and efficient cooling, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
If a strong impulse event occurs, the arc plasma will build up a correspondingly higher heat and pressure, so that the pressure effect will now cause the disks to move laterally
Implementation Method 2
Because energy is required to move the disks, and some pressure is released when the disks are moved apart, the pressure increase is dampened
Implementation Method 3
The openings of the disks S 1 , S 2 , ... S n being arranged such that they form an arc channel between the second spark gap electrode FS 2 and the first spark gap electrode FS 1
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a spark gap (1) with a cooling and/or damping device, comprising: • at least a first spark gap electrode (FS1) and a second spark gap electrode (FS2), • at least one ignition aid electrode (ZE) for connection to an ignition circuit, wherein the ignition aid electrode (ZE) is arranged spatially adjacent to the first spark gap electrode (FS1) and spaced apart from the second spark gap electrode (FS2), wherein the ignition aid electrode (ZE) is arranged laterally to the first spark gap electrode and the second spark gap electrode with respect to the direction of the first spark gap electrode and the second spark gap electrode, • wherein a low-conductivity material (BRZ) for ignition support is introduced between the ignition aid electrode (ZE) and the first spark gap electrode (FS1), • wherein a material in a spiral shape (S1) is insulated (ISO2) from the ignition aid electrode (ZE) and the first spark gap electrode (FS1) adjacent to the second spark gap electrode (FS2).wherein the material forms an opening in a spiral shape (S1), the openings being arranged such that they form an arc channel between the second spark gap electrode (FS2) and the first spark gap electrode (FS1).