Auxiliary Spark Gap Nozzle for Low-Voltage Arc Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spark gap devices require high voltage to ignite an arc, making them less versatile and prone to reconditioning due to electrode corrosion, and are sensitive to environmental factors like moisture and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A device with a nozzle that directs arc plasma from an auxiliary spark gap to a main spark gap, reducing the required voltage and enhancing precision, using a shielding unit with channel means and a converging nozzle design made from materials like polytetrafluorethylene, which is resistant to wear and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional auxiliary spark gap triggering is used, then arc ignition is achieved, but very high voltage (at least 10 kV) is required across the main spark gap
Solution Approach 1:
A plasma jet generated in an auxiliary spark gap serves as an intermediary to trigger the main spark gap. The plasma jet is directed through a nozzle into the main spark gap, where it ionizes the gas and initiates arc discharge. This mediator approach allows the main spark gap to be triggered at much lower voltages (as low as 100 V) because the pre-ionized plasma path eliminates the need for high voltage flashover across the entire main gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, a low-voltage auxiliary spark gap generates a plasma jet; second, this plasma jet is directed through a nozzle to trigger the main spark gap. This segmentation allows the high-voltage stress to be confined to the auxiliary gap while the main gap operates at low voltage, resolving the contradiction between achieving arc ignition and maintaining low voltage requirements.
2Power
If conventional auxiliary spark gap triggering is used, then arc ignition is achieved, but electrode corrosion requires reconditioning after a few discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The corrosive arc discharge process is extracted and confined to the auxiliary spark gap electrodes, which are designed to be replaceable and less critical. The main spark gap electrodes, which require long-term reliability and precision, are protected from direct arc corrosion because they are triggered by the incoming plasma jet rather than experiencing full arc erosion. This extraction of the harmful corrosive action from the critical main electrodes significantly extends operational durability to hundreds of discharges.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma jet acts as an intermediary that transfers the triggering function without requiring the main electrodes to undergo full arc discharge. The auxiliary electrodes absorb the corrosive effects while the main electrodes experience minimal wear, as they are ignited by the pre-formed plasma rather than through direct arcing. This protective mechanism ensures long-term reliability of the main spark gap.
3Power
If conventional auxiliary spark gap triggering is used, then arc ignition is achieved, but the device is sensitive to environmental factors like moisture and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent protective cover (such as a glass or plastic dome) encloses the auxiliary spark gap and nozzle assembly. This shell protects the sensitive triggering components from environmental factors like moisture, dirt, and contaminants while allowing the plasma jet to pass through and trigger the main spark gap. The main spark gap remains exposed for its intended function but the triggering mechanism is shielded, making the overall device insensitive to environmental conditions.
4Power
If conventional auxiliary spark gap triggering is used, then arc ignition is achieved, but precise and rapid triggering is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A converging nozzle with a curved or conical shape is used to direct the plasma jet from the auxiliary spark gap toward the main spark gap electrodes. The curved geometry of the nozzle focuses and directs the plasma flow precisely onto the main electrodes, ensuring rapid and reliable ignition. This geometric focusing mechanism provides precise control over the plasma jet direction and improves triggering speed and consistency.
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
Enables precise and rapid arc triggering with reduced voltage requirements, increased durability, and insensitivity to environmental factors, allowing for hundreds of operations without reconditioning and expanded application possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
an arc is generated between a first and a second auxiliary electrode in an auxiliary spark gap associated with the triggering device, whereby an arc in the main spark gap is ignited with the aid of the arc in the auxiliary spark gap
Implementation Method 2
The reason for this is that the mode of operation is based on the auxiliary spark gap substantially serving to ionize the air between the main electrodes
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle, having a first end close to the auxiliary spark gap and a second end close to the main spark gap
Data Source
AI summary
A device for quick closing of an electric circuit having a main spark gap with main electrodes and a triggering device. The triggering device has an auxiliary spark gap with auxiliary electrodes for igniting an arc in the main spark gap. The auxiliary electrodes are shielded from the main spark gap by a shielding unit having channel means extending therethrough from an auxiliary spark gap facing side to a main spark gap facing side of the shielding unit. The device further includes a nozzle with a first end being most close to the auxiliary spark gap and a second end most close to the main spark gap. The first end has an inlet opening that is in connection with the channel means and the second end has an outlet opening. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to a use of the device.