Capacitive Trigger Electrode for Spark Gap Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spark gap ignition systems face challenges with high energy consumption, material erosion, and insufficient overvoltage protection due to the use of ignition transformers and permanent electrical contact between trigger and main electrodes, limiting the operational reliability and stability of overvoltage protection devices.
Innovation Solution
A spark gap ignition arrangement featuring a trigger electrode insulated from main electrodes with a sandwich structure comprising a thin, poorly conductive material layer and an air gap, which creates a capacitive voltage divider to lengthen the ignition arc and enhance plasma jet formation for rapid and efficient ignition, reducing the load on the trigger electrode and improving material durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an ignition transformer is used to ignite the spark gap, then the response voltage is sufficiently high, but the space requirement increases and the ignition voltage depends on the current change rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trigger electrode from permanent contact with main electrodes and positions it within the discharge space, eliminating the need for an ignition transformer while maintaining high response voltage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage-switching element as an intermediary between the trigger electrode and main electrodes, enabling controlled ignition without requiring the complex current pulse generation needed by traditional ignition transformers
2Device complexity
If the trigger electrode is permanently connected to a main electrode, then the ignition process is simplified, but galvanic isolation is lost and a voltage-switching component is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical connection dynamic by using a voltage-switching element that connects the trigger electrode to main electrodes only during ignition, providing galvanic isolation during normal operation while enabling simplified ignition when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage-switching element operates periodically, remaining non-conductive during normal operation and becoming conductive only during the brief ignition period, achieving both isolation and simplified ignition control
3Device complexity
If a creeping discharge is triggered between main electrode and trigger electrode, then the ignition process can proceed without ignition transformer, but the response voltage may be insufficient for reliable ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage-switching element acts as an intermediary that enables the trigger electrode to achieve sufficient response voltage by controlling the electrical connection to main electrodes, allowing reliable ignition without an ignition transformer
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
This solution enables efficient and reliable spark gap ignition with reduced material costs and improved long-term stability by leveraging the capacitive voltage divider and plasma jet effect to accelerate the ignition process, ensuring effective overvoltage protection without the need for expensive, erosion-resistant materials.
Implementation Method 1
creates a capacitive voltage divider to lengthen the ignition arc
Implementation Method 2
enhance plasma jet formation for rapid and efficient ignition
Implementation Method 3
there is an air gap between the trigger electrode and the further main electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for igniting spark gaps with a trigger electrode T which is located on or in one of the main electrodes H2 and is insulated with respect to this main electrode H2, wherein the trigger electrode T is electrically connected to one of the other main electrodes H1 by means of at least one voltage-switching or voltage-monitoring element and there is an air gap between the trigger electrode T and the other main electrode H1. According to the invention, the trigger electrode T forms a sandwich structure with an insulation section I and a layer which is composed of a material M with a lower conductivity than the material of one of the main electrodes, wherein this sandwich structure represents a layered dielectric with the order of a first partial capacitor CI with the dielectric of the insulation section I and a second partial capacitor CM with the material M as dielectric.