Capacitor-Stack Pulse Switching for Variable High-Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching arrangements for applying high voltage pulses across a load, such as in linear accelerators, can only produce different energy levels by dissipating energy in a resistive load, leading to thermal problems and efficiency loss.
Innovation Solution
A switching arrangement with a series connection of capacitive elements and two switch arrangements allows for varying voltage levels by selectively connecting different parts of the series connection to the load, enabling higher or lower voltage pulse levels without significant energy loss, using solid-state or vacuum switches and diodes in anti-parallel configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different energy levels are produced by dissipating energy in a resistive load, then different voltage levels can be achieved, but thermal problems and efficiency loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive stack is divided into multiple individual capacitive elements that can be selectively connected or disconnected from the circuit. This segmentation allows the system to vary the total capacitance in discrete steps, thereby achieving different voltage levels without dissipating energy in a resistive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching arrangement dynamically reconfigures the capacitive elements between pulses by connecting or disconnecting specific elements from the series string. This dynamic reconfiguration changes the effective capacitance value before each pulse, enabling rapid voltage level variation without energy loss.
2Productivity
If capacitive elements are switched in and out of the series connection, then voltage levels can be varied rapidly, but switch complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching arrangement performs preliminary actions by pre-charging or pre-discharging specific capacitive elements before the main pulse is applied. This allows the desired voltage level to be prepared in advance, enabling rapid switching without complex real-time control during the pulse itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching arrangement acts as an intermediary between the fixed capacitive stack and the variable voltage requirement. It provides a controlled interface that selectively connects appropriate capacitive elements to achieve the desired voltage level, simplifying the overall control complexity.
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 rapid variation of X-ray pulse energy levels without thermal issues or efficiency loss, allowing for precise control of voltage levels across the load.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of capacitive elements connected in series
Implementation Method 2
Diodes may be connected in anti-parallel with the switches
Data Source
AI summary
A switching arrangement for applying voltage pulses across a load, comprising a plurality of capacitive elements (C1-C9) connected in series, and a first switch arrangement (S) connected to the series connection to apply voltage pulses to the load, and a second switch arrangement (S1, S2) connected to a capacitive element of the series connection, such that one of the capacitive elements (C1) can be switched out of or switched into the series connection, in order to produce voltage pulses of respectively lower or higher levels, without the need to dissipate energy into a resistive load.