Voltage-Type DC Power Supply Arc Suppression via Chopper Circulating Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage-type DC power supplies for plasma generators face challenges in controlling excess current during arc generation, leading to extended arcing times and potential damage, as existing methods either fail to suppress excess current effectively or introduce temporal delays in resuming normal discharge.
Innovation Solution
A voltage-type DC power supply with a voltage step-down chopper and an inverter, utilizing a short-circuit section to suspend power during arc generation and resume with held circulating current when the arc is extinguished, thereby suppressing excess current and reducing arcing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a voltage-type DC power supply is used to compensate for output voltage drop during arc generation, then output voltage stability is improved, but excess discharge current increases and arcing time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply performs preliminary anti-action by detecting arc generation through voltage drop and immediately responding with controlled output suspension. This prevents the harmful effect of excess discharge current before it can cause damage, while maintaining voltage stability through rapid control intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply employs dynamic control by switching between normal operation and arc suppression modes based on real-time detection. The output is dynamically adjusted to suspend power during arc events, thereby controlling excess current while maintaining overall system stability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If power supply is suspended during arc generation, then excess current is suppressed, but temporal delay occurs in restarting normal discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply implements preliminary action by preparing to resume output immediately after arc detection. The control system is pre-configured to detect arc extinction and rapidly restore normal discharge, minimizing restart delay while maintaining effective arc suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control by continuously monitoring output voltage to detect both arc generation and arc extinction. This closed-loop feedback enables rapid response to arc events and ensures timely resumption of normal discharge, reducing temporal delays.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a large capacitor is connected to output to maintain voltage, then output voltage stability is improved, but excess discharge current passes during arc generation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the voltage drop characteristic of arc generation and immediately suspending output power. This prevents the large capacitor from discharging excessive current during arc events, while maintaining voltage stability through controlled suspension rather than uncontrolled discharge.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a voltage-type DC power supply provided with an inverter, current supply from the inverter to the load side is suppressed when arc is generated. DC output from the voltage-type DC power supply is suspended and resumed: upon suspending the DC output, the chopper is separated from the inverter, thereby suppressing excessive current to the load when arc is generated, allowing the arc to be extinguished at high speed, and holding the current passing through the chopper in the form of circulating current. Upon restarting the inverter, the circulating current being held is supplied to the load, thereby reducing a delay of supply of DC power to the load at the time of resuming the DC output from the voltage-type DC power supply.