Dual-Arc Pulse Circuit for Low-Voltage High-Current Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high current pulse sources for electric arc devices are costly due to the use of high-energy capacitors with millifarad capacitance values and require high voltages to initiate high current pulses, which is inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A dual power source electrical pulse circuit that generates a high voltage low current arc to reduce impedance across a gap, allowing a low voltage high current arc to be created within the ionized zone, utilizing microfarad range capacitors and reducing the overall cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage is used to initiate high current pulses, then adequate plasma vapors are generated, but operational cost and voltage requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single high voltage-high current pulse into two separate pulses: a high voltage low current pulse that initiates the arc and creates a conductive path, followed by a low voltage high current pulse that generates the plasma vapors. This segmentation allows each pulse to operate at optimized voltage levels, reducing the peak voltage requirement while maintaining plasma generation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage low current pulse is applied first to pre-ionize the gas and establish a conductive plasma channel between electrodes. This preliminary action creates a low-impedance path that enables the subsequent low voltage high current pulse to flow efficiently, eliminating the need for high voltage during the main plasma generation phase.
2Reliability
If high-energy capacitors with millifarad capacitance values are used, then high current pulses are generated, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total energy delivery is segmented into two phases using separate capacitor banks: a first capacitor bank (with lower capacitance) delivers the high voltage low current pulse, while a second capacitor bank (with higher capacitance) delivers the low voltage high current pulse. This segmentation allows use of smaller, less expensive capacitors compared to a single millifarad-range capacitor, reducing overall device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) between two sequential pulses rather than using a single high voltage-high current pulse. This parameter change allows the use of capacitors with lower energy ratings, reducing capacitor cost while achieving the same plasma generation effect through the combined action of both pulses.
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 dual power source pulse generator effectively generates high current pulses with lower operational costs and uses less expensive capacitors, achieving the desired plasma vapors with reduced voltage requirements, thus improving the efficiency and affordability of high current pulse generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical pulse source in power connection with the first pair of electrodes, wherein the first electrical pulse source is productive of a high voltage low current arc across the first gap
Implementation Method 2
a second electrical pulse source in power connection with the second pair of electrodes, wherein the second electrical pulse source is productive of a low voltage high current arc across the second gap
Implementation Method 3
an ablative plasma gun subassembly comprising a first pair of gun electrodes, a second pair of gun electrodes, and ablative material disposed proximate at least one of the first and the second pairs of gun electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical pulse circuit is disclosed. The electrical pulse circuit is in connection with a first pair of electrodes defining a first gap between ends thereof and a second pair of electrodes defining a second gap between ends thereof. The second gap is disposed proximate to the first gap. The circuit includes a controller, a first electrical pulse source in power connection with the first pair of electrodes, and a second electrical pulse source in power connection with the second pair of electrodes. The first electrical pulse source is productive of a high voltage low current arc across the first gap in response to the controller and the second electrical pulse source is productive of a low voltage high current arc across the second gap in response to the controller and the high voltage arc.