Dual Power Source Pulse Generator for High Current Plasma

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high current pulse generators for applications like ablative plasma guns are economically unfeasible due to the high cost of high energy high voltage capacitors, making them impractical for most applications beyond laboratory equipment.

Innovation Solution

A dual power source pulse generator that combines a high voltage low current pulse source and a low voltage high current pulse source, connected to a pair of electrodes, generates high-density plasma by initially applying a high voltage pulse to reduce air gap impedance, followed by a low voltage high current pulse to enable significant current flow, using cost-effective components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a single high energy high voltage capacitor is used to generate high current pulses, then the required high current (greater than 5,000 Amps) and high voltage (greater than 5,000 Volts) can be achieved, but the system becomes economically unfeasible due to the high cost of the capacitor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh current outputVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single capacitor system into two separate capacitor systems: a high voltage capacitor system and a low voltage high current capacitor system. Each capacitor is optimized for its specific voltage and current requirements, allowing the use of smaller, less expensive capacitors that can be connected in series to achieve the required high voltage and current output when discharged simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using two different capacitors with different voltage and current ratings rather than one capacitor. The high voltage capacitor stores energy at high voltage with lower current capability, while the low voltage capacitor stores energy at lower voltage with higher current capability. When discharged together through the load, they produce both high voltage and high current simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a single high energy high voltage capacitor is used to generate high current pulses, then the required high current (greater than 5,000 Amps) and high voltage (greater than 5,000 Volts) can be achieved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for a single high energy capacitor design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh current outputVSAvoidcapacitor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses two capacitors that each provide only part of the total energy required, but when discharged simultaneously, they combine to provide the full high power output. Each capacitor operates within its optimal range (one at high voltage, one at high current) rather than requiring a single capacitor to exceed its optimal design parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Power

If conventional single capacitor pulse sources are used, then high current pulses can be generated, but the system is only economically feasible for laboratory equipment and not for practical applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh current pulse outputVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive single high energy capacitor with two cheaper capacitors that can be discharged in sequence. While each individual capacitor discharge is shorter in duration, the combined effect provides the required high power pulse at a fraction of the cost, making the system economically viable for practical applications beyond the laboratory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 configuration allows for high current flow while reducing costs and component complexity, making the system economically viable for various applications, including ablative plasma guns, rail guns, and arc flash mitigation devices.

Implementation Method 1

initially supplying electrical energy with a high voltage, low current and low power, for the purpose of ionizing the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

An arc is generated across the air gap to create conductive plasma vapors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

generate conductive plasma vapors between the main electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma formation: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP2161801B1Ablative plasma gun and dual power source pulse generator fo a triggering system

Publication Date: 2013.10.16 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A dual power source pulse generator (10) in power connection with a pair of electrodes (255) having a first electrode (255a), a second electrode (255b) and an air gap (265) therebetween. The dual power source pulse generator (10) includes a first pulse source (100) producing a high voltage low current pulse across the pair of electrodes (255) to allow dielectric breakdown, and a second pulse source (200) electrically connected in parallel with an output of the first pulse source (100), and producing a low voltage high current pulse to thereby produce a current flow of high-density plasma between the same electrodes (255) of the pair of electrodes (255) in response to the high voltage low current pulse.