Gas Laser Power Calculation Using Existing Detection Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas laser apparatuses face challenges in accurately and easily measuring power consumption due to varying discharge load impedance and the need for costly and laborious installation of power meters, as well as inefficient estimation methods that require extensive data storage and computation.
Innovation Solution
A gas laser apparatus with a power calculation unit that estimates input power to the laser power supply device using output current and voltage values, and input power to the driving device based on efficiency functions, allowing for accurate calculation of overall power consumption without additional measuring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a power meter is installed on the power input side to measure power consumption, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas laser apparatus uses its own existing detection circuits (output current detection circuit and output voltage detection circuit) to calculate input power, rather than requiring external power meters. The system serves itself by utilizing its inherent detection capabilities for power measurement, eliminating the need for additional measuring devices and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a power calculation unit that acts as an intermediary between the existing detection circuits and the power measurement function. This calculation unit computes input power by combining detected output current and voltage values with conversion efficiency data, serving as a mediator that transforms available detection capabilities into accurate power measurement without requiring direct power meter installation
2Device complexity
If output current and voltage values are used to calculate input power with conversion efficiency, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by varying discharge load impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conversion efficiency value based on the operating state of the gas laser apparatus. The power calculation unit selects different conversion efficiency values corresponding to different operational modes (e.g., different output power levels or discharge conditions), allowing accurate input power calculation across varying discharge load impedance conditions without requiring complex real-time efficiency measurement
Solution Approach 2:
Conversion efficiency values for different operating states are predetermined and stored in the power calculation unit before operation. This preliminary preparation of efficiency data allows the system to quickly and accurately calculate input power by simply retrieving the appropriate efficiency value based on current operating conditions, eliminating the need for complex real-time efficiency characterization
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 accurate and easy measurement of power consumption in gas laser apparatuses, reducing size and cost by utilizing existing detection circuits and eliminating the need for power meters, while accounting for varying discharge load and operational states.
Implementation Method 1
a DC power supply unit for converting input AC power into DC power
Implementation Method 2
an RF power supply unit for converting the DC power, output from the DC power supply unit, into a radio-frequency voltage which is applied to produce an electric discharge for exciting a laser gas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a gas laser apparatus having: a first estimation unit which calculates an estimate of input power to the laser power supply device by using the output current value and output voltage value of the DC power supply unit and also using the efficiency of conversion from input power to output power by the DC power supply unit; a second estimation unit which calculates an estimate of input power to the driving device by using the output current value of the driving device; and a power calculation unit which calculates the power consumption value of the gas laser apparatus, based on the estimate of the input power to the laser power supply device and the estimate of the input power to the driving device.