Grading Rings for Uniform Voltage Distribution in ICT Power Supplies
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Insulated Core Transformer (ICT) high voltage power supplies, non-uniform voltage distribution across high voltage resistors leads to voltage stress and measurement errors due to stray capacitance, resulting in premature component failure and inaccurate voltage control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of grading rings surrounding stacked printed circuit boards with high voltage resistors disposed between adjacent rings to form a voltage divider, creating a more uniform voltage gradient and reducing measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high voltage resistors are arranged in series to form a voltage divider, then voltage control precision is improved, but non-uniform voltage distribution occurs due to stray capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
Grading rings are introduced as intermediary conductive elements between the high voltage output and ground. These rings create a controlled capacitive coupling that compensates for the stray capacitance effects in the resistor string, thereby equalizing the voltage distribution across the resistors and improving both measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the system by introducing graded capacitance through the grading rings. This modifies the voltage distribution profile along the resistor string, transforming the non-uniform distribution into a more uniform one by compensating for the capacitive effects that cause voltage stress concentration
2Reliability
If grading rings are added to improve voltage uniformity, then component reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grading structure is segmented into multiple discrete rings positioned at specific intervals along the resistor string. This segmentation allows the complexity to be distributed and managed in stages, with each ring providing localized voltage equalization rather than requiring a continuous complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The grading rings are designed to create equipotential regions that gradually transition from high voltage to ground potential. This approach simplifies the overall structure by using symmetric, regularly-spaced rings rather than requiring complex asymmetric configurations, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase
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 approach significantly reduces voltage measurement errors by a factor of at least 3 and enhances component reliability by achieving a more uniform voltage distribution across the resistors, thereby improving the precision of high voltage output control.
Implementation Method 1
However, in certain embodiments, due to stray capacitance, the voltage across the plurality of high voltage resistors may not be equal
Implementation Method 2
high voltage resistors disposed between adjacent grading rings to form a voltage divider
Data Source
AI summary
An Insulated Core Transformer (ICT) high voltage DC power supply is disclosed. The power supply comprises a plurality of printed circuit boards, each comprising a secondary winding and a voltage doubler circuit. These voltage doubler circuits are arranged in series. The stacked printed circuit boards are surrounded by a plurality of grading rings. The last grading ring is electrically connected to the output voltage. High voltage resistors are then disposed between adjacent grading rings to form a voltage divider. The voltage of the first grading ring may be used as part of a feedback system to regulate the output of the AC power supply. By disposing the high voltage resistors on the grading rings, a more uniform voltage gradient may be created.