High Energy Ignition Generator Thermal Runaway Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-energy ignition generators for gas turbines face issues with thermal runaway due to increased leakage current in semiconductor switching members at high temperatures, leading to self-heating and potential destruction, and existing solutions are not entirely satisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A high-energy ignition generator design featuring a first power part with a gas spark gap connected to a storage capacitor and diode, and a second trigger part with a controlled semiconductor switch connected to a step-up transformer, utilizing a gas spark gap without radioactive elements and independent power sources for capacitor charging, allowing for reliable operation at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semiconductor switching members are used to replace gas spark gaps, then device complexity and aging issues are reduced, but thermal runaway occurs due to increased leakage current at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ignition system into two independent parts: a power part with a first capacitor and gas spark gap, and a trigger part with a second capacitor and semiconductor switch. This segmentation allows the semiconductor switch to operate only in the trigger circuit at lower voltages, reducing its exposure to high-temperature effects and leakage current issues while maintaining the benefits of controlled switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spark gap serves as an intermediary element between the power capacitor and the ignition plug, while the step-up transformer acts as an intermediary to couple the trigger circuit to the power circuit. This allows the semiconductor switch to control the ignition process without directly handling the full power voltage, reducing thermal stress on the semiconductor device.
2Temperature
If gas spark gaps are used for high-energy ignition, then high temperature operation is achieved, but aging and modification of ignition voltage occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spark gap is isolated to the power part of the circuit where it operates under controlled conditions with the first capacitor, separate from the trigger circuit. This segmentation allows the gas spark gap to maintain its high-temperature performance characteristics while the semiconductor switch in the trigger part handles the control functions, extending overall system service life.
3Power
If semiconductor switches operate at high temperatures, then high energy ignition is achieved, but leakage current increases causing self-heating
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into a power part operating at high voltage (3000V) and a trigger part operating at lower voltage (1000V). The semiconductor switch operates only in the trigger part, where lower voltage reduces leakage current and self-heating effects, while still enabling high-energy ignition through the step-up transformer and power capacitor discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the semiconductor switch by limiting it to the trigger circuit with lower voltage (1000V) rather than exposing it to full power voltage (3000V). This parameter change reduces the semiconductor device's leakage current and thermal stress while maintaining the ability to generate high-energy ignition sparks through the coupled power circuit.
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 design enhances reliability and lifespan by reducing leakage current and avoiding thermal runaway, enabling operation at higher temperatures with improved current characteristics and reduced dependence on gas spark gap aging.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spark gap to discharge through it and generate sparks
Implementation Method 2
a step-up transformer, a secondary winding of which is connected in series with the gas spark gap
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Ignition generator comprising a spark plug (24), and also comprising a first power part having first capacitor-forming means (22) in series with first diode-forming means (23), in which the first capacitor-forming means (22) are also connected to the spark plug (24) through a gas spark gap (25) and at least a second triggering part having second capacitor-forming means (26) in series with second diode-forming means (27), in which the second capacitor-forming means (26) are connected through at least one controlled semiconductor switching element (28), to a primary winding (29) of a step-up transformer (30) having a secondary winding (31) connected in series with the gas spark gap (25) between the first capacitor-forming means (22) and the spark plug (24).