Induction Linear Accelerator Solid-State Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle accelerator technologies face challenges related to cost-effectiveness, reliability, on-line availability, size, energy consumption, and safety, particularly due to the use of high-voltage generators, dangerous gases, and unreliable spark gap or thyratron switches in induction-based linear accelerators.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a power supply arrangement with solid-state switched drive sections and a magnetic core arrangement where multiple toroidal magnetic cores are symmetrically arranged along a central axis, each coupled to a solid-state switched drive section, allowing for low-voltage operation and eliminating the need for high-voltage drive systems, enabling a more compact and reliable accelerator with improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-voltage generators and spark gap switches are used in induction-based linear accelerators, then accelerating voltage can be achieved, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to component failure and hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerator is divided into multiple independent accelerating sections, each with its own magnetic core and low-voltage drive circuitry. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high accelerating voltage through cumulative effect while each individual component operates at safe, reliable low voltages, eliminating the need for high-voltage generators and hazardous spark gap switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical high-voltage switching systems (spark gap switches, thyratrons) with a magnetic induction system using toroidal cores and low-voltage solid-state switches. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues and safety hazards associated with high-voltage electrical breakdown and mechanical switch failure.
2Power
If high-voltage generators and pressurized gas tanks are used, then sufficient power for acceleration is achieved, but device complexity and safety worsen due to heavy infrastructure and hazardous gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the high-voltage generator and pressurized gas tank components from the system. Instead, it uses multiple low-voltage power supplies combined with magnetic core induction to generate the required accelerating voltage, thereby removing the heavy infrastructure and hazardous materials while maintaining the necessary power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter from high-voltage operation to low-voltage operation throughout the drive system. By operating all electrical components at low voltages and using magnetic induction to step up the effective accelerating voltage, the patent eliminates the need for high-voltage infrastructure and complex safety systems for handling pressurized gases.
3Productivity
If traditional high-voltage drive systems are used, then acceleration performance is achieved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance increase due to expensive components and frequent repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, easily replaceable low-voltage solid-state switches and standard toroidal magnetic cores instead of expensive, fragile high-voltage components. These low-voltage components are commercially available, robust, and can be replaced without specialized equipment, dramatically reducing both initial manufacturing cost and ongoing maintenance expenses while maintaining acceleration performance.
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 results in a low-cost, high-reliability, and safe induction-based particle accelerator with reduced size and energy consumption, as well as the elimination of hazardous high-pressure tanks and toxic gases, enhancing on-line availability and minimizing maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
pulsed voltage is applied around magnetic cores to thereby induce an electric field for accelerating the particle beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle accelerator (100) comprises a power supply arrangement (110), a plurality of solid-state switched drive sections (120), a plurality of magnetic core sections (130) and a switch control module (140). The drive sections (120) are connected to the power supply arrangement (110) for receiving electrical power therefrom, and each drive section comprises a solid-state switch, electronically controllable at turn-on and turn-off, for selectively providing a drive pulse at an output of the drive section. The magnetic core sections (130) are symmetrically arranged along a central beam axis, and each magnetic core of the sections is coupled to a respective drive section (120) through an electrical winding connected to the output of the drive section. The switch control module (140) is connected to the drive sections (120) for providing control signals to control turn-on and turn-off of the solid state switches to selectively drive magnetic cores to induce an electric field for accelerating the beam of charged particles along the beam axis.