Laser Triggered Arc Initiation for Fixed Electrode Plasma Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power plasma torches require complex and maintenance-intensive electrode translation systems and electrical power supplies that struggle with high no-load voltages and current variations, making it difficult to efficiently initiate and maintain an electric arc.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a focused intense laser pulse to create a triggering plasma between electrodes, eliminating the need for electrode translation and simplifying the electrical power supply by generating a high-power density plasma at multiple points along the axis, allowing for fixed electrode separation and stable arc initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact short-circuiting is used to trigger the electric arc, then the arc initiation is effective, but the device complexity increases due to hydraulic ram and translation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrode translation mechanism and contact short-circuiting system entirely, extracting the problematic components while retaining effective arc initiation through laser triggering. The upstream electrode is fixed in position, eliminating the need for hydraulic rams and translation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical contact-based arc initiation system is replaced with an optical-laser based system. Instead of mechanically moving the electrode to create contact, a laser pulse is used to ionize the gas and initiate the arc, substituting mechanical action with optical energy.
2Reliability
If contact short-circuiting is used to trigger the electric arc, then the arc can be initiated, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the moving electrode and its translation mechanism, which are the components requiring regular maintenance. By fixing the upstream electrode and using laser triggering, the system eliminates wear-prone mechanical parts that need maintenance.
3Reliability
If high-power electrical power supply is used to withstand high no-load voltages and current variations, then the arc can be initiated and maintained, but the device complexity and power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser pulse performs a preliminary action by ionizing the gas and creating a conductive plasma channel between the electrodes before the main electrical discharge occurs. This pre-ionization eliminates the need for the power supply to generate extremely high no-load voltages for breakdown, as the conductive path is already established.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-induced plasma acts as an intermediary that facilitates the electrical discharge. Instead of relying on the power supply to directly bridge the gap between electrodes through high voltage breakdown, the plasma serves as a conductive mediator that enables easier current flow.
4Reliability
If electrode translation mechanism is used, then arc initiation is possible, but the adjustment of time lags becomes tricky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrode translation mechanism entirely, eliminating the need for time lag adjustments between electrode retreat and current application. The fixed electrode position combined with laser triggering simplifies the timing control to only the laser pulse synchronization with the power supply.
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 enables the use of fixed electrodes, reduces the complexity of electrical power supply requirements, and eliminates the need for precise timing adjustments, allowing for reliable and efficient energy transfer and arc maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The triggering laser plasma is produced using an intense laser pulse which is focused at various points between the two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
an intense laser pulse which is focused at various points between the two electrodes, with a peak power density of the pulse per focusing point of greater than 1 GW/cm2, so as to form an electrically conducting zone
Implementation Method 3
The application of a continuous electric current to the terminals of the electrodes makes it possible to initiate an electric arc 10 between the electrodes 1, 2
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring electrical energy to thermal energy which comprises two electrodes separated by a distance along the axis joining them and able to create field lines defining a zone of influence when subjected to a potential difference, an electrical power supply device for these electrodes, which is able to provide the potential difference, and a device for triggering an electric arc between these two electrodes. The triggering device comprises a device for emitting a laser pulse, a device for focusing the pulse at N focusing points situated in the zone of influence of the two electrodes, with a peak power density of the pulse per focusing point of greater than 1 GW/cm2, N being determined as a function of the peak power of the pulse and of the distance d which is fixed, so as to form an electrically conducting zone between the two electrodes.