Microwave Plasma Generator With Inductive Electrode Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plasma systems used for reforming fluids and gases are susceptible to electric feedback or interference, which can damage components and power sources, and existing solutions are not economically robust or commercially practical.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an induction feed-through system that uses a low-turn primary coil and a high-turn secondary coil, with the secondary coil encapsulated in high dielectric strength insulating materials, to deliver high-voltage power to a plasma generator, decoupling the electrode from the power source and preventing electrical overload through electromagnetic induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plasma system uses direct electrical connection between power source and electrode, then power delivery is simple and direct, but the system becomes susceptible to electric feedback and interference that can damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an induction coupling system with primary and secondary coils as an intermediary between the power source and plasma electrode. The primary coil receives power from the source, generates a magnetic field that induces current in the secondary coil, which then delivers power to the electrode without direct electrical connection. This mediator architecture prevents harmful feedback and interference from reaching the power source while maintaining effective plasma generation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic induction is used to decouple the electrode from the power source, then electrical feedback is prevented, but the device complexity increases with additional coils and insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested coil configuration where the secondary coil is positioned inside or around the primary coil structure. This nesting arrangement allows both coils to be integrated into a compact form factor, minimizing the space and structural complexity added by the induction system while effectively preventing electrical feedback through the decoupled power delivery mechanism.
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 effectively prevents electrical feedback and interference, enhancing the durability and performance of plasma devices by allowing direct feedback and self-regulation of kinetic and potential energy, improving power efficiency and coefficient of performance.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of an induction feed-through system that uses a low-turn primary coil and a high-turn secondary coil, with the secondary coil encapsulated in high dielectric strength insulating materials, to deliver high-voltage power to a plasma generator, decoupling the electrode from the power source and preventing electrical overload through electromagnetic induction.
Implementation Method 2
the secondary coil encapsulated in high dielectric strength insulating materials
Implementation Method 3
A microwave emitter is further directed at the reaction zone
Data Source
AI summary
Plasma generators and methods of generating plasma are disclosed. Electrodes in a reaction zone are energized by a high voltage power source that is electrically insulated from the electrodes. A first conductor array, preferably a coil, is electrically coupled to the power source and electrically insulated from the electrodes. A second conductor array, preferably a coaxial coil nested within the first conductor array, is electrically coupled to the electrodes. Electromagnetic induction between the first conductor array and the second conductor array is used to energize the electrodes and generate a plasma in the reaction zone. One or more microwaves are further directed at the plasma to form microwave plasma, either in parallel or in series. Such plasmas are used to reform a hydrocarbon feedstock into low C hydrocarbons, carbon, or hydrogen. Plasma generators combining induction plasma with serial microwave plasmas are further contemplated.