Parallel Power Booster for Metal Disintegrator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric arc disintegrators face limitations in power capacity due to I2R heating loss and backfeeding issues when attempting to connect multiple units in parallel, which can lead to damage or destruction, and require identical phase and voltage settings for safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a master disintegrator unit and a booster unit with special safety circuitry that automatically verifies and ensures identical auto-transformer settings and phase connections before allowing parallel operation, reducing heat loss and enabling safe simultaneous use of two units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size of existing disintegrator designs is increased to achieve higher power capacity, then the power capacity is improved, but the I2R heating loss increases and taxes the materials and construction to their practical limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large disintegrator into two separate disintegrator units operating in parallel. Each unit has its own cutting transformer, so the I2R heating losses are distributed across two separate transformers rather than concentrated in one large transformer. This segmentation allows achieving higher total power capacity while keeping individual transformer losses manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two separate disintegrator units to operate together on a common electrode. By merging the output of two units with identical settings and phase connections, the system achieves doubled power capacity while each individual transformer operates at manageable load levels, reducing I2R losses proportionally.
2Power
If two disintegrator units are connected in parallel to increase power capacity, then the power capacity is improved, but back feed between units can cause damage or destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification of identical auto-transformer tap settings and phase connections before allowing parallel operation. The control system checks these parameters in advance to ensure both units are properly synchronized, preventing back feed conditions that could damage the units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor the operation of both units. The control system detects any discrepancies in settings or phase connections and provides feedback to prevent unsafe operation, ensuring that back feed conditions are identified and corrected before they can cause damage.
3Loss of energy
If two disintegrator units are used in parallel, then the heat loss is reduced by half, but the device complexity increases due to safety circuitry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs both disintegrator units with identical configurations and integrated safety features. The same control circuitry and safety mechanisms are universally applied to both units, allowing them to function independently or in parallel. This universal design simplifies the overall system complexity compared to having different safety systems for each unit.
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 solution allows for reliable parallel operation of two disintegrator units, reducing heat loss by half, simplifying inventory and diagnostics, and enabling the units to be used in confined spaces, while ensuring safe operation by preventing destructive backfeeding.
Implementation Method 1
devices that use an electric arc struck between a metal object and an electrode to disintegrate the metal object
Implementation Method 2
a water cooled cutting transformer
Implementation Method 3
water cooled cutting transformer
Implementation Method 4
cooling water circulating pump, heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A high power disintegrator system comprising a master disintegrator unit and a power booster disintegrator unit, the units being connectable in parallel to a common electrode, each unit including a cutting transformer and an adjustable auto transformer arranged to supply an adjustable voltage to its cutting transformer, an electrical control circuit responsive to voltage detected in the power booster unit that prevents operation of the booster unit when the auto transformers are set to produce different voltages at their respective cutting transformer.