Piezoelectric Transformer Frequency Control via Field Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piezoelectric transformers used for plasma generation face challenges in determining the series resonant frequency, which is influenced by various parameters, including load impedance and working surroundings, making it difficult to achieve maximum output voltage without damping transformer vibrations or risking plasma ignition.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a piezoelectric transformer, an activating circuit, and a field probe that measures electric field strength to adapt the activating frequency, allowing for maximum field strength and output voltage without tapping power at the output region, thus simplifying frequency control and enabling operation with non-sinusoidal input signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If voltage is tapped at the output side of the transformer to maximize output voltage, then output voltage can be optimized, but transformer vibration is damped and plasma ignition risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A field probe is introduced as an intermediary device to measure the electric field strength at the output side of the transformer without direct electrical contact. This allows optimization of output voltage through field measurement while avoiding the harmful effects of direct voltage tapping, such as vibration damping and plasma ignition risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical voltage tapping method with a field-based measurement approach. Instead of physically connecting to the output voltage (which causes damping), the system uses a field probe to detect electric field strength, substituting direct electrical contact with non-contact field measurement
2Measurement precision
If rigid soldered connection is used to tap output voltage, then voltage measurement is achieved, but transformer vibration is damped reducing high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The field probe serves as an intermediary that enables voltage measurement without mechanical or electrical connection to the transformer output. This eliminates the vibration damping effect of rigid connections while maintaining measurement capability through non-contact electric field detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical soldered connection system with a non-contact field measurement system. The rigid mechanical connection that damps vibrations is replaced by an electromagnetic field-based measurement approach using the field probe
3Ease of operation
If phase information evaluation is used to control piezoelectric transformer, then frequency control is achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field probe provides real-time feedback on electric field strength, which is used to adjust the driving frequency of the piezoelectric transformer. This feedback mechanism achieves frequency control while avoiding the complex phase information evaluation circuits required by conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the transformer's own output field as the measurement signal for frequency control. The field probe detects the electric field generated by the transformer itself, eliminating the need for separate measurement circuits or complex phase evaluation systems
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 maximizes output voltage and field strength while avoiding vibration damping and plasma ignition risks, allowing for continuous frequency adaptation to optimize plasma production efficiency independently of signal shape and working conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric transformers, in particular Rosen-type transformers, can be used for producing plasma
Implementation Method 2
The field probe is designed to measure a field strength of an electric field produced by the piezoelectric transformer
Implementation Method 3
the maximum efficiency is achieved when the piezoelectric transformer is activated at a frequency that corresponds to the series resonant frequency of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing a non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma are a method for frequency control of a piezoelectric transformer are disclosed. In an embodiment a device includes a piezoelectric transformer, an activating circuit configured to apply an AC voltage at an activating frequency to the piezoelectric transformer as an input voltage and a field probe configured to measure a field strength of an electric field produced by the piezoelectric transformer, wherein the activating circuit is configured to adapt the activating frequency based on the measurement results of the field probe such that a field strength is maximized.