Plasma DC to DC Transformer with Helical Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for high voltage DC transmission are complex and costly, and existing transformers are inefficient in transforming DC voltages and currents.
Innovation Solution
A DC to DC transformer system utilizing plasma, helical electrodes, an axial magnetic field, and a feedback-controlled radial magnetic field to induce helical flow in plasma, allowing for efficient transformation of DC voltages and currents, with the ability to reverse operation between step-up and step-down configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional methods are used for high voltage DC transmission, then high voltage DC can be provided, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electromagnetic transformer systems with a plasma-based system. Instead of using traditional iron cores, windings, and magnetic circuits, the invention uses ionized gas (plasma) as the active medium to directly couple input and output circuits through electromagnetic interactions in the plasma, thereby eliminating complex mechanical and electromagnetic components while achieving high voltage DC transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of matter from solid/liquid conventional transformer components to plasma state. By maintaining plasma in a controlled environment and manipulating its electromagnetic properties through electric and magnetic fields, the system achieves efficient energy transfer without the structural complexity of traditional transformers. The plasma parameters (density, temperature, composition) can be adjusted to optimize performance for different voltage levels.
2Power
If conventional transformers are used, then voltage transformation can be achieved, but efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the plasma phase (ionized gas) as an intermediate state between input and output circuits. The plasma can be created, maintained, and controlled to efficiently transfer energy between different voltage levels. By carefully controlling the plasma's ionization state and electromagnetic properties, the system minimizes energy losses associated with conventional transformer resistance, hysteresis, and eddy currents.
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
The system minimizes cost and complexity while achieving high efficiency in transforming DC voltages and currents, optimizing transformer efficiency by varying the pitch and length of helical electrodes and controlling the radial magnetic field.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current passing through the two or more helical electrodes induces helical flow in the plasma
Implementation Method 2
an electric current passing through the two or more helical electrodes directly drives current parallel to the magnetic field in the plasma
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical transformer system using helical electrodes applied to a plasma. Systems and methods transform DC voltages and currents to different DC voltages and currents. Instead of using wires and iron cores similar to known transformers, the present DC to DC transformer system exploits plasma, helical electrodes, an axial magnetic field and radial magnetic field coils, with a control system to specify a radial magnetic field at the edge of a specified magnitude. A DC input voltage is applied, and an output is taken from electrodes at opposite the ends of the central apparatus. The system and apparatus contains a radial magnetic field embedded in the helical electrodes; the secondary current is taken from either solid or split (slotted) electrodes. Methods are disclosed for changing the output voltage and current relative to the input values. The system can function as either a stepup or a stepdown transformer.