Plasma Ignition Frequency Chirp for Resonant Surge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ignition and maintenance of atmospheric pressure plasmas are challenging due to high impedance during gas transition and resulting current surges, which can stress power supplies and lead to equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a variable frequency alternating current (AC) power source, a transformer with an asymmetric ballast design, and a programmed microprocessor to control the frequency for plasma ignition and maintenance, adjusting the operational frequency before and after ignition to manage impedance transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is applied to ignite atmospheric pressure plasma, then plasma ignition is achieved, but current surges occur due to dynamic impedance transition from high to low
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the presence of plasma before fully applying power. The microprocessor monitors impedance characteristics and only enables full power delivery when plasma is confirmed to be present, preventing current surges during the ignition transition phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the impedance of the plasma load and using this information to control power delivery. The microprocessor adjusts power application based on real-time impedance measurements, ensuring stable operation during the dynamic transition from high to low impedance states.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency is adjusted to manage impedance transition, then current surge is reduced, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operating frequency of the power supply to match the resonant frequency of the plasma load. This frequency tuning optimizes power transfer and minimizes current surges during impedance transitions, achieved through microprocessor-controlled variable frequency operation.
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 effectively ignites and maintains atmospheric pressure plasmas without significant current spikes, preventing damage to power supplies and ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a magnetic core, a primary winding on a first (primary) side of the magnetic core, and a secondary winding on a second (secondary) side of the magnetic core; a cable connected to the secondary winding to output power from the transformer, and the cable having a capacitance to ground; wherein the secondary winding and the cable are resonant at a resonant frequency f1
Data Source
AI summary
A system for plasma ignition and maintenance of an atmospheric pressure plasma. The system has a variable frequency alternating current (AC) power source, a transformer, a cable connected to a secondary winding of the transformer, a programmed microprocessor for control of power to the atmospheric pressure plasma. The microprocessor is configured to a) at pre-ignition, power the AC power source at an operational frequency fop higher than the resonant frequency fr, b) decrease the operational frequency fop of the AC power source until there is plasma ignition, and c) after the plasma ignition, further decrease the operational frequency fop of the AC power source to a frequency lower than the resonant frequency fr.