Power Switch Grouping for Flexible Pulse Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power pulse systems face limitations in flexibility regarding pulse separation, voltage, and shape, particularly when high momentary power is required, leading to inefficiencies and complex arrangements for varying pulse characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A power modulator system utilizing a plurality of switched pulse generator sections, electronically controllable at turn-on and turn-off, allows for flexible control of pulse generation by dividing sections into subsets and using a switch control to manage their activation and deactivation, enabling varied pulse trains with different voltages and shapes without the need for extensive recharging or energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pulse generating modules are charged to a certain voltage during recovery and then required to operate at a different voltage, then voltage adaptability is improved, but energy loss increases significantly due to wasted stored energy
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generating modules are divided into multiple groups, each group charged to a specific voltage level. By selecting and activating only the groups needed for the current pulse requirement, the system avoids discharging and recharging entire modules, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining voltage adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple groups of pulse generating modules are pre-charged to different voltage levels before operation. This preliminary charging action allows the system to quickly switch between different voltage requirements without the energy-intensive process of charging or discharging modules during operation.
2Productivity
If pulse repetition rate is increased beyond module recovery capability, then productivity is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to insufficient recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generating modules are organized into multiple independent groups that can operate in parallel. When one group is discharging, other groups can be recovering or charging, allowing the system to maintain high pulse repetition rates while ensuring each module has sufficient recovery time, thus preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging and discharging cycles for different groups of modules in an alternating fashion. While one group is discharging to produce pulses, another group is recovering or charging, creating a periodic pattern that enables sustained high repetition rates without compromising module reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different pulse shapes are required, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for different pulse-forming networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control of switch timing and duration to shape pulses electronically. By varying the turn-on and turn-off times of the solid-state switches in different groups, various pulse shapes can be achieved without requiring physical reconfiguration or different pulse-forming networks, thus maintaining low device complexity while achieving high adaptability.
4Speed
If voltage change-over time is reduced for faster voltage switching, then speed is improved, but energy loss increases due to insufficient charging time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple groups of modules are pre-charged to different voltage levels before operation is needed. This preliminary charging allows the system to switch between voltage levels instantly by simply selecting which pre-charged groups to activate, achieving fast voltage switching without energy loss from charging during 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
This approach enhances the flexibility and efficiency of power pulse generation, allowing for a wider variety of pulse trains with reduced energy consumption and improved adaptability to different power and voltage demands, while minimizing energy wastage and complex recharging processes.
Implementation Method 1
a number of pulse generating modules are connected in parallel to a set of common primary windings of a transformer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4B
Figure 3
AI summary
A power modulator comprises a plurality of switched pulse generator sections (22), a power supply arrangement (10), and a transformer arrangement (30). A switch control (24) is connected to said plurality of switched pulse generator sections (22) for providing control signals for turning on and/or turning off them. The switch control (24) is arranged to provide control signals for turning on and/or turning off switched pulse generator sections of a first subset at a first time instant and to provide control signals for turning on and/or turning off switched pulse generator sections of a second subset at a second time instant, different from the first time instant. The second subset is different from the first subset.