High Current Pulse Generator with Segmented Capacitive Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for supplying high current pulses to ohmic-inductive loads struggle to achieve rapid current derivatives and maintain steady-state currents efficiently, as they require high initial voltages and powers, but supercapacitors limit current derivatives and are sensitive to frequency, necessitating additional filtering.

Innovation Solution

A current pulse generator using a capacitive module with primary and secondary capacitors, regulated by a two-quadrant electronic splitter or chopper, which applies high-voltage pulses for initial current rise and maintains constant current through the load, allowing partial energy recovery and minimizing voltage reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If supercapacitors are used to store energy, then high currents can be obtained for long periods, but high current derivatives cannot be obtained on loads with significant inductance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of high current supplyVSAvoidcurrent derivative
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive module is segmented into two distinct parts: traditional capacitors for providing high voltage pulses with rapid current derivatives, and supercapacitors for maintaining steady state current over extended periods. This segmentation allows each capacitor type to optimize its performance for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between duration and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If high voltage pulses are applied to ohmic-inductive loads, then rapid current rise is achieved, but voltage decreases during extended current supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent rise rateVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional capacitors are pre-charged to high voltage before the pulse sequence begins. This preliminary action ensures that when the pulse is applied, maximum voltage is available for rapid current rise. During the extended supply period, the supercapacitors take over to maintain voltage, preventing the voltage decrease that would normally occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If uncontrolled rectifiers with diodes are used, then system complexity is reduced, but power conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectifier circuit complexityVSAvoidpower conversion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a self-service mechanism where the ohmic-inductive load itself serves as the energy storage element during the flat top period. The energy is stored in the magnetic field of the load and then returned to the source during the recovery phase, eliminating the need for complex energy storage circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides high current pulses with rapid rise and extended duration without voltage decrease, enabling efficient energy reuse and reducing negative effects from alternating components, while maintaining constant current and voltage across the load.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive module (MC) in which there are one or more primary capacitors (C1), preferably of traditional type, for generating voltage pulses, with high capacity and high voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The regulation module (MR) consists of a two quadrant electronic splitter, or chopper, which allows adjustment of the value of the voltage supplied from the capacitive module MC by supplying it in high frequency pulses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPWM (Pulse Width Modulation):

Data Source

PatentEP3261252B1Electrical pulse generator of high current, power and energy
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 ENERGY TECH SRL
  • EP3261252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3261252B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3261252B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is an electrical pulse generator for ohmic-inductive loads with a capacitive module (MC) in which a primary capacitor (C1) is charged by a first generator (G1) for generating voltage pulses, with high capacity and high voltage, on an ohmic-inductive load (LR). In the capacitive module (MC) there is also a secondary capacitor or supercapacitor (SC1) with a very high capacity, charged by a second generator (G2) designed to continuously supply voltage to the load (LR). An electronic splitter, or Chopper (CH) is interposed between the capacitive module (MC) and the load (LR) which splits the voltage supplied by the capacitive module (MC) according to modulated high frequency pulses, in such a way that the value of the voltage supplied to the load (LR) is constant.