Radiation Source Power Control for Consistent Lining Tube Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ballasts used for radiation sources in lining tube curing devices are inefficient and fail to accurately regulate the power output, leading to inconsistent curing quality due to natural aging and varying power consumption, especially in long cable connections and different radiation source types.
Innovation Solution
A power control device regulates the electrical power output of radiation sources, allowing for setpoint parameter adjustment based on actual power consumption, independent of cable lengths and aging, using a current measuring unit and microcontroller for precise power management, enabling flexible operation over a wide power spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ballasts are used for radiation sources, then the system is simple in structure, but the power output regulation is inaccurate and curing quality becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a measuring device continuously monitors the actual power consumption of the radiation source and compares it with a setpoint parameter. The power control device automatically adjusts the power output based on this feedback to maintain consistent curing quality despite aging or external influences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical ballasts with an electronic power control system that uses a microcontroller and measuring devices to regulate power output. This substitution enables precise digital control of radiation source power, improving curing consistency while managing system complexity through integrated electronics.
2Loss of energy
If conventional ballasts are used, then the device complexity is low, but energy losses increase and power regulation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device continuously monitors actual power consumption and provides feedback to the power control device, enabling real-time compensation for energy losses in cable connections and other system components, thereby reducing overall energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control device dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) based on measured actual power consumption and setpoint requirements, optimizing energy delivery to the radiation source and minimizing losses in the system.
3Reliability
If power output is increased to compensate for aging radiation sources, then radiation energy delivery is maintained, but energy consumption and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to monitor actual power consumption and adjust the setpoint parameter accordingly. When radiation sources age and become less efficient, the system automatically increases power delivery only to the extent necessary to maintain consistent curing output, avoiding excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control system dynamically adapts to changing conditions including radiation source aging by continuously measuring actual power consumption and adjusting operating parameters in real-time, maintaining optimal efficiency throughout the radiation source lifecycle.
4Reliability
If separate ignition units are added for radiation sources, then ignition reliability improves, but device complexity and system components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ignition function with the existing power control device, eliminating the need for separate ignition units. The power control device is designed to provide both ignition pulses and ongoing power regulation, reducing system complexity while maintaining ignition reliability through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an ignition source and as a continuous power regulation system. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all necessary functions.
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
Ensures consistent and reliable radiation energy delivery to lining tubes by adapting power output to actual consumption, reducing losses and ensuring complete curing regardless of external influences like fluctuating voltages or aging, while simplifying the system by eliminating the need for additional ignition units.
Implementation Method 1
UV radiation sources, also referred to as UV radiators
Implementation Method 2
cured by means of radiation, e.g. using UV light with photoinitiators
Implementation Method 3
it is necessary for the heating filaments of the UV radiator to be preheated
Implementation Method 4
an inductance in the form of an inductor which is operated with normal AC voltage at 50 Hz and which brings about the ignition pulse by means of a switching process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for hardening resin-impregnated lining tubes with high-energy radiation, comprising at least one radiation source for producing high-energy radiation and at least one power control device for regulating the electrical power output at the at least one radiation source, at least one nominal parameter representing the desired electrical power output of the power control device being adjustable or adjusted, and the actual power received from the at least one radiation source being measured by means of a measuring device and permanently compared with the nominal parameter, wherein in the event of falling short of the nominal parameter, the power control device increases the power output, and in the event of the nominal parameter being exceeded, the power output is reduced.