Regulated Storage Capacitor Charging Circuit for Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for charging energy storage capacitors to high voltages, such as those used in electroporation applications, lack the ability to accurately adjust the amplitude of the generated pulsed electric field and control the peak charging current.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an AC source, a voltage multiplier structured as an N-stage Cockroft-Walton circuit, and a control unit that senses the storage capacitor voltage to stop charging or discharge it through a load when a predefined maximum voltage is reached, ensuring accurate maximum charging voltage and limited peak charging current, with the capacitance of charging capacitors being substantially smaller than the storage capacitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical charging circuit model (EP 3176 246) is used to charge the storage capacitor to high voltage, then high voltage charging is achieved, but the amplitude of the generated pulse cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging circuit configurable through selectable capacitor connections. The switching means enable different capacitor combinations to be connected in series, allowing the charging voltage to be dynamically adjusted between multiple discrete levels. This transforms a static charging circuit into a dynamic, adaptable system that can provide different voltage amplitudes as needed.
2Measurement precision
If the capacitance of charging capacitors is substantially smaller than that of the storage capacitor, then accurate maximum charging voltage and limited peak charging current are achieved, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging process into multiple discrete voltage levels achieved through selective capacitor connections. Instead of using a single large capacitor that would charge quickly but inaccurately, the system segments the charging function across multiple smaller capacitors that can be connected in different combinations. This segmentation enables precise voltage control while managing the charging time through configurable stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the switching means that periodically connect and disconnect different capacitor combinations during the charging cycle. The control means periodically monitor the charging voltage and switch between different capacitor configurations to achieve the desired voltage levels. This periodic switching enables accurate voltage regulation while managing the overall charging time through optimized switching sequences.
3Measurement precision
If the control unit constantly senses the storage capacitor voltage and stops charging when maximum voltage is reached, then accurate maximum charging voltage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through the control means that continuously monitors the charging voltage of the storage capacitor and uses this information to control the switching means. When the sensed voltage reaches the predetermined maximum level, the control means automatically stops further charging or discharges the capacitor through the electroporation cell. This feedback mechanism achieves accurate voltage control while keeping the control logic relatively simple through automatic threshold-based decision making.
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 allows for precise control of the maximum charging voltage and limited peak charging current, enhancing the adjustment accuracy and reducing energy consumption, while enabling the generation of high-amplitude pulsed electric fields for electroporation processes.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage multiplier that constitutes a charging unit... structured as an N-stage Cockroft-Walton circuit whose internal capacitors serve as charging capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are disclosed for regulated storage capacitor charging to high voltage. The device comprises an AC source configured to output an AC voltage, a voltage multiplier that constitutes a charging unit and a control unit. The control unit is configured to constantly sense the voltage on the storage capacitor and upon detecting that a predefined maximum charging voltage has been reached to react in at least one of the following ways: stop charging the storage capacitor, and closing an output switch so as to discharge of the storage capacitor through some load. The capacitance of each capacitor in the charging unit is substantially smaller than that of the storage capacitor so as achieve accurate maximum charging voltage as well as limited charging current.