Resonant Pulse Generator Circuit for Low-Loss DBD Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical pulse generators for dielectric barrier discharge devices face challenges with high switching losses, require oversized components, and are costly due to the use of high-voltage diodes and complex control strategies, which complicates the management of parasitic elements like resistance and leakage inductance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical pulse generator with a step-up transformer and a magnetic core designed to saturate during discharge, allowing energy recovery without switching losses, using a controlled switch and diodes to manage current peaks, and a control module for optimal power control strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional electrical pulse generator is used to power dielectric barrier discharge devices, then energy can be transferred to the discharge, but significant switching losses occur and components must be oversized to handle current peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic operation by controlling the switch to operate at specific moments in the discharge cycle when current is minimal, and by using a resonant circuit that dynamically adjusts energy transfer. The controlled switch operates in a regime where it experiences minimal current stress, and the resonant tank circuit dynamically exchanges energy between inductive and capacitive elements, enabling efficient power transfer without requiring oversized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters by using a resonant frequency-based approach rather than conventional fixed-frequency switching. The circuit operates at the resonant frequency of the LC tank, which fundamentally changes the current waveform and timing characteristics. This parameter change allows the switch to experience near-zero voltage or current during switching transitions, eliminating switching losses without requiring oversized components.
2Loss of energy
If high-voltage diodes are used in the generator circuit, then energy recovery is possible, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-voltage diode from the circuit topology and replaces it with a resonant LC tank circuit and controlled switch arrangement. The energy recovery function traditionally performed by high-voltage diodes is achieved instead through the resonant exchange of energy between the inductor and capacitor, eliminating the need for expensive high-voltage diodes while maintaining energy recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive high-voltage diodes with simpler, lower-cost components including standard capacitors, inductors, and low-voltage controlled switches. These cheaper components perform the same energy recovery function through resonant operation, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential energy recovery capability.
3Reliability
If power switches are sized to support significant current peaks during discharge, then reliable operation is achieved, but switching losses increase and control becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitive element during the charging phase, so that when the discharge phase begins, the energy is already stored and ready for transfer. The controlled switch is closed at the optimal moment when current is minimal, and the pre-charged capacitor immediately begins transferring energy through the resonant circuit, avoiding the need for the switch to handle large current peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through oscillatory discharge cycles where energy alternates between the inductive and capacitive elements of the resonant tank. This periodic energy exchange creates a controlled current waveform with predictable minima, allowing the switch to operate at optimal points in the cycle with minimal current stress, ensuring reliability without excessive switching losses.
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 solution reduces switching losses, eliminates the need for oversized components, and lowers manufacturing costs by efficiently managing current peaks and energy transfer, ensuring stable operation of dielectric barrier discharge devices.
Implementation Method 1
an inductance intended to store energy supplied, during a charging phase, by a source direct voltage to two terminals of powering the generator
Implementation Method 2
transferring said energy to the dielectric barrier discharge device during a discharge phase via a transformer
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic core being dimensioned to saturate magnetically as soon as a variation in magnetic flux, greater than the first variation in magnetic flux, passes through it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a pulse generator (10) comprising an inductor (Lstock) that is intended to store energy that is delivered, during a charge phase, by a DC voltage source (30) to two power supply terminals of the generator (10), and to transfer said energy to the dielectric-barrier discharge device (20) during a discharge phase via a transformer (Ts), the generator (10) further comprising: - an arrangement of a first (40) and of a second (50) circuits in series that are connected at a node N of the generator (10); the first circuit (40) comprising two branches (41, 42), one of the two branches (41) comprising the inductor (Lstock), and the other branch (42) comprising a diode (D1) and the transformer (Ts), the secondary circuit (Ts2) being connected to the dielectric-barrier discharge device (20); - the second circuit (50) comprising a controlled switch (T1).