Multichannel Spark-Gap Corona Needle Field Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multichannel spark-gaps for high-power generators face challenges in achieving low inductance and resistance while withstanding high voltages, particularly at low pressures, and require improved electric field distribution for efficient charge transfer.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel spark-gap design with a corona effect needle device on the negative discharge electrode, adapted to compensate for shape differences between electrodes, and a configuration of corona effect needles that promotes homogeneous potential distribution, reducing inductance and enhancing voltage strength, even at lower pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pressure in the spark-gap is increased to withstand high voltages, then the voltage strength is improved, but the inductance and resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the electrode surfaces by introducing corona effect needles that create micro-point contacts. This modifies the electric field distribution at the electrode-gas interface, allowing the spark-gap to withstand high voltages at lower pressures by preventing electron avalanche multiplication at large curvature radii, thus reducing inductance and resistance while maintaining voltage strength
2Loss of energy
If the pressure is reduced to limit resistance and inductance, then the inductance and resistance are reduced, but the voltage strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality modification by equipping only the negative discharge electrode with corona effect needles at specific locations where electric field concentration is critical. This localized treatment creates favorable electric field conditions at the electrode surface without requiring high overall pressure, enabling low inductance and resistance while maintaining adequate voltage strength
3Productivity
If the electrode geometry is non-uniform to optimize charge transfer, then the charge transfer efficiency is improved, but the electric field distribution becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention deliberately introduces asymmetry by placing corona effect needles only on the negative discharge electrode rather than uniformly on all electrodes. This asymmetric configuration optimizes charge transfer efficiency by controlling electron emission at the negative electrode while the positive electrode maintains a different geometry for ion collection, achieving both high productivity and controlled field distribution
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 design achieves improved voltage strength and reduced inductance, allowing the spark-gap to withstand high voltages with lower pressure, optimizing the electric field distribution and charge transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
needles provided in the sealed chamber to generate discharges therein by corona effect with a view to subjecting the intervals delimited by the electrode or electrodes to intermediate potentials
Data Source
AI summary
A multichannel spark-gap with multiple intervals for use in pulsed high-power generators of the LTD family. The spark-gap includes a sealed chamber, two discharge electrodes connected to electrical connecting elements, and a number of intermediate electrodes arranged uniformly inside the sealed chamber. One of the intermediate electrodes is called triggering electrode and is connected to triggering elements enabling the spark-gap to be fired. The triggering electrode further includes integral pipes enabling a gas to be distributed inside the chamber, so as to improve the voltage strength of the spark-gap. The spark-gap is characterised in that the negative discharge electrode includes a corona effect device equipped with needles whereof the geometry is adapted to compensate for the differences in shape between the negative discharge electrode and the immediately adjacent intermediate electrode so as to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the potentials inside the sealed chamber.