Spark Gap Ignition Circuit Using Resistors Instead of Transformers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition devices for high-voltage spark gaps, particularly in series compensation systems, are prone to failure and long ignition delays due to the use of sensitive and costly ignition transformers, which are susceptible to wear and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
The ignition device employs ohmic ignition resistors instead of transformers, using a capacitive voltage divider and resistive branches to trigger spark gaps, eliminating the need for ignition coils and simplifying the design for enhanced reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ignition transformers are used to ignite trigger spark gaps, then reliable ignition can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ignition transformer from the circuit, replacing it with a purely resistive ignition circuit. The ignition resistor is directly connected to the trigger spark gap, eliminating the need for electromagnetic transformation and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ignition functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and complex ignition transformer with a simple, inexpensive resistive element. The ignition resistor is a basic passive component that is much cheaper and simpler than an ignition transformer, achieving the same ignition function without the need for expensive electromagnetic equipment.
2Reliability
If ignition transformers are used, then sufficient ignition voltage can be generated, but the component becomes sensitive and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sensitive ignition transformer with a robust resistive element that is not susceptible to wear, electromagnetic interference, or mechanical failure. The ignition resistor is a simple passive component with no moving parts or sensitive windings, making it highly reliable and resistant to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic system (ignition transformer) with a purely resistive electrical system. By using ohmic resistance instead of electromagnetic induction, the system eliminates the sensitivity issues associated with transformers while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient ignition voltage through voltage division.
3Reliability
If cascaded ignition of multiple trigger spark gaps is implemented, then high-voltage protection is achieved, but the ignition delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-charges multiple ignition capacitors before the fault condition occurs. When a fault is detected, the pre-charged capacitors can immediately discharge through their respective trigger spark gaps and ignition resistors, eliminating the need for sequential charging and reducing the overall ignition delay while maintaining cascaded protection functionality.
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 resistive ignition approach reduces complexity, lowers costs, and ensures reliable ignition within 1 millisecond, providing robust protection against high-voltage faults in high-voltage equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Voltage division of the total voltage difference between the low-voltage potential and the high-voltage potential is achieved by means of four ignition capacitors C1-C4
Implementation Method 2
When the first trigger spark gap is brought into a conductive state, a voltage drops across the first ignition resistor and thus across the second trigger spark gap
Implementation Method 3
The current flow in Z1 generates a high-voltage pulse that converts the second trigger spark gap Trg2 into a conducting state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ignition device (100) for a spark gap arrangement (200) comprising at least one first and one second ignition capacitor (C1, C2) for voltage division between a first and a second electrode of the spark gap arrangement, a first trigger spark gap (Tgr1) arranged in a first parallel branch to the first ignition capacitor, and a second trigger spark gap (Tgr2) arranged in a second parallel branch to the second ignition capacitor. The invention is characterized in that a first ignition resistor (P1b) is provided in the first parallel branch, wherein a first potential point (101) between the first ignition resistor and the first trigger spark gap is connected to an ignition electrode (ZE2) of the second trigger spark gap.The invention further relates to a spark gap arrangement with the ignition device, an arrangement with a high-voltage device and the spark gap arrangement for protecting the high-voltage device, and a method for igniting the spark gap arrangement.