Spark Gap Ignition Circuit Without Transformers for High-Voltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage spark gap ignition systems require complex and costly ignition transformers, which are sensitive to high-voltage conditions and can cause ignition failures or delays.
Innovation Solution
Replacing ignition transformers with ohmic ignition resistors, where the first trigger spark gap's conducting state generates voltage to ignite the second trigger spark gap, eliminating the need for ignition coils and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ignition transformers are used to ignite trigger spark gaps in high-voltage spark gap arrangements, then reliable ignition can be achieved, but the system becomes complex, costly, and sensitive to high-voltage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ignition transformer from the spark gap arrangement, replacing it with a resistor-based voltage division system. This eliminates the sensitive high-voltage component while maintaining the ignition function through a simpler, more robust resistor network that divides the voltage to trigger multiple spark gaps simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive and sensitive ignition transformer with inexpensive resistors that can withstand high-voltage conditions. The resistor-based voltage divider is a simple, cost-effective solution that does not require complex electromagnetic components, thereby reducing system cost and complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If ignition transformers are used in high-voltage spark gap arrangements, then spark gaps can be ignited, but the system becomes costly and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive ignition transformers with inexpensive resistors forming a voltage divider network. This substitution dramatically reduces the cost of the spark gap arrangement while maintaining the ability to reliably ignite multiple trigger spark gaps through passive voltage division rather than active electromagnetic transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the electromagnetic system (ignition transformer) with a simple electrical resistive system (voltage divider). This replacement eliminates the need for complex electromagnetic components, reducing both cost and manufacturing complexity while achieving the same ignition function through passive voltage distribution.
3Reliability
If ignition transformers are used to bridge ignition capacitors, then spark gaps can be ignited, but the system becomes sensitive to high-voltage conditions and prone to ignition failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ignition transformer from the high-voltage environment by replacing it with a resistor-based voltage divider that operates passively. This extraction eliminates the sensitive electromagnetic component from the high-voltage zone, preventing ignition failures caused by high-voltage interference while maintaining reliable spark gap ignition through voltage division.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses robust, high-voltage-rated resistors instead of sensitive ignition transformers. These resistors are inherently resistant to high-voltage conditions and do not suffer from the sensitivity issues that plague electromagnetic components, thereby eliminating ignition failures and improving overall system reliability in high-voltage environments.
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 solution reduces system complexity and cost, enhancing reliability by eliminating the need for ignition coils and achieving reliable ignition with a simplified construction.
Implementation Method 1
If the first trigger spark gap is brought to a conducting state, a voltage is dropped across the first ignition resistor and thus across the second trigger spark gap, which voltage results in the ignition of the second trigger spark gap
Implementation Method 2
a first pole of the first ignition capacitor is connectable, or connected during operation, to a first electrode of the spark gap arrangement, a second pole of the first ignition capacitor is connectable, or connected during operation, to a first pole of the second ignition capacitor and a second pole of the second ignition capacitor is connectable, or connected during operation, to a second electrode of the spark gap arrangement
Implementation Method 3
spark gaps are usually used for protecting the high-voltage devices, in particular the capacitor and arrester banks
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition apparatus for a spark gap arrangement containing at least a first and a second ignition capacitor for voltage division of a voltage between a first and a second electrode of the spark gap arrangement. A first trigger spark gap is arranged in a first parallel branch with respect to the first ignition capacitor, and a second trigger spark gap is arranged in a second parallel branch with respect to the second ignition capacitor. A first ignition resistor is disposed in the first parallel branch, wherein a first potential point between the first ignition resistor and the first trigger spark gap is connected to an ignition electrode of the second trigger spark gap. Furthermore, a spark gap arrangement containing the ignition apparatus, an arrangement containing a high-voltage device and the spark gap arrangement for protecting the high-voltage device, and a method for igniting the spark gap arrangement are disclosed.