Spiral Vacuum Capacitor Electrode for High Voltage Without Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art vacuum capacitors face limitations in achieving higher voltage without increasing size, as the use of copper electrodes can lead to thermal issues and voltage constraints, and the replacement of copper with high-melting point materials is hindered by the risk of electrode unit collapse during the brazing process.
Innovation Solution
An electrode unit design featuring a supporting part made of a highly conductive material and a spiral wound band-shaped capacitor plate made of high-melting point metal, with a specifically angled inclined edge to prevent collapse during brazing, allowing for optimal heat transport and increased voltage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If copper electrodes are used in vacuum capacitors, then current carrying capacity and heat dissipation are improved, but voltage withstanding capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode unit combines copper supporting part (for heat dissipation and current carrying) with high-melting point metal capacitor plate (for voltage withstanding), creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials to resolve the contradiction between power handling and voltage capability
2Reliability
If electrode separation is increased to achieve higher voltage, then voltage withstanding capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the capacitor plate from copper to high-melting point metal, which fundamentally alters the voltage withstanding characteristics and allows higher operating voltages within the same geometric dimensions, avoiding the need to increase device size
3Reliability
If high-melting point metal capacitor plates are used, then voltage withstanding capability is improved, but structural stability during brazing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode unit is segmented into two functional parts: a copper supporting part that provides thermal and structural stability during brazing, and a high-melting point metal capacitor plate that provides voltage withstanding capability, with each part optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The copper supporting part acts as an intermediary that interfaces with the brazing process and provides mechanical support, while the high-melting point metal capacitor plate is held in place by this intermediary structure, preventing direct exposure to brazing thermal stresses
4Temperature
If copper electrodes are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but voltage limitations are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the electrode unit have different material qualities: the copper supporting part is optimized for thermal conduction and current carrying, while the high-melting point metal capacitor plate is optimized for voltage withstanding, with each local region having the material property best suited to its functional requirement
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 enables vacuum capacitors to withstand higher working voltages and currents while maintaining compact size, reducing thermal stresses and ensuring reliable assembly, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
copper is generally seen as a good material for electrodes or electrode units because it has low electric losses. Even with very high RF currents, vacuum capacitors generate only modest heat which can easily be transported away from the electrodes to the collars of the enclosure by heat conduction
Implementation Method 2
State of the art vacuum capacitors comprise two or more copper electrodes or electrode units, separated by a dielectric medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode unit (10, 20) for an electric vacuum capacitor comprising a band-shaped capacitor plate (11, 21) with a height H, wherein the band-shaped capacitor plate (11, 21) is wound in a spiral with a maximum diameter Dmax and a constant distance between successive turns, wherein the band-shaped capacitor plate (11, 21) comprises a first longitudinal edge (11a, 21a) attached to a supporting part (12) and a second longitudinal edge (11b, 21b), the second longitudinal edge (11b, 21b) being free, wherein at the outer extremity of the spiral, the first longitudinal edge (11a, 21a) and the second longitudinal edge (11b, 21b) are connected by an inclined edge (11c, 21c) such that the first longitudinal edge (11a, 21a) is longer than the second longitudinal edge (11b, 21b), wherein the inclined edge (11c, 21c) forms with the longitudinal axis (B) of the band-shaped capacitor plate (11, 21) an angle α less than or equal to an angle αmax=(45°·π/180°). The invention relates also to a vacuum capacitor (30) comprising at least one electrode unit (10, 20) according to the present invention.