Collapsible EHV Generator Using Telescoping Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Extra-High Voltage (EHV) machines are large, permanent facilities that are difficult to transport and deploy, limiting their use to applications where equipment can be moved to the generator, and they require structural materials with high strength-to-weight ratio, non-conductive and capable of withstanding high voltage gradients.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible EHV generation system comprising multiple high voltage tower structures with winding sections that can be telescoped for compact storage and extended for operation, using insulating materials and non-conductive lifting actuators to support high voltage gradients, and a top electrode with a smooth conductive surface for efficient and controlled electrical discharge generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EHV machines are designed as large permanent facilities to support heavy high-voltage components and maintain large clearance distances, then the reliability and performance of electrical discharge generation is improved, but the portability and ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The EHV machine is divided into multiple modular components including transformer sections, capacitor banks, and support structures that can be independently transported and assembled. Each module maintains the necessary clearance distances and structural integrity while allowing the entire system to be disassembled for transport to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Smaller EHV machine components are nested within larger structural frameworks that provide support and maintain clearance distances. The modular sections can be stacked or positioned within each other during transport, then deployed in their functional configurations when assembled at the test site.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made collapsible for efficient transport and deployment, then the portability is improved, but the structural strength and ability to support heavy high-voltage components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures employ telescopic and adjustable mechanisms that provide rigid support when deployed but can be collapsed or reconfigured for transport. The structural members are designed to maintain their load-bearing capacity during operation while reducing to compact configurations during movement between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the structure have different properties - areas requiring high strength and rigidity use solid, non-collapsible components, while areas requiring portability use collapsible sections. The structure transitions from rigid support functions to compact transport functions in different spatial and temporal contexts.
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
Enables the economical transport, deployment, and operation of EHV systems capable of producing long electrical discharges, facilitating testing and research applications on difficult-to-move items like large aircraft or buildings, while maintaining efficiency and safety through controlled voltage gradients and non-conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
An induction coil provides one method for generating high voltage electrical discharges. A rapidly changing magnetic field passing through the induction coil generates a corresponding voltage between the ends of the coil.
Implementation Method 2
The structural materials forming the tower sections cannot be electrically conductive. The structural materials forming the tower sections must support very high voltage gradients.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible, high voltage electrical discharge generator uses a set of telescoping winding sections to achieve a compact form suitable for efficient transport, storage and deployment. The winding sections have two typical arrangements, fully collapsed and fully extended. In the fully collapsed mode the sections can be telescoped together into a nested configuration, thus occupying a small fraction of the volume of a fully extended system. The towers can be erected into the fully extended mode by applying internal pressure, or alternatively by using mechanical linkage to simply extend the telescoped stack of winding sections into position. Fully extended and connected, the individual sections perform as a large, continuous inductive element capable of generating very high voltages at the top of the tower for use in testing equipment and producing long electrical discharges.