Plasma torch ignition by a half bridge resonant converter

Author

Pacheco-Sotelo, Joel ; Peña-Eguiluz, Rosendo ; Eguiluz, Leonardo Peña ; De los Ríos, Armando Segovia ; Sánchez, German Cota

Author_Institution

Nat. Inst. for Nucl. Res., Mexico City, Mexico

Volume

27

Issue

4

fYear

1999

fDate

8/1/1999 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1124

Lastpage

1130

Abstract

The design, implementation, and performance of a half bridge resonant converter (HBRC) used as an electronic ignition system for arc plasma torch generation is presented. The significance of the design lies in its simplicity, versatility, and low cost. The system operates as a high voltage supply attached to electrodes before gaseous breakdown and as an open circuit when an electric arc is established. The operation of the HBRC does not interfere with either the electric supply line or the electric measurement devices. Advantages and limitations of the converter are reviewed. The experimental impedance variation in the medium as a function of frequency and some experiences in striking arcs are also presented

Keywords

DC-AC power convertors; arcs (electric); bridge circuits; circuit-breaking arcs; electric ignition; electrodes; plasma jets; plasma torches; power supplies to apparatus; resonant power convertors; spark gaps; arc plasma torch generation; design; design simplicity; design versatility; electric measurement devices; electric supply line; electronic ignition system; experimental impedance variation; frequency; half bridge resonant converter; implementation; low cost design; operation; performance; plasma torch ignition; review; striking arcs; Breakdown voltage; Bridge circuits; Costs; Electric variables measurement; Electrodes; Frequency; Ignition; Impedance; Plasmas; Resonance;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-3813

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/27.782292

Filename

782292