The effect of external visible light on the breakdown voltage of a long discharge tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shishpanov, A. I.; Ionikh, Yu. Z.; Meshchanov, A. V.

2016-06-01

The breakdown characteristics of a discharge tube with a configuration typical of gas-discharge light sources and electric-discharge lasers (a so-called "long discharge tube") filled with argon or helium at a pressure of 1 Torr have been investigated. A breakdown has been implemented using positive and negative voltage pulses with a linear leading edge having a slope dU/ dt ~ 10-107 V/s. Visible light from an external source (halogen incandescent lamp) is found to affect the breakdown characteristics. The dependences of the dynamic breakdown voltage of the tube on dU/ dt and on the incident light intensity are measured. The breakdown voltage is found to decrease under irradiation of the high-voltage anode of the tube in a wide range of dU/ dt. A dependence of the effect magnitude on the light intensity and spectrum is obtained. Possible physical mechanisms of this phenomenon are discussed.

A low knee voltage and high breakdown voltage of 4H-SiC TSBS employing poly-Si/Ni Schottky scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong Young; Seok, Ogyun; Park, Himchan; Bahng, Wook; Kim, Hyoung Woo; Park, Ki Cheol

2018-02-01

We report a low knee voltage and high breakdown voltage 4H-SiC TSBS employing poly-Si/Ni dual Schottky contacts. A knee voltage was significantly improved from 0.75 to 0.48 V by utilizing an alternative low work-function material of poly-Si as an anode electrode. Also, reverse breakdown voltage was successfully improved from 901 to 1154 V due to a shrunk low-work-function Schottky region by a proposed self-align etching process between poly-Si and SiC. SiC TSBS with poly-Si/Ni dual Schottky scheme is a suitable structure for high-efficiency rectification and high-voltage blocking operation.

Numerical Study on Alternating Current Breakdown Mechanism Between Sphere-Sphere Electrodes in Transformer Oil-Based Magnetic Nanofluids.

PubMed

Lee, Won-Ho; Lee, Jong-Chul

2018-09-01

A numerical simulation was developed for magnetic nanoparticles in a liquid dielectric to investigate the AC breakdown voltage of the magnetic nanofluids according to the volume concentration of the magnetic nanoparticles. In prior research, we found that the dielectric breakdown voltage of the transformer oil-based magnetic nanofluids was positively or negatively affected according to the amount of magnetic nanoparticles under a testing condition of dielectric fluids, and the trajectory of the magnetic nanoparticles in a fabricated chip was visualized to verify the related phenomena via measurements and computations. In this study, a numerical simulation of magnetic nanoparticles in an insulating fluid was developed to model particle tracing for AC breakdown mechanisms happened to a sphere-sphere electrode configuration and to propose a possible mechanism regarding the change in the breakdown strength due to the behavior of the magnetic nanoparticles with different applied voltages.

Mitigating voltage lead errors of an AC Josephson voltage standard by impedance matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Dongsheng; van den Brom, Helko E.; Houtzager, Ernest

2017-09-01

A pulse-driven AC Josephson voltage standard (ACJVS) generates calculable AC voltage signals at low temperatures, whereas measurements are performed with a device under test (DUT) at room temperature. The voltage leads cause the output voltage to show deviations that scale with the frequency squared. Error correction mechanisms investigated so far allow the ACJVS to be operational for frequencies up to 100 kHz. In this paper, calculations are presented to deal with these errors in terms of reflected waves. Impedance matching at the source side of the system, which is loaded with a high-impedance DUT, is proposed as an accurate method to mitigate these errors for frequencies up to 1 MHz. Simulations show that the influence of non-ideal component characteristics, such as the tolerance of the matching resistor, the capacitance of the load input impedance, losses in the voltage leads, non-homogeneity in the voltage leads, a non-ideal on-chip connection and inductors between the Josephson junction array and the voltage leads, can be corrected for using the proposed procedures. The results show that an expanded uncertainty of 12 parts in 106 (k  =  2) at 1 MHz and 0.5 part in 106 (k  =  2) at 100 kHz is within reach.

Subnanosecond breakdown development in high-voltage pulse discharge: Effect of secondary electron emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrov, A. L.; Schweigert, I. V.; Zakrevskiy, Dm. E.; Bokhan, P. A.; Gugin, P.; Lavrukhin, M.

2017-10-01

A subnanosecond breakdown in high-voltage pulse discharge may be a key tool for superfast commutation of high power devices. The breakdown in high-voltage open discharge at mid-high pressure in helium was studied in experiment and in kinetic simulations. The kinetic model of electron avalanche development was constructed, based on PIC-MCC simulations, including dynamics of electrons, ions and fast helium atoms, produced by ions scattering. Special attention was paid to electron emission processes from cathode, such as: photoemission by Doppler-shifted resonant photons, produced in excitation processes involving fast atoms; electron emission by ions and fast atoms bombardment of cathode; the secondary electron emission (SEE) by hot electrons from bulk plasma. The simulations show that the fast atoms accumulation is the main reason of emission growth at the early stage of breakdown, but at the final stage, when the voltage on plasma gap diminishes, namely the SEE is responsible for subnanosecond rate of current growth. It was shown that the characteristic time of the current growth can be controlled by the SEE yield. The influence of SEE yield for three types of cathode material (titanium, SiC, and CuAlMg-alloy) was tested. By changing the pulse voltage amplitude and gas pressure, the area of existence of subnanosecond breakdown is identified. It is shown that in discharge with SiC and CuAlMg-alloy cathodes (which have enhanced SEE) the current can increase with a subnanosecond characteristic time value as small as τs = 0.4 ns, for the pulse voltage amplitude of 5÷12 kV. An increase of gas pressure from 15 Torr to 30 Torr essentially decreases the time of of current front growth, whereas the pulse voltage variation weakly affects the results.

Current–voltage characteristics of high-voltage 4H-SiC p{sup +}–n{sub 0}–n{sup +} diodes in the avalanche breakdown mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ivanov, P. A., E-mail: Pavel.Ivanov@mail.ioffe.ru; Potapov, A. S.; Samsonova, T. P.

p{sup +}–n{sub 0}–n{sup +} 4H-SiC diodes with homogeneous avalanche breakdown at 1860 V are fabricated. The pulse current–voltage characteristics are measured in the avalanche-breakdown mode up to a current density of 4000 A/cm{sup 2}. It is shown that the avalanche-breakdown voltage increases with increasing temperature. The following diode parameters are determined: the avalanche resistance (8.6 × 10{sup –2} Ω cm{sup 2}), the electron drift velocity in the n{sub 0} base at electric fields higher than 10{sup 6} V/cm (7.8 × 10{sup 6} cm/s), and the relative temperature coefficient of the breakdown voltage (2.1 × 10{sup –4} K{sup –1}).

High ESD Breakdown-Voltage InP HBT Transimpedance Amplifier IC for Optical Video Distribution Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Kimikazu; Nagatani, Munehiko; Mutoh, Miwa; Murata, Koichi

This paper is a report on a high ESD breakdown-voltage InP HBT transimpedance amplifier IC for optical video distribution systems. To make ESD breakdown-voltage higher, we designed ESD protection circuits integrated in the TIA IC using base-collector/base-emitter diodes of InP HBTs and resistors. These components for ESD protection circuits have already existed in the employed InP HBT IC process, so no process modifications were needed. Furthermore, to meet requirements for use in optical video distribution systems, we studied circuit design techniques to obtain a good input-output linearity and a low-noise characteristic. Fabricated InP HBT TIA IC exhibited high human-body-model ESD breakdown voltages (±1000V for power supply terminals, ±200V for high-speed input/output terminals), good input-output linearity (less than 2.9-% duty-cycle-distortion), and low noise characteristic (10.7pA/√Hz averaged input-referred noise current density) with a -3-dB-down higher frequency of 6.9GHz. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first literature describing InP ICs with high ESD-breakdown voltages.

Effect of secondary electron emission on subnanosecond breakdown in high-voltage pulse discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweigert, I. V.; Alexandrov, A. L.; Gugin, P.; Lavrukhin, M.; Bokhan, P. A.; Zakrevsky, Dm E.

2017-11-01

The subnanosecond breakdown in open discharge may be applied for producing superfast high power switches. Such fast breakdown in high-voltage pulse discharge in helium was explored both in experiment and in kinetic simulations. The kinetic model of electron avalanche development was developed using PIC-MCC technique. The model simulates motion of electrons, ions and fast helium atoms, appearing due to ions scattering. It was shown that the mechanism responsible for ultra-fast breakdown development is the electron emission from cathode. The photoemission and emission by ions or fast atoms impact is the main reason of current growth at the early stage of breakdown, but at the final stage, when the voltage on discharge gap drops, the secondary electron emission (SEE) is responsible for subnanosecond time scale of current growth. It was also found that the characteristic time of the current growth τS depends on the SEE yield of the cathode material. Three types of cathode material (titanium, SiC, and CuAlMg-alloy) were tested. It is shown that in discharge with SiC and CuAlMg-alloy cathodes (which have enhanced SEE) the current can increase with a subnanosecond characteristic time as small as τS = 0.4 ns, for the pulse voltage amplitude of 5- 12 kV..

Breakdown voltage reduction by field emission in multi-walled carbon nanotubes based ionization gas sensor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saheed, M. Shuaib M.; Muti Mohamed, Norani; Arif Burhanudin, Zainal, E-mail: zainabh@petronas.com.my

2014-03-24

Ionization gas sensors using vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are demonstrated. The sharp tips of the nanotubes generate large non-uniform electric fields at relatively low applied voltage. The enhancement of the electric field results in field emission of electrons that dominates the breakdown mechanism in gas sensor with gap spacing below 14 μm. More than 90% reduction in breakdown voltage is observed for sensors with MWCNT and 7 μm gap spacing. Transition of breakdown mechanism, dominated by avalanche electrons to field emission electrons, as decreasing gap spacing is also observed and discussed.

The Studies of a Vacuum Gap Breakdown after High-Current Arc Interruption with Increasing the Voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, A. V.; Popov, S. A.; Batrakov, A. V.; Dubrovskaya, E. L.; Lavrinovich, V. A.

2017-12-01

Vacuum-gap breakdown has been studied after high-current arc interruption with a subsequent increase in the transient recovery voltage across a gap. The effects of factors, such as the rate of the rise in the transient voltage, the potential of the shield that surrounds a discharge gap, and the arc burning time, have been determined. It has been revealed that opening the contacts earlier leads to the formation of an anode spot, which is the source of electrode material vapors into the discharge gap after current zero moment. Under the conditions of increasing voltage, this fact results in the breakdown. Too late opening leads to the breakdown of a short gap due to the high electric fields.

Hybrid AC-High Voltage DC Grid Stability and Controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jicheng

The growth of energy demands in recent years has been increasing faster than the expansion of transmission facility construction. This tendency cooperating with the continuous investing on the renewable energy resources drives the research, development, and construction of HVDC projects to create a more reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly power grid. Constructing the hybrid AC-HVDC grid is a significant move in the development of the HVDC techniques; the form of dc system is evolving from the point-to-point stand-alone dc links to the embedded HVDC system and the multi-terminal HVDC (MTDC) system. The MTDC is a solution for the renewable energy interconnections, and the MTDC grids can improve the power system reliability, flexibility in economic dispatches, and converter/cable utilizing efficiencies. The dissertation reviews the HVDC technologies, discusses the stability issues regarding the ac and HVDC connections, proposes a novel power oscillation control strategy to improve system stability, and develops a nonlinear voltage droop control strategy for the MTDC grid. To verify the effectiveness the proposed power oscillation control strategy, a long distance paralleled AC-HVDC transmission test system is employed. Based on the PSCAD/EMTDC platform simulation results, the proposed power oscillation control strategy can improve the system dynamic performance and attenuate the power oscillations effectively. To validate the nonlinear voltage droop control strategy, three droop controls schemes are designed according to the proposed nonlinear voltage droop control design procedures. These control schemes are tested in a hybrid AC-MTDC system. The hybrid AC-MTDC system, which is first proposed in this dissertation, consists of two ac grids, two wind farms and a five-terminal HVDC grid connecting them. Simulation studies are performed in the PSCAD/EMTDC platform. According to the simulation results, all the three design schemes have their unique salient

Breakdown voltage determination of gaseous and near cryogenic fluids with application to rocket engine ignition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugent, Nicholas Jeremy

Liquid rocket engines extensively use spark-initiated torch igniters for ignition. As the focus shifts to longer missions that require multiple starts of the main engines, there exists a need to solve the significant problems associated with using spark-initiated devices. Improving the fundamental understanding of predicting the required breakdown voltage in rocket environments along with reducing electrical noise is necessary to ensure that missions can be completed successfully. To better understand spark ignition systems and add to the fundamental research on spark development in rocket applications, several parameter categories of interest were hypothesized to affect breakdown voltage: (i) fluid, (ii) electrode, and (iii) electrical. The fluid properties varied were pressure, temperature, density and mass flow rate. Electrode materials, insert electrode angle and spark gap distance were the electrode properties varied. Polarity was the electrical property investigated. Testing how breakdown voltage is affected by each parameter was conducted using three different isolated insert electrodes fabricated from copper and nickel. A spark plug commonly used in torch igniters was the other electrode. A continuous output power source connected to a large impedance source and capacitance provided the pulsing potential. Temperature, pressure and high voltage measurements were recorded for the 418 tests that were successfully completed. Nitrogen, being inert and similar to oxygen, a propellant widely used in torch igniters, was used as the fluid for the majority of testing. There were 68 tests completed with oxygen and 45 with helium. A regression of the nitrogen data produced a correction coefficient to Paschen's Law that predicts the breakdown voltage to within 3000 volts, better than 20%, compared to an over prediction on the order of 100,000 volts using Paschen's Law. The correction coefficient is based on the parameters most influencing breakdown voltage: fluid

Design of high breakdown voltage GaN vertical HFETs with p-GaN buried buffer layers for power switching applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jiangfeng; Liu, Dong; Zhao, Ziqi; Bai, Zhiyuan; Li, Liang; Mo, Jianghui; Yu, Qi

2015-07-01

To achieve a high breakdown voltage, a GaN vertical heterostructure field effect transistor with p-GaN buried layers (PBL-VHFET) is proposed in this paper. The breakdown voltage of this GaN-based PBL-VHFET could be improved significantly by the optimizing thickness of p-GaN buried layers and doping concentration in PBL. When the GaN buffer layer thickness is 15 μm, the thickness, length and p-doping concentration of PBL are 0.3 μm, 2.7 μm, and 3 × 1017 cm-3, respectively. Simulation results show that the breakdown voltage and on-resistance of the device with two p-GaN buried layers are 3022 V and 3.13 mΩ cm2, respectively. The average breakdown electric field would reach as high as 201.5 V/μm. Compared with the typical GaN vertical heterostructure FETs without PBL, both of breakdown voltage and average breakdown electric field of device are increased more than 50%.

Study of Bulk and Elementary Screw Dislocation Assisted Reverse Breakdown in Low-Voltage (< 250 V) 4H-SiC p(sup +)n Junction Diodes--Part II: Dynamic Breakdown Properties. Part 2; Dynamic Breakdown Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Fazi, Christian

1999-01-01

This paper outlines the dynamic reverse-breakdown characteristics of low-voltage (<250 V) small-area <5 x 10(exp -4) sq cm 4H-SiC p(sup +)n diodes subjected to nonadiabatic breakdown-bias pulsewidths ranging from 0.1 to 20 microseconds. 4H-SiC diodes with and without elementary screw dislocations exhibited positive temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage and high junction failure power densities approximately five times larger than the average failure power density of reliable silicon pn rectifiers. This result indicates that highly reliable low-voltage SiC rectifiers may be attainable despite the presence of elementary screw dislocations. However, the impact of elementary screw dislocations on other more useful 4H-SiC power device structures, such as high-voltage (>1 kV) pn junction and Schottky rectifiers, and bipolar gain devices (thyristors, IGBT's, etc.) remains to be investigated.

A Generalised Fault Protection Structure Proposed for Uni-grounded Low-Voltage AC Microgrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bui, Duong Minh; Chen, Shi-Lin; Lien, Keng-Yu; Jiang, Jheng-Lun

2016-04-01

This paper presents three main configurations of uni-grounded low-voltage AC microgrids. Transient situations of a uni-grounded low-voltage (LV) AC microgrid (MG) are simulated through various fault tests and operation transition tests between grid-connected and islanded modes. Based on transient simulation results, available fault protection methods are proposed for main and back-up protection of a uni-grounded AC microgrid. In addition, concept of a generalised fault protection structure of uni-grounded LVAC MGs is mentioned in the paper. As a result, main contributions of the paper are: (i) definition of different uni-grounded LVAC MG configurations; (ii) analysing transient responses of a uni-grounded LVAC microgrid through line-to-line faults, line-to-ground faults, three-phase faults and a microgrid operation transition test, (iii) proposing available fault protection methods for uni-grounded microgrids, such as: non-directional or directional overcurrent protection, under/over voltage protection, differential current protection, voltage-restrained overcurrent protection, and other fault protection principles not based on phase currents and voltages (e.g. total harmonic distortion detection of currents and voltages, using sequence components of current and voltage, 3I0 or 3V0 components), and (iv) developing a generalised fault protection structure with six individual protection zones to be suitable for different uni-grounded AC MG configurations.

Space Charge Modulated Electrical Breakdown

PubMed Central

Li, Shengtao; Zhu, Yuanwei; Min, Daomin; Chen, George

2016-01-01

Electrical breakdown is one of the most important physical phenomena in electrical and electronic engineering. Since the early 20th century, many theories and models of electrical breakdown have been proposed, but the origin of one key issue, that the explanation for dc breakdown strength being twice or higher than ac breakdown strength in insulating materials, remains unclear. Here, by employing a bipolar charge transport model, we investigate the space charge dynamics in both dc and ac breakdown processes. We demonstrate the differences in charge accumulations under both dc and ac stresses and estimate the breakdown strength, which is modulated by the electric field distortion induced by space charge. It is concluded that dc breakdown initializes in the bulk whereas ac breakdown initializes in the vicinity of the sample-electrode interface. Compared with dc breakdown, the lower breakdown strength under ac stress and the decreasing breakdown strength with an increase in applied frequency, are both attributed to the electric field distortion induced by space charges located in the vicinity of the electrodes. PMID:27599577

High Voltage, Sub Nanosecond Feedthrough Design for Liquid Breakdown Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cevallos, Michael; Dickens, James; Neuber, Andreas; Krompholz, Herman

2002-12-01

Experiments in self-breakdown mode and pulsed breakdown at high over-voltages in standard electrode geometries are performed for liquids to gain a better understanding of their fundamental breakdown physics. Different liquids of interest include liquids such as super-cooled liquid nitrogen, oils, glycerols and water. A typical setup employs a discharge chamber with a cable discharge into a coaxial system with axial discharge, and a load line to simulate a matched terminating impedance, thus providing a sub-nanosecond response. This study is focused on the feed-through design of the coaxial cable into this type of discharge chamber, with the feed-through being the critical element with respect to maximum hold-off voltage. Diverse feedthroughs were designed and simulated using Maxwell 3-D Field Simulator Version 5. Several geometrically shaped feed-through transitions were simulated, including linearly and exponentially tapered, to minimize electrostatic fields, thus ensuring that the discharge occurs in the volume of interest and not between the inner and outer conductor at the transition from the insulation of the coaxial cable to the liquid. All feedthroughs are designed to match the incoming impedance of the coaxial cable. The size of the feedthroughs will vary from liquid to liquid in order to match the coaxial cable impedance of 50Ω. The discharge chamber has two main ports where the feed-through will enter the chamber. Each feed-through is built through a flange that covers the two main ports. This allows the use of the same discharge chamber for various liquids by changing the flanges on the main ports to match the particular liquid. The feedthroughs were designed and built to withstand voltages of up to 200 kV. The feedthroughs are also fitted with transmission line type current sensors and capacitive voltage dividers with fast amplifiers/attenuators in order to attain a complete range of information from amplitudes of 0.1mA to 1 kA with a temporal

Breakdown voltage reliability improvement in gas-discharge tube surge protectors employing graphite field emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žumer, Marko; Zajec, Bojan; Rozman, Robert; Nemanič, Vincenc

2012-04-01

Gas-discharge tube (GDT) surge protectors are known for many decades as passive units used in low-voltage telecom networks for protection of electrical components from transient over-voltages (discharging) such as lightning. Unreliability of the mean turn-on DC breakdown voltage and the run-to-run variability has been overcome successfully in the past by adding, for example, a radioactive source inside the tube. Radioisotopes provide a constant low level of free electrons, which trigger the breakdown. In the last decades, any concept using environmentally harmful compounds is not acceptable anymore and new solutions were searched. In our application, a cold field electron emitter source is used as the trigger for the gas discharge but with no activating compound on the two main electrodes. The patent literature describes in details the implementation of the so-called trigger wires (auxiliary electrodes) made of graphite, placed in between the two main electrodes, but no physical explanation has been given yet. We present experimental results, which show that stable cold field electron emission current in the high vacuum range originating from the nano-structured edge of the graphite layer is well correlated to the stable breakdown voltage of the GDT surge protector filled with a mixture of clean gases.

Breakdown voltage mapping through voltage dependent ReBEL intensity imaging of multi-crystalline Si solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dix-Peek, RM.; van Dyk, EE.; Vorster, FJ.; Pretorius, CJ.

2018-04-01

Device material quality affects both the efficiency and the longevity of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Therefore, identifying these defects can be beneficial in the development of more efficient and longer lasting PV cells. In this study, a combination of spatially-resolved, electroluminescence (EL), and light beam induced current (LBIC) measurements, were used to identify specific defects and features of a multi-crystalline Si PV cells. In this study, a novel approach is used to map the breakdown voltage of a PV cell through voltage dependent Reverse Bias EL (ReBEL) intensity imaging.

Physical mechanisms for reduction of the breakdown voltage in the circuit of a rod lightning protector with an opening microswitch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bobrov, Yu. K.; Zhuravkov, I. V.; Ostapenko, E. I.

2010-12-15

The effect of air gap breakdown voltage reduction in the circuit with an opening microswitch is substantiated from the physical point of view. This effect can be used to increase the efficiency of lightning protection system with a rod lightning protector. The processes which take place in the electric circuit of a lightning protector with a microswitch during a voltage breakdown are investigated. Openings of the microswitch are shown to lead to resonance overvoltages in the dc circuit and, as a result, efficient reduction in the breakdown voltage in a lightning protector-thundercloud air gap.

LOW TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON HIGH VOLTAGE BREAKDOWN AT SMALL GAPS. PART I

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeGeeter, D.J.

1962-05-16

Experiments were performed that examined the effect of electrode cooling on breakdown. Cooling the cathode to liquid N/sub 2/ temperature reduced the d-c electron current, thereby increasing the voltage breakdown value. Tests involving cooling of only one electrode indicated that only the cathode was affected. Cooling was found to be of probable value if the flaking problem were removed when the cathode has a high field region. The data indicated that breakdown would not necessarily be improved for all electrode geometries, especially when the data do not approach the Trump-Van de Graaff curve against which the data were plotted. Effectsmore » of electrode polishing and outgassing were also studied. (D.C.W.)« less

Energy dissipation on ion-accelerator grids during high-voltage breakdown

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Menon, M.M.; Ponte, N.S.

1981-01-01

The effects of stored energy in the system capacitance across the accelerator grids during high voltage vacuum breakdown are examined. Measurements were made of the current flow and the energy deposition on the grids during breakdown. It is shown that only a portion (less than or equal to 40 J) of the total stored energy (congruent to 100 J) is actually dissipated on the grids. Most of the energy is released during the formation phase of the vacuum arc and is deposited primarily on the most positive grid. Certain abnormal situations led to energy depositions of about 200 J onmore » the grid, but the ion accelerator endured them without exhibiting any deterioration in performance.« less

Moderately nonlinear diffuse-charge dynamics under an ac voltage.

PubMed

Stout, Robert F; Khair, Aditya S

2015-09-01

The response of a symmetric binary electrolyte between two parallel, blocking electrodes to a moderate amplitude ac voltage is quantified. The diffuse charge dynamics are modeled via the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations for a dilute solution of point-like ions. The solution to these equations is expressed as a Fourier series with a voltage perturbation expansion for arbitrary Debye layer thickness and ac frequency. Here, the perturbation expansion in voltage proceeds in powers of V_{o}/(k_{B}T/e), where V_{o} is the amplitude of the driving voltage and k_{B}T/e is the thermal voltage with k_{B} as Boltzmann's constant, T as the temperature, and e as the fundamental charge. We show that the response of the electrolyte remains essentially linear in voltage amplitude at frequencies greater than the RC frequency of Debye layer charging, D/λ_{D}L, where D is the ion diffusivity, λ_{D} is the Debye layer thickness, and L is half the cell width. In contrast, nonlinear response is predicted at frequencies below the RC frequency. We find that the ion densities exhibit symmetric deviations from the (uniform) equilibrium density at even orders of the voltage amplitude. This leads to the voltage dependence of the current in the external circuit arising from the odd orders of voltage. For instance, the first nonlinear contribution to the current is O(V_{o}^{3}) which contains the expected third harmonic but also a component oscillating at the applied frequency. We use this to compute a generalized impedance for moderate voltages, the first nonlinear contribution to which is quadratic in V_{o}. This contribution predicts a decrease in the imaginary part of the impedance at low frequency, which is due to the increase in Debye layer capacitance with increasing V_{o}. In contrast, the real part of the impedance increases at low frequency, due to adsorption of neutral salt from the bulk to the Debye layer.

The Significance of Breakdown Voltages for Quality Assurance of Low-Voltage BME Ceramic Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander A.

2014-01-01

Application of thin dielectric, base metal electrode (BME) ceramic capacitors for high-reliability applications requires development of testing procedures that can assure high quality and reliability of the parts. In this work, distributions of breakdown voltages (VBR) in variety of low-voltage BME multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) have been measured and analyzed. It has been shown that analysis of the distributions can indicate the proportion of defective parts in the lot and significance of the defects. Variations of the distributions after solder dip testing allow for an assessment of the robustness of capacitors to soldering-related stresses. The drawbacks of the existing screening and qualification methods to reveal defects in high-value, low-voltage MLCCs and the importance of VBR measurements are discussed. Analysis has shown that due to a larger concentration of oxygen vacancies, defect-related degradation of the insulation resistance (IR) and failures are more likely in BME compared to the precious metal electrode (PME) capacitors.

Surge Protection in Low-Voltage AC Power Circuits: An Anthology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martzloff, F. D.

2002-10-01

The papers included in this part of the Anthology provide basic information on the propagation of surges in low-voltage AC power circuits. The subject was approached by a combination of experiments and theoretical considerations. One important distinction is made between voltage surges and current surges. Historically, voltage surges were the initial concern. After the introduction and widespread use of current-diverting surge-protective devices at the point-of-use, the propagation of current surges became a significant factor. The papers included in this part reflect this dual dichotomy of voltage versus current and impedance mismatch effects versus simple circuit theory.

Switch contact device for interrupting high current, high voltage, AC and DC circuits

DOEpatents

Via, Lester C.; Witherspoon, F. Douglas; Ryan, John M.

2005-01-04

A high voltage switch contact structure capable of interrupting high voltage, high current AC and DC circuits. The contact structure confines the arc created when contacts open to the thin area between two insulating surfaces in intimate contact. This forces the arc into the shape of a thin sheet which loses heat energy far more rapidly than an arc column having a circular cross-section. These high heat losses require a dramatic increase in the voltage required to maintain the arc, thus extinguishing it when the required voltage exceeds the available voltage. The arc extinguishing process with this invention is not dependent on the occurrence of a current zero crossing and, consequently, is capable of rapidly interrupting both AC and DC circuits. The contact structure achieves its high performance without the use of sulfur hexafluoride.

Non-oxidized porous silicon-based power AC switch peripheries.

PubMed

Menard, Samuel; Fèvre, Angélique; Valente, Damien; Billoué, Jérôme; Gautier, Gaël

2012-10-11

We present in this paper a novel application of porous silicon (PS) for low-power alternating current (AC) switches such as triode alternating current devices (TRIACs) frequently used to control small appliances (fridge, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, coffee makers, etc.). More precisely, it seems possible to benefit from the PS electrical insulation properties to ensure the OFF state of the device. Based on the technological aspects of the most commonly used AC switch peripheries physically responsible of the TRIAC blocking performances (leakage current and breakdown voltage), we suggest to isolate upper and lower junctions through the addition of a PS layer anodically etched from existing AC switch diffusion profiles. Then, we comment the voltage capability of practical samples emanating from the proposed architecture. Thanks to the characterization results of simple Al-PS-Si(P) structures, the experimental observations are interpreted, thus opening new outlooks in the field of AC switch peripheries.

High breakdown voltage quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 field-effect transistors with a boron nitride field plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Jinho; Kim, Hyoung Woo; Kang, In Ho; Yang, Gwangseok; Kim, Jihyun

2018-03-01

We have demonstrated a β-Ga2O3 metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET) with a high off-state breakdown voltage (344 V), based on a quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 field-plated with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Both the β-Ga2O3 and h-BN were mechanically exfoliated from their respective crystal substrates, followed by dry-transfer onto a SiO2/Si substrate for integration into a high breakdown voltage quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 MESFETs. N-type conducting behavior was observed in the fabricated β-Ga2O3 MESFETs, along with a high on/off current ratio (>106) and excellent current saturation. A three-terminal off-state breakdown voltage of 344 V was obtained, with a threshold voltage of -7.3 V and a subthreshold swing of 84.6 mV/dec. The distribution of electric fields in the quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 MESFETs was simulated to analyze the role of the dielectric h-BN field plate in improving the off-state breakdown voltage. The stability of the field-plated β-Ga2O3 MESFET in air was confirmed after storing the MESFET in ambient air for one month. Our results pave the way for unlocking the full potential of β-Ga2O3 for use in a high-power nano-device with an ultrahigh breakdown voltage.

Analytical solutions for avalanche-breakdown voltages of single-diffused Gaussian junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shenai, K.; Lin, H. C.

1983-03-01

Closed-form solutions of the potential difference between the two edges of the depletion layer of a single diffused Gaussian p-n junction are obtained by integrating Poisson's equation and equating the magnitudes of the positive and negative charges in the depletion layer. By using the closed form solution of the static Poisson's equation and Fulop's average ionization coefficient, the ionization integral in the depletion layer is computed, which yields the correct values of avalanche breakdown voltage, depletion layer thickness at breakdown, and the peak electric field as a function of junction depth. Newton's method is used for rapid convergence. A flowchart to perform the calculations with a programmable hand-held calculator, such as the TI-59, is shown.

Ion peak narrowing by applying additional AC voltage (ripple voltage) to FAIMS extractor electrode.

PubMed

Pervukhin, Viktor V; Sheven, Dmitriy G

2010-01-01

The use of a non-uniform electric field in a high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) analyzer increases sensitivity but decreases resolution. The application of an additional AC voltage to the extractor electrode ("ripple" voltage, U(ripple)) can overcome this effect, which decreases the FAIMS peak width. In this approach, the diffusion ion loss remains minimal in the non-uniform electric field in the cylindrical part of the device, and all ion losses under U(ripple) occur in a short portion of their path. Application of the ripple voltage to the extractor electrode is twice as efficient as the applying of U(ripple) along the total length of the device. 2010 American Society for Mass Spectrometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mason’s equation application for prediction of voltage of oil shale treeing breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martemyanov, S. M.

2017-05-01

The application of the formula, which is used to calculate the maximum field at the tip of the pin-plane electrode system was proposed to describe the process of electrical treeing and treeing breakdown in an oil shale. An analytical expression for the calculation of the treeing breakdown voltage in the oil shale, as a function of the inter-electrode distance, was taken. A high accuracy of the correspondence of the model to the experimental data in the range of inter-electrode distances from 0.03 to 0.5 m was taken.

Comparison of high-voltage ac and pulsed operation of a surface dielectric barrier discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williamson, James M.; Trump, Darryl D.; Bletzinger, Peter; Ganguly, Biswa N.

2006-10-01

A surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in atmospheric pressure air was excited either by low frequency (0.3-2 kHz) high-voltage ac or by short, high-voltage pulses at repetition rates from 50 to 600 pulses s-1. The short-pulse excited discharge was more diffuse and did not have the pronounced bright multiple cathode spots observed in the ac excited discharge. The discharge voltage, current and average power deposited into the discharge were calculated for both types of excitation. As a measure of plasma-chemical efficiency, the ozone number density was measured by UV absorption as a function of average deposited power. The density of ozone produced by ac excitation did not increase so rapidly as that produced by short-pulse excitation as a function of average power, with a maximum measured density of ~3 × 1015 cm-3 at 25 W. The maximum ozone production achieved by short-pulse excitation was ~8.5 × 1015 cm-3 at 20 W, which was four times greater than that achieved by ac excitation at the same power level.

Enhancement of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor off-state drain breakdown voltage via backside proton irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, F.; Hwang, Y.-H.; Pearton, S. J.; Patrick, Erin; Law, Mark E.

2015-03-01

Proton irradiation from the backside of the samples were employed to enhance off-state drain breakdown voltage of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) grown on Si substrates. Via holes were fabricated directly under the active area of the HEMTs by etching through the Si substrate for subsequent backside proton irradiation. By taking the advantage of the steep drop at the end of proton energy loss profile, the defects created by the proton irradiation from the backside of the sample could be precisely placed at specific locations inside the AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure. There were no degradation of drain current nor enhancement of off-state drain voltage breakdown voltage observed for the irradiated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with the proton energy of 225 or 275 keV, for which the defects created by the proton irradiations were intentionally placed in the GaN buffer. HEMTs with defects placed in the 2 dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel region and AlGaN barrier using 330 or 340 keV protons not only showed degradation of drain current, but also exhibited improvement of the off-state drain breakdown voltage. FLOODS TCAD finite-element simulations were performed to confirm the hypothesis of a virtual gate formed around the 2DEG region to reduce the peak electric field around the gate edges and increase the off-state drain breakdown voltage.

Al0 0.3Ga 0.7N PN diode with breakdown voltage >1600 V

DOE PAGES

Allerman, A. A.; Armstrong, A. M.; Fischer, A. J.; ...

2016-07-21

Demonstration of Al0 0.3Ga 0.7N PN diodes grown with breakdown voltages in excess of 1600 V is reported. The total epilayer thickness is 9.1 μm and was grown by metal-organic vapour-phase epitaxy on 1.3-mm-thick sapphire in order to achieve crack-free structures. A junction termination edge structure was employed to control the lateral electric fields. A current density of 3.5 kA/cm 2 was achieved under DC forward bias and a reverse leakage current <3 nA was measured for voltages <1200 V. The differential on-resistance of 16 mΩ cm 2 is limited by the lateral conductivity of the n-type contact layer requiredmore » by the front-surface contact geometry of the device. An effective critical electric field of 5.9 MV/cm was determined from the epilayer properties and the reverse current–voltage characteristics. To our knowledge, this is the first aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN)-based PN diode exhibiting a breakdown voltage in excess of 1 kV. Finally, we note that a Baliga figure of merit (V br 2/R spec,on) of 150 MW/cm 2 found is the highest reported for an AlGaN PN diode and illustrates the potential of larger-bandgap AlGaN alloys for high-voltage devices.« less

Linking results of key and supplementary comparisons of AC/DC voltage transfer references

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velychko, Oleh

2018-04-01

A regional key comparison (KC) COOMET.EM-K6.a and a supplementary comparison (SC) COOMET.EM-S1 of AC/DC voltage transfer references were conducted between participating laboratories from the Eurasian region. Measurements were made over the period 2004-2014. The results showed good agreement between all but one of the participating laboratories. The proposed procedure of linking results of key and SCs of regional metrology organization of AC/DC voltage transfer references is presented. Linking results is realized for COOMET.EM-K6.a and CCEM-K6.a KCs, and for COOMET.EM-K6.a KC and COOMET.EM-S1 SC.

Design of High Voltage Electrical Breakdown Strength measuring system at 1.8K with a G-M cryocooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Huang, Rongjin; Li, Xu; Xu, Dong; Liu, Huiming; Li, Laifeng

2017-09-01

Impregnating resins as electrical insulation materials for use in ITER magnets and feeder system are required to be radiation stable, good mechanical performance and high voltage electrical breakdown strength. In present ITER project, the breakdown strength need over 30 kV/mm, for future DEMO reactor, it will be greater than this value. In order to develop good property insulation materials to satisfy the requirements of future fusion reactor, high voltage breakdown strength measurement system at low temperature is necessary. In this paper, we will introduce our work on the design of this system. This measuring system has two parts: one is an electrical supply system which provides the high voltage from a high voltage power between two electrodes; the other is a cooling system which consists of a G-M cryocooler, a superfluid chamber and a heat switch. The two stage G-M cryocooler pre-cool down the system to 4K, the superfluid helium pot is used for a container to depress the helium to superfluid helium which cool down the sample to 1.8K and a mechanical heat switch connect or disconnect the cryocooler and the pot. In order to provide the sufficient time for the test, the cooling system is designed to keep the sample at 1.8K for 300 seconds.

Nonlinear control of voltage source converters in AC-DC power system.

PubMed

Dash, P K; Nayak, N

2014-07-01

This paper presents the design of a robust nonlinear controller for a parallel AC-DC power system using a Lyapunov function-based sliding mode control (LYPSMC) strategy. The inputs for the proposed control scheme are the DC voltage and reactive power errors at the converter station and the active and reactive power errors at the inverter station of the voltage-source converter-based high voltage direct current transmission (VSC-HVDC) link. The stability and robust tracking of the system parameters are ensured by applying the Lyapunov direct method. Also the gains of the sliding mode control (SMC) are made adaptive using the stability conditions of the Lyapunov function. The proposed control strategy offers invariant stability to a class of systems having modeling uncertainties due to parameter changes and exogenous inputs. Comprehensive computer simulations are carried out to verify the proposed control scheme under several system disturbances like changes in short-circuit ratio, converter parametric changes, and faults on the converter and inverter buses for single generating system connected to the power grid in a single machine infinite-bus AC-DC network and also for a 3-machine two-area power system. Furthermore, a second order super twisting sliding mode control scheme has been presented in this paper that provides a higher degree of nonlinearity than the LYPSMC and damps faster the converter and inverter voltage and power oscillations. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors that Influence RF Breakdown in Antenna Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caughman, J. B. O.; Baity, F. W.; Rasmussen, D. A.; Aghazarian, M.; Castano Giraldo, C. H.; Ruzic, David

2007-11-01

One of the main power-limiting factors in antenna systems is the maximum voltage that the antenna or vacuum transmission line can sustain before breaking down. The factors that influence RF breakdown are being studied in a resonant 1/4-wavelength section of vacuum transmission line terminated with an open circuit electrode structure. Breakdown can be initiated via electron emission by high electric fields and by plasma formation in the structure, depending on the gas pressure. Recent experiments have shown that a 1 kG magnetic field can influence plasma formation at pressures as low as 8x10-5 Torr at moderate voltage levels (<5 kV). Ultraviolet light, with energies near the work function of the electrode material, can induce a multipactor discharge and limit power transmission. Details of these experimental results, including the effect of electrode materials (Ni and Cu), will be presented. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. Dept. of Energy under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725. Work supported by USDOE with grant DE-FG02-04ER54765

Delayed avalanche breakdown of high-voltage silicon diodes: Various structures exhibit different picosecond-range switching behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brylevskiy, Viktor; Smirnova, Irina; Gutkin, Andrej; Brunkov, Pavel; Rodin, Pavel; Grekhov, Igor

2017-11-01

We present a comparative study of silicon high-voltage diodes exhibiting the effect of delayed superfast impact-ionization breakdown. The effect manifests itself in a sustainable picosecond-range transient from the blocking to the conducting state and occurs when a steep voltage ramp is applied to the p+-n-n+ diode in the reverse direction. Nine groups of diodes with graded and abrupt pn-junctions have been specially fabricated for this study by different techniques from different Si substrates. Additionally, in two groups of these structures, the lifetime of nonequilibrium carriers was intentionally reduced by electron irradiation. All diodes have identical geometrical parameters and similar stationary breakdown voltages. Our experimental setup allows measuring both device voltage and current during the kilovolt switching with time resolution better than 50 ps. Although all devices are capable of forming a front with kilovolt amplitude and 100 ps risetime in the in-series load, the structures with graded pn-junctions have anomalously large residual voltage. The Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy study of all diode structures has been performed in order to evaluate the effect of deep centers on device performance. It was found that the presence of deep-level electron traps negatively correlates with parameters of superfast switching, whereas a large concentration of recombination centers created by electron irradiation has virtually no influence on switching characteristics.

Breakdown Voltage of CF3CHCl2 gas an Alternative to SF6 Gas using HV Test and Bonding Energy Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juliandhy, Tedy; Haryono, T.; Suharyanto; Perdana, Indra

2018-04-01

For more than two decades of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) gases is used as a gas insulation in high voltage equipment especially in substations. In addition to getting an advantage as an insulating gas. SF6 gas is recognized as one of the greenhouse effect gases that cause global warming. Under the Kyoto Protocol, SF6 gas is one of those gases whose use is restricted and gradually reduced to the presence of a replacement gas for SF6 gas. One of the alternative gas alternatives which have the potential of replacing SF6 gas as an insulating gas in Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) equipment in the substation is Dichlorotrifluoroethane (CF3CHCl2) gas. The purpose of this paper is to enable a comparison of breakdown voltage with high voltage test and method of calculating Bonding energy to Dichlorotrifluoroethane gas as substitute gas for SF6 gas. At 0.1 bar gas pressure obtained an average breakdown voltage of 18.68 kV / mm at 25oC chamber temperature and has the highest breakdown voltage at 50oC with a breakdown voltage of 19.56 kV / mm. The CF3CHCl2 gas has great potential as an insulating gas because it has more insulation ability high of SF6 gas, and is part of the gas recommended under the Kyoto Protocol. Gas CF3CHCl2 has the capacity to double the value of electronegativity greater than SF6 gas as a major requirement of gas isolation and has a value of Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depleting lower than from SF6 gas.

Characteristics of long-gap AC streamer discharges under low pressure conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yaqi; Li, Weiguo; Xia, Yu; Yuan, Chuangye

2017-10-01

The generation and propagation of a streamer is a significant physical process of air gap discharge. Research on the mechanism of streamers under low-pressure conditions is helpful for understanding the process of long-gap discharge in a high-altitude area. This paper describes laboratory investigations of streamer discharge under alternating current (AC) voltage in a low pressure test platform for a 60 cm rod-plane gap at 30 kPa, and analyzes the characteristics of streamer generation and propagation. The results show that the partial streamer and breakdown streamer all occur in the positive half-cycle of AC voltage near the peak voltage at 30 kPa. The partial streamer could cause the distortion of current and voltage waveform, and it appears as the branching characteristic at the initial stage. With the extension of the streamer, the branching and tortuosity phenomena become gradually obvious, but the branching is suppressed when the streamer crosses the gap. The low-pressure condition has little influence on the tortuosity length and the tortuosity number of the streamer, but affect the diameter of streamer obviously.

Optimization design on breakdown voltage of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liu; Changchun, Chai; Chunlei, Shi; Qingyang, Fan; Yuqian, Liu

2016-12-01

Simulations are carried out to explore the possibility of achieving high breakdown voltage of GaN HEMT (high-electron mobility transistor). GaN cap layers with gradual increase in the doping concentration from 2 × 1016 to 5 × 1019 cm-3 of N-type and P-type cap are investigated, respectively. Simulation results show that HEMT with P-doped GaN cap layer shows more potential to achieve higher breakdown voltage than N-doped GaN cap layer under the same doping concentration. This is because the ionized net negative space charges in P-GaN cap layer could modulate the surface electric field which makes more contribution to RESURF effect. Furthermore, a novel GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMT with P-doped GaN buried layer in GaN buffer between gate and drain electrode is proposed. It shows enhanced performance. The breakdown voltage of the proposed structure is 640 V which is increased by 12% in comparison to UID (un-intentionally doped) GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMT. We calculated and analyzed the distribution of electrons' density. It is found that the depleted region is wider and electric field maximum value is induced at the left edge of buried layer. So the novel structure with P-doped GaN buried layer embedded in GaN buffer has the better improving characteristics of the power devices. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2014CB339900) and the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Complex Electromagnetic Environment Science and Technology, China Academy of Engineering Physics (No. 2015-0214.XY.K).

Forecasting of high voltage insulation performance: Testing of recommended potting materials and of capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bever, R. S.

1984-01-01

Nondestructive high voltage test techniques (mostly electrical methods) are studied to prevent total or catastrophic breakdown of insulation systems under applied high voltage in space. Emphasis is on the phenomenon of partial breakdown or partial discharge (P.D.) as a symptom of insulation quality, notably partial discharge testing under D.C. applied voltage. Many of the electronic parts and high voltage instruments in space experience D.C. applied stress in service, and application of A.C. voltage to any portion thereof would be prohibited. Suggestions include: investigation of the ramp test method for D.C. partial discharge measurements; testing of actual flight-type insulation specimen; perfect plotting resin samples with controlled defects for test; several types of plotting resins and recommendations of the better ones from the electrical characteristics; thermal and elastic properties are also considered; testing of commercial capaciters; and approximate acceptance/rejection/rerating criteria for sample test elements for space use, based on D.C. partial discharge.

Heterojunction p-Cu2O/n-Ga2O3 diode with high breakdown voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watahiki, Tatsuro; Yuda, Yohei; Furukawa, Akihiko; Yamamuka, Mikio; Takiguchi, Yuki; Miyajima, Shinsuke

2017-11-01

Heterojunction p-Cu2O/n-β-Ga2O3 diodes were fabricated on an epitaxially grown β-Ga2O3(001) layer. The reverse breakdown voltage of these p-n diodes reached 1.49 kV with a specific on-resistance of 8.2 mΩ cm2. The leakage current of the p-n diodes was lower than that of the Schottky barrier diode due to the higher barrier height against the electron. The ideality factor of the p-n diode was 1.31. It indicated that some portion of the recombination current at the interface contributed to the forward current, but the diffusion current was the dominant. The forward current more than 100 A/cm2 indicated the lower conduction band offset at the hetero-interface between Cu2O and Ga2O3 layers than that predicted from the bulk properties, resulting in such a high forward current without limitation. These results open the possibility of advanced device structures for wide bandgap Ga2O3 to achieve higher breakdown voltage and lower on-resistance.

An Annotated Bibliography of High-Voltage Direct-Current Transmission and Flexible AC Transmission (FACTS) Devices, 1991-1993.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Litzenberger, Wayne; Lava, Val

1994-08-01

References are contained for HVDC systems, converter stations and components, overhead transmission lines, cable transmission, system design and operations, simulation of high voltage direct current systems, high-voltage direct current installations, and flexible AC transmission system (FACTS).

Vertical GaN merged PiN Schottky diode with a breakdown voltage of 2 kV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashida, Tetsuro; Nanjo, Takuma; Furukawa, Akihiko; Yamamuka, Mikio

2017-06-01

In this study, we successfully fabricated vertical GaN merged PiN Schottky (MPS) diodes and comparatively investigated the cyclic p-GaN width (W p) dependence of their electrical characteristics, including turn-on voltage and reverse leakage current. The MPS diodes with W p of more than 6 µm can turn on at around 3 V. Increasing W p can suppress the reverse leakage current. Moreover, the vertical GaN MPS diode with the breakdown voltage of 2 kV was realized for the first time.

Structural evolution of nanoporous ultra-low k dielectrics under voltage stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raja, Archana; Shaw, Thomas; Grill, Alfred; Laibowitz, Robert; Heinz, Tony

2013-03-01

High speed interconnects in advanced integrated circuits require ultra-low-k dielectrics. Reduction of the dielectric constant is achieved via incorporation of nanopores in structures containing silicon, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen (SiCOH). We study nanoporous SiCOH films of k=2.5 and thicknesses of 40 - 400 nm. Leakage currents develop in the films under long-term voltage stress, eventually leading to breakdown and chip failure. Previous work* has shown the build-up of trap states as dielectric breakdown progresses. Using FTIR spectroscopy we have tracked the reorganization of the bonds in the SiCOH networks induced by voltage stress. Our results indicate that the cleavage of the Si-C and SiC-O bonds contribute toward increase in the density of bulk trapping states as breakdown is approached. AC conductance and capacitance measurements have also been carried out to describe interfacial and bulk traps and mechanisms. Comparison of breakdown properties of films with differing carbon content will also be presented to further delineate the role of carbon. *Atkin, J.M.; Shaw, T.M.; Liniger, E.; Laibowitz, R.B.; Heinz, T.F. Reliability Physics Symposium (IRPS), 2012 IEEE International Supported by the Semiconductor Research Corporation

Optimal Power Scheduling for a Medium Voltage AC/DC Hybrid Distribution Network

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Zhenshan; Liu, Dichen; Liao, Qingfen; ...

2018-01-26

With the great increase of renewable generation as well as the DC loads in the distribution network; DC distribution technology is receiving more attention; since the DC distribution network can improve operating efficiency and power quality by reducing the energy conversion stages. This paper presents a new architecture for the medium voltage AC/DC hybrid distribution network; where the AC and DC subgrids are looped by normally closed AC soft open point (ACSOP) and DC soft open point (DCSOP); respectively. The proposed AC/DC hybrid distribution systems contain renewable generation (i.e., wind power and photovoltaic (PV) generation); energy storage systems (ESSs); softmore » open points (SOPs); and both AC and DC flexible demands. An energy management strategy for the hybrid system is presented based on the dynamic optimal power flow (DOPF) method. The main objective of the proposed power scheduling strategy is to minimize the operating cost and reduce the curtailment of renewable generation while meeting operational and technical constraints. The proposed approach is verified in five scenarios. The five scenarios are classified as pure AC system; hybrid AC/DC system; hybrid system with interlinking converter; hybrid system with DC flexible demand; and hybrid system with SOPs. Results show that the proposed scheduling method can successfully dispatch the controllable elements; and that the presented architecture for the AC/DC hybrid distribution system is beneficial for reducing operating cost and renewable generation curtailment.« less

Optimal Power Scheduling for a Medium Voltage AC/DC Hybrid Distribution Network

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Zhenshan; Liu, Dichen; Liao, Qingfen

With the great increase of renewable generation as well as the DC loads in the distribution network; DC distribution technology is receiving more attention; since the DC distribution network can improve operating efficiency and power quality by reducing the energy conversion stages. This paper presents a new architecture for the medium voltage AC/DC hybrid distribution network; where the AC and DC subgrids are looped by normally closed AC soft open point (ACSOP) and DC soft open point (DCSOP); respectively. The proposed AC/DC hybrid distribution systems contain renewable generation (i.e., wind power and photovoltaic (PV) generation); energy storage systems (ESSs); softmore » open points (SOPs); and both AC and DC flexible demands. An energy management strategy for the hybrid system is presented based on the dynamic optimal power flow (DOPF) method. The main objective of the proposed power scheduling strategy is to minimize the operating cost and reduce the curtailment of renewable generation while meeting operational and technical constraints. The proposed approach is verified in five scenarios. The five scenarios are classified as pure AC system; hybrid AC/DC system; hybrid system with interlinking converter; hybrid system with DC flexible demand; and hybrid system with SOPs. Results show that the proposed scheduling method can successfully dispatch the controllable elements; and that the presented architecture for the AC/DC hybrid distribution system is beneficial for reducing operating cost and renewable generation curtailment.« less

Investigation of Dielectric Breakdown Characteristics for Double-break Vacuum Interrupter and Dielectric Breakdown Probability Distribution in Vacuum Interrupter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shioiri, Tetsu; Asari, Naoki; Sato, Junichi; Sasage, Kosuke; Yokokura, Kunio; Homma, Mitsutaka; Suzuki, Katsumi

To investigate the reliability of equipment of vacuum insulation, a study was carried out to clarify breakdown probability distributions in vacuum gap. Further, a double-break vacuum circuit breaker was investigated for breakdown probability distribution. The test results show that the breakdown probability distribution of the vacuum gap can be represented by a Weibull distribution using a location parameter, which shows the voltage that permits a zero breakdown probability. The location parameter obtained from Weibull plot depends on electrode area. The shape parameter obtained from Weibull plot of vacuum gap was 10∼14, and is constant irrespective non-uniform field factor. The breakdown probability distribution after no-load switching can be represented by Weibull distribution using a location parameter. The shape parameter after no-load switching was 6∼8.5, and is constant, irrespective of gap length. This indicates that the scatter of breakdown voltage was increased by no-load switching. If the vacuum circuit breaker uses a double break, breakdown probability at low voltage becomes lower than single-break probability. Although potential distribution is a concern in the double-break vacuum cuicuit breaker, its insulation reliability is better than that of the single-break vacuum interrupter even if the bias of the vacuum interrupter's sharing voltage is taken into account.

Analysis of partial discharge activity by a conducting particle in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages adopting UHF technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarathi, R.; Giridhar, A. V.; Sethupathi, K.

2010-01-01

Liquid nitrogen (LN 2) is used as an insulant as well as coolant in high temperature superconducting power equipments. Particle contamination in liquid nitrogen is one of the major cause for formation of partial discharges during operation. An attempt has been made in the present study to understand the feasibility of using Ultra High Frequency (UHF) sensors for identification of partial discharge (PD) formed due to particle movement in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages. It is observed that the partial discharge formed in LN 2 radiates UHF signal. The results of the study indicate that the conventional partial discharge measurement and UHF peak amplitude measurement have direct correlation. The Phase Resolved Partial Discharge (PRPD) analysis indicates that the partial discharge formed due to particle movement occurs in the entire phase windows of the AC voltage. The PD magnitude increases with increase in applied voltage. The frequency content of UHF signal generated due to particle movement in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages lies in the range of 0.5-1.5 GHz. The UHF sensor output signal analyzed using spectrum analyzer by operating it in zero-span mode, indicates that burst type PD occurs due to particle movement.

Improving breakdown voltage performance of SOI power device with folded drift region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Li; Hai-Ou, Li; Ping-Jiang, Huang; Gong-Li, Xiao; Nian-Jiong, Yang

2016-07-01

A novel silicon-on-insulator (SOI) high breakdown voltage (BV) power device with interlaced dielectric trenches (IDT) and N/P pillars is proposed. In the studied structure, the drift region is folded by IDT embedded in the active layer, which results in an increase of length of ionization integral remarkably. The crowding phenomenon of electric field in the corner of IDT is relieved by the N/P pillars. Both traits improve two key factors of BV, the ionization integral length and electric field magnitude, and thus BV is significantly enhanced. The electric field in the dielectric layer is enhanced and a major portion of bias is borne by the oxide layer due to the accumulation of inverse charges (holes) at the corner of IDT. The average value of the lateral electric field of the proposed device reaches 60 V/μm with a 10 μm drift length, which increases by 200% in comparison to the conventional SOI LDMOS, resulting in a breakdown voltage of 607 V. Project supported by the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 2013GXNSFAA019335 and 2015GXNSFAA139300), Guangxi Experiment Center of Information Science of China (Grant No. YB1406), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Wireless Wideband Communication and Signal Processing of China, Key Laboratory of Cognitive Radio and Information Processing (Grant No. GXKL061505), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automobile Components and Vehicle Technology of China (Grant No. 2014KFMS04), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61361011, 61274077, and 61464003).

High voltage breakdown phenomena in RF window, electron gun and RF cavities in 250 kW CW C band Klystron and their preventive measures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lamba, O.S.; Badola, Richa; Baloda, Suman

The paper describes voltage break down phenomenon and preventive measures in components of 250 KW CW, C band Klystron under development at CEERI Pilani. The Klystron operates at a beam voltage of 50 kV and delivers 250 kW RF power at 5 GHz frequency. The Klystron consists of several key components and regions, which are subject to high electrical stress. The most important regions of electrical breakdown are electron gun, the RF ceramic window and output cavity gap area. In the critical components voltage breakdown considered at design stage by proper gap and other techniques. All these problems discussed, asmore » well as solution to alleviate this problem. The electron gun consists basically of cathode, BFE and anode. The cathode is operated at a voltage of 50 kV. In order to maintain the voltage standoff between cathode and anode a high voltage alumina seal and RF window have been designed developed and successfully used in the tube. (author)« less

Numerical characterization of plasma breakdown in reversed field pinches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yanli; Zhang, Ya; Mao, Wenzhe; Yang, Zhoujun; Hu, Xiwei; Jiang, Wei

2018-02-01

In the reversed field pinch, there is considerable interest in investigating the plasma breakdown. Indeed, the plasma formed during the breakdown may have an influence on the confinement and maintenance in the latter process. However, up to now there has been no related work, experimentally or in simulation, regarding plasma breakdown in reversed field pinch (RFP). In order to figure out the physical mechanism behind plasma breakdown, the effects of the toroidal and error magnetic field, as well as the loop voltage have been studied. We find that the error magnetic field cannot be neglected even though it is quite small in the short plasma breakdown phase. As the toroidal magnetic field increases, the averaged electron energy is reduced after plasma breakdown is complete, which is disadvantageous for the latter process. In addition, unlike the voltage limits in the tokamak, loop voltages can be quite high because there are no requirements for superconductivity. Volt-second consumption has a small difference under different loop voltages. The breakdown delay still exists in various loop voltage cases, but it is much shorter compared to that in the tokamak case. In all, successful breakdowns are possible in the RFP under a fairly broad range of parameters.

Scintillation Breakdowns in Chip Tantalum Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander

2008-01-01

Scintillations in solid tantalum capacitors are momentarily local breakdowns terminated by a self-healing or conversion to a high-resistive state of the manganese oxide cathode. This conversion effectively caps the defective area of the tantalum pentoxide dielectric and prevents short-circuit failures. Typically, this type of breakdown has no immediate catastrophic consequences and is often considered as nuisance rather than a failure. Scintillation breakdowns likely do not affect failures of parts under surge current conditions, and so-called "proofing" of tantalum chip capacitors, which is a controllable exposure of the part after soldering to voltages slightly higher than the operating voltage to verify that possible scintillations are self-healed, has been shown to improve the quality of the parts. However, no in-depth studies of the effect of scintillations on reliability of tantalum capacitors have been performed so far. KEMET is using scintillation breakdown testing as a tool for assessing process improvements and to compare quality of different manufacturing lots. Nevertheless, the relationship between failures and scintillation breakdowns is not clear, and this test is not considered as suitable for lot acceptance testing. In this work, scintillation breakdowns in different military-graded and commercial tantalum capacitors were characterized and related to the rated voltages and to life test failures. A model for assessment of times to failure, based on distributions of breakdown voltages, and accelerating factors of life testing are discussed.

Characteristics of edge breakdowns on Teflon samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yadlowsky, E. J.; Hazelton, R. C.; Churchill, R. J.

1980-01-01

The characteristics of electrical discharges induced on silverbacked Teflon samples irradiated by a monoenergetic electron beam have been studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Measurements of breakdown threshold voltages indicate a marked anisotropy in the electrical breakdown properties of Teflon: differences of up to 10 kV in breakdown threshold voltage are observed depending on the sample orientation. The material anisotropy can be utilized in spacecraft construction to reduce the magnitude of discharge currents.

High breakdown voltage and high driving current in a novel silicon-on-insulator MESFET with high- and low-resistance boxes in the drift region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naderi, Ali; Mohammadi, Hamed

2018-06-01

In this paper a novel silicon-on-insulator metal oxide field effect transistor (SOI-MESFET) with high- and low-resistance boxes (HLRB) is proposed. This structure increases the current and breakdown voltage, simultaneously. The semiconductor at the source side of the channel is doped with higher impurity than the other parts to reduce its resistance and increase the driving current as low-resistance box. An oxide box is implemented at the upper part of the channel from the drain region toward the middle of the channel as the high-resistance box. Inserting a high-resistance box increases the breakdown voltage and improves the RF performance of the device because of its higher tolerable electric field and modification in gate-drain capacitance, respectively. The high-resistance region reduces the current density of the device which is completely compensated by low-resistance box. A 92% increase in breakdown voltage and an 11% improvement in the device current have been obtained. Also, maximum oscillation frequency, unilateral power gain, maximum available gain, maximum stable gain, and maximum output power density are improved by 7%, 35%, 23%, 26%, and 150%, respectively. These results show that the HLRB-SOI-MESFET can be considered as a candidate to replace Conventional SOI-MESFET (C-SOI-MESFET) for high-voltage and high-frequency applications.

Electrical Breakdown in Water Vapor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Škoro, N.; Marić, D.; Malović, G.; Graham, W. G.; Petrović, Z. Lj.

2011-11-01

In this paper investigations of the voltage required to break down water vapor are reported for the region around the Paschen minimum and to the left of it. In spite of numerous applications of discharges in biomedicine, and recent studies of discharges in water and vapor bubbles and discharges with liquid water electrodes, studies of the basic parameters of breakdown are lacking. Paschen curves have been measured by recording voltages and currents in the low-current Townsend regime and extrapolating them to zero current. The minimum electrical breakdown voltage for water vapor was found to be 480 V at a pressure times electrode distance (pd) value of around 0.6 Torr cm (˜0.8 Pa m). The present measurements are also interpreted using (and add additional insight into) the developing understanding of relevant atomic and particularly surface processes associated with electrical breakdown.

Breakdown phenomena in radio-frequency helium microdischarges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radmilovic-Radjenovic, M.; Radjenovic, B.; Nina, A.

2008-07-01

In this paper, the Kihara equation has been applied in order to determine the breakdown voltage in helium rf microdischarges. It was found that the Kihara equation, with modified moleculer constants, describes the breakdown process well even for gaps of the order of a few millimeters. A good agreement between numerical solutions of the Kihara equation and the available experimental data reveals that the breakdown voltages depend on the pd product and vary substantially with changes in rf frequencies.

Analysis and Control of Pulse-Width Modulated AC to DC Voltage Source Converters.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Rusong

The pulse width modulated AC to DC voltage source converter is comprehensively analyzed in the thesis. A general mathematical model of the converter is first established, which is discontinuous, time-variant and non-linear. The following three techniques are used to obtain closed form solutions: Fourier analysis, transformation of reference frame and small signal linearization. Three models, namely, a steady-state DC model, a low frequency small signal AC model and a high frequency model, are consequently developed. Finally, three solution sets, namely, the steady-state solution, various dynamic transfer functions and the high frequency harmonic components, are obtained from the three models. Two control strategies, the Phase and Amplitude Control (PAC) and a new proposed strategy, Predicted Current Control with a Fixed Switching Frequency (PCFF), are investigated. Based on the transfer functions derived from the above mentioned analysis, regulators for a closed-loop control are designed. A prototype circuit is built to experimentally verify the theoretical predictions. The analysis and experimental results show that both strategies produce nearly sinusoidal line current with unity power factor on the utility side in both rectifying and regenerating operations and concurrently provide a regulated DC output voltage on the load side. However the proposed PCFF control has a faster and improved dynamic response over the PAC control. Moreover it is also easier to be implemented. Therefore, the PCFF control is preferable to the PAC control. As an example of application, a configuration of variable DC supply under PCFF control is proposed. The quasi-optimal dynamic response obtained shows that the PWM AC to DC converter lays the foundation for building a four-quadrant, fast-dynamic system, and the PCFF control is an effective strategy for improving dynamic performances not only as applied to the AC to DC converter, but also as applied to the DC to DC chopper or other

High Voltage Discharge Profile on Soil Breakdown Using Impulse Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajingbesi, F. E.; Midi, N. S.; Elsheikh, E. M. A.; Yusoff, S. H.

2017-06-01

Grounding terminals are mandatory in electrical appliance design as they provide safety route during overvoltage faults. The soil (earth) been the universal ground is assumed to be at zero electric potential. However, due to properties like moisture, pH and available nutrients; the electric potential may fluctuate between positive and negative values that could be harmful for internally connected circuits on the grounding terminal. Fluctuations in soil properties may also lead to current crowding effect similar to those seen at the emitters of semiconductor transistors. In this work, soil samples are subjected to high impulse voltage discharge and the breakdown characteristics was profiled. The results from profiling discharge characteristics of soil in this work will contribute to the optimization of grounding protection system design in terms of electrode placement. This would also contribute to avoiding grounding electrode current crowding, ground potential rise fault and electromagnetic coupling faults.

Influence of ultrasound on the electrical breakdown of transformer oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isakaev, E. Kh; Tyuftyaev, A. S.; Gadzhiev, M. Kh; Demirov, N. A.; Akimov, P. L.

2018-01-01

When the transformer oil is exposed to low power ultrasonic waves (< 2 W/cm2) at initial moment the breakdown voltage of transformer oil is reduced relative to the breakdown voltage of pure oil due to degassing and the occurrence of cavitation bubbles. With the increase of sonication time the breakdown voltage also increases, nonlinearly. The experimental data indicate the possibility of using ultrasonic waves of low power for degassing of transformer oil.

Effects of Displacement Damage on the Time-Resolved Gain and Bandwidth of a Low Breakdown Voltage Si Avalanche Photodiode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laird, Jamie S.; Onoda, Shinobu; Hirao, Toshio; Becker, Heidi; Johnston, Allan; Laird, Jamie S.; Itoh, Hisayoshi

2006-01-01

Effects of displacement damage and ionization damage induced by gamma irradiation on the dark current and impulse response of a high-bandwidth low breakdown voltage Si Avalanche Photodiode has been investigated using picosecond laser microscopy. At doses as high as 10Mrad (Si) minimal alteration in the impulse response and bandwidth were observed. However, dark current measurements also performed with and without biased irradiation exhibit anomalously large damage factors for applied biases close to breakdown. The absence of any degradation in the impulse response is discussed as are possible mechanisms for higher dark current damage factors observed for biased irradiation.

The GaN trench gate MOSFET with floating islands: High breakdown voltage and improved BFOM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Lingyan; Müller, Stephan; Cheng, Xinhong; Zhang, Dongliang; Zheng, Li; Xu, Dawei; Yu, Yuehui; Meissner, Elke; Erlbacher, Tobias

2018-02-01

A novel GaN trench gate (TG) MOSFET with P-type floating islands (FLI) in drift region, which can suppress the electric field peak at bottom of gate trench during the blocking state and prevent premature breakdown in gate oxide, is proposed and investigated by TCAD simulations. The influence of thickness, position, doping concentration and length of the FLI on breakdown voltage (BV) and specific on-resistance (Ron_sp) is studied, providing useful guidelines for design of this new type of device. Using optimized parameters for the FLI, GaN FLI TG-MOSFET obtains a BV as high as 2464 V with a Ron_sp of 3.0 mΩ cm2. Compared to the conventional GaN TG-MOSFET with the same structure parameters, the Baliga figure of merit (BFOM) is enhanced by 150%, getting closer to theoretical limit for GaN devices.

Influence of barrier on partial discharge activity by a conducting particle in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages adopting UHF technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarathi, R.; Giridhar, A. V.; Sethupathi, K.

2011-02-01

The UHF signals are generated due to PD formed by particle movement in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages. The levitation voltage of a particle in liquid nitrogen measured through UHF technique and by conventional PD measurement technique is the same, confirming the sensitivity of UHF technique for identification of PD activity. The frequency content of UHF signal generated due to particle movement in liquid nitrogen, under AC voltages, lies in the range 0.5-1.5 GHz. The characteristics of UHF signal generated due to particle movement between the barrier and high voltage/ground electrode is much similar to the signal generated by particle movement in clean electrode gap. Pseudo resonance phenomena can occur in liquid nitrogen due to particle movement. It is also observed that the partial discharge magnitude, in general, be high when the particle moves between the barrier and high voltage electrode when compared to the barrier and the ground electrode. Percentage of clay in epoxy nanocomposites has not altered the levitation voltage of the particle in the electrode gap. Zero span analysis clearly indicates that pseudo resonance occurs when particle moves (in a short gap) between the barrier and high voltage/ground electrode.

Transport phenomena in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells via voltage loss breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flick, Sarah; Dhanushkodi, Shankar R.; Mérida, Walter

2015-04-01

This study presents a voltage loss breakdown method based on in-situ experimental data to systematically analyze the different overpotentials of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. This study includes a systematic breakdown of the anodic overpotentials via the use of a reference electrode system. This work demonstrates the de-convolution of the individual overpotentials for both anode and cathode side, including the distinction between mass-transport overpotentials in cathode porous transport layer (PTL) and electrode, based on in-situ polarization tests under different operating conditions. This method is used to study the relationship between mass-transport losses inside the cathode catalyst layer (CL) and the PTL for both a single layer and two-layer PTL configuration. We conclude that the micro-porous layer (MPL) significantly improves the water removal within the cell, especially inside the cathode electrode, and therefore the mass transport within the cathode CL. This study supports the theory that the MPL on the cathode leads to an increase in water permeation from cathode to anode due to its function as a capillary barrier. This is reflected in increased anodic mass-transport overpotential, decreased ohmic losses and decreased cathode mass-transport losses, especially in the cathode electrode.

Pre-breakdown phenomena and discharges in a gas-liquid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tereshonok, D. V.; Babaeva, N. Yu; Naidis, G. V.; Panov, V. A.; Smirnov, B. M.; Son, E. E.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate pre-breakdown and breakdown phenomena in gas-liquid systems. Cavitation void formation and breakdown in bubbles immersed in liquids are studied numerically, while complete breakdown of bubbled water is studied in experiments. It is shown that taking into account the dependence of water dielectric constant on electric field strength plays the same important role for cavitation void appearance under the action of electrostriction forces as the voltage rise time. It is also shown that the initial stage of breakdown in deformed bubbles immersed in liquid strongly depends on spatial orientation of the bubbles relative to the external electric field. The effect of immersed microbubbles, distributed in bulk water, on breakdown time and voltage is studied experimentally. At the breakdown voltage, the slow ‘thermal’ mechanism is changed by the fast ‘streamer-leader’ showing a decrease in breakdown time by two orders of magnitude by introducing microbubbles (0.1% of volumetric gas content) into the water. In addition, the plasma channel is found to pass between nearby microbubbles, exhibiting some ‘guidance’ effect.

A study of dielectric breakdown along insulators surrounding conductors in liquid argon

DOE PAGES

Lockwitz, Sarah; Jostlein, Hans

2016-03-22

High voltage breakdown in liquid argon is an important concern in the design of liquid argon time projection chambers, which are often used as neutrino and dark matter detectors. We have made systematic measurements of breakdown voltages in liquid argon along insulators surrounding negative rod electrodes where the breakdown is initiated at the anode. The measurements were performed in an open cryostat filled with commercial grade liquid argon exposed to air, and not the ultra-pure argon required for electron drift. While not addressing all high voltage concerns in liquid argon, these measurements have direct relevance to the design of highmore » voltage feedthroughs especially for averting the common problem of flash-over breakdown. The purpose of these tests is to understand the effects of materials, of breakdown path length, and of surface topology for this geometry and setup. We have found that the only material-specific effects are those due to their permittivity. We have found that the breakdown voltage has no dependence on the length of the exposed insulator. Lastly, a model for the breakdown mechanism is presented that can help inform future designs.« less

Study on high breakdown voltage GaN-based vertical field effect transistor with interfacial charge engineering for power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jiangfeng; Liu, Dong; Liu, Yong; Bai, Zhiyuan; Jiang, Zhiguang; Liu, Yang; Yu, Qi

2017-11-01

A high voltage GaN-based vertical field effect transistor with interfacial charge engineering (GaN ICE-VFET) is proposed and its breakdown mechanism is presented. This vertical FET features oxide trenches which show a fixed negative charge at the oxide/GaN interface. In the off-state, firstly, the trench oxide layer acts as a field plate; secondly, the n-GaN buffer layer is inverted along the oxide/GaN interface and thus a vertical hole layer is formed, which acts as a virtual p-pillar and laterally depletes the n-buffer pillar. Both of them modulate electric field distribution in the device and significantly increase the breakdown voltage (BV). Compared with a conventional GaN vertical FET, the BV of GaN ICE-VFET is increased from 1148 V to 4153 V with the same buffer thickness of 20 μm. Furthermore, the proposed device achieves a great improvement in the tradeoff between BV and on-resistance; and its figure of merit even exceeds the GaN one-dimensional limit.

Study of the Dependence on Magnetic Field and Bias Voltage of an AC-Biased TES Microcalorimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bandler, Simon

2011-01-01

At SRON we are studying the performance of a Goddard Space Flight Center single pixel TES microcalorimeter operated in the AC bias configuration. For x-ray photons at 6keV the AC biased pixel shows a best energy resolution of 3.7eV, which is about a factor of 2 worse than the energy resolution observed in identical DC-biased pixels. To better understand the reasons of this discrepancy, we investigated the detector performance as a function of temperature, bias working point and applied magnetic field. A strong periodic dependence of the detector noise on the TES AC bias voltage is measured. We discuss the results in the framework of the recent weak-link behaviour observed inTES microcalorimeters.

Liquid Nitrogen as Fast High Voltage Switching Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickens, J.; Neuber, A.; Haustein, M.; Krile, J.; Krompholz, H.

2002-12-01

Compact pulsed power systems require new switching technologies. For high voltages, liquid nitrogen seems to be a suitable switching medium, with high hold-off voltage, low dielectric constant, and no need for pressurized systems as in high pressure gas switches. The discharge behavior in liquid nitrogen, such as breakdown voltages, formative times, current rise as function of voltage, recovery, etc. are virtually unknown, however. The phenomenology of breakdown in liquid nitrogen is investigated with high speed (temporal resolution < 1 ns) electrical and optical diagnostics, in a coaxial system with 50-Ohm impedance. Discharge current and voltage are determined with transmission line type current sensors and capacitive voltage dividers. The discharge luminosity is measured with photomultiplier tubes. Preliminary results of self-breakdown investigations (gap 1 mm, breakdown voltage 44 kV, non-boiling supercooled nitrogen) show a fast (2 ns) transition from an unknown current level to several mA, a long-duration (100 ns) phase with constant current superimposed by ns-spikes, and a final fast transition to the impedance limited current during several nanoseconds. The optical measurements will be expanded toward spectroscopy and high speed photography with the aim of clarifying the overall breakdown mechanisms, including electronic initiation, bubble formation, bubble dynamics, and their role in breakdown, for different electrode geometries (different macroscopic field enhancements).

Research on breakdown characteristics of converter transformer oil-paper insulation under compound electric field in alpine region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, C.; Gao, Z. W.; Lan, S.; Guo, H. X.; Gong, M. C.

2018-01-01

In the paper, existing research and operating experience was summarized. On the basis, the particularity of oil-paper insulation operation condition for converter transformer was combined for studying the influence of temperature on oil-paper insulation field intensity distribution of converter transformers under different AC contents within wide temperature scope (-40°C∼105°C). The law of temperature gradients on space charge accumulation was analyzed. The breakdown or flashover characteristics of typical oil-paper compound insulation structure under the action of DC, AC and AC-DC superposition voltage at different temperatures were explored. The design principles of converter transformer oil-paper insulation structures in alpine region was proposed. The principle was adjusted and optimized properly according to the operation temperature scope and withstood AC-DC proportion. The reliability of transformer operation was improved on the one hand, and the insulating medium can be rationally utilized for reducing the manufacturing cost of the transformer on the other hand.

The DC and AC insulating properties of magnetic fluids based on transformer oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomo, L.; Marton, K.; Herchl, F.; Kopanský, P.; Potoová, I.; Koneracká, M.; Timko, M.

2006-01-01

The AC-dielectric breakdown was investigated in magnetic fluids based on transformer oil TECHNOL US 4000 for two orientations of external magnetic field (B E and B E) and in B = 0. The found results were compared with those obtained formerly for the DC-dielectric breakdown. The observations of the time development of the AC-dielectric breakdown showed the presence of partial discharges long before the complete breakdown occurrence, while for DC-dielectric breakdown a complete breakdown of the gap next to the onset of a measurable ionization was characteristic. The comparison of the AC-dielectric breakdown strengths of pure transformer oil and transformer-oil-based magnetic fluid showed better dielectric properties of magnetic fluid in external magnetic field and comparable, but not worse, in B = 0. Regarding to the better heat transfer, provided by magnetic fluids, they could be used in power transformers as insulating fluids.

Ionizing potential waves and high-voltage breakdown streamers.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albright, N. W.; Tidman, D. A.

1972-01-01

The structure of ionizing potential waves driven by a strong electric field in a dense gas is discussed. Negative breakdown waves are found to propagate with a velocity proportional to the electric field normal to the wavefront. This causes a curved ionizing potential wavefront to focus down into a filamentary structure, and may provide the reason why breakdown in dense gases propagates in the form of a narrow leader streamer instead of a broad wavefront.

The Breakdown Characteristics of the Silicone Oil for Electric Power Apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Hisashi; Yanabu, Satoru

The basic breakdown characteristics of the silicone oil as an insulating medium was studied with aim of realization of electric power apparatus which may be considered to be SF6 free and flame-retarding. As the first step, the impulse breakdown characteristics was measured with three kinds of electrodes whose electric field distributions differed. The breakdown characteristics in silicone oil was explained in relation to stressed oil volume (SOV) and the breakdown stress. At the second step the surface breakdown characteristic for impulse voltage was measured with two kinds of insulators which was set to between plane electrodes. The surface breakdown characteristic for impulse voltage was explained in relation to the ratio of the relative permittivity of oil and insulator. And on the third step, the breakdown characteristics of oil gap after interrupting small capacitive current was studied. In this experiment, the disconnecting switch to interrupt capacitive current was simulated by oil gap after interrupting impulse current, and to measure breakdown characteristics the high impulse voltage was subsequently applied. The breakdown stress in silicone oil after application of impulse current was discussed for insulation recovery characteristics.

Frequency and voltage dependent profile of dielectric properties, electric modulus and ac electrical conductivity in the PrBaCoO nanofiber capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demirezen, S.; Kaya, A.; Yerişkin, S. A.; Balbaşı, M.; Uslu, İ.

In this study, praseodymium barium cobalt oxide nanofiber interfacial layer was sandwiched between Au and n-Si. Frequency and voltage dependence of ε‧, ε‧, tanδ, electric modulus (M‧ and M″) and σac of PrBaCoO nanofiber capacitor have been investigated by using impedance spectroscopy method. The obtained experimental results show that the values of ε‧, ε‧, tanδ, M‧, M″ and σac of the PrBaCoO nanofiber capacitor are strongly dependent on frequency of applied bias voltage. The values of ε‧, ε″ and tanδ show a steep decrease with increasing frequency for each forward bias voltage, whereas the values of σac and the electric modulus increase with increasing frequency. The high dispersion in ε‧ and ε″ values at low frequencies may be attributed to the Maxwell-Wagner and space charge polarization. The high values of ε‧ may be due to the interfacial effects within the material, PrBaCoO nanofibers interfacial layer and electron effect. The values of M‧ and M″ reach a maximum constant value corresponding to M∞ ≈ 1/ε∞ due to the relaxation process at high frequencies, but both the values of M‧ and M″ approach almost to zero at low frequencies. The changes in the dielectric and electrical properties with frequency can be also attributed to the existence of Nss and Rs of the capacitors. As a result, the change in the ε‧, ε″, tanδ, M‧, M″ and ac electric conductivity (σac) is a result of restructuring and reordering of charges at the PrBaCoO/n-Si interface under an external electric field or voltage and interface polarization.

An Introduction to Electrical Breakdown in Dielectrics

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

PROJECT TASK WORK UNIT ELEMENT NO. NO. NO. NO. 11TI TL E ’tniclude Security Classification) AN INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL 1PERSONAL AUTHOR(S...find themselves working in the area without the benefit of formal coursework. inAlthough the title of the course was High Voltage Engineer- inI titled...this work , "An Introduction to Electrical Breakdown * Phenomena," because breakdown may occur at low voltages when spacecraft systems are considered

Effects of thermal and electrical stressing on the breakdown behavior of space wiring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammoud, Ahmad; Stavnes, Mark; Suthar, Jayant; Laghari, Javaid

1995-01-01

Several failures in the electrical wiring systems of many aircraft and space vehicles have been attributed to arc tracking and damaged insulation. In some instances, these failures proved to be very costly as they have led to the loss of many aircraft and imperilment of space missions. Efforts are currently underway to develop lightweight, reliable, and arc track resistant wiring for aerospace applications. In this work, six wiring constructions were evaluated in terms of their breakdown behavior as a function of temperature. These hybrid constructions employed insulation consisting of Kapton, Teflon, and cross-linked Tefzel. The properties investigated included the 400 Hz AC dielectric strength at ambient and 200 C, and the lifetime at high temperature with an applied bias of 40, 60, and 80% of breakdown voltage level. The results obtained are discussed, and conclusions are made concerning the suitability of the wiring constructions investigated for aerospace applications.

Effects of thermal and electrical stressing on the breakdown behavior of space wiring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammoud, Ahmad; Stavnes, Mark; Suthar, Jayant; Laghari, Javaid

1995-06-01

Several failures in the electrical wiring systems of many aircraft and space vehicles have been attributed to arc tracking and damaged insulation. In some instances, these failures proved to be very costly as they have led to the loss of many aircraft and imperilment of space missions. Efforts are currently underway to develop lightweight, reliable, and arc track resistant wiring for aerospace applications. In this work, six wiring constructions were evaluated in terms of their breakdown behavior as a function of temperature. These hybrid constructions employed insulation consisting of Kapton, Teflon, and cross-linked Tefzel. The properties investigated included the 400 Hz AC dielectric strength at ambient and 200 C, and the lifetime at high temperature with an applied bias of 40, 60, and 80% of breakdown voltage level. The results obtained are discussed, and conclusions are made concerning the suitability of the wiring constructions investigated for aerospace applications.

Electrical breakdown detection system for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghilardi, Michele; Busfield, James J. C.; Carpi, Federico

2017-04-01

Electrical breakdown of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) is an issue that has to be carefully addressed when designing systems based on this novel technology. Indeed, in some systems electrical breakdown might have serious consequences, not only in terms of interruption of the desired function but also in terms of safety of the overall system (e.g. overheating and even burning). The risk for electrical breakdown often cannot be completely avoided by simply reducing the driving voltages, either because completely safe voltages might not generate sufficient actuation or because internal or external factors might change some properties of the actuator whilst in operation (for example the aging or fatigue of the material, or an externally imposed deformation decreasing the distance between the compliant electrodes). So, there is the clear need for reliable, simple and cost-effective detection systems that are able to acknowledge the occurrence of a breakdown event, making DEA-based devices able to monitor their status and become safer and "selfaware". Here a simple solution for a portable detection system is reported that is based on a voltage-divider configuration that detects the voltage drop at the DEA terminals and assesses the occurrence of breakdown via a microcontroller (Beaglebone Black single-board computer) combined with a real-time, ultra-low-latency processing unit (Bela cape an open-source embedded platform developed at Queen Mary University of London). The system was used to both generate the control signal that drives the actuator and constantly monitor the functionality of the actuator, detecting any breakdown event and discontinuing the supplied voltage accordingly, so as to obtain a safer controlled actuation. This paper presents preliminary tests of the detection system in different scenarios in order to assess its reliability.

A normally-off fully AlGaN HEMT with high breakdown voltage and figure of merit for power switch applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi, Behzad; Asad, Mohsen

2015-07-01

In this paper, we propose a fully AlGaN high electron mobility (HEMT) in which the gate electrode, the barrier and the channel are all AlGaN. The p-type AlGaN gate facilitates the normally-off operation to be compatible with the state-of-the-art power amplifiers. In addition, the AlGaN channel increases the breakdown voltage (VBR) to 598 V due to the higher breakdown field of AlGaN compared to GaN. To assess the efficiency of the proposed structure, its characteristics are compared with the conventional and recently proposed structures. The two-dimensional device simulation results show that the proposed structure has the highest threshold voltage (Vth) and the VBR with the moderately low ON-resistance (RON). These features lead to the highest figure of merit (2.49 × 1012) among the structures which is 83%, 59%, 47% and 49% more than those of the conventional, with a field plate, AlGaN gate and AlGaN channel structures, respectively.

A Single-Phase Embedded Z-Source DC-AC Inverter

PubMed Central

Kim, Se-Jin; Lim, Young-Cheol

2014-01-01

In the conventional DC-AC inverter consisting of two DC-DC converters with unipolar output capacitors, the output capacitor voltages of the DC-DC converters must be higher than the DC input voltage. To overcome this weakness, this paper proposes a single-phase DC-AC inverter consisting of two embedded Z-source converters with bipolar output capacitors. The proposed inverter is composed of two embedded Z-source converters with a common DC source and output AC load. Though the output capacitor voltages of the converters are relatively low compared to those of a conventional inverter, an equivalent level of AC output voltages can be obtained. Moreover, by controlling the output capacitor voltages asymmetrically, the AC output voltage of the proposed inverter can be higher than the DC input voltage. To verify the validity of the proposed inverter, experiments were performed with a DC source voltage of 38 V. By controlling the output capacitor voltages of the converters symmetrically or asymmetrically, the proposed inverter can produce sinusoidal AC output voltages. The experiments show that efficiencies of up to 95% and 97% can be achieved with the proposed inverter using symmetric and asymmetric control, respectively. PMID:25133241

A single-phase embedded Z-source DC-AC inverter.

PubMed

Kim, Se-Jin; Lim, Young-Cheol

2014-01-01

In the conventional DC-AC inverter consisting of two DC-DC converters with unipolar output capacitors, the output capacitor voltages of the DC-DC converters must be higher than the DC input voltage. To overcome this weakness, this paper proposes a single-phase DC-AC inverter consisting of two embedded Z-source converters with bipolar output capacitors. The proposed inverter is composed of two embedded Z-source converters with a common DC source and output AC load. Though the output capacitor voltages of the converters are relatively low compared to those of a conventional inverter, an equivalent level of AC output voltages can be obtained. Moreover, by controlling the output capacitor voltages asymmetrically, the AC output voltage of the proposed inverter can be higher than the DC input voltage. To verify the validity of the proposed inverter, experiments were performed with a DC source voltage of 38 V. By controlling the output capacitor voltages of the converters symmetrically or asymmetrically, the proposed inverter can produce sinusoidal AC output voltages. The experiments show that efficiencies of up to 95% and 97% can be achieved with the proposed inverter using symmetric and asymmetric control, respectively.

An isolated bridgeless AC-DC PFC converter using a LC resonant voltage doubler rectifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sin-woo; Do, Hyun-Lark

2016-12-01

This paper proposed an isolated bridgeless AC-DC power factor correction (PFC) converter using a LC resonant voltage doubler rectifier. The proposed converter is based on isolated conventional single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) PFC converter. The conduction loss of rectification is reduced than a conventional one because the proposed converter is designed to eliminate a full-bridge rectifier at an input stage. Moreover, for zero-current switching (ZCS) operation and low voltage stresses of output diodes, the secondary of the proposed converter is designed as voltage doubler with a LC resonant tank. Additionally, an input-output electrical isolation is provided for safety standard. In conclusion, high power factor is achieved and efficiency is improved. The operational principles, steady-state analysis and design equations of the proposed converter are described in detail. Experimental results from a 60 W prototype at a constant switching frequency 100 kHz are presented to verify the performance of the proposed converter.

Bi-directional flow induced by an AC electroosmotic micropump with DC voltage bias.

PubMed

Islam, Nazmul; Reyna, Jairo

2012-04-01

This paper discusses the principle of biased alternating current electroosmosis (ACEO) and its application to move the bulk fluid in a microchannel, as an alternative to mechanical pumping methods. Previous EO-driven flow research has looked at the effect of electrode asymmetry and transverse traveling wave forms on the performance of electroosmotic pumps. This paper presents an analysis that was conducted to assess the effect of combining an AC signal with a DC (direct current) bias when generating the electric field needed to impart electroosmosis (EO) within a microchannel. The results presented here are numerical and experimental. The numerical results were generated through simulations performed using COMSOL 3.5a. Currently available theoretical models for EO flows were embedded in the software and solved numerically to evaluate the effects of channel geometry, frequency of excitation, electrode array geometry, and AC signal with a DC bias on the flow imparted on an electrically conducting fluid. Simulations of the ACEO flow driven by a constant magnitude of AC voltage over symmetric electrodes did not indicate relevant net flows. However, superimposing a DC signal over the AC signal on the same symmetric electrode array leads to a noticeable net forward flow. Moreover, changing the polarity of electrical signal creates a bi-directional flow on symmetrical electrode array. Experimental flow measurements were performed on several electrode array configurations. The mismatch between the numerical and experimental results revealed the limitations of the currently available models for the biased EO. However, they confirm that using a symmetric electrode array excited by an AC signal with a DC bias leads to a significant improvement in flow rates in comparison to the flow rates obtained in an asymmetric electrode array configuration excited just with an AC signal. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Breakdown in Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets: Nearby Grounds and Voltage Rise Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lietz, Amanda; Kushner, Mark J.

2015-09-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) are being investigated to stimulate therapeutic responses in biological systems. These responses are not always consistent. One source of variability may be the design of the APPJs - the number and placement of electrodes, pulse power format - which affects the production of reactive species. In this study, the consequences of design parameters of an APPJ were computationally investigated using nonPDPSIM, a 2 d model. The configuration is a cylindrical tube with one or two ring exterior electrodes, with or without a center pin electrode. The APPJ operates in He/O2 flowing into humid air. We found that the placement of the electrical ground on and around the system is important to the breakdown characteristics of the APPJ, and the electron density and temperature of the resulting plasma. With a single powered ring electrode, the placement of the nearest ground may vary depending on the setup, and this significantly affects the discharge. With two-ring electrodes, the nearest ground plane is well defined, however more distant ground planes can also influence the discharge. With an ionization wave (IW) that propagates out of the tube and into the plume in tens of ns, the rise time of the voltage waveform can be on the same timescale, and so variations in the voltage rise time could produce different IW properties. The effect of ground placement and voltage waveform on IW formation (ns timescales) and production of reactive neutrals (ms timescales) will be discussed. Work supported by DOE (DE-SC0001319) and NSF (CHE-1124724). Done...processed 598 records...15:12:56

High-frequency ac power distribution in Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, Fu-Sheng; Lee, Fred C. Y.

1990-01-01

A utility-type 20-kHz ac power distribution system for the Space Station, employing resonant power-conversion techniques, is presented. The system converts raw dc voltage from photovoltaic cells or three-phase LF ac voltage from a solar dynamic generator into a regulated 20-kHz ac voltage for distribution among various loads. The results of EASY5 computer simulations of the local and global performance show that the system has fast response and good transient behavior. The ac bus voltage is effectively regulated using the phase-control scheme, which is demonstrated with both line and load variations. The feasibility of paralleling the driver-module outputs is illustrated with the driver modules synchronized and sharing a common feedback loop. An HF sinusoidal ac voltage is generated in the three-phase ac input case, when the driver modules are phased 120 deg away from one another and their outputs are connected in series.

Plasma breakdown in a capacitively-coupled radiofrequency argon discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, H. B.; Charles, C.; Boswell, R. W.

1998-10-01

Low pressure, capacitively-coupled rf discharges are widely used in research and commercial ventures. Understanding of the non-equilibrium processes which occur in these discharges during breakdown is of interest, both for industrial applications and for a deeper understanding of fundamental plasma behaviour. The voltage required to breakdown the discharge V_brk has long been known to be a strong function of the product of the neutral gas pressure and the electrode seperation (pd). This paper investigates the dependence of V_brk on pd in rf systems using experimental, computational and analytic techniques. Experimental measurements of V_brk are made for pressures in the range 1 -- 500 mTorr and electrode separations of 2 -- 20 cm. A Paschen-style curve for breakdown in rf systems is developed which has the minimum breakdown voltage at a much smaller pd value, and breakdown voltages which are significantly lower overall, than for Paschen curves obtained from dc discharges. The differences between the two systems are explained using a simple analytic model. A Particle-in-Cell simulation is used to investigate a similar pd range and examine the effect of the secondary emission coefficient on the rf breakdown curve, particularly at low pd values. Analytic curves are fitted to both experimental and simulation results.

High Voltage Power Supply Design Guide for Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bever, Renate S.; Ruitberg, Arthur P.; Kellenbenz, Carl W.; Irish, Sandra M.

2006-01-01

This book is written for newcomers to the topic of high voltage (HV) in space and is intended to replace an earlier (1970s) out-of-print document. It discusses the designs, problems, and their solutions for HV, mostly direct current, electric power, or bias supplies that are needed for space scientific instruments and devices, including stepping supplies. Output voltages up to 30kV are considered, but only very low output currents, on the order of microamperes. The book gives a brief review of the basic physics of electrical insulation and breakdown problems, especially in gases. It recites details about embedment and coating of the supplies with polymeric resins. Suggestions on HV circuit parts follow. Corona or partial discharge testing on the HV parts and assemblies is discussed both under AC and DC impressed test voltages. Electric field analysis by computer on an HV device is included in considerable detail. Finally, there are many examples given of HV power supplies, complete with some of the circuit diagrams and color photographs of the layouts.

System and component design and test of a 10 hp, 18,000 rpm AC dynamometer utilizing a high frequency AC voltage link, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipo, Thomas A.; Alan, Irfan

1991-01-01

Hard and soft switching test results conducted with one of the samples of first generation MOS-controlled thyristor (MCTs) and similar test results with several different samples of second generation MCT's are reported. A simple chopper circuit is used to investigate the basic switching characteristics of MCT under hard switching and various types of resonant circuits are used to determine soft switching characteristics of MCT under both zero voltage and zero current switching. Next, operation principles of a pulse density modulated converter (PDMC) for three phase (3F) to 3F two-step power conversion via parallel resonant high frequency (HF) AC link are reviewed. The details for the selection of power switches and other power components required for the construction of the power circuit for the second generation 3F to 3F converter system are discussed. The problems encountered in the first generation system are considered. Design and performance of the first generation 3F to 3F power converter system and field oriented induction moter drive based upon a 3 kVA, 20 kHz parallel resonant HF AC link are described. Low harmonic current at the input and output, unity power factor operation of input, and bidirectional flow capability of the system are shown via both computer and experimental results. The work completed on the construction and testing of the second generation converter and field oriented induction motor drive based upon specifications for a 10 hp squirrel cage dynamometer and a 20 kHz parallel resonant HF AC link is discussed. The induction machine is designed to deliver 10 hp or 7.46 kW when operated as an AC-dynamo with power fed back to the source through the converter. Results presented reveal that the proposed power level requires additional energy storage elements to overcome difficulties with a peak link voltage variation problem that limits reaching to the desired power level. The power level test of the second generation converter after the

Breakdown between bare electrodes with an oil-paper interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, E. F.; Hebner, R. E., Jr.

1980-06-01

Measurements of the location of electrical breakdown in a composite insulating system were made. For these measurements a paper sample was mounted so that it connected the two electrodes. Electrode structures ranging from plane-plane to sphere-sphere were used. The electrode paper system was tested in oil in an attempt to determine the properties of an oil paper interface. The data indicated that in a carefully prepared system the breakdown will not necessarily occur at the interface. In addition, it was found that the breakdown voltages were not significantly lower for those breakdowns which occurred at the interface than for those which did not. It was noted that if the paper interface was not dried or if many gaseous voids were left in or on the paper, the breakdown will regularly occur at the interface and at a lower voltage.

The investigation of an electric arc in the long cylindrical channel of the powerful high-voltage AC plasma torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutberg, Ph G.; Popov, S. D.; Surov, A. V.; Serba, E. O.; Nakonechny, Gh V.; Spodobin, V. A.; Pavlov, A. V.; Surov, A. V.

2012-12-01

The comparison of conductivity obtained in experiments with calculated values is made in this paper. Powerful stationary plasma torches with prolonged period of continuous work are popular for modern plasmachemical applications. The maximum electrode lifetime with the minimum erosion can be reached while working on rather low currents. Meanwhile it is required to provide voltage arc drop for the high power achievement. Electric field strength in the arc column of the high-voltage plasma torch, using air as a plasma-forming gas, does not exceed 15 V/cm. It is possible to obtain the high voltage drop in the long arc stabilized in the channel by the intensive gas flow under given conditions. Models of high voltage plasma torches with rod electrodes with power up to 50 kW have been developed and investigated. The plasma torch arcs are burning in cylindrical channels. Present investigations are directed at studying the possibility of developing long arc plasma torches with higher power. The advantage of AC power supplies usage is the possibility of the loss minimization due to the reactive power compensation. The theoretical maximum of voltage arc drop for power supplies with inductive current limitations is about 50 % of the no-load voltage for a single-phase circuit and about 30 % for the three-phase circuit. Burning of intensively blown arcs in the long cylindrical channel using the AC power supply with 10 kV no-load voltage is experimentally investigated in the work. Voltage drops close to the maximum possible had been reached in the examined arcs in single-phase and three-phase modes. Operating parameters for single-phase mode were: current -30 A, voltage drop -5 kV, air flow rate 35 g/s; for three-phase mode: current (40-85) A, voltage drop (2.5-3.2) kV, air flow rate (60-100) g/s. Arc length in the installations exceeded 2 m.

Research on breakdown characteristics of oil-paper insulation in compound field at different temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L.; Chen, M. Y.; Zhu, X. C.; Gao, Z. W.; Zhang, H. D.; Li, G. X.; Zhang, J.; Yu, C. L.; Feng, Y. M.

2018-01-01

The breakdown characteristics of oil-paper insulation in AC, DC and compound field at different temperatures were studied. The breakdown mechanism of oil-paper insulation at different temperatures and in AC and DC electric fields was analyzed. The breakdown characteristic mechanisms of the oil-paper insulation in the compound field at different temperatures were obtained: the dielectric strength of oil-paper compound insulation is changed gradually from dependence on oil dielectric strength to dependence on paperboard dielectric strength at low temperature. The dielectric strength of oil-paper compound insulation is always related to the oil dielectric strength closely at high temperature with decrease of AC content.

Discreteness-induced resonances and ac voltage amplitudes in long one-dimensional Josephson junction arrays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duwel, A.E.; Watanabe, S.; Trias, E.

1997-11-01

New resonance steps are found in the experimental current-voltage characteristics of long, discrete, one-dimensional Josephson junction arrays with open boundaries and in an external magnetic field. The junctions are underdamped, connected in parallel, and dc biased. Numerical simulations based on the discrete sine-Gordon model are carried out, and show that the solutions on the steps are periodic trains of fluxons, phase locked by a finite amplitude radiation. Power spectra of the voltages consist of a small number of harmonic peaks, which may be exploited for possible oscillator applications. The steps form a family that can be numbered by the harmonicmore » content of the radiation, the first member corresponding to the Eck step. Discreteness of the arrays is shown to be essential for appearance of the higher order steps. We use a multimode extension of the harmonic balance analysis, and estimate the resonance frequencies, the ac voltage amplitudes, and the theoretical limit on the output power on the first two steps. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Space charge inhibition effect of nano-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on improvement of impulse breakdown voltage of transformer oil based on improved Kerr optic measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Qing, E-mail: yangqing@cqu.edu.cn; Yu, Fei; Sima, Wenxia

Transformer oil-based nanofluids (NFs) with 0.03 g/L Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticle content exhibit 11.2% higher positive impulse breakdown voltage levels than pure transformer oils. To study the effects of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles on the space charge in transformer oil and to explain why the nano-modified transformer oil exhibits improved impulse breakdown voltage characteristics, the traditional Kerr electro-optic field mapping technique is improved by increasing the length of the parallel-plate electrodes and by using a photodetector array as a high light sensitivity device. The space charge distributions of pure transformer oil and of NFs containing Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticlesmore » can be measured using the improved Kerr electro-optic field mapping technique. Test results indicate a significant reduction in space charge density in the transformer oil-based NFs with the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. The fast electrons are captured by the nanoparticles and are converted into slow-charged particles in the NFs, which then reduce the space charge density and result in a more uniform electric field distribution. Streamer propagation in the NFs is also obstructed, and the breakdown strengths of the NFs under impulse voltage conditions are also improved.« less

Positive and negative effects of dielectric breakdown in transformer oil based magnetic fluids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Jong-Chul, E-mail: jclee01@gwnu.ac.kr; Lee, Won-Ho; Lee, Se-Hee

The transformer oil based magnetic fluids can be considered as the next-generation insulation fluids because they offer exciting new possibilities to enhance dielectric breakdown voltage as well as heat transfer performance compared to pure transformer oils. In this study, we have investigated the dielectric breakdown strength of the fluids with the various volume concentrations of nanoparticles in accordance with IEC 156 standard and have tried to find the reason for changing the dielectric breakdown voltage of the fluids from the magnetic field analysis. It was found that the dielectric breakdown voltage of pure transformer oil is around 12 kV withmore » the gap distance of 1.5 mm. In the case of our transformer oil-based magnetic fluids with 0.08% < Φ < 0.6% (Φ means the volume concentration of magnetic nanoparticles), the dielectric breakdown voltage shows above 40 kV, which is 3.3 times higher positively than that of pure transformer oil. Negatively in the case when the volume concentration of magnetic nanoparticles is above 0.65%, the dielectric breakdown voltage decreases reversely. From the magnetic field analysis, the reason might be considered as two situations: the positive is for the conductive nanoparticles dispersed well near the electrodes, which play an important role in converting fast electrons to slow negatively charged particles, and the negative is for the agglomeration of the particles near the electrodes, which leads to the breakdown initiation.« less

Use of an AC/DC/AC Electrochemical Technique to Assess the Durability of Protection Systems for Magnesium Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Sen; McCune, Robert C.; Shen, Weidian; Wang, Yar-Ming

One task under the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP) "Magnesium Front End Research and Development" (MFERD) Project has been the evaluation of methodologies for the assessment of protective capability for a variety of proposed protection schemes for this hypothesized multi-material, articulated structure. Techniques which consider the entire protection system, including both pretreatments and topcoats are of interest. In recent years, an adaptation of the classical electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) approach using an intermediate cathodic DC polarization step (viz. AC/DC/AC) has been employed to accelerate breakdown of coating protection, specifically at the polymer-pretreatment interface. This work reports outcomes of studies to employ the AC/DC/AC approach for comparison of protective coatings to various magnesium alloys considered for front end structures. In at least one instance, the protective coating system breakdown could be attributed to the poorer intrinsic corrosion resistance of the sheet material (AZ31) relative to die-cast AM60B.

Effect of temperature on the electric breakdown strength of dielectric elastomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lei; Chen, Hualing; Sheng, Junjie; Zhang, Junshi; Wang, Yongquan; Jia, Shuhai

2014-03-01

DE (dielectric elastomer) is one of the most promising artificial muscle materials for its large strain over 100% under driving voltage. However, to date, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are prone to failure due to the temperature-dependent electric breakdown. Previously studies had shown that the electrical breakdown strength was mainly related to the temperature-dependent elasticity modulus and the permittivity of dielectric substances. This paper investigated the influence of ambient temperature on the electric breakdown strength of DE membranes (VHB4910 3M). The electric breakdown experiment of the DE membrane was conducted at different ambient temperatures and pre-stretch levels. The real breakdown strength was obtained by measuring the deformation and the breakdown voltage simultaneously. Then, we found that with the increase of the environment temperature, the electric breakdown strength decreased obviously. Contrarily, the high pre-stretch level led to the large electric breakdown strength. What is more, we found that the deformations of DEs were strongly dependent on the ambient temperature.

Design of high breakdown voltage vertical GaN p-n diodes with high-K/low-K compound dielectric structure for power electronics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jiangfeng; Li, Zhenchao; Liu, Dong; Bai, Zhiyuan; Liu, Yang; Yu, Qi

2017-11-01

In this work, a vertical GaN p-n diode with a high-K/low-K compound dielectric structure (GaN CD-VGD) is proposed and designed to achieve a record high breakdown voltage (BV) with a low specific on-resistance (Ron,sp). By introducing compound dielectric structure, the electric field near the p-n junction interface is suppressed due to the effects of high-K passivation layer, and a new electric field peak is induced into the n-type drift region, because of a discontinuity of electrical field at the interface of high-K and low-K layer. Therefore the distribution of electric field in GaN p-n diode becomes more uniform and an enhancement of breakdown voltage can be achieved. Numerical simulations demonstrate that GaN CD-VGD with a BV of 10650 V and a Ron,sp of 14.3 mΩ cm2, resulting in a record high figure-of-merit of 8 GW/cm2.

Voltage source ac-to-dc converters for high-power transmitters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cormier, R.

1990-01-01

This work was done to optimize the design of the components used for the beam power supply, which is a component of the transmitters in the Deep Space Network (DSN). The major findings are: (1) the difference in regulation between a six-pulse and a twelve-pulse converter is at most 7 percent worse for the twelve-pulse converter; (2) the commutation overlap angle of a current source converter equals that of a voltage source converter with continuous line currents; (3) the sources of uncharacteristic harmonics are identified with SPICE simulation; (4) the use of an imperfect phase-shifting transformer for the twelve-pulse converter generates a harmonic at six times the line frequency; and (5) the assumptions usually made in analyzing converters can be relaxed with SPICE simulation. The results demonstrate the suitability of using SPICE simulation to obtain detailed performance predictions of ac-to-dc converters.

Study of the Dependency on Magnetic Field and Bias Voltage of an AC-Biased TES Microcalorimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gottardi, L.; Bruijn, M.; denHartog, R.; Hoevers, H.; deKorte, P.; vanderKuur, J.; Linderman, M.; Adams, J.; Bailey, C.; Bandler, S.;

Comparative analysis of breakdown mechanism in thin SiO2 oxide films in metal-oxide-semiconductor structures under the action of heavy charged particles and a pulsed voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinchenko, V. F.; Lavrent'ev, K. V.; Emel'yanov, V. V.; Vatuev, A. S.

2016-02-01

Regularities in the breakdown of thin SiO2 oxide films in metal-oxide-semiconductors structures of power field-effect transistors under the action of single heavy charged particles and a pulsed voltage are studied experimentally. Using a phenomenological approach, we carry out comparative analysis of physical mechanisms and energy criteria of the SiO2 breakdown in extreme conditions of excitation of the electron subsystem in the subpicosecond time range.

Zero temperature coefficient of resistance of the electrical-breakdown path in ultrathin hafnia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H. Z.; Ang, D. S.

2017-09-01

The recent widespread attention on the use of the non-volatile resistance switching property of a microscopic oxide region after electrical breakdown for memory applications has prompted basic interest in the conduction properties of the breakdown region. Here, we report an interesting crossover from a negative to a positive temperature dependence of the resistance of a breakdown region in ultrathin hafnia as the applied voltage is increased. As a consequence, a near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance is obtained at the crossover voltage. The behavior may be modeled by (1) a tunneling-limited transport involving two farthest-spaced defects along the conduction path at low voltage and (2) a subsequent transition to a scattering-limited transport after the barrier is overcome by a larger applied voltage.

Inner surface flash-over of insulator of low-inductance high-voltage self-breakdown gas switch and its application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Hong-bo, E-mail: walkman67@163.com; Liu, Jin-liang

2014-04-15

In this paper, the inner surface flash-over of high-voltage self-breakdown switch, which is used as a main switch of pulse modulator, is analyzed in theory by employing the method of distributed element equivalent circuit. Moreover, the field distortion of the switch is simulated by using software. The results of theoretical analysis and simulation by software show that the inner surface flash-over usually starts at the junction points among the stainless steel, insulator, and insulation gas in the switch. A switch with improved structure is designed and fabricated according to the theoretical analysis and simulation results. Several methods to avoid innermore » surface flash-over are used to improve the structure of switch. In experiment, the inductance of the switch is no more than 100 nH, the working voltage of the switch is about 600 kV, and the output voltage and current of the accelerator is about 500 kV and 50 kA, respectively. And the zero-to-peak rise time of output voltage at matched load is less than 30 ns due to the small inductance of switch. The original switch was broken-down after dozens of experiments, and the improved switch has been worked more than 200 times stably.« less

Dielectric Breakdown Strength of Thermally Sprayed Ceramic Coatings: Effects of Different Test Arrangements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niittymäki, Minna; Lahti, Kari; Suhonen, Tomi; Metsäjoki, Jarkko

2015-02-01

Dielectric properties (e.g., DC resistivity and dielectric breakdown strength) of insulating thermally sprayed ceramic coatings differ depending on the form of electrical stress, ambient conditions, and aging of the coating, however, the test arrangements may also have a remarkable effect on the properties. In this paper, the breakdown strength of high velocity oxygen fuel-sprayed alumina coating was studied using six different test arrangements at room conditions in order to study the effects of different test and electrode arrangements on the breakdown behavior. In general, it was shown that test arrangements have a considerable influence on the results. Based on the results, the recommended testing method is to use embedded electrodes between the voltage electrode and the coating at least in DC tests to ensure a good contact with the surface. With and without embedded electrodes, the DBS was 31.7 and 41.8 V/µm, respectively. Under AC excitation, a rather good contact with the sample surface is, anyhow, in most cases acquired by a rather high partial discharge activity and no embedded electrodes are necessarily needed (DBS 29.2 V/µm). However, immersion of the sample in oil should strongly be avoided because the oil penetrates quickly into the coating affecting the DBS (81.2 V/µm).

Physics-Based Compact Model for CIGS and CdTe Solar Cells: From Voltage-Dependent Carrier Collection to Light-Enhanced Reverse Breakdown: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Xingshu; Alam, Muhammad Ashraful; Raguse, John

2015-10-15

In this paper, we develop a physics-based compact model for copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) heterojunction solar cells that attributes the failure of superposition to voltage-dependent carrier collection in the absorber layer, and interprets light-enhanced reverse breakdown as a consequence of tunneling-assisted Poole-Frenkel conduction. The temperature dependence of the model is validated against both simulation and experimental data for the entire range of bias conditions. The model can be used to characterize device parameters, optimize new designs, and most importantly, predict performance and reliability of solar panels including the effects of self-heating and reverse breakdown duemore » to partial-shading degradation.« less

Study of the Dependency on Magnetic Field and Bias Voltage of an AC-Biased TES Microcalorimeter.

PubMed

Gottardi, L; Adams, J; Bailey, C; Bandler, S; Bruijn, M; Chervenak, J; Eckart, M; Finkbeiner, F; den Hartog, R; Hoevers, H; Kelley, R; Kilbourne, C; de Korte, P; van der Kuur, J; Lindeman, M; Porter, F; Sadlier, J; Smith, S

At SRON we are studying the performance of a Goddard Space Flight Center single pixel TES microcalorimeter operated in an AC bias configuration. For x-ray photons at 6 keV the pixel shows an x-ray energy resolution Δ E FWHM =3.7 eV, which is about a factor 2 worse than the energy resolution observed in an identical DC-biased pixel. In order to better understand the reasons for this discrepancy we characterised the detector as a function of temperature, bias working point and applied perpendicular magnetic field. A strong periodic dependency of the detector noise on the TES AC bias voltage is measured. We discuss the results in the framework of the recently observed weak-link behaviour of a TES microcalorimeter.

Alternating current (AC) iontophoretic transport across human epidermal membrane: effects of AC frequency and amplitude.

PubMed

Yan, Guang; Xu, Qingfang; Anissimov, Yuri G; Hao, Jinsong; Higuchi, William I; Li, S Kevin

2008-03-01

As a continuing effort to understand the mechanisms of alternating current (AC) transdermal iontophoresis and the iontophoretic transport pathways in the stratum corneum (SC), the objectives of the present study were to determine the interplay of AC frequency, AC voltage, and iontophoretic transport of ionic and neutral permeants across human epidermal membrane (HEM) and use AC as a means to characterize the transport pathways. Constant AC voltage iontophoresis experiments were conducted with HEM in 0.10 M tetraethyl ammonium pivalate (TEAP). AC frequencies ranging from 0.0001 to 25 Hz and AC applied voltages of 0.5 and 2.5 V were investigated. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) and arabinose (ARA) were the ionic and neutral model permeants, respectively. In data analysis, the logarithm of the permeability coefficients of HEM for the model permeants was plotted against the logarithm of the HEM electrical resistance for each AC condition. As expected, linear correlations between the logarithms of permeability coefficients and the logarithms of resistances of HEM were observed, and the permeability data were first normalized and then compared at the same HEM electrical resistance using these correlations. Transport enhancement of the ionic permeant was significantly larger than that of the neutral permeant during AC iontophoresis. The fluxes of the ionic permeant during AC iontophoresis of 2.5 V in the frequency range from 5 to 1,000 Hz were relatively constant and were approximately 4 times over those of passive transport. When the AC frequency decreased from 5 to 0.001 Hz at 2.5 V, flux enhancement increased to around 50 times over passive transport. While the AC frequency for achieving the full effect of iontophoretic enhancement at low AC frequency was lower than anticipated, the frequency for approaching passive diffusion transport at high frequency was higher than expected from the HEM morphology. These observations are consistent with a transport model of multiple

Anomalous memory effect in the breakdown of low-pressure argon in a long discharge tube

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meshchanov, A. V.; Korshunov, A. N.; Ionikh, Yu. Z., E-mail: y.ionikh@spbu.ru

2015-08-15

The characteristics of breakdown of argon in a long tube (with a gap length of 75 cm and diameter of 2.8 cm) at pressures of 1 and 5 Torr and stationary discharge currents of 5–40 mA were studied experimentally. The breakdown was initiated by paired positive voltage pulses with a rise rate of ∼10{sup 8}–10{sup 9} V/s and duration of ∼1–10 ms. The time interval between pairs was varied in the range of Τ ∼ 0.1–1 s, and that between pulses in a pair was varied from τ = 0.4 ms to ≈Τ/2. The aim of this work was tomore » detect and study the so-called “anomalous memory effect” earlier observed in breakdown in nitrogen. The effect consists in the dynamic breakdown voltage in the second pulse in a pair being higher than in the first pulse (in contrast to the “normal” memory effect, in which the relation between the breakdown voltages is opposite). It is found that this effect is observed when the time interval between pairs of pulses is such that the first pulse in a pair is in the range of the normal memory effect of the preceding pair (under the given conditions, Τ ≈ 0.1–0.4 s). In this case, at τ ∼ 10 ms, the breakdown voltage of the second pulse is higher than the reduced breakdown voltage of the first pulse. Optical observations of the ionization wave preceding breakdown in a long tube show that, in the range of the anomalous memory effect and at smaller values of τ, no ionization wave is detected before breakdown in the second pulse. A qualitative interpretation of the experimental results is given.« less

AC to DC Bridgeless Boost Converter for Ultra Low Input Energy Harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawam, A. H. A.; Muhamad, M.

2018-03-01

This paper presents design of circuit which converts low input AC voltage to a higher output DC voltage. A buck-boost topology and boost topology are combined to condition cycle of an AC input voltage. the unique integration of a combining circuit of buck-boost and boost circuit have been proposed in order to introduce a new direct ac-dc power converter topology without conventional diode bridge rectifier. The converter achieved to convert a milli-volt scale of input AC voltage into a volt scale of output DC voltages which is from 400mV to 3.3V.

Electrokinetic ion breakdown in a nanochannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun-yao; Xu, Zheng

2016-07-01

In this paper, the electrokinetic ion breakdown in a nanochannel is investigated. The Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations are employed to simulate the influence of the voltage on the concentration. Both theoretical research and experiments show that increasing the voltage can promote the ion concentration, but high voltage will break up the repulsion effect of the electric double layer and bring the concentration down. For a given micro-nanochannel, the ion concentration has a peak value corresponding with a peak voltage. Narrowing the width of a nanochannel improves the peak voltage and the peak concentration. The results will be beneficial to research the internal discipline of electrokinetic concentration.

Experimental study of the processes accompanying argon breakdown in a long discharge tube at a reduced pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meshchanov, A. V.; Ionikh, Yu. Z., E-mail: y.ionikh@spbu.ru; Shishpanov, A. I.

Results are presented from experimental studies of the breakdown stage of a low-pressure discharge (1 and 5 Torr) in a glass tube the length of which (75 cm) is much larger than its diameter (2.8 cm). Breakdowns occurred under the action of positive voltage pulses with an amplitude of up to 9.4 kV and a characteristic rise time of 2–50 μs. The discharge current in the steady-state mode was 10–120 mA. The electrode voltage, discharge current, and radiation from the discharge gap were detected simultaneously. The dynamic breakdown voltage was measured, the prebreakdown ionization wave was recorded, and its velocitymore » was determined. The dependence of the discharge parameters on the time interval between voltage pulses (the socalled “memory effect”) was analyzed. The memory effect manifests itself in a decrease or an increase in the breakdown voltage and a substantial decrease in its statistical scatter. The time interval between pulses in this case can reach 0.5 s. The effect of illumination of the discharge tube with a light source on the breakdown was studied. It is found that the irradiation of the anode region of the tube by radiation with wavelengths of ≤500 nm substantially reduces the dynamic breakdown voltage. Qualitative explanations of the obtained results are offered.« less

Simulation study on transient electric shock characteristics of human body under high voltage ac transmission lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Tao; Zou, Yanhui; Lv, Jianhong; Yang, Jinchun; Tao, Li; Zhou, Jianfei

2017-09-01

Human body under high-voltage AC transmission lines will produce a certain induced voltage due to the electrostatic induction. When the human body contacts with some grounded objects, the charges transfer from the body to the ground and produce contact current which may cause transient electric shock. Using CDEGS and ATP/EMTP, the paper proposes a method for quantitatively calculating the transient electric shock characteristics. It calculates the human body voltage, discharge current and discharge energy under certain 500kV compact-type transmission lines and predicts the corresponding human feelings. The results show that the average root value of discharge current is less than 10mA when the human body is under the 500kV compact-type transmission lines and the human body is overall safe if the transmission lines satisfy the relevant design specifications. It concludes that the electric field strength above the ground should be limited to 4kV/m through the residential area for the purpose of reducing the electromagnetic impact.

Study of Bulk and Elementary Screw Dislocation Assisted Reverse Breakdown in Low-Voltage (<250 V) 4H-SiC p+n Junction Diodes - Part 1: DC Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Huang, Wei; Dudley, Michael

1999-01-01

Given the high density (approx. 10(exp 4)/sq cm) of elementary screw dislocations (Burgers vector = lc with no hollow core) in commercial SiC wafers and epilayers, all appreciable current (greater than 1 A) SiC power devices will likely contain elementary screw dislocations for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important to ascertain the electrical impact of these defects, particularly in high-field vertical power device topologies where SiC is expected to enable large performance improvements in solid-state high-power systems. This paper compares the DC-measured reverse-breakdown characteristics of low-voltage (less than 250 V) small-area (less than 5 x 10(exp -4) sq cm) 4H-SiC p(+)n diodes with and without elementary screw dislocations. Compared to screw dislocation-free devices, diodes containing elementary screw dislocations exhibited higher pre-breakdown reverse leakage currents, softer reverse breakdown I-V knees, and highly localized microplasmic breakdown current filaments. The observed localized 4H-SiC breakdown parallels microplasmic breakdowns observed in silicon and other semiconductors, in which space-charge effects limit current conduction through the local microplasma as reverse bias is increased.

Recent advances of high voltage AlGaN/GaN power HFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uemoto, Yasuhiro; Ueda, Tetsuzo; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi; Ueda, Daisuke

2009-02-01

We review our recent advances of GaN-based high voltage power transistors. These are promising owing to low on-state resistance and high breakdown voltage taking advantages of superior material properties. However, there still remain a couple of technical issues to be solved for the GaN devices to replace the existing Si-based power devices. The most critical issue is to achieve normally-off operation which is strongly desired for the safety operation, however, it has been very difficult because of the built-in polarization electric field. Our new device called GIT (Gate Injection Transistor) utilizing conductivity modulation successfully achieves the normally-off operation keeping low on-state resistance. The fabricated GIT on a Si substrate exhibits threshold voltage of +1.0V. The obtained on-state resistance and off-state breakdown voltage were 2.6mΩ•cm2 and 800V, respectively. Remaining technical issue is to further increase the breakdown voltage. So far, the reported highest off-state breakdown voltage of AlGaN/GaN HFETs has been 1900V. Overcoming these issues by a novel device structure, we have demonstrated the world highest breakdown voltages of 10400V using thick poly-crystalline AlN as a passivation film and Via-holes through sapphire which enable very efficient layout of the lateral HFET array avoiding any undesired breakdown of passivation films. Since conventional wet or dry etching cannot be used for chemically stable sapphire, high power pulsed laser is used to form the via-holes. The presented GaN power devices demonstrate that GaN is advantageous for high voltage power switching applications replacing currently used Si-based power MOSFETs and IGBTs.

Methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of two alternating current (AC) machines

DOEpatents

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel [Torrance, CA; Nagashima, James M [Cerritos, CA; Perisic, Milun [Torrance, CA; Hiti, Silva [Redondo Beach, CA

2012-02-14

A system is provided for controlling two AC machines. The system comprises a DC input voltage source that provides a DC input voltage, a voltage boost command control module (VBCCM), a five-phase PWM inverter module coupled to the two AC machines, and a boost converter coupled to the inverter module and the DC input voltage source. The boost converter is designed to supply a new DC input voltage to the inverter module having a value that is greater than or equal to a value of the DC input voltage. The VBCCM generates a boost command signal (BCS) based on modulation indexes from the two AC machines. The BCS controls the boost converter such that the boost converter generates the new DC input voltage in response to the BCS. When the two AC machines require additional voltage that exceeds the DC input voltage required to meet a combined target mechanical power required by the two AC machines, the BCS controls the boost converter to drive the new DC input voltage generated by the boost converter to a value greater than the DC input voltage.

Surface breakdown igniter for mercury arc devices

DOEpatents

Bayless, John R.

1977-01-01

Surface breakdown igniter comprises a semiconductor of medium resistivity which has the arc device cathode as one electrode and has an igniter anode electrode so that when voltage is applied between the electrodes a spark is generated when electrical breakdown occurs over the surface of the semiconductor. The geometry of the igniter anode and cathode electrodes causes the igniter discharge to be forced away from the semiconductor surface.

High voltage AC/AC electrochemical capacitor operating at low temperature in salt aqueous electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, Qamar; Béguin, François

2016-06-01

We demonstrate that an activated carbon (AC)-based electrochemical capacitor implementing aqueous lithium sulfate electrolyte in 7:3 vol:vol water/methanol mixture can operate down to -40 °C with good electrochemical performance. Three-electrode cell investigations show that the faradaic contributions related with hydrogen chemisorption in the negative AC electrode are thermodynamically unfavored at -40 °C, enabling the system to work as a typical electrical double-layer (EDL) capacitor. After prolonged floating of the AC/AC capacitor at 1.6 V and -40°C, the capacitance, equivalent series resistance and efficiency remain constant, demonstrating the absence of ageing related with side redox reactions at this temperature. Interestingly, when temperature is increased back to 24 °C, the redox behavior due to hydrogen storage reappears and the system behaves as a freshly prepared one.

Discussion of Electrode Conditioning Mechanism Based on Pre-breakdown Current under Non-uniform Electric Field in Vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuoka, Takanori; Kato, Tomohiro; Kato, Katsumi; Okubo, Hitoshi

Electrode conditioning is very important technique for improvement of the insulation performance of vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs). This paper discusses the spark conditioning mechanism under non-uniform electric field focused on the pre-breakdown current. We quantitatively evaluated the spark conditioning effect by analyzing the pre-breakdown current based on Fowler-Nordheim equation. As a result, field enhancement factor β decreased with the increasing in breakdown voltage in the beginning of conditioning process, and finally β was saturated with the saturation of breakdown voltage. In addition, in case of non-uniform field, we found that β on high voltage rod electrode after conditioning varied according to the electric field strength on the rod electrode.

Generation of runaway electrons and X-ray emission during breakdown of atmospheric-pressure air by voltage pulses with an ∼0.5-μs front duration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kostyrya, I. D.; Tarasenko, V. F., E-mail: VFT@loi.hcei.tsc.ru

2015-03-15

Results are presented from experiments on the generation of runaway electron beams and X-ray emission in atmospheric-pressure air by using voltage pulses with an ∼0.5-μs front duration. It is shown that the use of small-curvature-radius spherical cathodes (or other cathodes with small curvature radii) decreases the intensity of the runaway electron beam and X-ray emission. It is found that, at sufficiently high voltages at the electrode gap (U{sub m} ∼ 100 kV), the gap breakdown, the formation of a spark channel, and the generation of a runaway electron beam occur over less than 10 ns. At high values of U{submore » m} behind the anode that were reached by increasing the cathode size and the electrode gap length, a supershort avalanche electron beam with a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of up to ∼100 ps was detected. At voltages of ∼50 kV, the second breakdown regime was revealed in which a runaway electron beam with an FWHM of ∼2 ns was generated, whereas the FWHM of the X-ray pulse increased to ∼100 ns. It is established that the energy of the bulk of runaway electrons decreases with increasing voltage front duration and is ⩽30 keV in the first regime and ⩽10 keV in the second regime.« less

Breakdown Conditioning Chacteristics of Precision-Surface-Treatment-Electrode in Vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Kastumi; Fukuoka, Yuji; Inagawa, Yukihiko; Saitoh, Hitoshi; Sakaki, Masayuki; Okubo, Hitoshi

Breakdown (BD) characteristics in vacuum are strongly dependent on the electrode surface condition, like the surface roughness etc. Therefore, in order to develop a high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, it is important to optimize the surface treatment process. This paper discusses about the effect of precision-surface-treatment of the electrode on breakdown conditioning characteristics under non-uniform electric field in vacuum. Experimental results reveal that the electrode surface treatment affects the conditioning process, especially the BD voltage and the BD field strength at the initial stage of the conditioning.

Microcontroller based system for electrical breakdown time delay measurement in gas-filled devices.

PubMed

Pejović, Milić M; Denić, Dragan B; Pejović, Momčilo M; Nešić, Nikola T; Vasović, Nikola

2010-10-01

This paper presents realization of a digital embedded system for measuring electrical breakdown time delay. The proposed system consists of three major parts: dc voltage supply, analog subsystem, and a digital subsystem. Any dc power source with the range from 100 to 1000 V can be used in this application. The analog subsystem should provide fast and accurate voltage switching on the testing device as well as transform the signals that represent the voltage pulse on the device and the device breakdown into the form suitable for detection by a digital subsystem. The insulated gate bipolar transistor IRG4PH40KD driven by TC429 MOSFET driver is used for high voltage switching on the device. The aim of a digital subsystem is to detect the signals from the analog subsystem and to measure the elapsed time between their occurrences. Moreover, the digital subsystem controls various parameters that influence time delay and provides fast data storage for a large number of measured data. For this propose, we used the PIC18F4550 microcontroller with a full-speed compatible universal serial bus (USB) engine. Operation of this system is verified on different commercial and custom made gas devices with different structure and breakdown mechanisms. The electrical breakdown time delay measurements have been carried out as a function of several parameters, which dominantly influence electrical breakdown time delay. The obtained results have been verified using statistical methods, and they show good agreement with the theory. The proposed system shows good repeatability, sensitivity, and stability for measuring the electrical breakdown time delay.

Method and system for a gas tube switch-based voltage source high voltage direct current transmission system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

She, Xu; Chokhawala, Rahul Shantilal; Zhou, Rui

A voltage source converter based high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission system includes a voltage source converter (VSC)-based power converter channel. The VSC-based power converter channel includes an AC-DC converter and a DC-AC inverter electrically coupled to the AC-DC converter. The AC-DC converter and a DC-AC inverter include at least one gas tube switching device coupled in electrical anti-parallel with a respective gas tube diode. The VSC-based power converter channel includes a commutating circuit communicatively coupled to one or more of the at least one gas tube switching devices. The commutating circuit is configured to "switch on" a respective one of themore » one or more gas tube switching devices during a first portion of an operational cycle and "switch off" the respective one of the one or more gas tube switching devices during a second portion of the operational cycle.« less

Microcontroller based system for electrical breakdown time delay measurement in gas-filled devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pejovic, Milic M.; Denic, Dragan B.; Pejovic, Momcilo M.

2010-10-15

This paper presents realization of a digital embedded system for measuring electrical breakdown time delay. The proposed system consists of three major parts: dc voltage supply, analog subsystem, and a digital subsystem. Any dc power source with the range from 100 to 1000 V can be used in this application. The analog subsystem should provide fast and accurate voltage switching on the testing device as well as transform the signals that represent the voltage pulse on the device and the device breakdown into the form suitable for detection by a digital subsystem. The insulated gate bipolar transistor IRG4PH40KD driven bymore » TC429 MOSFET driver is used for high voltage switching on the device. The aim of a digital subsystem is to detect the signals from the analog subsystem and to measure the elapsed time between their occurrences. Moreover, the digital subsystem controls various parameters that influence time delay and provides fast data storage for a large number of measured data. For this propose, we used the PIC18F4550 microcontroller with a full-speed compatible universal serial bus (USB) engine. Operation of this system is verified on different commercial and custom made gas devices with different structure and breakdown mechanisms. The electrical breakdown time delay measurements have been carried out as a function of several parameters, which dominantly influence electrical breakdown time delay. The obtained results have been verified using statistical methods, and they show good agreement with the theory. The proposed system shows good repeatability, sensitivity, and stability for measuring the electrical breakdown time delay.« less

High-Voltage Breakdown Penalties for the Beam-Breakup Instability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ekdahl, Carl August

2016-11-22

The strength of the dangerous beam breakup (BBU) instability in linear induction accelerators (LIAs) is determined by the transverse coupling impedance Z ⊥ of the induction cell cavity. For accelerating gap width w less than the beam pipe radius b, the transverse impedance is theoretically proportional to w/b, favoring narrow gaps to suppress BBU. On the other hand, cells with narrow gaps cannot support high accelerating gradients, because of electrical breakdown and shorting of the gap. Thus, there is an engineering trade-off between BBU growth and accelerating gradient, which must be considered for next generation LIAs now being designed. Inmore » this article this tradeoff is explored, using a simple pillbox cavity as an illustrative example. For this model, widening the gap to reduce the probability of breakdown increases BBU growth, unless higher magnetic focusing fields are used to further suppress the instability.« less

Study of Bulk and Elementary Screw Dislocation Assisted Reverse Breakdown in Low-Voltage (less than 250 V) 4H-SiC p(+)n Junction diodes. Part 1; DC Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Huang, Wei; Dudley, Michael

1998-01-01

Given the high density (approx. 10(exp 4)/sq cm) of elementary screw dislocations (Burgers vector = 1c with no hollow core) in commercial SiC wafers and epilayers, all appreciable current (greater than 1 A) SiC power devices will likely contain elementary screw dislocations for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important to ascertain the electrical impact of these defects, particularly in high-field vertical power device topologies where SiC is expected to enable large performance improvements in solid-state high-power systems. This paper compares the DC-measured reverse-breakdown characteristics of low-voltage (less than 250 V) small-area (less than 5 x 10(exp -4)/sq cm) 4H-SiC p(+)n diodes with and without elementary screw dislocations. Compared to screw dislocation-free devices, diodes containing elementary screw dislocations exhibited higher pre-breakdown reverse leakage currents, softer reverse breakdown I-V knees, and highly localized microplasmic breakdown current filaments. The observed localized 4H-SiC breakdown parallels microplasmic breakdowns observed in silicon and other semiconductors, in which space-charge effects limit current conduction through the local microplasma as reverse bias is increased.

Breakdown Characteristics of SF6 Gap Disturbed by a Metallic Protrusion under Oscillating Transient Overvoltages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, Tatsuo; Lee, Bok-Hee; Nishimura, Takahiko; Ishii, Masaru

1994-04-01

This paper deals with the experimental investigations of particle-initiated breakdown of SF6 gas stressed by the oscillating transient overvoltage and non-oscillating impulse voltages. The experiments are carried out by using hemisphere-to-plane electrodes with a needle-shaped protrusion in the gas pressure range of 0.05 to 0.3 MPa. The temporal growth of the prebreakdown process is measured by a current shunt and a photomultiplier. The electrical breakdown is initiated by the streamer corona in the vicinity of a needle-shaped protrusion and the flashover of test gap is substantially influenced by the local field enhancement due to the space charge formed by the preceding streamer corona. The dependence of the voltage-time characteristics on the polarity of test voltage is appreciable, and the minimum breakdown voltage under the damped oscillating transient overvoltage is approximately the same as that under the standard lightning impulse voltage. In presence of positive polarity, the dielectric strength of SF6 gas stressed by the oscillating transient overvoltage is particularly sensitive to the local field perturbed by a sharp conducting particle. The formative time lag from the first streamer corona to breakdown is longer in negative polarity than in positive polarity and the field stabilization of space charge is more pronounced in negative polarity.

A dry-cooled AC quantum voltmeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, M.; Starkloff, M.; Peiselt, K.; Anders, S.; Knipper, R.; Lee, J.; Behr, R.; Palafox, L.; Böck, A. C.; Schaidhammer, L.; Fleischmann, P. M.; Meyer, H.-G.

2016-10-01

The paper describes a dry-cooled AC quantum voltmeter system operated up to kilohertz frequencies and 7 V rms. A 10 V programmable Josephson voltage standard (PJVS) array was installed on a pulse tube cooler (PTC) driven with a 4 kW air-cooled compressor. The operating margins at 70 GHz frequencies were investigated in detail and found to exceed 1 mA Shapiro step width. A key factor for the successful chip operation was the low on-chip power consumption of 65 mW in total. A thermal interface between PJVS chip and PTC cold stage was used to avoid a significant chip overheating. By installing the cryocooled PJVS array into an AC quantum voltmeter setup, several calibration measurements of dc standards and calibrator ac voltages up to 2 kHz frequencies were carried out to demonstrate the full functionality. The results are discussed and compared to systems with standard liquid helium cooling. For dc voltages, a direct comparison measurement between the dry-cooled AC quantum voltmeter and a liquid-helium based 10 V PJVS shows an agreement better than 1 part in 1010.

Lightning Impulse Breakdown Characteristics and Electrodynamic Process of Insulating Vegetable Oil-Based Nanofluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Zhang, Zhao-Tao; Zou, Ping; Du, Bin; Liao, Rui-Jin

2012-06-01

Insulating vegetable oils are considered environment-friendly and fire-resistant substitutes for insulating mineral oils. This paper presents the lightning impulse breakdown characteristic of insulating vegetable oil and insulating vegetable oil-based nanofluids. It indicates that Fe3O4 nanoparticles can increase the negative lightning impulse breakdown voltages of insulating vegetable oil by 11.8% and positive lightning impulse breakdown voltages by 37.4%. The propagation velocity of streamer is reduced by the presence of nanoparticles. The propagation velocities of streamer to positive and negative lightning impulse breakdown in the insulating vegetable oil-based nanofluids are 21.2% and 14.4% lesser than those in insulating vegetable oils, respectively. The higher electrical breakdown strength and lower streamer velocity is explained by the charging dynamics of nanoparticles in insulating vegetable oil. Space charge build-up and space charge distorted filed in point-sphere gap is also described. The field strength is reduced at the streamer tip due to the low mobility of negative nanoparticles.

Specific features of a single-pulse sliding discharge in neon near the threshold for spark breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trusov, K. K.

2017-08-01

Experimental data on the spatial structure of a single-pulse sliding discharge in neon at voltages below, equal to, and above the threshold for spark breakdown are discussed. The experiments were carried at gas pressures of 30 and 100 kPa and different polarities of the discharge voltage. Photographs of the plasma structure in two discharge chambers with different dimensions of the discharge zone and different thicknesses of an alumina dielectric plate on the surface of which the discharge develops are inspected. Common features of the prebreakdown discharge and its specific features depending on the voltage polarity and gas pressure are analyzed. It is shown that, at voltages below the threshold for spark breakdown, a low-current glow discharge with cathode and anode spots develops in the electrode gap. Above the breakdown threshold, regardless of the voltage polarity, spark channels directed from the cathode to the anode develop against the background of a low-current discharge.

Plasma Discharges in Gas Bubbles in Liquid Water: Breakdown Mechanisms and Resultant Chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gucker, Sarah M. N.

is created either through flowing gas around the high voltage electrode in the discharge tube or self-generated by the plasma as in the steam discharge. This second method allows for large scale processing of contaminated water and for bulk chemical and optical analysis. Breakdown mechanisms of attached and unattached gas bubbles in liquid water were investigated using the first device. The breakdown scaling relation between breakdown voltage, pressure and dimensions of the discharge was studied. A Paschen-like voltage dependence for air bubbles in liquid water was discovered. The results of high-speed photography suggest the physical charging of the bubble due to a high voltage pulse; this charging can be significant enough to produce rapid kinetic motion of the bubble about the electrode region as the applied electric field changes over a voltage pulse. Physical deformation of the bubble is observed. This charging can also prevent breakdown from occurring, necessitating higher applied voltages to overcome the phenomenon. This dissertation also examines the resulting chemistry from plasma interacting with the bubble-liquid system. Through the use of optical emission spectroscopy, plasma parameters such as electron density, gas temperature, and molecular species production and intensity are found to have a time-dependence over the ac voltage cycle. This dependence is also source gas type dependent. These dependencies afford effective control over plasma-driven decomposition. The effect of plasma-produced radicals on various wastewater simulants is studied. Various organic dyes, halogenated compounds, and algae water are decomposed and assessed. Toxicology studies with melanoma cells exposed to plasma-treated dye solutions are completed, demonstrating the non-cytotoxic quality of the decomposition process. Thirdly, this dissertation examines the steam plasma system, developed through this research to circumvent the acidification associated with gas-feed discharges

Experimental breakdown of selected anodized aluminum samples in dilute plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grier, Norman T.; Domitz, Stanley

1992-01-01

Anodized aluminum samples representative of Space Station Freedom structural material were tested for electrical breakdown under space plasma conditions. In space, this potential arises across the insulating anodized coating when the spacecraft structure is driven to a negative bias relative to the external plasma potential due to plasma-surface interaction phenomena. For anodized materials used in the tests, it was found that breakdown voltage varied from 100 to 2000 volts depending on the sample. The current in the arcs depended on the sample, the capacitor, and the voltage. The level of the arc currents varied from 60 to 1000 amperes. The plasma number density varied from 3 x 10 exp 6 to 10 exp 3 ions per cc. The time between arcs increased as the number density was lowered. Corona testing of anodized samples revealed that samples with higher corona inception voltage had higher arcing inception voltages. From this it is concluded that corona testing may provide a method of screening the samples.

Statistical characteristics of transient enclosure voltage in ultra-high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Yuanji; Guan, Yonggang; Liu, Weidong

2017-06-01

Transient enclosure voltage (TEV), which is a phenomenon induced by the inner dielectric breakdown of SF6 during disconnector operations in a gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), may cause issues relating to shock hazard and electromagnetic interference to secondary equipment. This is a critical factor regarding the electromagnetic compatibility of ultra-high-voltage (UHV) substations. In this paper, the statistical characteristics of TEV at UHV level are collected from field experiments, and are analyzed and compared to those from a repeated strike process. The TEV waveforms during disconnector operations are recorded by a self-developed measurement system first. Then, statistical characteristics, such as the pulse number, duration of pulses, frequency components, magnitude and single pulse duration, are extracted. The transmission line theory is introduced to analyze the TEV and is validated by the experimental results. Finally, the relationship between the TEV and the repeated strike process is analyzed. This proves that the pulse voltage of the TEV is proportional to the corresponding breakdown voltage. The results contribute to the definition of the standard testing waveform of the TEV, and can aid the protection of electronic devices in substations by minimizing the threat of this phenomenon.

Spectral response of atmospheric electric field measurements near AC high voltage power lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, H. G.; Matthews, J. C.; Wright, M. D.; Shallcross, D. E.

2015-10-01

To understand the influence of corona ion emission on the atmospheric electrical field, measurements were made near to two AC high voltage power lines. A JCI 131 field-mill recorded the atmospheric electric field over one year. Meteorological measurements were also taken. The data series is divided in four zones (dependent on wind direction): whole zones, Z0; zone 1, Z1; zone 2, Z2; zone 3, Z3. Z3 is the least affected by corona ion emission and for that reason it is used as a reference against Z1 and Z2, which are strongly influenced by this phenomena. Analysis was undertaken for all weather days and dry days only. The Lomb-Scargle strategy developed for unevenly spaced time-series is used to calculate the spectral response of the aforementioned zones. Only frequencies above 1 minute are considered.

High-Voltage, High-Power Gaseous Electronics Switch For Electric Grid Power Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommerer, Timothy J.

2014-05-01

We are developing a high-voltage, high-power gas switch for use in low-cost power conversion terminals on the electric power grid. Direct-current (dc) power transmission has many advantages over alternating current (ac) transmission, but at present the high cost of ac-dc power interconversion limits the use of dc. The gas switch we are developing conducts current through a magnetized cold cathode plasma in hydrogen or helium to reach practical current densities > 1 A/cm2. Thermal and sputter damage of the cathode by the incident ion flux is a major technical risk, and is being addressed through use of a ``self-healing'' liquid metal cathode (eg, gallium). Plasma conditions and cathode sputtering loss are estimated by analyzing plasma spectral emission. A particle-in-cell plasma model is used to understand various aspects of switch operation, including the conduction phase (where plasma densities can exceed 1013 cm-3), the switch-open phase (where the high-voltage must be held against gas breakdown on the left side of Paschen's curve), and the switching transitions (especially the opening process, which is initiated by forming an ion-matrix sheath adjacent to a control grid). The information, data, or work presented herein was funded in part by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), U.S. Department of Energy, under Award Number DE-AR0000298.

Investigation of dielectric breakdown in silica-epoxy nanocomposites using designed interfaces.

PubMed

Bell, Michael; Krentz, Timothy; Keith Nelson, J; Schadler, Linda; Wu, Ke; Breneman, Curt; Zhao, Su; Hillborg, Henrik; Benicewicz, Brian

2017-06-01

Adding nano-sized fillers to epoxy has proven to be an effective method for improving dielectric breakdown strength (DBS). Evidence suggests that dispersion state, as well as chemistry at the filler-matrix interface can play a crucial role in property enhancement. Herein we investigate the contribution of both filler dispersion and surface chemistry on the AC dielectric breakdown strength of silica-epoxy nanocomposites. Ligand engineering was used to synthesize bimodal ligands onto 15nm silica nanoparticles consisting of long epoxy compatible, poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) chains, and short, π-conjugated, electroactive surface ligands. Surface initiated RAFT polymerization was used to synthesize multiple graft densities of PGMA chains, ultimately controlling the dispersion of the filler. Thiophene, anthracene, and terthiophene were employed as π-conjugated surface ligands that act as electron traps to mitigate avalanche breakdown. Investigation of the synthesized multifunctional nanoparticles was effective in defining the maximum particle spacing or free space length (L f ) that still leads to property enhancement, as well as giving insight into the effects of varying the electronic nature of the molecules at the interface on breakdown strength. Optimization of the investigated variables was shown to increase the AC dielectric breakdown strength of epoxy composites as much as 34% with only 2wt% silica loading. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

AC Resistance measuring instrument

DOEpatents

Hof, Peter J.

1983-01-01

An auto-ranging AC resistance measuring instrument for remote measurement of the resistance of an electrical device or circuit connected to the instrument includes a signal generator which generates an AC excitation signal for application to a load, including the device and the transmission line, a monitoring circuit which provides a digitally encoded signal representing the voltage across the load, and a microprocessor which operates under program control to provide an auto-ranging function by which range resistance is connected in circuit with the load to limit the load voltage to an acceptable range for the instrument, and an auto-compensating function by which compensating capacitance is connected in shunt with the range resistance to compensate for the effects of line capacitance. After the auto-ranging and auto-compensation functions are complete, the microprocessor calculates the resistance of the load from the selected range resistance, the excitation signal, and the load voltage signal, and displays of the measured resistance on a digital display of the instrument.

Mechanism of vacuum breakdown in radio-frequency accelerating structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barengolts, S. A.; Mesyats, V. G.; Oreshkin, V. I.; Oreshkin, E. V.; Khishchenko, K. V.; Uimanov, I. V.; Tsventoukh, M. M.

2018-06-01

It has been investigated whether explosive electron emission may be the initiating mechanism of vacuum breakdown in the accelerating structures of TeV linear electron-positron colliders (Compact Linear Collider). The physical processes involved in a dc vacuum breakdown have been considered, and the relationship between the voltage applied to the diode and the time delay to breakdown has been found. Based on the results obtained, the development of a vacuum breakdown in an rf electric field has been analyzed and the main parameters responsible for the initiation of explosive electron emission have been estimated. The formation of craters on the cathode surface during explosive electron emission has been numerically simulated, and the simulation results are discussed.

On the difference between breakdown and quench voltages of argon plasma and its relation to 4p–4s atomic state transitions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Forati, Ebrahim, E-mail: forati@ieee.org; Piltan, Shiva; Sievenpiper, Dan, E-mail: dsievenpiper@ucsd.edu

Using a relaxation oscillator circuit, breakdown (V{sub BD}) and quench (V{sub Q}) voltages of a DC discharge microplasma between two needle probes are measured. High resolution modified Paschen curves are obtained for argon microplasmas including a quench voltage curve representing the voltage at which the plasma turns off. It is shown that for a point to point microgap (e.g., the microgap between two needle probes) which describes many realistic microdevices, neither Paschen's law applies nor field emission is noticeable. Although normally V{sub BD} > V{sub Q,} it is observed that depending on environmental parameters of argon, such as pressure and the drivingmore » circuitry, plasma can exist in a different state with equal V{sub BD} and V{sub Q.} Using emission line spectroscopy, it is shown that V{sub BD} and V{sub Q} are equal if the atomic excitation by the electric field dipole moment dominantly leads to one of the argon's metastable states (4P{sub 5} in our study)« less

AC Loss Measurements on a 2G YBCO Coil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rey, Christopher M; Duckworth, Robert C; Schwenterly, S W

2011-01-01

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to continue development of HTS power transformers. For compatibility with the existing power grid, a commercially viable HTS transformer will have to operate at high voltages in the range of 138 kV and above, and will have to withstand 550-kV impulse voltages as well. Second-generation (2G) YBCO coated conductors will be required for an economically-competitive design. In order to adequately size the refrigeration system for these transformers, the ac loss of these HTS coils must be characterized. Electrical AC loss measurements were conducted on a prototype highmore » voltage (HV) coil with co-wound stainless steel at 60 Hz in a liquid nitrogen bath using a lock-in amplifier technique. The prototype HV coil consisted of 26 continuous (without splice) single pancake coils concentrically centered on a stainless steel former. For ac loss measurement purposes, voltage tap pairs were soldered across each set of two single pancake coils so that a total of 13 separate voltage measurements could be made across the entire length of the coil. AC loss measurements were taken as a function of ac excitation current. Results show that the loss is primarily concentrated at the ends of the coil where the operating fraction of critical current is the highest and show a distinct difference in current scaling of the losses between low current and high current regimes.« less

Characterization on performance of micromixer using DC-biased AC electroosmosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Bi-O.; Song, Simon

2010-11-01

An active micromixer using DC-biased AC-Electroosmosis (ACEO) is investigated to figure out the effects of design parameters on the mixing performance. The mixer consists of a straight microchannel, with a cross section of 60 x 100 μm, and gold electrode pairs fabricated in the microchannel. The design parameters include the number of electrode pairs, flow rate, DC-biased voltage, AC voltage and AC frequency. First, we found that a mixing index became 80% 100 μm downstream of a single electrode pair with a length of 2 mm when applying a 25Vpp, 2.0 VDC, 100 kHz sine signal to the electrodes. With decreasing AC frequency, the mixing index is affected little. But the mixing index significantly increases with increasing either DC-biased voltage or AC voltage. Also, we were able to increase the mixing index up to 90% by introducing alternating vortices with multiple electrode pairs. Finally, we discovered that the mixing index decreases as the flow rate increases in the microchannel, and there is an optimal number of electrode pairs with respect to a flow rate. Detailed quantitative measurement results will be presented at the meeting.

Study of high breakdown voltage GaN-based current-aperture vertical electron transistor with source-connected field-plates for power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haiyong; Mao, Wei; Cong, Guanyu; Wang, Xiaofei; Du, Ming; Zheng, Xuefeng; Wang, Chong; Zhang, Jincheng; Hao, Yue

2018-07-01

A GaN-based current-aperture vertical electron transistor with source-connected field-plates (SFP-CAVET) is proposed and investigated by means of two-dimensional simulations. This device is characterized by the source-connected field-plates (SFP) at both sides, which leads to remarkable improvement of breakdown voltage (BV) without degradation of specific on-resistance (R on). Systematic analyses are conducted to reveal the mechanism of the SFP modulation effect on the potential and the electric field distributions and thus the BV improvement. Optimization and design of SFP-CAVET are performed for the maximum BV. Simulation results exhibit a R on of 2.25 mΩ · cm2 and a significantly enhanced BV of 3610 V in SFP-CAVET, indicating an average breakdown electric field of more than 240 V μm‑1. Compared with conventional CAVET, both BV and average breakdown electric field in SFP-CAVET are increased by more than 121% while R on remains unchanged. And the trade-off performance of BV and R on in SFP-CAVET is also better than that in GaN-based CAVET with superjunctions (SJ CAVET). In addition, the fabrication process issues of the proposed SFP-CAVET are also presented and discussed. These results could break a new path to further improve the trade-off performance of BV and R on in GaN-based vertical devices.

Electric properties and carrier multiplication in breakdown sites in multi-crystalline silicon solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schneemann, Matthias; Carius, Reinhard; Rau, Uwe

2015-05-28

This paper studies the effective electrical size and carrier multiplication of breakdown sites in multi-crystalline silicon solar cells. The local series resistance limits the current of each breakdown site and is thereby linearizing the current-voltage characteristic. This fact allows the estimation of the effective electrical diameters to be as low as 100 nm. Using a laser beam induced current (LBIC) measurement with a high spatial resolution, we find carrier multiplication factors on the order of 30 (Zener-type breakdown) and 100 (avalanche breakdown) as new lower limits. Hence, we prove that also the so-called Zener-type breakdown is followed by avalanche multiplication. Wemore » explain that previous measurements of the carrier multiplication using thermography yield results higher than unity, only if the spatial defect density is high enough, and the illumination intensity is lower than what was used for the LBIC method. The individual series resistances of the breakdown sites limit the current through these breakdown sites. Therefore, the measured multiplication factors depend on the applied voltage as well as on the injected photocurrent. Both dependencies are successfully simulated using a series-resistance-limited diode model.« less

High stored-energy breakdown tests on electrodes made of stainless steel, copper, titanium and molybdenum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Esch, H. P. L. de, E-mail: hubert.de-esch@cea.fr; Simonin, A.; Grand, C.

2015-04-08

IRFM have conducted resilience tests on electrodes made of Cu, stainless steel 304L, Ti and Mo against breakdowns up to 170 kV and 300 J. The tests of the 10×10 cm{sup 2} electrodes have been performed at an electrode distance d=11 mm under vacuum (P∼5×10{sup −6} mbar). No great difference in voltage holding between the materials could be identified; all materials could reach a voltage holding between 140 and 170 kV over the 11 mm gap, i.e. results scatter within a ±10% band. After exposure to ∼10000 seconds of high-voltage (HV) on-time, having accumulated ∼1000 breakdowns, the electrodes were inspected. The anodes were covered with largemore » and small craters. The rugosity of the anodes had increased substantially, that of the cathodes to a lesser extent. The molybdenum electrodes are least affected, but this does not show in their voltage holding capability. It is hypothesized that penetrating high-energy electrons from the breakdown project heat below the surface of the anode and cause a micro-explosion of material when melting point is exceeded. Polished electrodes have also been tested. The polishing results in a substantially reduced breakdown rate in the beginning, but after having suffered a relatively small number (∼100) of breakdowns, the polished electrodes behaved the same as the unpolished ones.« less

Determination of appropriate DC voltage for switched mode power supply (SMPS) loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiawan, Eko Adhi; Setiawan, Aiman; Purnomo, Andri; Djamal, Muchlishah Hadi

2017-03-01

Nowadays, most of modern and efficient household electronic devices operated based on Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) technology which convert AC voltage from the grid to DC voltage. Based on theory and experiment, SMPS loads could be supplied by DC voltage. However, the DC voltage rating to energize electronic home appliances is not standardized yet. This paper proposed certain method to determine appropriate DC voltage, and investigated comparison of SMPS power consumption which is supplied from AC and DC voltage. To determine the appropriate DC voltage, lux value of several lamps which have same specification energized by using AC voltage and the results is using as reference. Then, the lamps were supplied by various DC voltage to obtain the trends of the lux value to the applied DC voltage. After that, by using the trends and the reference lux value, the appropriate DC voltage can be determined. Furthermore, the power consumption on home appliances such as mobile phone, laptop and personal computer by using AC voltage and the appropriate DC voltage were conducted. The results show that the total power consumption of AC system is higher than DC system. The total power (apparent power) consumed by the lamp, mobile phone and personal computer which operated in 220 VAC were 6.93 VA, 34.31 VA and 105.85 VA respectively. On the other hand, under 277 VDC the load consumption were 5.83 W, 19.11 W and 74.46 W respectively.

Recovery of consciousness in broilers following combined dc and ac stunning

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Broilers in the United States are typically electrically stunned using low voltage-high frequency pulsed DC water bath stunners and in the European Union broilers are electrocuted using high voltage-low frequency AC. DC stunned broilers regain consciousness in the absence of exsanguination and AC st...

Module Two: Voltage; Basic Electricity and Electronics Individualized Learning System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

In this module the student will study and learn what voltage is, how it is generated, what AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) are and why both kinds are needed, and how to measure voltages. The module is divided into six lessons: EMF (electromotive force) from chemical action, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC voltage, the…

42GHz ECRH assisted Plasma Breakdown in tokamak SST-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, B. K.; Pradhan, S.; Patel, Paresh; Babu, Rajan; Patel, Jatin; Patel, Harshida; Dhorajia, Pragnesh; Tanna, V.; Atrey, P. K.; Manchanda, R.; Gupta, Manoj; Joisa, Shankar; Gupta, C. N.; Danial, Raju; Singh, Prashant; Jha, R.; Bora, D.

2015-03-01

In SST-1, 42GHz ECRH system has been commissioned to carry out breakdown and heating experiments at 0.75T and 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic fields. The 42GHz ECRH system consists of high power microwave source Gyrotron capable to deliver 500kW microwave power for 500ms duration, approximately 20 meter long transmission line and a mirror based launcher. The ECRH power in fundamental O-mode & second harmonic X-mode is launched from low field side (radial port) of the tokamak. At 0.75T operation, approximately 300 kW ECH power is launched in second harmonic X-mode and successful ECRH assisted breakdown is achieved at low loop_voltage ~ 3V. The ECRH power is launched around 45ms prior to loop voltage. The hydrogen pressure in tokamak is maintained ~ 1×10-5mbar and the pre-ionized density is ~ 4×1012/cc. At 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic field, the ECH power is launched in fundamental O-mode. The ECH power at fundamental harmonic is varied from 100 kW to 250 kW and successful breakdown is achieved in all ECRH shots. In fundamental harmonic there is no delay in breakdown while at second harmonic ~ 40ms delay is observed, which is normal in case of second harmonic ECRH assisted breakdown.

Breakdown Characteristics of a Radio-Frequency Atmospheric Glow Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jianjun; Kong, Michael

2004-09-01

Radio-frequency (rf) atmospheric pressure glow discharges (APGD) are a capacitive nonthermal plasma with distinct advantage of low gas temperature and long-term stability. In practice their ignition is challenging particularly when they are generated at large electrode gaps. To this end, this contribution reports a one-dimensional fluid simulation of gas breakdown over a large pressure range of 100 - 760 Torr so that key physical processes can be understood in the ignition phase of rf APGD. Our model is an electron-hybrid model in which electrons are treated kinetically and all other plasma species are treated hydrodynamically. Computational results suggest that as the pressure-distance product increases from 25 Torr cm upwards the breakdown voltage increases in a way that resembles the right-hand-side branch of a Pachen curve. Importance of secondary electron emission is shown as well as its dependence on gas pressure even though identical electrode material is assumed. With these factors considered, excellent agreement with experimental data is achieved. Finally frequency dependence of the breakdown voltage is calculated and again found to agree with experimental data.

Synthesis Mechanism of Low-Voltage Praseodymium Oxide Doped Zinc Oxide Varistor Ceramics Prepared Through Modified Citrate Gel Coating

PubMed Central

Abdullah, Wan Rafizah Wan; Zakaria, Azmi; Ghazali, Mohd Sabri Mohd

2012-01-01

High demands on low-voltage electronics have increased the need for zinc oxide (ZnO) varistors with fast response, highly non-linear current-voltage characteristics and energy absorption capabilities at low breakdown voltage. However, trade-off between breakdown voltage and grain size poses a critical bottle-neck in the production of low-voltage varistors. The present study highlights the synthesis mechanism for obtaining praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11) based ZnO varistor ceramics having breakdown voltages of 2.8 to 13.3 V/mm through employment of direct modified citrate gel coating technique. Precursor powder and its ceramics were examined by means of TG/DTG, FTIR, XRD and FESEM analyses. The electrical properties as a function of Pr6O11 addition were analyzed on the basis of I-V characteristic measurement. The breakdown voltage could be adjusted from 0.01 to 0.06 V per grain boundary by controlling the amount of Pr6O11 from 0.2 to 0.8 mol%, without alteration of the grain size. The non-linearity coefficient, α, varied from 3.0 to 3.5 and the barrier height ranged from 0.56 to 0.64 eV. Breakdown voltage and α lowering with increasing Pr6O11 content were associated to reduction in the barrier height caused by variation in O vacancies at grain boundary. PMID:22606043

Synthesis mechanism of low-voltage praseodymium oxide doped zinc oxide varistor ceramics prepared through modified citrate gel coating.

PubMed

Abdullah, Wan Rafizah Wan; Zakaria, Azmi; Ghazali, Mohd Sabri Mohd

2012-01-01

High demands on low-voltage electronics have increased the need for zinc oxide (ZnO) varistors with fast response, highly non-linear current-voltage characteristics and energy absorption capabilities at low breakdown voltage. However, trade-off between breakdown voltage and grain size poses a critical bottle-neck in the production of low-voltage varistors. The present study highlights the synthesis mechanism for obtaining praseodymium oxide (Pr(6)O(11)) based ZnO varistor ceramics having breakdown voltages of 2.8 to 13.3 V/mm through employment of direct modified citrate gel coating technique. Precursor powder and its ceramics were examined by means of TG/DTG, FTIR, XRD and FESEM analyses. The electrical properties as a function of Pr(6)O(11) addition were analyzed on the basis of I-V characteristic measurement. The breakdown voltage could be adjusted from 0.01 to 0.06 V per grain boundary by controlling the amount of Pr(6)O(11) from 0.2 to 0.8 mol%, without alteration of the grain size. The non-linearity coefficient, α, varied from 3.0 to 3.5 and the barrier height ranged from 0.56 to 0.64 eV. Breakdown voltage and α lowering with increasing Pr(6)O(11) content were associated to reduction in the barrier height caused by variation in O vacancies at grain boundary.

Effect of BaTiO3 nano-particles on breakdown performance of propylene carbonate.

PubMed

Hou, Yanpan; Zhang, Zicheng; Zhang, Jiande; Liu, Zhuofeng; Song, Zuyin

2015-05-01

As an alternative to water, propylene carbonate (PC) has a good application prospect in the compact pulsed power sources for its breakdown strength higher than that of water, resistivity bigger than 10(9) Ω m, and low freezing temperature (-49 °C). In this paper, the investigation into dielectric breakdown of PC and PC-based nano-fluids (NFs) subjected to high amplitude electric field is presented with microsecond pulses applied to a 1 mm gap full of PC or NFs between spherical electrodes. One kind of NF is composed of PC mixed with 0.5-1.4 vol. % BaTiO3 (BT) nano-particles of mean diameter ≈100 nm and another is mixed with 0.3-0.8 vol. % BT nano-particles of mean diameter ≈30 nm. The experimental results demonstrate the rise of permittivity and improvement of the breakdown strength of NFs compared with PC. Moreover, it is found that there exists an optimum fraction for these NFs corresponding to tremendous surface area in nano-composites with finite mesoscopic thickness. In concrete, the dielectric breakdown voltage of NFs is 33% higher than that of PC as the volume concentration of nano-particles with a 100 nm diameter is 0.9% and the breakdown voltage of NFs is 40% higher as the volume concentration of nano-particles with a 30 nm diameter is 0.6%. These phenomena are considered as the dielectric breakdown voltage of PC-based NFs is increased because the interfaces between nano-fillers and PC matrices provide myriad trap sites for charge carriers, which play a dominant role in the breakdown performance of NFs.

AC resistance measuring instrument

DOEpatents

Hof, P.J.

1983-10-04

An auto-ranging AC resistance measuring instrument for remote measurement of the resistance of an electrical device or circuit connected to the instrument includes a signal generator which generates an AC excitation signal for application to a load, including the device and the transmission line, a monitoring circuit which provides a digitally encoded signal representing the voltage across the load, and a microprocessor which operates under program control to provide an auto-ranging function by which range resistance is connected in circuit with the load to limit the load voltage to an acceptable range for the instrument, and an auto-compensating function by which compensating capacitance is connected in shunt with the range resistance to compensate for the effects of line capacitance. After the auto-ranging and auto-compensation functions are complete, the microprocessor calculates the resistance of the load from the selected range resistance, the excitation signal, and the load voltage signal, and displays of the measured resistance on a digital display of the instrument. 8 figs.

High Voltage, Low Inductance Hydrogen Thyratron Study Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

E-E Electrode Spacing Ef Cathode Heater Voltage egy Peak Forward Grid Voltage epy Peak Forward Anode Voltage epx Peak Inverse Anode Voltage Eres... electrodes . ........... 68 30 Marx generator used for sample testing. ........... 68 31 Waveforms showing sample holdoff and sample breakdown 73 32...capability (a function of gas pressure and electrode spacing) could be related to its current rise time capability (a function of gas pressure and inductance

Kerr electro-optic field mapping study of the effect of charge injection on the impulse breakdown strength of transformer oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Zahn, M.

2013-10-01

The smart use of charge injection to improve breakdown strength in transformer oil is demonstrated in this paper. Hypothetically, bipolar homo-charge injection with reduced electric field at both electrodes may allow higher voltage operation without insulation failure, since electrical breakdown usually initiates at the electrode-dielectric interfaces. To find experimental evidence, the applicability and limitation of the hypothesis is first analyzed. Impulse breakdown tests and Kerr electro-optic field mapping measurements are then conducted with different combinations of parallel-plate aluminum and brass electrodes stressed by millisecond duration impulse. It is found that the breakdown voltage of brass anode and aluminum cathode is ˜50% higher than that of aluminum anode and brass cathode. This can be explained by charge injection patterns from Kerr measurements under a lower voltage, where aluminum and brass electrodes inject negative and positive charges, respectively. This work provides a feasible approach to investigating the effect of electrode material on breakdown strength.

Relating Silicon Carbide Avalanche Breakdown Diode Design to Pulsed-Energy Capability

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

Relating Silicon Carbide Avalanche Breakdown Diode Design to Pulsed- Energy Capability Damian Urciuoli, Miguel Hinojosa, and Ronald Green US...were pulse tested in an inductive load circuit at peak powers of over 110 kW. Total pulsed- energy dissipation was kept nearly the same among the...voltages about which design provides the highest pulsed- energy capability. Keywords: Avalanche; Breakdown; Diode; Silicon Carbide Introduction

Digital ac monitor

DOEpatents

Hart, George W.; Kern, Jr., Edward C.

1987-06-09

An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring a plurality of analog ac circuits by sampling the voltage and current waveform in each circuit at predetermined intervals, converting the analog current and voltage samples to digital format, storing the digitized current and voltage samples and using the stored digitized current and voltage samples to calculate a variety of electrical parameters; some of which are derived from the stored samples. The non-derived quantities are repeatedly calculated and stored over many separate cycles then averaged. The derived quantities are then calculated at the end of an averaging period. This produces a more accurate reading, especially when averaging over a period in which the power varies over a wide dynamic range. Frequency is measured by timing three cycles of the voltage waveform using the upward zero crossover point as a starting point for a digital timer.

Digital ac monitor

DOEpatents

Hart, G.W.; Kern, E.C. Jr.

1987-06-09

An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring a plurality of analog ac circuits by sampling the voltage and current waveform in each circuit at predetermined intervals, converting the analog current and voltage samples to digital format, storing the digitized current and voltage samples and using the stored digitized current and voltage samples to calculate a variety of electrical parameters; some of which are derived from the stored samples. The non-derived quantities are repeatedly calculated and stored over many separate cycles then averaged. The derived quantities are then calculated at the end of an averaging period. This produces a more accurate reading, especially when averaging over a period in which the power varies over a wide dynamic range. Frequency is measured by timing three cycles of the voltage waveform using the upward zero crossover point as a starting point for a digital timer. 24 figs.

DC-driven plasma gun: self-oscillatory operation mode of atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jet comprised of repetitive streamer breakdowns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xingxing; Shashurin, Alexey

2017-02-01

This paper presents and studies helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet comprised of a series of repetitive streamer breakdowns, which is driven by pure DC high voltage (self-oscillatory behavior). The repetition frequency of the breakdowns is governed by the geometry of discharge electrodes/surroundings and gas flow rate. Each next streamer is initiated when the electric field on the anode tip recovers after the previous breakdown and reaches the breakdown threshold value of about 2.5 kV cm-1. One type of the helium plasma gun designed using this operational principle is demonstrated. The gun operates on about 3 kV DC high voltage and is comprised of the series of the repetitive streamer breakdowns at a frequency of about 13 kHz.

High-voltage 4H-SiC trench MOS barrier Schottky rectifier with low forward voltage drop using enhanced sidewall layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Doohyung; Sim, Seulgi; Park, Kunsik; Won, Jongil; Kim, Sanggi; Kim, Kwangsoo

2015-12-01

In this paper, a 4H-SiC trench MOS barrier Schottky (TMBS) rectifier with an enhanced sidewall layer (ESL) is proposed. The proposed structure has a high doping concentration at the trench sidewall. This high doping concentration improves both the reverse blocking and forward characteristics of the structure. The ESL-TMBS rectifier has a 7.4% lower forward voltage drop and a 24% higher breakdown voltage. However, this structure has a reverse leakage current that is approximately three times higher than that of a conventional TMBS rectifier owing to the reduction in energy barrier height. This problem is solved when ESL is used partially, since its use provides a reverse leakage current that is comparable to that of a conventional TMBS rectifier. Thus, the forward voltage drop and breakdown voltage improve without any loss in static and dynamic characteristics in the ESL-TMBS rectifier compared with the performance of a conventional TMBS rectifier.

Effect of anode material on the breakdown in low-pressure helium gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demidov, V. I.; Adams, S. F.; Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Kurlyandskaya, I. P.; Miles, J. A.; Tolson, B. A.

2017-10-01

The electric breakdown of gases is one of the fundamental phenomena of gas discharge physics. It has been studied for a long time but still attracts incessant interest of researchers. Besides the interesting physics, breakdown is important for many applications including development of reliable electric insulation in electric grids and the study of different aspects of gas discharge physics. In this work an experimental study of the electric breakdown in helium gas for the plane-parallel electrode configuration has been conducted using a copper cathode and a variety of anode materials: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, graphite, platinum-plated aluminum and gold-plated aluminum. According to the Paschen law for studied electrode configuration, the breakdown voltage is a function of the product of gas pressure and inter-electrode gap. The breakdown processes on the left, lower pressure side of the Paschen curve have been the subject of this investigation. For those pressures, the Paschen curve may become multi-valued, where any given pressure corresponds to three breakdown voltage values. It was experimentally demonstrated that the form of the Paschen curve might strongly depend on the material of the anode and the cleanness of the anode surface. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that electrons streaming from the cathode are reflected by the surface of the anode.

Breakdown Characteristics and Streaming Electrification Characteristics of Flame Retardant Silicone Oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arazoe, Satoshi; Yasuda, Koji; Okabe, Shigemitsu; Ueta, Genyo; Yanabu, Satoru

We have investigated the performance of the silicone oil as alternative oil to the mineral oil that is used as an insulation medium of the oil immersed transformer. There are various methods of evaluating the performance, we especially investigated the breakdown characteristics and the streaming electrification characteristics. In the breakdown characteristics, the insulation performance under the influence of changing the temperature, and the electrode shape was investigated. Moreover, the insulation performance in the composite insulation system that was composed of the insulation oil and the oil immersed insulator was investigated. From these results, we found that in the oil gap model, the breakdown voltage of silicone oil was lower than that of mineral oil by 15%. In contrast, in the composite insulation system, breakdown voltage of combination with silicone oil is higher than that of combination with mineral oil. In the streaming electrification characteristics, the difference of the amount of electrification under the influence of changing the kinds of solid insulators and the temperature was investigated. As a result, we found that silicone oil has the maximum of the amount of electrification at a high temperature compared with mineral oil.

Experimental study of rotating wind turbine breakdown characteristics in large scale air gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu; Qu, Lu; Si, Tianjun; Ni, Yang; Xu, Jianwei; Wen, Xishan

2017-06-01

When a wind turbine is struck by lightning, its blades are usually rotating. The effect of blade rotation on a turbine’s ability to trigger a lightning strike is unclear. Therefore, an arching electrode was used in a wind turbine lightning discharge test to investigate the difference in lightning triggering ability when blades are rotating and stationary. A negative polarity switching waveform of 250/2500 μs was applied to the arching electrode and the up-and-down method was used to calculate the 50% discharge voltage. Lightning discharge tests of a 1:30 scale wind turbine model with 2, 4, and 6 m air gaps were performed and the discharge process was observed. The experimental results demonstrated that when a 2 m air gap was used, the breakdown voltage increased as the blade speed was increased, but when the gap length was 4 m or longer, the trend was reversed and the breakdown voltage decreased. The analysis revealed that the rotation of the blades changes the charge distribution in the blade-tip region, promotes upward leader development on the blade tip, and decreases the breakdown voltage. Thus, the blade rotation of a wind turbine increases its ability to trigger lightning strikes.

Microstructure and dielectric properties of BaTiO{sub 3} ceramic doped with yttrium, magnesium, gallium and silicon for AC capacitor application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Min-Jia; Yang, Hui; Zhejiang California International NanoSystems Institute, Hangzhou 310029

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: Core–shell structure can be obtained in BaTiO{sub 3} ceramics co-doped with Y–Mg-Ga-Si. Y-Mg-Ga-Si co-dopant can obviously reduce dielectric loss, improve AC breakdown voltage and flatten temperature dependence of capacitance curve. - Highlights: • Y-Mg-Ga-Si co-doped BaTiO{sub 3} ceramics with core-shell structure were prepared. • Y{sup 3+}, Mg{sup 2+}, and Ga{sup 3+} dissolved in the lattice BaTiO{sub 3} replacing Ba{sup 2+} site or Ti{sup 4+} site. • Y{sup 3+} and Ga{sup 3+} tended to remain close to the grain boundaries as a shell maker. • Y-Mg-Ga-Si co-doped BaTiO{sub 3} ceramics show high AC breakdown voltage and low tanδ. -more » Abstract: The microstructures and dielectric properties of Y-Mg-Ga-Si co-doped barium titanate ceramics were investigated. Y{sup 3+} dissolved in the lattice of BaTiO{sub 3} replacing both Ba{sup 2+} site and Ti{sup 4+} site, and Mg{sup 2+} replaced Ti{sup 4+} site. The replacements of Y{sup 3+} and Mg{sup 2+} inhibit the grain growth, cause tetragonal-to-pseudocubic phase transition, reduce the dielectric loss, and flatten the temperature dependence of capacitance curve. The incorporation of Ga{sup 3+} can improve sintering and increase permittivity. Y{sup 3+} and Ga{sup 3+} tended to remain close to the grain boundaries, and play an important role as a shell maker in the formation of the core–shell structure in the co-doped BaTiO{sub 3} ceramics. Excellent dielectric properties: ϵ{sub r} = ∼2487, tanδ = ∼0.7% (at 1 kHz), ΔC/C{sub 25} < ∼6.56% (from −55 °C to 125 °C) and alternating current breakdown voltage E < ∼4.02 kV/mm can be achieved in the BaTiO{sub 3}–0.02Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}–0.03MgO–0.01Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3}–0.005SiO{sub 2} ceramics sintered at 1380 °C. This material has a potential application in alternating current multilayer ceramic capacitor.« less

System and method for determining stator winding resistance in an AC motor

DOEpatents

Lu, Bin [Kenosha, WI; Habetler, Thomas G [Snellville, GA; Zhang, Pinjia [Atlanta, GA; Theisen, Peter J [West Bend, WI

2011-05-31

A system and method for determining stator winding resistance in an AC motor is disclosed. The system includes a circuit having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of an AC motor. The circuit includes at least one contactor and at least one switch to control current flow and terminal voltages in the AC motor. The system also includes a controller connected to the circuit and configured to modify a switching time of the at least one switch to create a DC component in an output of the system corresponding to an input to the AC motor and determine a stator winding resistance of the AC motor based on the injected DC component of the voltage and current.

An AC electroosmotic micropump for circular chromatographic applications.

PubMed

Debesset, S; Hayden, C J; Dalton, C; Eijkel, J C T; Manz, A

2004-08-01

Flow rates of up to 50 microm s(-1) have been successfully achieved in a closed-loop channel using an AC electroosmotic pump. The AC electroosmotic pump is made of an interdigitated array of unequal width electrodes located at the bottom of a channel, with an AC voltage applied between the small and the large electrodes. The flow rate was found to increase linearly with the applied voltage and to decrease linearly with the applied frequency. The pump is expected to be suitable for circular chromatography for the following reasons: the driving forces are distributed over the channel length and the pumping direction is set by the direction of the interdigitated electrodes. Pumping in a closed-loop channel can be achieved by arranging the electrode pattern in a circle. In addition the inherent working principle of AC electroosmotic pumping enables the independent optimisation of the channel height or the flow velocity.

A 65-kV insulated gate bipolar transistor switch applied in damped AC voltages partial discharge detection system.

PubMed

Jiang, J; Ma, G M; Luo, D P; Li, C R; Li, Q M; Wang, W

2014-02-01

Damped AC voltages detection system (DAC) is a productive way to detect the faults in power cables. To solve the problems of large volume, complicated structure and electromagnetic interference in existing switches, this paper developed a compact solid state switch based on electromagnetic trigger, which is suitable for DAC test system. Synchronous electromagnetic trigger of 32 Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) in series was realized by the topological structure of single line based on pulse width modulation control technology. In this way, external extension was easily achieved. Electromagnetic trigger and resistor-capacitor-diode snubber circuit were optimized to reduce the switch turn-on time and circular layout. Epoxy encapsulating was chosen to enhance the level of partial discharge initial voltage (PDIV). The combination of synchronous trigger and power supply is proposed to reduce the switch volume. Moreover, we have overcome the drawback of the electromagnetic interference and improved the detection sensitivity of DAC by using capacitor storage energy to maintain IGBT gate driving voltage. The experimental results demonstrated that the solid-state switch, with compact size, whose turn-on time was less than 400 ns and PDIV was more than 65 kV, was able to meet the actual demands of 35 kV DAC test system.

A method for encapsulating high voltage power transformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, Robert O.

Voltage breakdowns become a major concern in reducing the size of high-voltage power converter transformers. Even the smallest of voids can provide a path for corona discharge which can cause a dielectric breakdown leading to a transformer failure. A method of encapsulating small high voltage transformers has been developed. The method virtually eliminates voids in the impregnation material, provides an exceptional dielectric between windings and provides a mechanically rugged package. The encapsulation material is a carboxyl terminated butadiene nitril (CTBN) modified mica filled epoxy. The method requires heat/vacuum to impregnate the coil and heat/pressure to cure the encapsulant. The transformer package utilizes a diallyl phthalate (DAP) contact assembly in which a coated core/coil assembly is mounted and soldered. This assembly is then loaded into an RTV mold and the encapsulation process begins.

Breakdown dynamics of electrically exploding thin metal wires in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkisov, G. S.; Caplinger, J.; Parada, F.; Sotnikov, V. I.

2016-10-01

Using a two-frame intensified charge coupled device (iCCD) imaging system with a 2 ns exposure time, we observed the dynamics of voltage breakdown and corona generation in experiments of fast ns-time exploding fine Ni and stainless-steel (SS) wires in a vacuum. These experiments show that corona generation along the wire surface is subjected to temporal-spatial inhomogeneity. For both metal wires, we observed an initial generation of a bright cathode spot before the ionization of the entire wire length. This cathode spot does not expand with time. For 25.4 μm diameter Ni and SS wire explosions with positive polarity, breakdown starts from the ground anode and propagates to the high voltage cathode with speeds approaching 3500 km/s or approximately one percent of light speed.

Air ion mobility spectra and concentrations upwind and downwind of overhead AC high voltage power lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Matthew D.; Buckley, Alison J.; Matthews, James C.; Shallcross, Dudley E.; Henshaw, Denis L.

2014-10-01

Corona ions produced by high-voltage power lines (HVPLs) can alter the nearby electrical environment, potentially increasing aerosol charge levels downwind. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the concentration and mobility of ions from AC HVPLs and their dispersion away from the line. We present ion concentration and mobility measurements made near AC HVPLs in South-West England. Examples of typical mobility spectra are shown highlighting features commonly observed. Corona was observed during 33 of 46 measurements, at 9 of 11 sites, with positive or ‘bipolar' (both polarities) ion production commonly seen. Ion production usually increases atmospheric concentrations by only a modest amount, but extreme cases can enhance concentration by an order of magnitude or more. A polarity imbalance is required to increase aerosol charge via ion attachment; this was observed on 15 of 24 days when positive corona was observed, but was not seen for negative ions. Ion mobility was higher downwind compared with upwind for both ion polarities, but the increase was not statistically significant. Future work should focus on identifying and characterising ‘heavy-producing' HVPLs, and obtaining results in conditions which may favour negative ion production e.g. high humidity, inclement weather or during nighttime.

Effects of Electrical Insulation Breakdown Voltage And Partial Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrim, F. S.; Rahman, N. F. A.; Haris, H. C. M.; Salim, N. A.

2018-03-01

During the last few decades, development of new materials using composite materials has been of much interest. The Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) which is insulated power cables has been widely used. This paper describes the theoretical analysis, fundamental experiments and application experiments for the XLPE cable insulation. The composite that has been tested is a commercial XLPE and Polypropylene with 30% fiber glass. The results of breakdown strength and partial discharge (PD) behavior described the insulating performance of the composite.

Charging and breakdown in amorphous dielectrics: Phenomenological modeling approach and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palit, Sambit

. However, RF-MEMS capacitive switches are plagued by the reliability issue of temporal shifts of actuation voltages due to dielectric charge accumulation, often resulting in failure due to membrane stiction. Using the dielectric charging model, we show that in spite of unpredictable roughness of deposited dielectrics, there are predictable shifts in actuation voltages due to dielectric charging in RF-MEMS switches. We also propose a novel non-obtrusive, non-contact, fully electronic resonance based technique to characterize charging driven actuation shifts in RF-MEMS switches which overcomes limitations in conventionally used methods. Finally, we look into the issue of defect generation and breakdown in thick polymer dielectrics. Polymer materials often face premature electrical breakdown due to high electric fields and frequencies, and exposure to ambient humidity conditions. Using a field-driven correlated defect generation model, coupled with a model for temperature rise due to dielectric heating at AC stresses, we explain measured trends in time-to-breakdown and breakdown electric fields in polymer materials. Using dielectric heating we are able to explain the observed lifetime and dielectric strength reduction with increasing dielectric thicknesses. Performing lifetime measurements after exposure to controlled humidity conditions, we find that moisture ingress into a polymer material reduces activation barriers for chain breakage and increases dielectric heating. Overall, this thesis develops a comprehensive framework of dielectric charging, leakage and degradation of insulators of different thicknesses that have broad applications in multiple technologies.

Prediction of breakdown strength of cellulosic insulating materials using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sakshi; Mohsin, M. M.; Masood, Aejaz

In this research work, a few sets of experiments have been performed in high voltage laboratory on various cellulosic insulating materials like diamond-dotted paper, paper phenolic sheets, cotton phenolic sheets, leatheroid, and presspaper, to measure different electrical parameters like breakdown strength, relative permittivity, loss tangent, etc. Considering the dependency of breakdown strength on other physical parameters, different Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models are proposed for the prediction of breakdown strength. The ANN model results are compared with those obtained experimentally and also with the values already predicted from an empirical relation suggested by Swanson and Dall. The reported results indicated that the breakdown strength predicted from the ANN model is in good agreement with the experimental values.

A universal theory for gas breakdown from microscale to the classical Paschen law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loveless, Amanda M.; Garner, Allen L.

2017-11-01

While well established for larger gaps, Paschen's law (PL) fails to accurately predict breakdown for microscale gaps, where field emission becomes important. This deviation from PL is characterized by the absence of a minimum breakdown voltage as a function of the product of pressure and gap distance, which has been demonstrated analytically for microscale and smaller gaps with no secondary emission at atmospheric pressure [A. M. Loveless and A. L. Garner, IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 45, 574-583 (2017)]. We extend these previous results by deriving analytic expressions that incorporate the nonzero secondary emission coefficient, γS E, that are valid for gap distances larger than those at which quantum effects become important (˜100 nm) while remaining below those at which streamers arise. We demonstrate the validity of this model by benchmarking to particle-in-cell simulations with γSE = 0 and comparing numerical results to an experiment with argon, while additionally predicting a minimum voltage that was masked by fixing the gap pressure in previous analyses. Incorporating γSE demonstrates the smooth transition from field emission dominated breakdown to the classical PL once the combination of electric field, pressure, and gap distance satisfies the conventional criterion for the Townsend avalanche; however, such a condition generally requires supra-atmospheric pressures for breakdown at the microscale. Therefore, this study provides a single universal breakdown theory for any gas at any pressure dominated by field emission or Townsend avalanche to guide engineers in avoiding breakdown when designing microscale and larger devices, or inducing breakdown for generating microplasmas.

Theoretical evidence of maximum intracellular currents versus frequency in an Escherichia coli cell submitted to AC voltage.

PubMed

Xavier, Pascal; Rauly, Dominique; Chamberod, Eric; Martins, Jean M F

2017-04-01

In this work, the problem of intracellular currents in longilinear bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, suspended in a physiological medium and submitted to a harmonic voltage (AC), is analyzed using the Finite-Element-based software COMSOL Multiphysics. Bacterium was modeled as a cylindrical capsule, ended by semi-spheres and surrounded by a dielectric cell wall. An equivalent single-layer cell wall was defined, starting from the well-recognized three-shell modeling approach. The bacterium was considered immersed in a physiological medium, which was also taken into account in the modeling. A new complex transconductance was thus introduced, relating the complex ratio between current inside the bacterium and voltage applied between two parallel equipotential planes, separated by a realistic distance. When voltage was applied longitudinally relative to the bacterium main axis, numerical results in terms of frequency response in the 1-20 MHz range for E. coli cells revealed that transconductance magnitude exhibited a maximum at a frequency depending on the cell wall capacitance. This occurred in spite of the purely passive character of the model and could be explained by an equivalent electrical network giving very similar results and showing special conditions for lateral paths of the currents through the cell wall. It is shown that the main contribution to this behavior is due to the conductive part of the current. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:213-219, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Low voltage electrowetting lenticular lens by using multilayer dielectric structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Junsik; Kim, Junoh; Kim, Cheoljoong; Shin, Dooseub; Koo, Gyohyun; Sim, Jee Hoon; Won, Yong Hyub

2017-02-01

Lenticular type multi-view display is one of the most popular ways for implementing three dimensional display. This method has a simple structure and exhibits a high luminance. However, fabricating the lenticular lens is difficult because it requires optically complex calculations. 2D-3D conversion is also impossible due to the fixed shape of the lenticular lens. Electrowetting based liquid lenticular lens has a simple fabrication process compared to the solid lenticular lens and the focal length of the liquid lenticular lens can be changed by applying the voltage. 3D and 2D images can be observed with a convex and a flat lens state respectively. Despite these advantages, the electrowetting based liquid lenticular lens demands high driving voltage and low breakdown voltage with a single dielectric layer structure. A certain degree of thickness of the dielectric layer is essential for a uniform operation and a low degradation over time. This paper presents multilayer dielectric structure which results in low driving voltage and the enhanced dielectric breakdown. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon oxide (SiO2) and parylene C were selected as the multilayer insulators. The total thickness of the dielectric layer of all samples was the same. This method using the multilayer dielectric structure can achieve the lower operating voltage than when using the single dielectric layer. We compared the liquid lenticular lens with three kinds of the multilayer dielectric structure to one with the parylene C single dielectric layer in regard to operational characteristics such as the driving voltage and the dielectric breakdown.

Comparative study of 0° X-cut and Y + 36°-cut lithium niobate high-voltage sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, N.; Branch, D. W.; Schamiloglu, E.; Cular, S.

2015-08-01

A comparison study between Y + 36° and 0° X-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO3) was performed to evaluate the influence of crystal cut on the acoustic propagation to realize a piezoelectric high-voltage sensor. The acoustic time-of-flight for each crystal cut was measured when applying direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and pulsed voltages. Results show that the voltage-induced shift in the acoustic wave propagation time scaled quadratically with voltage for DC and AC voltages applied to X-cut crystals. For the Y + 36° crystal, the voltage-induced shift scales linearly with DC voltages and quadratically with AC voltages. When applying 5 μs voltage pulses to both crystals, the voltage-induced shift scaled linearly with voltage. For the Y + 36° cut, the voltage-induced shift from applying DC voltages ranged from 10 to 54 ps and 35 to 778 ps for AC voltages at 640 V over the frequency range of 100 Hz-100 kHz. Using the same conditions as the Y + 36° cut, the 0° X-cut crystal sensed a shift of 10-273 ps for DC voltages and 189-813 ps for AC voltage application. For 5 μs voltage pulses, the 0° X-cut crystal sensed a voltage induced shift of 0.250-2 ns and the Y + 36°-cut crystal sensed a time shift of 0.115-1.6 ns. This suggests a frequency sensitive response to voltage where the influence of the crystal cut was not a significant contributor under DC, AC, or pulsed voltage conditions. The measured DC data were compared to a 1-D impedance matrix model where the predicted incremental length changed as a function of voltage. When the voltage source error was eliminated through physical modeling from the uncertainty budget, the combined uncertainty of the sensor (within a 95% confidence interval) decreased to 0.0033% using a Y + 36°-cut crystal and 0.0032% using an X-cut crystal for all the voltage conditions used in this experiment.

Effect of Reverse Bias Stress on Leakage Currents and Breakdown Voltages of Solid Tantalum Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander A.

2011-01-01

the processes under reverse bias conditions. In practice, there were instances when, due to unforeseen events, the system operated at conditions when capacitors experience periodically a relatively small reverse bias for some time followed by normal, forward bias conditions. In such a case an assessment should be made on the degree to which these capacitors are degraded by application of low-voltage reverse bias, and whether this degradation can be reversed by normal operating conditions. In this study, reverse currents in different types of tantalum capacitors were monitored at different reverse voltages below 15%VR and temperatures in the range from room to 145 C for up to 150 hours to get better understanding of the degradation process and determine conditions favorable to the unstable mode of operation. The reversibility of RB degradation has been evaluated after operation of the capacitors at forward bias conditions. The effect of reverse bias stress (RBS) on reliability at normal operating conditions was evaluated using highly accelerated life testing at voltages of 1.5VR and 2 VR and by analysis of changes in distributions of breakdown voltages. Possible mechanisms of RB degradation are discussed.

Energy saving in ac generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J.

1980-01-01

Circuit cuts no-load losses, without sacrificing full-load power. Phase-contro circuit includes gate-controlled semiconductor switch that cuts off applied voltage for most of ac cycle if generator idling. Switch "on" time increases when generator is in operation.

A 700 V narrow channel nJFET with low pinch-off voltage and suppressed drain-induced barrier lowering effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Kun; Qiao, Ming; Zhang, WenTong; Zhang, Bo; Li, Zhaoji

2014-11-01

This paper proposes a 700 V narrow channel region triple-RESURF (reduced surface field) n-type junction field-effect transistor (NCT-nJFET). Compared to traditional structures, low pinch-off voltage (VP) with unobvious drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) effect and large saturated current (IDsat) are achieved. This is because p-type buried layer (Pbury) and PWELL are introduced to shape narrow n-type channel in JFET channel region. DIBL sensitivity (SDIBL) is firstly introduced in this paper to analyze the DIBL effect of high-voltage long-channel JFET. Ultra-high breakdown voltage is obtained by triple RESURF technology. Experimental results show that proposed NCT-nJFET achieves 24-V VP, 3.5% SDIBL, 2.3-mA IDsat, 800-V OFF-state breakdown voltage (OFF-BV) and 650-V ON-state breakdown voltage when VGS equals 0 V (ON-BV).

Faradaic AC Electrokinetic Flow and Particle Traps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben, Yuxing; Chang, Hsueh-Chia

2004-11-01

Faradaic reaction at higher voltages can produce co-ion polarization at AC electrodes instead of counter-ion polarization due to capacitive charging from the bulk. The Faradaic co-ion polarization also does not screen the external field and hence can produce large net electro-kinetic flows at frequencies lower than the inverse RC time of the double layer. Due to the opposite polarization of capacitve and Faradaic charging, we can reverse the direction of AC flows on electrodes by changing the voltage and frequency. Particles and bacteria are trapped and then dispersed at stagnation lines, at locations predicted by our theory, by using these two flows sequentially. This technique offers a good way to concentrate and detect bacteria.

The experimental study of the DC dielectric breakdown strength in magnetic fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopčanský, P.; Tomčo, L.; Marton, K.; Koneracká, M.; Potočová, I.; Timko, M.

2004-05-01

Magnetic fluids have been studied for use as a high-voltage insulation. High-voltage measurements on magnetic fluids based on transformer oil, as a function of volume concentrations of magnetite particles and applied magnetic field, showed the increase of the DC dielectric breakdown strength opposite transformer oil, if the saturation magnetization of magnetic fluid is up to 4 mT approximately.

High Voltage Design Guide. Volume IV. Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

35.5 35.5 354 XS 80 42.5 M 46 05 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 100 90. 60.0 74 8 9 89 as Be 89 Be 89 s9 s9 20 98.0 103 120 160 168 170 170...THE GAS PRESSURE IS 1 ATM. 41 400 400 350 SF6 -N2 1 100%SF 6 350 SF6 .AIR 2= 50% SF 6 UNIFORM FIELD .00 3- 20% SF6 D4=I 3%SF, 00 1cm SPACING 5 A0...BREAKDOWN VOLTAGES AS A FIGURE 118 BREAKDOWN VOLTAGES AS A FUNCTION OF GAS PRESSURE FUNCTION OF GAS PRESSURE MIXTURES FOR SF6 -AR MIXTURES 400 SF 6 "C02 350

Post-breakdown secondary discharges at the electrode/dielectric interface of a cylindrical barrier discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carman, Robert; Ward, Barry; Kane, Deborah

2011-10-01

The electrical breakdown characteristics of a double-walled cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamp with a neon buffer gas under pulsed voltage excitation have been investigated. Following the formation of plasma in the main discharge gap, we have observed secondary breakdown phenomena at the inner and outer mesh electrode/dielectric interfaces under specific operating conditions. Plasma formation at these interfaces is investigated by monitoring the Ozone production rate in controlled flows of ultra high purity oxygen together with the overall electrical voltage-charge characteristics of the lamp. The results show that this secondary breakdown only occurs after the main discharge plasma has been established, and that significant electrical power may be dissipated in generating these spurious secondary plasmas. The results are important with regards to optimising the design and identifying efficient operating regimes of DBD based devices that employ mesh-type or wire/strip electrodes.

Enhancement of breakdown voltage for fully-vertical GaN-on-Si p-n diode by using strained layer superlattice as drift layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mase, Suguru; Hamada, Takeaki; Freedsman, Joseph J.; Egawa, Takashi

2018-06-01

We have demonstrated a vertical GaN-on-Si p-n diode with breakdown voltage (BV) as high as 839 V by using a low Si-doped strained layer superlattice (SLS). The p-n vertical diode fabricated by using the n‑-SLS layer as a part of the drift layer showed a remarkable enhancement in BV, when compared with the conventional n‑-GaN drift layer of similar thickness. The vertical GaN-on-Si p-n diodes with 2.3 μm-thick n‑-GaN drift layer and 3.0 μm-thick n‑-SLS layer exhibited a differential on-resistance of 4.0 Ω · cm2 and a BV of 839 V.

A breakdown enhanced AlGaN/GaN MISFET with source-connected P-buried layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Xin; Wang, Ying; Cao, Fei; Yu, Cheng-Hao; Fei, Xin-Xing

2017-12-01

This paper presents a breakdown-enhanced AlGaN/GaN MISFET with a source-connected P-buried layer combined with field plates (SC-PBL FPs MISFET). A TCAD tool was used to analyze the breakdown characteristics of the proposed structure, and results show that in comparison to the conventional gate field plate MISFET (GFP-C MISFET), the proposed structure provides a significant increase of breakdown voltage (VBK) due to redistribution of electric field in the gate-drain region induced by the SC-PBL and the FPs. The optimized SC-PBL FPs MISFET with a gate-drain spacing of 6 μm achieved a high Baliga's figure of merit of 2.6 GW cm-2 with a corresponding breakdown voltage (VBK) of 1311.62 V and specific on resistance (RON,sp) of 0.66 mΩ cm2, which demonstrates a good trade-off between RON,sp and VBK compared to the GFP-C MISFET with VBK of 524.27 V and RON,sp of 0.61 mΩ cm2.

Power factor control system for AC induction motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

A power factor control system for use with ac induction motors was designed which samples lines voltage and current through the motor and decreases power input to the motor proportional to the detected phase displacement between current and voltage. This system provides, less power to the motor, as it is less loaded.

Fundamentals of undervoltage breakdown through the Townsend mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooley, James E.

electrons required to achieve breakdown is measured in argon at pd values of 3-10 Torr-m. The required electron pulse magnitude was found to scale inversely with pressure and voltage in this parameter range. When higher-power infrared laser pulses were used to heat the cathode surface, a faster, streamer-like breakdown mechanism was occasionally observed. As an example application, an investigation into the requirements for initiating discharges in Gas-fed Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (GFPPTs) is conducted. Theoretical investigations based on order-of-magnitude characterizations of previous GFPPT designs reveal that high-conductivity arc discharges are required for critically-damped matching of circuit components, and that relatively fast streamer breakdown is preferable to minimize delay between triggering and current sheet formation. The faster breakdown mechanism observed in the experiments demonstrates that such a discharge process can occur. However, in the parameter space occupied by most thrusters, achieving the phenomenon by way of a space charge distortion caused purely by an electron pulse should not be possible. Either a transient change in the distribution of gas density, through ablation or desorption, or a thruster design that occupies a different parameter space, such as one that uses higher mass bits, higher voltages, or smaller electrode spacing, is required for undervoltage breakdown to occur.

Determination of threshold and maximum operating electric stresses for selected high voltage insulations. Task 2: Investigation of oil-filled paper insulated cables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosnowski, M.; Eager, G. S., Jr.

1983-06-01

Threshold voltage of oil-impregnated paper insulated cables are investigaed. Experimental work was done on model cables specially manufactured for this project. The cables were impregnated with mineral and with synthetic oils. Standard impulse breakdown voltage tests and impulse voltage breakdown tests with dc prestressing were performed at room temperature and at 1000C. The most important result is the finding of very high level of threshold voltage stress for oil-impregnated paper insulated cables. This threshold voltage is approximately 1.5 times higher than the threshold voltage or crosslinked polyethylene insulated cables.

Experimental investigation of high temperature high voltage thermionic diode for the space power nuclear reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onufriyev, Valery. V.

2001-02-01

It is well known that the rise of arc from the dense glow discharge is connected with the thermion and secondary processes on the cathode surface (Granovsky, 1971; Leob, 1953; Engel, 1935). First model of breakdown of the cathode layer is connected with the increase of the cathode temperature in consequence of the ion bombardment that leads to the grows its thermo-emissive current. Other model shows the main role of the secondary effects on the cathode surface-the increase of the secondary ion emission coefficient-γi with the grows of glow discharge voltage. But the author of this investigation work of breakdown in Cs vapor (a transmission the glow discharge into self-maintaining arc discharge) discovered the next peculiarity: the value of breakdown voltage is constant when the values of vapor temperature (its pressure pcs) and cathode temperature Tk is constant too (Ub=constant with Tk=constant and pcs=constant) and it is not a statistical value (Onufryev, Grishin, 1996) (that was observed in gas glow discharges other authors (Granovsky, 1971; Leob, 1953; Engel, 1935)). The investigations of thermion high voltage high temperature diode (its breakdown characteristics in closed state and voltage-current characteristics in disclosed state) showed that the value of the breakdown voltage is depended on the vapor pressure in inter-electrode gap (IEG)-pcs and cathode temperature-Tk and is independent on IEG length-Δieg. On this base it was settled that the main role in transition of glow discharge to self-maintaining arc discharge plays an ion cathode layer but more exactly-the region of excited atoms-``Aston glow.'' .

Comparative study of 0° X-cut and Y + 36°-cut lithium niobate high-voltage sensing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patel, N.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, MSC01 1100, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001; Branch, D. W.

2015-08-15

A comparison study between Y + 36° and 0° X-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO{sub 3}) was performed to evaluate the influence of crystal cut on the acoustic propagation to realize a piezoelectric high-voltage sensor. The acoustic time-of-flight for each crystal cut was measured when applying direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and pulsed voltages. Results show that the voltage-induced shift in the acoustic wave propagation time scaled quadratically with voltage for DC and AC voltages applied to X-cut crystals. For the Y + 36° crystal, the voltage-induced shift scales linearly with DC voltages and quadratically with AC voltages. When applying 5more » μs voltage pulses to both crystals, the voltage-induced shift scaled linearly with voltage. For the Y + 36° cut, the voltage-induced shift from applying DC voltages ranged from 10 to 54 ps and 35 to 778 ps for AC voltages at 640 V over the frequency range of 100 Hz–100 kHz. Using the same conditions as the Y + 36° cut, the 0° X-cut crystal sensed a shift of 10–273 ps for DC voltages and 189–813 ps for AC voltage application. For 5 μs voltage pulses, the 0° X-cut crystal sensed a voltage induced shift of 0.250–2 ns and the Y + 36°-cut crystal sensed a time shift of 0.115–1.6 ns. This suggests a frequency sensitive response to voltage where the influence of the crystal cut was not a significant contributor under DC, AC, or pulsed voltage conditions. The measured DC data were compared to a 1-D impedance matrix model where the predicted incremental length changed as a function of voltage. When the voltage source error was eliminated through physical modeling from the uncertainty budget, the combined uncertainty of the sensor (within a 95% confidence interval) decreased to 0.0033% using a Y + 36°-cut crystal and 0.0032% using an X-cut crystal for all the voltage conditions used in this experiment.« less

Comparative study of 0° X-cut and Y+36°-cut lithium niobate high-voltage sensing

DOE PAGES

Patel, N.; Branch, D. W.; Schamiloglu, E.; ...

2015-08-11

A comparison study between Y+36° and 0° X-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO 3) was performed to evaluate the influence of crystal cut on the acoustic propagation to realize a piezoelectric high-voltage sensor. The acoustic time-of-flight for each crystal cut was measured when applying direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and pulsed voltages. Results show that the voltage-induced shift in the acoustic wave propagation time scaled quadratically with voltage for DC and AC voltages applied to X-cut crystals. For the Y+36° crystal, the voltage-induced shift scales linearly with DC voltages and quadratically with AC voltages. When applying 5 μs voltage pulses tomore » both crystals, the voltage-induced shift scaled linearly with voltage. For the Y+36° cut, the voltage-induced shift from applying DC voltages ranged from 10 to 54 ps and 35 to 778 ps for AC voltages at 640 V over the frequency range of 100 Hz–100 kHz. Using the same conditions as the Y+36° cut, the 0° X-cut crystal sensed a shift of 10–273 ps for DC voltages and 189–813 ps for AC voltage application. For 5 μs voltage pulses, the 0° X-cut crystal sensed a voltage induced shift of 0.250–2 ns and the Y+36°-cut crystal sensed a time shift of 0.115–1.6 ns. This suggests a frequency sensitive response to voltage where the influence of the crystal cut was not a significant contributor under DC, AC, or pulsed voltage conditions. The measured DC data were compared to a 1-D impedance matrix model where the predicted incremental length changed as a function of voltage. Furthermore, when the voltage source error was eliminated through physical modeling from the uncertainty budget, the combined uncertainty of the sensor (within a 95% confidence interval) decreased to 0.0033% using a Y + 36°-cut crystal and 0.0032% using an X-cut crystal for all the voltage conditions used in this experiment.« less

Dynamic characteristics of corona discharge generated under rainfall condition on AC charged conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Pengfei; Zhang, Bo; Wang, Zezhong; Chen, Shuiming; He, Jinliang

2017-12-01

By synchronous measurement of corona current and the water droplet deformation process on a conductor surface, different types of corona discharge are visualized when AC voltage is applied on a line-ground electrode system. The corona characteristics are closely related to the applied voltage and water supply rate. With the increase of AC voltage, the positive Taylor cone discharge firstly appears and then disappears, replaced by the dripping and crashing discharge. Furthermore, the number of pulses in each pulse train increases with the increase of applied voltage. The mechanism of the transfer from the positive Taylor cone discharge to the dripping and crashing discharge is found to be related to the oscillation process of the water droplet. The water supply rate also has a great influence on the characteristics of corona currents. The number of positive pulse trains increases linearly when the water supply rate gets larger, leading to a higher audible noise and radio interference level from the AC corona, which is quite different from that of the DC corona. The difference between the AC and DC coronas under rainfall conditions is analyzed finally.

System and method for determining stator winding resistance in an AC motor using motor drives

DOEpatents

Lu, Bin; Habetler, Thomas G; Zhang, Pinjia

2013-02-26

A system and method for determining the stator winding resistance of AC motors is provided. The system includes an AC motor drive having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of an AC motor, a pulse width modulation (PWM) converter having switches therein to control current flow and terminal voltages in the AC motor, and a control system connected to the PWM converter. The control system generates a command signal to cause the PWM converter to control an output of the AC motor drive corresponding to an input to the AC motor, selectively generates a modified command signal to cause the PWM converter to inject a DC signal into the output of the AC motor drive, and determines a stator winding resistance of the AC motor based on the DC signal of at least one of the voltage and current.

High breakdown single-crystal GaN p-n diodes by molecular beam epitaxy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qi, Meng; Zhao, Yuning; Yan, Xiaodong

2015-12-07

Molecular beam epitaxy grown GaN p-n vertical diodes are demonstrated on single-crystal GaN substrates. A low leakage current <3 nA/cm{sup 2} is obtained with reverse bias voltage up to −20 V. With a 400 nm thick n-drift region, an on-resistance of 0.23 mΩ cm{sup 2} is achieved, with a breakdown voltage corresponding to a peak electric field of ∼3.1 MV/cm in GaN. Single-crystal GaN substrates with very low dislocation densities enable the low leakage current and the high breakdown field in the diodes, showing significant potential for MBE growth to attain near-intrinsic performance when the density of dislocations is low.

Statistical Studies of the Electric Breakdown in Nitrogen in the Duration Range of 3 ms-60 min

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorokhov, V. V.; Karelin, V. I.; Perminov, A. V.; Repin, P. B.

2018-05-01

The statistical characteristics of an electric breakdown in the nitrogen in the spike (cathode)-plane gap in the duration range of (3 × 10-3)-3600 s at voltages close to a static breakdown have been studied. It has been found that a probability of a gap breakdown is nonmonotonously distributed over time. The presence of maxima in the probability distribution confirms a contribution of some processes that both stimulate and suppress a breakdown. The typical times of the processes are 30 ms, 10-1 s, and 300 s.

A voltage-division-type low-jitter self-triggered repetition-rate switch.

PubMed

Su, Jian-Cang; Zeng, Bo; Gao, Peng-Cheng; Li, Rui; Wu, Xiao-Long; Zhao, Liang

2016-10-01

A voltage-division-type (V/N) low-jitter self-triggered multi-stage switch is put forward. It comprises of a triggered corona gap, several quasi-uniform-field gaps, and an inversion inductor. When the corona gap is in the stage of self-breakdown, the multi-stage gaps are triggered and the switch is closed via an over-voltage. This type of V/N switch has the advantage of compact structure since the auxiliary components like the gas-blowing system and the triggered system are eliminated from the whole system. It also has advantages such as low breakdown jitter and high energy efficiency. The dependence of the self-triggered voltage on the over-voltage factor and the switch operating voltage is deduced. A switch of this type is designed and fabricated and experiments to research its characteristics are conducted. The results show that this switch can operate on a voltage of 1 MV at 50 Hz and can generate 1000 successive pulses with a jitter as low as 3% and an energy efficiency as high as 90%. This V/N switch can work under a high repetition rate with a long lifetime.

BPM Breakdown Potential in the PEP-II B-factory Storage Ring Collider

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weathersby, Stephen; Novokhatski, Alexander; /SLAC

2010-02-10

High current B-Factory BPM designs incorporate a button type electrode which introduces a small gap between the button and the beam chamber. For achievable currents and bunch lengths, simulations indicate that electric potentials can be induced in this gap which are comparable to the breakdown voltage. This study characterizes beam induced voltages in the existing PEP-II storage ring collider BPM as a function of bunch length and beam current.

Fast shut-down protection system for radio frequency breakdown and multipactor testing.

PubMed

Graves, T P; Hanson, P; Michaelson, J M; Farkas, A D; Hubble, A A

2014-02-01

Radio frequency (RF) breakdown such as multipactor or ionization breakdown is a device-limiting phenomenon for on-orbit spacecraft used for communication, navigation, or other RF payloads. Ground testing is therefore part of the qualification process for all high power components used in these space systems. This paper illustrates a shut-down protection system to be incorporated into multipactor/ionization breakdown ground testing for susceptible RF devices. This 8 channel system allows simultaneous use of different diagnostic classes and different noise floors. With initiation of a breakdown event, diagnostic signals increase above a user-specified level, which then opens an RF switch to eliminate RF power from the high power amplifier. Examples of this system in use are shown for a typical setup, illustrating the reproducibility of breakdown threshold voltages and the lack of multipactor conditioning. This system can also be utilized to prevent excessive damage to RF components in tests with sensitive or flight hardware.

The ac power line protection for an IEEE 587 Class B environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roehr, W. D.; Clark, O. M.

1984-01-01

The 587B series of protectors are unique, low clamping voltage transient suppressors to protect ac-powered equipment from the 6000V peak open-circuit voltage and 3000A short circuit current as defined in IEEE standard 587 for Category B transients. The devices, which incorporate multiple-stage solid-state protector components, were specifically designed to operate under multiple exposures to maximum threat levels in this severe environment. The output voltage peaks are limited to 350V under maximum threat conditions for a 120V ac power line, thus providing adequate protection to vulnerable electronic equipment. The principle of operation and test performance data is discussed.

Improved transistorized AC motor controller for battery powered urban electric passenger vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peak, S. C.

1982-01-01

An ac motor controller for an induction motor electric vehicle drive system was designed, fabricated, tested, evaluated, and cost analyzed. A vehicle performance analysis was done to establish the vehicle tractive effort-speed requirements. These requirements were then converted into a set of ac motor and ac controller requirements. The power inverter is a three-phase bridge using power Darlington transistors. The induction motor was optimized for use with an inverter power source. The drive system has a constant torque output to base motor speed and a constant horsepower output to maximum speed. A gear shifting transmission is not required. The ac controller was scaled from the base 20 hp (41 hp peak) at 108 volts dec to an expanded horsepower and battery voltage range. Motor reversal was accomplished by electronic reversal of the inverter phase sequence. The ac controller can also be used as a boost chopper battery charger. The drive system was tested on a dynamometer and results are presented. The current-controlled pulse width modulation control scheme yielded improved motor current waveforms. The ac controller favors a higher system voltage.

Breakdown Degradation Associated with Elementary Screw Dislocations in 4H-SiC P(+)N Junction Rectifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, P. G.; Huang, W.; Dudley, M.

1998-01-01

It is well-known that SiC wafer quality deficiencies are delaying the realization of outstandingly superior 4H-SiC power electronics. While efforts to date have centered on eradicating micropipes (i.e., hollow core super-screw dislocations with Burgers vector greater than 2c), 4H-SiC wafers and epilayers also contain elementary screw dislocations (i.e., Burgers vector = lc with no hollow core) in densities on the order of thousands per sq cm, nearly 100-fold micropipe densities. This paper describes an initial study into the impact of elementary screw dislocations on the reverse-bias current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of 4H-SiC p(+)n diodes. First, Synchrotron White Beam X-ray Topography (SWBXT) was employed to map the exact locations of elementary screw dislocations within small-area 4H-SiC p(+)n mesa diodes. Then the high-field reverse leakage and breakdown properties of these diodes were subsequently characterized on a probing station outfitted with a dark box and video camera. Most devices without screw dislocations exhibited excellent characteristics, with no detectable leakage current prior to breakdown, a sharp breakdown I-V knee, and no visible concentration of breakdown current. In contrast devices that contained at least one elementary screw dislocation exhibited a 5% to 35% reduction in breakdown voltage, a softer breakdown I-V knee, and visible microplasmas in which highly localized breakdown current was concentrated. The locations of observed breakdown microplasmas corresponded exactly to the locations of elementary screw dislocations identified by SWBXT mapping. While not as detrimental to SiC device performance as micropipes, the undesirable breakdown characteristics of elementary screw dislocations could nevertheless adversely affect the performance and reliability of 4H-SiC power devices.

ac electroosmotic pumping induced by noncontact external electrodes

PubMed Central

Wang, Shau-Chun; Chen, Hsiao-Ping; Chang, Hsueh-Chia

2007-01-01

Electroosmotic (EO) pumps based on dc electroosmosis is plagued by bubble generation and other electrochemical reactions at the electrodes at voltages beyond 1 V for electrolytes. These disadvantages limit their throughput and offset their portability advantage over mechanical syringe or pneumatic pumps. ac electroosmotic pumps at high frequency (>100 kHz) circumvent the bubble problem by inducing polarization and slip velocity on embedded electrodes,1 but they require complex electrode designs to produce a net flow. We report a new high-throughput ac EO pump design based on induced-polarization on the entire channel surface instead of just on the electrodes. Like dc EO pumps, our pump electrodes are outside of the load section and form a cm-long pump unit consisting of three circular reservoirs (3 mm in diameter) connected by a 1×1 mm channel. The field-induced polarization can produce an effective Zeta potential exceeding 1 V and an ac slip velocity estimated as 1 mm∕sec or higher, both one order of magnitude higher than earlier dc and ac pumps, giving rise to a maximum throughput of 1 μl∕sec. Polarization over the entire channel surface, quadratic scaling with respect to the field and high voltage at high frequency without electrode bubble generation are the reasons why the current pump is superior to earlier dc and ac EO pumps. PMID:19693362

ac electroosmotic pumping induced by noncontact external electrodes.

PubMed

Wang, Shau-Chun; Chen, Hsiao-Ping; Chang, Hsueh-Chia

2007-09-21

Electroosmotic (EO) pumps based on dc electroosmosis is plagued by bubble generation and other electrochemical reactions at the electrodes at voltages beyond 1 V for electrolytes. These disadvantages limit their throughput and offset their portability advantage over mechanical syringe or pneumatic pumps. ac electroosmotic pumps at high frequency (>100 kHz) circumvent the bubble problem by inducing polarization and slip velocity on embedded electrodes,1 but they require complex electrode designs to produce a net flow. We report a new high-throughput ac EO pump design based on induced-polarization on the entire channel surface instead of just on the electrodes. Like dc EO pumps, our pump electrodes are outside of the load section and form a cm-long pump unit consisting of three circular reservoirs (3 mm in diameter) connected by a 1x1 mm channel. The field-induced polarization can produce an effective Zeta potential exceeding 1 V and an ac slip velocity estimated as 1 mmsec or higher, both one order of magnitude higher than earlier dc and ac pumps, giving rise to a maximum throughput of 1 mulsec. Polarization over the entire channel surface, quadratic scaling with respect to the field and high voltage at high frequency without electrode bubble generation are the reasons why the current pump is superior to earlier dc and ac EO pumps.

Low voltage arc formation in railguns

DOEpatents

Hawke, R.S.

1985-08-05

A low voltage plasma arc is first established across the rails behind the projectile by switching a low voltage high current source across the rails to establish a plasma arc by vaporizing a fuse mounted on the back of the projectile, maintaining the voltage across the rails below the railgun breakdown voltage to prevent arc formation ahead of the projectile. After the plasma arc has been formed behind the projectile a discriminator switches the full energy bank across the rails to accelerate the projectile. A gas gun injector may be utilized to inject a projectile into the breech of a railgun. The invention permits the use of a gas gun or gun powder injector and an evacuated barrel without the risk of spurious arc formation in front of the projectile.

Low voltage arc formation in railguns

DOEpatents

Hawke, Ronald S.

1987-01-01

A low voltage plasma arc is first established across the rails behind the projectile by switching a low voltage high current source across the rails to establish a plasma arc by vaporizing a fuse mounted on the back of the projectile, maintaining the voltage across the rails below the railgun breakdown voltage to prevent arc formation ahead of the projectile. After the plasma arc has been formed behind the projectile a discriminator switches the full energy bank across the rails to accelerate the projectile. A gas gun injector may be utilized to inject a projectile into the breech of a railgun. The invention permits the use of a gas gun or gun powder injector and an evacuated barrel without the risk of spurious arc formation in front of the projectile.

Low voltage arc formation in railguns

DOEpatents

Hawke, R.S.

1987-11-17

A low voltage plasma arc is first established across the rails behind the projectile by switching a low voltage high current source across the rails to establish a plasma arc by vaporizing a fuse mounted on the back of the projectile, maintaining the voltage across the rails below the railgun breakdown voltage to prevent arc formation ahead of the projectile. After the plasma arc has been formed behind the projectile a discriminator switches the full energy bank across the rails to accelerate the projectile. A gas gun injector may be utilized to inject a projectile into the breech of a railgun. The invention permits the use of a gas gun or gun powder injector and an evacuated barrel without the risk of spurious arc formation in front of the projectile. 2 figs.

Frequency Dependence of Low-Voltage Electrowetting Investigated by Impedance Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Li, Ying-Jia; Cahill, Brian P

2017-11-14

An electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) electrode was developed that facilitates the use of low alternating voltages (≤5 V AC ). This allows online investigation of the frequency dependence of electrowetting by means of impedance spectroscopy. The EWOD electrode is based on a dielectric bilayer consisting of an anodic tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) thin film (d = 59.35 nm) with a high relative permittivity (ε d = 26.3) and a self-assembled hydrophobic silane monolayer. The frequency dependence of electrowetting was studied using an aqueous μL-sized sessile droplet on the planar EWOD electrode in oil. Experiments using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and optical imaging indicate the frequency dependence of all three variables in the Young-Lippmann equation: the voltage drop across the dielectric layers, capacitance per unit area, and contact angle under voltage. The electrowetting behavior induced by AC voltages is shown to be well described by the Young-Lippmann equation for AC applications below a frequency threshold. Moreover, the dielectric layers act as a capacitor and the stored electrostatic potential energy is revealed to only partially contribute to the electrowetting.

Design and implementation of co-operative control strategy for hybrid AC/DC microgrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmud, Rasel

This thesis is mainly divided in two major sections: 1) Modeling and control of AC microgrid, DC microgrid, Hybrid AC/DC microgrid using distributed co-operative control, and 2) Development of a four bus laboratory prototype of an AC microgrid system. At first, a distributed cooperative control (DCC) for a DC microgrid considering the state-of-charge (SoC) of the batteries in a typical plug-in-electric-vehicle (PEV) is developed. In DC microgrids, this methodology is developed to assist the load sharing amongst the distributed generation units (DGs), according to their ratings with improved voltage regulation. Subsequently, a DCC based control algorithm for AC microgrid is also investigated to improve the performance of AC microgrid in terms of power sharing among the DGs, voltage regulation and frequency deviation. The results validate the advantages of the proposed methodology as compared to traditional droop control of AC microgrid. The DCC-based control methodology for AC microgrid and DC microgrid are further expanded to develop a DCC-based power management algorithm for hybrid AC/DC microgrid. The developed algorithm for hybrid microgrid controls the power flow through the interfacing converter (IC) between the AC and DC microgrids. This will facilitate the power sharing between the DGs according to their power ratings. Moreover, it enables the fixed scheduled power delivery at different operating conditions, while maintaining good voltage regulation and improved frequency profile. The second section provides a detailed explanation and step-by-step design and development of an AC/DC microgrid testbed. Controllers for the three-phase inverters are designed and tested on different generation units along with their corresponding inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) filters to eliminate the switching frequency harmonics. Electric power distribution line models are developed to form the microgrid network topology. Voltage and current sensors are placed in the proper

Development of a Portable AC/DC Welding Power Supply Module

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-03-01

REPORT DATE MAR 1975 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Development of a Portable AC /DC Welding Power Supply...achieved. Additional bypass capacitors were added to reduce further switch heating and voltage transients. November AC welding was achieved with...Investigate the conversion of inversion frequency back to 60 Hz for AC welding. 4) Investigate a 120V single phase mini supply. VI I Objectives A) Goals

Preparation Nano-Structure Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Functional Film on the Cellulose Insulation Polymer and Its Effect on the Breakdown Voltage and Hydrophobicity Properties

PubMed Central

Liu, Cong; Li, Yanqing; Liao, Ruijin; Liao, Qiang; Tang, Chao

2018-01-01

Cellulose insulation polymer is an important component of oil-paper insulation, which is widely used in power transformer. The weight of the cellulose insulation polymer materials is as high as tens of tons in the larger converter transformer. Excellent performance of oil-paper insulation is very important for ensuring the safe operation of larger converter transformer. An effective way to improve the insulation and the physicochemical property of the oil impregnated insulation pressboard/paper is currently a popular research topic. In this paper, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) functional film was coated on the cellulose insulation pressboard by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering to improve its breakdown voltage and the hydrophobicity properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that the nano-structure PTFE functional film was successfully fabricated on the cellulose insulation pressboard surface. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) present that the nanoscale size PTFE particles were attached to the pressboard surface and it exists in the amorphous form. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that the sputtered pressboard surface is still rough. The rough PTFE functional film and the reduction of the hydrophilic hydroxyl of the surface due to the shielding effect of PTFE improve the breakdown and the hydrophobicity properties of the cellulose insulation pressboard obviously. This paper provides an innovative way to improve the performance of the cellulose insulation polymer. PMID:29883376

Preparation Nano-Structure Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Functional Film on the Cellulose Insulation Polymer and Its Effect on the Breakdown Voltage and Hydrophobicity Properties.

PubMed

Hao, Jian; Liu, Cong; Li, Yanqing; Liao, Ruijin; Liao, Qiang; Tang, Chao

2018-05-21

Cellulose insulation polymer is an important component of oil-paper insulation, which is widely used in power transformer. The weight of the cellulose insulation polymer materials is as high as tens of tons in the larger converter transformer. Excellent performance of oil-paper insulation is very important for ensuring the safe operation of larger converter transformer. An effective way to improve the insulation and the physicochemical property of the oil impregnated insulation pressboard/paper is currently a popular research topic. In this paper, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) functional film was coated on the cellulose insulation pressboard by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering to improve its breakdown voltage and the hydrophobicity properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that the nano-structure PTFE functional film was successfully fabricated on the cellulose insulation pressboard surface. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) present that the nanoscale size PTFE particles were attached to the pressboard surface and it exists in the amorphous form. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that the sputtered pressboard surface is still rough. The rough PTFE functional film and the reduction of the hydrophilic hydroxyl of the surface due to the shielding effect of PTFE improve the breakdown and the hydrophobicity properties of the cellulose insulation pressboard obviously. This paper provides an innovative way to improve the performance of the cellulose insulation polymer.

Power Electronic Transformer based Three-Phase PWM AC Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Kaushik

A Transformer is used to provide galvanic isolation and to connect systems at different voltage levels. It is one of the largest and most expensive component in most of the high voltage and high power systems. Its size is inversely proportional to the operating frequency. The central idea behind a power electronic transformer (PET) also known as solid state transformer is to reduce the size of the transformer by increasing the frequency. Power electronic converters are used to change the frequency of operation. Steady reduction in the cost of the semiconductor switches and the advent of advanced magnetic materials with very low loss density and high saturation flux density implies economic viability and feasibility of a design with high power density. Application of PET is in generation of power from renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar. Other important application include grid tied inverters, UPS e.t.c. In this thesis non-resonant, single stage, bi-directional PET is considered. The main objective of this converter is to generate adjustable speed and magnitude pulse width modulated (PWM) ac waveforms from an ac or dc grid with a high frequency ac link. The windings of a high frequency transformer contains leakage inductance. Any switching transition of the power electronic converter connecting the inductive load and the transformer requires commutation of leakage energy. Commutation by passive means results in power loss, decrease in the frequency of operation, distortion in the output voltage waveform, reduction in reliability and power density. In this work a source based partially loss-less commutation of leakage energy has been proposed. This technique also results in partial soft-switching. A series of converters with novel PWM strategies have been proposed to minimize the frequency of leakage inductance commutation. These PETs achieve most of the important features of modern PWM ac drives including 1) Input power factor correction, 2) Common

An LOD with improved breakdown voltage in full-frame CCD devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banghart, Edmund K.; Stevens, Eric G.; Doan, Hung Q.; Shepherd, John P.; Meisenzahl, Eric J.

2005-02-01

In full-frame image sensors, lateral overflow drain (LOD) structures are typically formed along the vertical CCD shift registers to provide a means for preventing charge blooming in the imager pixels. In a conventional LOD structure, the n-type LOD implant is made through the thin gate dielectric stack in the device active area and adjacent to the thick field oxidation that isolates the vertical CCD columns of the imager. In this paper, a novel LOD structure is described in which the n-type LOD impurities are placed directly under the field oxidation and are, therefore, electrically isolated from the gate electrodes. By reducing the electrical fields that cause breakdown at the silicon surface, this new structure permits a larger amount of n-type impurities to be implanted for the purpose of increasing the LOD conductivity. As a consequence of the improved conductance, the LOD width can be significantly reduced, enabling the design of higher resolution imaging arrays without sacrificing charge capacity in the pixels. Numerical simulations with MEDICI of the LOD leakage current are presented that identify the breakdown mechanism, while three-dimensional solutions to Poisson's equation are used to determine the charge capacity as a function of pixel dimension.

The a.c. Josephson effect without superconductivity

PubMed Central

Gaury, Benoit; Weston, Joseph; Waintal, Xavier

2015-01-01

Superconductivity derives its most salient features from the coherence of the associated macroscopic wave function. The related physical phenomena have now moved from exotic subjects to fundamental building blocks for quantum circuits such as qubits or single photonic modes. Here we predict that the a.c. Josephson effect—which transforms a d.c. voltage Vb into an oscillating signal cos (2eVbt/ħ)—has a mesoscopic counterpart in normal conductors. We show that when a d.c. voltage Vb is applied to an electronic interferometer, there exists a universal transient regime where the current oscillates at frequency eVb/h. This effect is not limited by a superconducting gap and could, in principle, be used to produce tunable a.c. signals in the elusive 0.1–10-THz ‘terahertz gap’. PMID:25765929

Development of software to improve AC power quality on large spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraft, L. Alan

1991-01-01

To insure the reliability of a 20 kHz, AC power system on spacecraft, it is essential to analyze its behavior under many adverse operating conditions. Some of these conditions include overloads, short circuits, switching surges, and harmonic distortions. Harmonic distortions can cause malfunctions in equipment that the power system is supplying, and during extreme distortions such as voltage resonance, it can cause equipment and insulation failures due to the extreme peak voltages. HARMFLO, a power flow computer program, which was capable of analyzing harmonic conditions on three phase, balanced, 60 Hz, AC power systems, was modified to analyze single phase, 20 kHz, AC power systems. Since almost all of the equipment used on spacecraft power systems is electrically different from equipment used on terrestrial power systems, it was also necessary to develop mathematical models for the equipment to be used on the spacecraft. The results are that (1) the harmonic power now has a model of a single phase, voltage controlled, full wave rectifier; and (2) HARMFLO was ported to the SUN workstation platform.

Experiments with high-voltage insulators in the presence of tritium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grisham, L. R.; Falter, H.; Causey, R.; Chrisman, W.; Stevenson, T.; Wright, K.

1991-02-01

During the final deuterium-tritium phases of the TFTR and JET tokamaks half of the neutral injectors will be used to produce tritium neutral beams to maintain an equal mix of deuterium and tritium in the core plasma, and such requirements may also occur in future devices. This will require that the voltage hold off capabilities of the high voltage insulators in the accelerators be unimpaired by any charge buildups associated with the beta decay of adsorbed layers. We report tests in which we measured the drain currents under high dc voltage of TFTR and JET accelerator insulators while they were successively exposed to vacuum, deuterium and tritium. There did not appear to be any substantial reduction in hold-off capability with tritium, although at some voltages there was a small increase in the leakage current. We also compared the breakdown properties of a plastic tubing filled with deuterium and then tritium at varying pressures, since such tubing has been considered as a high-voltage break in the gas feed system for TFTR, and the presence of large numbers of electron-ion pairs might lead to enhanced Paschen breakdown. We found no significant differences in the behavior for the geometry used.

Comparative study of electrical breakdown properties of deionized water and heavy water under pulsed power conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veda Prakash, G.; Kumar, R.; Saurabh, K.

A comparative study of electrical breakdown properties of deionized water (H{sub 2}O) and heavy water (D{sub 2}O) is presented with two different electrode materials (stainless steel (SS) and brass) and polarity (positive and negative) combinations. The pulsed (∼a few tens of nanoseconds) discharges are conducted by applying high voltage (∼a few hundred kV) pulse between two hemisphere electrodes of the same material, spaced 3 mm apart, at room temperature (∼26-28 °C) with the help of Tesla based pulse generator. It is observed that breakdown occurred in heavy water at lesser voltage and in short duration compared to deionized water irrespective ofmore » the electrode material and applied voltage polarity chosen. SS electrodes are seen to perform better in terms of the voltage withstanding capacity of the liquid dielectric as compared to brass electrodes. Further, discharges with negative polarity are found to give slightly enhanced discharge breakdown voltage when compared with those with positive polarity. The observations corroborate well with conductivity measurements carried out on original and post-treated liquid samples. An interpretation of the observations is attempted using Fourier transform infrared measurements on original and post-treated liquids as well as in situ emission spectra studies. A yet another important observation from the emission spectra has been that even short (nanosecond) duration discharges result in the formation of a considerable amount of ions injected into the liquid from the electrodes in a similar manner as reported for long (microseconds) discharges. The experimental observations show that deionised water is better suited for high voltage applications and also offer a comparison of the discharge behaviour with different electrodes and polarities.« less

The DC dielectric breakdown strength of magnetic fluids based on transformer oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopčanský, Peter; Tomčo, Ladislav; Marton, Karol; Koneracká, Martina; Timko, Milan; Potočová, Ivana

2005-03-01

The DC dielectric breakdown strength of magnetic fluids based on transformer oil TECHNOL US 4000, with different saturation magnetizations, was investigated in various orientations of external magnetic field. It was shown that the dielectric breakdown strength in H∣∣ E is strongly influenced by the aggregation effects. As a boundary volume concentration of magnetic particles, below which the magnetic fluids have better dielectric properties than pure transformer oil, the volume concentration Φ=0.01 was found. Thus magnetic fluids with Φ<0.01 are suitable for the use as a high-voltage insulation.

System for transmitting low frequency analog signals over AC power lines

DOEpatents

Baker, Steven P.; Durall, Robert L.; Haynes, Howard D.

1989-01-01

A system for transmitting low frequency analog signals over AC power lines using FM modulation. A low frequency analog signal to be transmitted is first applied to a voltage-to-frequency converter where it is converted to a signal whose frequency varies in proportion to the analog signal amplitude. This signal is then used to modulate the carrier frequency of an FM transmitter coupled to an AC power line. The modulation signal frequency range in selected to be within the response band of the FM transmitter. The FM modulated carrier signal is received by an FM receiver coupled to the AC power line, demodulated and the demodulated signal frequency is converted by a frequency-to-voltage converter back to the form of the original low frequency analog input signal.

System for transmitting low frequency analog signals over AC power lines

DOEpatents

Baker, Steven P.; Durall, Robert L.; Haynes, Howard D.

1989-09-05

A system for transmitting low frequency analog signals over AC power lines using FM modulation. A low frequency analog signal to be transmitted is first applied to a voltage-to-frequency converter where it is converted to a signal whose frequency varies in proportion to the analog signal amplitude. This signal is then used to modulate the carrier frequency of an FM transmitter coupled to an AC power line. The modulation signal frequency range in selected to be within the response band of the FM transmitter. The FM modulated carrier signal is received by an FM receiver coupled to the AC power line, demodulated and the demodulated signal frequency is converted by a frequency-to-voltage converter back to the form of the original low frequency analog input signal.

Electrical safety for high voltage arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, N. A.

1983-01-01

A number of key electrical safety requirements for the high voltage arrays of central station photovoltaic power systems are explored. The suitability of representative industrial DC power switchgear for control and fault protection was evaluated. Included were AC/DC circuit breakers, electromechanical contactors and relays, load interruptors, cold disconnect devices, sectionalizing switches, and high voltage DC fuses. As appropriate, steady state and transient characteristics were analyzed. Failure modes impacting upon operation and maintenance safety were also identified, as were the voltage withstand and current interruption levels.

Improved breakdown characteristics of monolithically integrated III-nitride HEMT-LED devices using carbon doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chao; Liu, Zhaojun; Huang, Tongde; Ma, Jun; May Lau, Kei

2015-03-01

We report selective growth of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) for monolithic integration of III-nitride HEMT and LED devices (HEMT-LED). To improve the breakdown characteristics of the integrated HEMT-LED devices, carbon doping was introduced in the HEMT buffer by controlling the growth pressure and V/III ratio. The breakdown voltage of the fabricated HEMTs grown on LEDs was enhanced, without degradation of the HEMT DC performance. The improved breakdown characteristics can be attributed to better isolation of the HEMT from the underlying conductive p-GaN layer of the LED structure.

Comparative analysis of cellulose pressboard and aramid paper used in air insulation systems of high-voltage devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turba, Tomasz; Frącz, Paweł

2017-10-01

The paper presents results of a comparative analysis of parameters of two kinds of solid dielectrics used in air insulation systems to prevent occurring partial discharges. The research works regarded materials made of: cellulose pressboard and aramid paper. All measurements were performed under laboratory conditions by changing the value of partial discharges generation voltage until breakdown occurred in the inhomogeneous environment that was simulated using needle-plate (made of copper) electrode system. The main contribution which resulted from studies is a statement that potential use of aramid paper as a dielectric can extend the life of a high voltage electric device as compared to standard cellulose pressboard usage due to higher electric resistances to breakdown or detection of corona voltage. Results shown that the aramid paper has greater electric resistance to breakdown in comparison to cellulose with no difference between both on detecting corona of partial discharge.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR FAILURE PREVENTION IN AEROSPACE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS UTILIZING HIGHER VOLTAGES

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

work , the guideline document (1) provides a basis for identifying high voltage design risks, (2) defines areas of concern as a function of environment ... work , the guideline document 1) provides a basis for identifying high voltage design risks, 2) defines areas of concern as a function of environment ...pressures (y-axis - breakdown voltage [volts-peak]) As an example of the impact of the aerospace environment , consider the calculation of the safe

Spin pumping and inverse spin Hall voltages from dynamical antiferromagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansen, Øyvind; Brataas, Arne

2017-06-01

Dynamical antiferromagnets can pump spins into adjacent conductors. The high antiferromagnetic resonance frequencies represent a challenge for experimental detection, but magnetic fields can reduce these resonance frequencies. We compute the ac and dc inverse spin Hall voltages resulting from dynamical spin excitations as a function of a magnetic field along the easy axis and the polarization of the driving ac magnetic field perpendicular to the easy axis. We consider the insulating antiferromagnets MnF2,FeF2, and NiO. Near the spin-flop transition, there is a significant enhancement of the dc spin pumping and inverse spin Hall voltage for the uniaxial antiferromagnets MnF2 and FeF2. In the uniaxial antiferromagnets it is also found that the ac spin pumping is independent of the external magnetic field when the driving field has the optimal circular polarization. In the biaxial NiO, the voltages are much weaker, and there is no spin-flop enhancement of the dc component.

Barrier breakdown mechanism in nano-scale perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with ultrathin MgO barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Hua; Leitao, Diana C.; Hou, Zhiwei; Freitas, Paulo P.; Cardoso, Susana; Kämpfe, Thomas; Müller, Johannes; Langer, Juergen; Wrona, Jerzy

2018-05-01

Recently, the perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) arouse great interest because of its unique features in the application of spin-transfer-torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM), such as low switching current density, good thermal stability and high access speed. In this paper, we investigated current induced switching (CIS) in ultrathin MgO barrier p-MTJs with dimension down to 50 nm. We obtained a CIS perpendicular tunnel magnetoresistance (p-TMR) of 123.9% and 7.0 Ω.μm2 resistance area product (RA) with a critical switching density of 1.4×1010 A/m2 in a 300 nm diameter junction. We observe that the extrinsic breakdown mechanism dominates, since the resistance of our p-MTJs decreases gradually with the increasing current. From the statistical analysis of differently sized p-MTJs, we observe that the breakdown voltage (Vb) of 1.4 V is 2 times the switching voltage (Vs) of 0.7 V and the breakdown process exhibits two different breakdown states, unsteady and steady state. Using Simmons' model, we find that the steady state is related with the barrier height of the MgO layer. Furthermore, our study suggests a more efficient method to evaluate the MTJ stability under high bias rather than measuring Vb. In conclusion, we developed well performant p-MTJs for the use in STT-MRAM and demonstrate the mechanism and control of breakdown in nano-scale ultrathin MgO barrier p-MTJs.

Methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of two alternating current (AC) machines

DOEpatents

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel [Torrance, CA; Nagashima, James M [Cerritos, CA; Perisic, Milun [Torrance, CA; Hiti, Silva [Redondo Beach, CA

2012-06-05

A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power.

High-Voltage Characterization for the Prototype Induction Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huacen, Wang; Kaizhi, Zhang; Long, Wen; Qinggui, Lai; Linwen, Zhang; Jianjun, Deng

2002-12-01

Two linear induction prototype cells expected to work at 250kV, 3kA,with accelerating voltage flattop (±1%) ⩾ 70ns, have been tested to determine their high-voltage characteristics. Each cell is composed of a ferrite core immersed in oil, a gap with curved stainless steel electrodes, a solenoid magnet, and a insulator. The experiments were carried out with full-scale cells. The high voltage pulses were applied to two cells using a 100ns, 12Ω pulse Blumlein. The tests were performed at various high-voltage levels ranging from -250kV to -350kV. No breakdown was observed during the test at vacuum level (7-10) ṡ10-4 Pa. The cell schematic, the experimental set up, and the measured voltage waveforms are presented in this paper.

A Consideration of Stable Operating Power Limits of HVDC System Composed of Voltage Source Converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Hiroo; Takahashi, Choei; Kishibe, Hideto; Sato, Hiromichi

The stable operating power limits of a small scale HVDC system composed of voltage source converters (VSC-HVDC system) are analyzed with a simple model. The VSC-HVDC system could operate where the AC system must be somewhat larger in capacity than the VSC-HVDC system capacity. The stable operating power limits were between one and two times the SCR (short circuit ratio). When the inverter of the VSC-HVDC system was operated with lead reactive (capacitive) power control conditions, the stable operating limits were increased through AC voltage stabilization. When the inverter was a STATCOM operation, it could operate regardless of the SCR but regions within allowable AC voltage variations.

Design consideration of high voltage Ga2O3 vertical Schottky barrier diode with field plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, J.-H.; Cho, C.-H.; Cha, H.-Y.

2018-06-01

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) based vertical Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were designed for high voltage switching applications. Since p-type Ga2O3 epitaxy growth or p-type ion implantation technique has not been developed yet, a field plate structure was employed in this study to maximize the breakdown voltage by suppressing the electric field at the anode edge. TCAD simulation was used for the physical analysis of Ga2O3 SBDs from which it was found that careful attention must be paid to the insulator under the field plate. Due to the extremely high breakdown field property of Ga2O3, an insulator with both high permittivity and high breakdown field must be used for the field plate formation.

Non-contact current and voltage sensor

DOEpatents

Carpenter, Gary D; El-Essawy, Wael; Ferreira, Alexandre Peixoto; Keller, Thomas Walter; Rubio, Juan C; Schappert, Michael A

2014-03-25

A detachable current and voltage sensor provides an isolated and convenient device to measure current passing through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire, as well as providing an indication of an electrostatic potential on the wire, which can be used to indicate the phase of the voltage on the wire, and optionally a magnitude of the voltage. The device includes a housing that contains the current and voltage sensors, which may be a ferrite cylinder with a hall effect sensor disposed in a gap along the circumference to measure current, or alternative a winding provided through the cylinder along its axis and a capacitive plate or wire disposed adjacent to, or within, the ferrite cylinder to provide the indication of the voltage.

Characterization of breakdown behavior of diamond Schottky barrier diodes using impact ionization coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driche, Khaled; Umezawa, Hitoshi; Rouger, Nicolas; Chicot, Gauthier; Gheeraert, Etienne

2017-04-01

Diamond has the advantage of having an exceptionally high critical electric field owing to its large band gap, which implies its high ability to withstand high voltages. At this maximum electric field, the operation of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs), as well as FETs, may be limited by impact ionization, leading to avalanche multiplication, and hence the devices may breakdown. In this study, three of the reported impact ionization coefficients for electrons, αn, and holes, αp, in diamond at room temperature (300 K) are analyzed. Experimental data on reverse operation characteristics obtained from two different diamond SBDs are compared with those obtained from their corresponding simulated structures. Owing to the crucial role played by the impact ionization rate in determining the carrier transport, the three reported avalanche parameters implemented affect the behavior not only of the breakdown voltage but also of the leakage current for the same structure.

Piezoelectric transformers for low-voltage generation of gas discharges and ionic winds in atmospheric air

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Michael J.; Go, David B., E-mail: dgo@nd.edu; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indianapolis 46556

To generate a gas discharge (plasma) in atmospheric air requires an electric field that exceeds the breakdown threshold of ∼30 kV/cm. Because of safety, size, or cost constraints, the large applied voltages required to generate such fields are often prohibitive for portable applications. In this work, piezoelectric transformers are used to amplify a low input applied voltage (<30 V) to generate breakdown in air without the need for conventional high-voltage electrical equipment. Piezoelectric transformers (PTs) use their inherent electromechanical resonance to produce a voltage amplification, such that the surface of the piezoelectric exhibits a large surface voltage that can generate corona-like dischargesmore » on its corners or on adjacent electrodes. In the proper configuration, these discharges can be used to generate a bulk air flow called an ionic wind. In this work, PT-driven discharges are characterized by measuring the discharge current and the velocity of the induced ionic wind with ionic winds generated using input voltages as low as 7 V. The characteristics of the discharge change as the input voltage increases; this modifies the resonance of the system and subsequent required operating parameters.« less

Performance and breakdown characteristics of irradiated vertical power GaN P-i-N diodes

DOE PAGES

King, M. P.; Armstrong, A. M.; Dickerson, J. R.; ...

2015-10-29

Electrical performance and defect characterization of vertical GaN P-i-N diodes before and after irradiation with 2.5 MeV protons and neutrons is investigated. Devices exhibit increase in specific on-resistance following irradiation with protons and neutrons, indicating displacement damage introduces defects into the p-GaN and n- drift regions of the device that impact on-state device performance. The breakdown voltage of these devices, initially above 1700 V, is observed to decrease only slightly for particle fluence <; 10 13 cm -2. Furthermore, the unipolar figure of merit for power devices indicates that while the on-resistance and breakdown voltage degrade with irradiation, vertical GaNmore » P-i-Ns remain superior to the performance of the best available, unirradiated silicon devices and on-par with unirradiated modern SiC-based power devices.« less

A system for tranmitting low frequency analog signals over ac power lines

DOEpatents

Baker, S.P.; Durall, R.L.; Haynes, H.D.

1987-07-30

A system for transmitting low frequency analog signals over ac power lines using FM modulation. A low frequency analog signal to be transmitted is first applied to a voltage-to-frequency converter where it is converted to a signal whose frequency varies in proportion to the analog signal amplitude. This signal is then used to modulate the carrier frequency of an FM transmitter coupled to an ac power line. The modulation signal frequency range is selected to be within the response band of the FM transmitter. The FM modulated carrier signal is received by an FM receiver coupled to the ac power line, demodulated and the demodulated signal frequency is converted by a frequency-to-voltage converter back to the form of the original low frequency analog input signal. 4 figs.

Capabilities of the new “Universal” AC-DC monitor for electropenetrography (EPG)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Electropenetrography (EPG), invented over 50 years ago, is the most rigorous and important means of studying the feeding of piercing-sucking crop pests. The 1st-generation monitor (or AC monitor) used AC applied signal voltage and had fixed amplifier sensitivity (input resistor or Ri) of 106 Ohms. T...

Critical frequency for coalescence of emulsions in an AC electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhou; Ali, Faizi Hammad; Shum, Ho Cheung

2017-11-01

Applying an electric field to trigger the coalescence of emulsions has been applied in various applications which include crude oil recovery, emulsion stability characterization as well as pico-injection and droplet-based chemical reaction in microfluidics. In this work, we systematically investigated the responses of surfactant-stabilized emulsions to a controlled AC electric field using a customer-built chip. At a given amplitude of the AC voltage, we found a critical frequency beyond which the emulsions remain stable. When the frequency is decreased to below the critical value, emulsions coalesce immediately. Such critical frequency is found to be dependent of amplitude of the AC voltage, viscosity of the fluids, concentration and type of the surfactant as well as the electric conductivity of the droplet phase. Using a model based on the drainage of thin film, we have explored the mechanism behind and interpret this phenomenon systematically. Our work extends the understanding of the electro-coalescence of emulsions and can be beneficial for any applications involve the coalescence of droplets in an AC electric field.

Kinetic Simulations of Dense Plasma Focus Breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, A.; Higginson, D. P.; Jiang, S.; Link, A.; Povilus, A.; Sears, J.; Bennett, N.; Rose, D. V.; Welch, D. R.

2015-11-01

A dense plasma focus (DPF) device is a type of plasma gun that drives current through a set of coaxial electrodes to assemble gas inside the device and then implode that gas on axis to form a Z-pinch. This implosion drives hydrodynamic and kinetic instabilities that generate strong electric fields, which produces a short intense pulse of x-rays, high-energy (>100 keV) electrons and ions, and (in deuterium gas) neutrons. A strong factor in pinch performance is the initial breakdown and ionization of the gas along the insulator surface separating the two electrodes. The smoothness and isotropy of this ionized sheath are imprinted on the current sheath that travels along the electrodes, thus making it an important portion of the DPF to both understand and optimize. Here we use kinetic simulations in the Particle-in-cell code LSP to model the breakdown. Simulations are initiated with neutral gas and the breakdown modeled self-consistently as driven by a charged capacitor system. We also investigate novel geometries for the insulator and electrodes to attempt to control the electric field profile. The initial ionization fraction of gas is explored computationally to gauge possible advantages of pre-ionization which could be created experimentally via lasers or a glow-discharge. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Electric-Field Instrument With Ac-Biased Corona Point

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markson, R.; Anderson, B.; Govaert, J.

1993-01-01

Measurements indicative of incipient lightning yield additional information. New instrument gives reliable readings. High-voltage ac bias applied to needle point through high-resistance capacitance network provides corona discharge at all times, enabling more-slowly-varying component of electrostatic potential of needle to come to equilibrium with surrounding air. High resistance of high-voltage coupling makes instrument insensitive to wind. Improved corona-point instrument expected to yield additional information assisting in safety-oriented forecasting of lighting.

Enhanced shock wave generation via pre-breakdown acceleration using water electrolysis in negative streamer pulsed spark discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kern; Chung, Kyoung-Jae; Hwang, Y. S.

2018-03-01

This paper presents a method for enhancement of shock waves generated from underwater pulsed spark discharges with negative (anode-directed) subsonic streamers, for which the pre-breakdown process is accelerated by preconditioning a gap with water electrolysis. Hydrogen microbubbles are produced at the cathode by the electrolysis and move towards the anode during the preconditioning phase. The numbers and spatial distributions of the microbubbles vary with the amplitude and duration of each preconditioning pulse. Under our experimental conditions, the optimum pulse duration is determined to be ˜250 ms at a pulse voltage of 400 V, where the buoyancy force overwhelms the electric force and causes the microbubbles to be swept out from the water gap. When a high-voltage pulse is applied to the gap just after the preconditioning pulse, the pre-breakdown process is significantly accelerated in the presence of the microbubbles. At the optimum preconditioning pulse duration, the average breakdown delay is reduced by 87% and, more importantly, the energy consumed during the pre-breakdown period decreases by 83%. This reduced energy consumption during the pre-breakdown period, when combined with the morphological advantages of negative streamers, such as thicker and longer stalks, leads to a significant improvement in the measured peak pressure (˜40%) generated by the underwater pulsed spark discharge. This acceleration of pre-breakdown using electrolysis overcomes the biggest drawback of negative subsonic discharges, which is slow vapor bubble formation due to screening effects, and thus enhances the efficiency of the shock wave generation process using pulsed spark discharges in water.

Understanding and Prevention of Transient Voltages and Dielectric Breakdown in High Voltage Battery Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-31

as it is one faced every day as power systems engineers try to integrate batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines onto the already existing...Amendment-OOO l.ashx. [Accessed 10 Dec 2013] (7) "Copper Wire Resistance and Inductance Calculator", Ampbooks.com, 20 I 7. [Online]. Available: https...ampbooks.com/home/amplifier-calcu lators/ wire -inductance/. [Accessed: 21- May- 2017). (8) "What is Transient Voltage? - E lectronic Products

Effect of the scheme of plasmachemical processes on the calculated characteristics of a barrier discharge in xenon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Avtaeva, S. V.; Kulumbaev, E. B.

2008-06-15

The dynamics of a repetitive barrier discharge in xenon at a pressure of 400 Torr is simulated using a one-dimensional drift-diffusion model. The thicknesses of identical barriers with a dielectric constant of 4 are 2 mm, and the gap length is 4 mm. The discharge is fed with an 8-kV ac voltage at a frequency of 25 or 50 kHz. The development of the ionization wave and the breakdown and afterglow phases of a barrier discharge are analyzed using two different kinetic schemes of elementary processes in a xenon plasma. It is shown that the calculated waveforms of the dischargemore » voltage and current, the instant of breakdown, and the number of breakdowns per voltage half-period depend substantially on the properties of the kinetic scheme of plasmachemical processes.« less

Low Voltage Electrowetting on Ferroelectric PVDF-HFP Insulator with Highly Tunable Contact Angle Range.

PubMed

Sawane, Yogesh B; Ogale, Satishchandra B; Banpurkar, Arun G

2016-09-14

We demonstrate a consistent electrowetting response on ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) insulator covered with a thin Teflon AF layer. This bilayer exhibits a factor of 3 enhancement in the contact angle modulation compared to that of conventional single-layered Teflon AF dielectric. On the basis of the proposed model the enhancement is attributed to the high value of effective dielectric constant (εeff ≈ 6) of the bilayer. Furthermore, the bilayer dielectric exhibits a hysteresis-free contact angle modulation over many AC voltage cycles. But the contact angle modulation for DC voltage shows a hysteresis because of the field-induced residual polarization in the ferroelectric layer. Finally, we show that a thin bilayer exhibits contact angle modulation of Δθ (U) ≈ 60° at merely 15 V amplitude of AC voltage indicating a potential dielectric for practical low voltage electrowetting applications. A proof of concept confirms electrowetting based rapid mixing of a fluorescent dye in aqueous glycerol solution for 15 V AC signal.

Impact of rounded electrode corners on breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, Taisei; Asubar, Joel T.; Tokuda, Hirokuni; Kuzuhara, Masaaki

2018-05-01

We investigated the impact of rounded electrode corners on the breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors. For standard reference devices, catastrophic breakdown occurred predominantly near the sharp electrode corners. By introducing a rounded-electrode architecture, premature breakdown at the corners was mitigated. Moreover, the rate of breakdown voltage (V BR) degradation with an increasing gate width (W G) was significantly lower for devices with rounded corners. When W G was increased from 100 µm to 10 mm, the V BR of the reference device dropped drastically, from 1,200 to 300 V, whereas that of the rounded-electrode device only decreased to a respectable value of 730 V.

Scaling laws for gas breakdown for nanoscale to microscale gaps at atmospheric pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Loveless, Amanda M.; Garner, Allen L., E-mail: algarner@purdue.edu

2016-06-06

Electronics miniaturization motivates gas breakdown predictions for microscale and smaller gaps, since traditional breakdown theory fails when gap size, d, is smaller than ∼15 μm at atmospheric pressure, p{sub atm}. We perform a matched asymptotic analysis to derive analytic expressions for breakdown voltage, V{sub b}, at p{sub atm} for 1 nm ≤ d ≤ 35 μm. We obtain excellent agreement between numerical, analytic, and particle-in-cell simulations for argon, and show V{sub b} decreasing as d → 0, instead of increasing as predicted by Paschen's law. This work provides an analytic framework for determining V{sub b} at atmospheric pressure for various gap distances that may be extended tomore » other gases.« less

Transmission Technologies and Operational Characteristic Analysis of Hybrid UHV AC/DC Power Grids in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Zhang; Yanfeng, Gong

2017-05-01

In order to solve the contradiction between demand and distribution range of primary energy resource, Ultra High Voltage (UHV) power grids should be developed rapidly to meet development of energy bases and accessing of large-scale renewable energy. This paper reviewed the latest research processes of AC/DC transmission technologies, summarized the characteristics of AC/DC power grids, concluded that China’s power grids certainly enter a new period of large -scale hybrid UHV AC/DC power grids and characteristics of “strong DC and weak AC” becomes increasingly pro minent; possible problems in operation of AC/DC power grids was discussed, and interaction or effect between AC/DC power grids was made an intensive study of; according to above problems in operation of power grids, preliminary scheme is summarized as fo llows: strengthening backbone structures, enhancing AC/DC transmission technologies, promoting protection measures of clean energ y accessing grids, and taking actions to solve stability problems of voltage and frequency etc. It’s valuable for making hybrid UHV AC/DC power grids adapt to operating mode of large power grids, thus guaranteeing security and stability of power system.

Gas Breakdown in the Sub-Nanosecond Regime with Voltages Below 15 KV

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

needle -plane gap with outer coaxial conductor, and a 50-Ω load line. The needle consists of tungsten and has a radius of curvature below 0.5 µm. The...here gas breakdown during nanosecond pulses occurs mainly as corona discharges on wire antennas, and represents an unwanted effect - General...risetime between 400 ps to1 ns), 50-W transmission line, axial needle -plane gap with outer coaxial conductor, and a 50-W load line. The needle consists of

Design of a High Voltage Power Supply Providing a Force Field for a Fluid Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herty, Frank

2005-05-01

As part of the GeoFlow fluid experiment an ac high voltage power supply (HVPS) is used to establish high electrical fields on fluids based on silicon oil. The non- conductive fluid is encapsulated between two spherical electrodes. This experiment cell assembly acts essentially as a capacitive load.The GeoFlow HVPS is an integrated ac high voltage source capable to provide up to 10kVRMS on capacitive loads up to 100pF.This paper presents major design challenges and solutions regarding the high voltage transformer and its driver electronics. Particular high voltage problems like corona effects and dielectric losses are discussed and countermeasures are presented.

High voltage AC plasma torches with long electric arcs for plasma-chemical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surov, A. V.; Popov, S. D.; Serba, E. O.; Pavlov, A. V.; Nakonechny, Gh V.; Spodobin, V. A.; Nikonov, A. V.; Subbotin, D. I.; Borovskoy, A. M.

2017-04-01

Powerful AC plasma torches are in demand for a number of advanced plasma chemical applications, they can provide high enthalpy of the working gas. IEE RAS specialists have developed a number of models of stationary thermal plasma torches for continuous operation on air with the power from 5 to 500 kW, and on mixture of H2O, CO2 and CH4 up to 150 kW. AC plasma torches were tested on the pilot plasmachemical installations. Powerful AC plasma torch with hollow electrodes and the gas vortex stabilization of arc in cylindrical channels and its operation characteristics are presented. Lifetime of its continuous operation on air is 2000 hours and thermal efficiency is about 92%, the electric arc length between two electrodes of the plasma torch exceeds 2 m.

Variable-frequency inverter controls torque, speed, and braking in ac induction motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J.

1974-01-01

Dc to ac inverter provides optimum frequency and voltage to ac induction motor, in response to different motor-load and speed requirements. Inverter varies slip frequency of motor in proportion to required torque. Inverter protects motor from high current surges, controls negative slip to apply braking, and returns energy stored in momentum of load to dc power source.

DC-biased AC-electroosmotic and AC-electrothermal flow mixing in microchannels.

PubMed

Ng, Wee Yang; Goh, Shireen; Lam, Yee Cheong; Yang, Chun; Rodríguez, Isabel

2009-03-21

This paper presents a novel approach of mixing two laminar flowing streams in microchannels. The mixer consists of a pair of electrodes disposed along a fluidic channel. By energizing the electrodes with a DC-biased (2.5 V) AC voltage (20 Vpp), an electrokinetic flow is induced with a flow profile perpendicular to that of the incoming laminar streams of liquids to be mixed. As a result, the flow lines of the incoming streams and the induced flow are forced to crossover and very efficient stirring and mixing at short mixing length can be achieved. The mixer can be operated from the AC-electroosmotic (ACEO) (sigma=1 mS/m, f=100 kHz) to the AC-electrothermal (ACET) (sigma=500 mS/m, f=500 kHz) flow regimes. The mixing efficiency in the ACEO regime was 92%, with a mixing length of 600 microm (Q=2 microL/min), an estimated mixing time of 69 ms and an induced ACEO flow velocity of approximately 725 microm/s. The mixing efficiency in the ACET regime was 65% for a mixing length of approximately 1200 microm. The mixer is efficient and suitable for mixing reagents in a fluid media from low to high conductivity as required in diverse microfluidic applications.

Lateral separation of colloids or cells by dielectrophoresis augmented by AC electroosmosis.

PubMed

Zhou, Hao; White, Lee R; Tilton, Robert D

2005-05-01

Colloidal particles and biological cells are patterned and separated laterally adjacent to a micropatterned electrode array by applying AC electric fields that are principally oriented normally to the electrode array. This is demonstrated for yeast cells, red blood cells, and colloidal polystyrene particles of different sizes and zeta-potentials. The separation mechanism is observed experimentally to depend on the applied field frequency and voltage. At high frequencies, particles position themselves in a manner that is consistent with dielectrophoresis, while at low frequencies, the positioning is explained in terms of a strong coupling between gravity, the vertical component of the dielectrophoretic force, and the Stokes drag on particles induced by AC electroosmotic flow. Compared to high frequency dielectrophoretic separations, the low frequency separations are faster and require lower applied voltages. Furthermore, the AC electroosmosis coupling with dielectrophoresis may enable cell separations that are not feasible based on dielectrophoresis alone.

Partial discharges and breakdown in C3F8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koch, M.; Franck, C. M.

2014-10-01

Traditional search processes of gases or gas mixtures for replacing SF6 involve time consuming measurements of partial discharges and breakdown behaviour for several voltage waveforms and different field configurations. Recently a model for prediction of this behaviour for SF6 was described in literature. The model only requires basic properties of the gas such as the critical field strength and the effective ionization coefficient, which can be obtained by swarm parameter measurements, and thermodynamic properties, which can be calculated. In this paper, we show for the well-known and electronegative gas octafluoropropane (C3F8) that it is possible to transfer the model developed for SF6 to this gas to describe the breakdown behaviour of C3F8. Thus the model can be beneficial in the screening process of new insulation gases.

Laser guiding of Tesla coil high voltage discharges.

PubMed

Henriksson, Markus; Daigle, Jean-Francois; Théberge, Francis; Châteauneuf, Marc; Dubois, Jacques

2012-06-04

We have investigated the guiding and triggering of discharges from a Tesla coil type 280 kHz AC high voltage source using filaments created by a femtosecond Terawatt laser pulse. Without the laser the discharges were maximum 30 cm long. With the laser straight, guided discharges up to 110 cm length were detected. The discharge length was limited by the voltage amplitude of the Tesla coil.

Characterizing superconducting thin films using AC Magnetic Susceptibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahoney, C. H.; Porzio, J.; Sullivan, M. C.

2014-03-01

We present our work on using ac magnetic susceptibility to determine the critical temperature of superconducting thin films. In ac magnetic susceptibility, the thin film is placed between two coils. One coil carries an ac signal, creating a varying external magnetic field. We measure the voltage induced in the pick-up coil on the opposite side of the sample and measure how the sample magnetization changes as the temperature changes. We will present our work to use ac susceptibility to determine critical temperature and superconducting volume fraction. Using our own analysis program, we are able to accurately locate the critical temperatures of the samples and determine the transition width. For the superconducting volume fraction, we etch samples in order to control the thicknesses of the sample and measure how much of the material grown on the surface is superconducting. Supported by NFS grant DMR-1305637.

The Calibration of dc Voltage Standards at NIST

PubMed Central

Field, Bruce F.

1990-01-01

This document describes the procedures used at NIST to calibrate dc voltage standards in terms of the NIST volt. Three calibration services are offered by the Electricity Division: Regular Calibration Service (RCS) of client standard cells at NIST; the Volt Transfer Program (VTP) a process to determine the difference between the NIST volt and the volt as maintained by a group of standard cells in a client laboratory; and the calibration of client solid-state dc voltage standards at NIST. The operational procedures used to compare these voltage standards to NIST voltage standards and to maintain the NIST volt via the ac Josephson effect are discussed. PMID:28179777

Investigation of problems associated with solid encapsulation of high voltage electronic assemblies; also Reynolds connector study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bever, R. S.

1975-01-01

Electric breakdown prevention in vacuum and encapsulation of high voltage electronic circuits was studied. The lap shear method was used to measure adhesive strengths. The permeation constants of air at ambient room temperature through four different space-grade encapsulants was measured. Order of magnitude was calculated for the time that air bubble pressures drop to the corona region. High voltage connectors with L-type cable attached were tested in a vacuum system at various pressures. The cable system was shown to suppress catastrophic breakdown when filled with and surrounded by gas in the corona region of pressures, but did not prove to be completely noise free.

Ion-selective detection by plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane in glass nanopipette with alternating voltage modulation.

PubMed

Deng, Xiao Long; Takami, Tomohide; Son, Jong Wan; Kang, Eun Ji; Kawai, Tomoji; Park, Bae Ho

2013-08-01

An alternating current (AC) voltage modulation was applied to ion-selective observations with plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membranes in glass nanopipettes. The liquid confronting the membranes in the nanopipettes, the conditioning process, and AC voltage modulation play important roles in the ion-selective detection. In the AC detection system developed by us, where distilled water was used as the liquid within the nanopipettes, potassium ions were selectively detected in the sample solution of sodium and potassium ions because sodium ions were captured at the membrane containing bis(12-crown-4) ionophores, before the saturation of the ionophores. The membrane lost the selectivity after the saturation. On using sodium chloride as the liquid within the nanopipette, the membrane selectively detected potassium and sodium ions before and after the saturation of ionophores, respectively. The ion-selective detection of our system can be explained by the ion extraction-diffusion-dissolution mechanism through the bis(12-crown-4) ionophores with AC voltage modulation.

Simulation comparison of proportional integral derivative and fuzzy logic in controlling AC-DC buck boost converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faisal, A.; Hasan, S.; Suherman

2018-03-01

AC-DC converter is widely used in the commercial industry even for daily purposes. The AC-DC converter is used to convert AC voltage into DC. In order to obtain the desired output voltage, the converter usually has a controllable regulator. This paper discusses buck boost regulator with a power MOSFET as switching component which is adjusted based on the duty cycle of pulse width modulation (PWM). The main problems of the buck boost converter at start up are the high overshoot, the long peak time and rise time. This paper compares the effectiveness of two control techniques: proportional integral derivative (PID) and fuzzy logic control in controlling the buck boost converter through simulations. The results show that the PID is more sensitive to voltage change than fuzzy logic. However, PID generates higher overshoot, long peak time and rise time. On the other hand, fuzzy logic generates no overshoot and shorter rise time.

Experimental and theoretical characterization of an AC electroosmotic micromixer.

PubMed

Sasaki, Naoki; Kitamori, Takehiko; Kim, Haeng-Boo

2010-01-01

We have reported on a novel microfluidic mixer based on AC electroosmosis. To elucidate the mixer characteristics, we performed detailed measurements of mixing under various experimental conditions including applied voltage, frequency and solution viscosity. The results are discussed through comparison with results obtained from a theoretical model of AC electroosmosis. As predicted from the theoretical model, we found that a larger voltage (approximately 20 V(p-p)) led to more rapid mixing, while the dependence of the mixing on frequency (1-5 kHz) was insignificant under the present experimental conditions. Furthermore, the dependence of the mixing on viscosity was successfully explained by the theoretical model, and the applicability of the mixer in viscous solution (2.83 mPa s) was confirmed experimentally. By using these results, it is possible to estimate the mixing performance under given conditions. These estimations can provide guidelines for using the mixer in microfluidic chemical analysis.

Characterization and snubbing of a bidirectional MCT in a resonant ac link converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Tony; Elbuluk, Malik E.; Zinger, Donald S.

1993-01-01

The MOS-Controlled Thyristor (MCT) is emerging as a powerful switch that combines the better characteristics of existing power devices. A study of switching stresses on an MCT switch under zero voltage resonant switching is presented. The MCT is used as a bidirectional switch in an ac/ac pulse density modulated inverter for induction motor drive. Current and voltage spikes are observed and analyzed with variations in the timing of the switching. Different snubber circuit configurations are under investigation to minimize the effect of these transients. The results will be extended to study and test the MCT switching in a medium power (5 hp) induction motor drive.

Experimental investigations of an AC pulse heating method for vehicular high power lithium-ion batteries at subzero temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jiangong; Sun, Zechang; Wei, Xuezhe; Dai, Haifeng; Gu, Weijun

2017-11-01

Effect of the AC (alternating current) pulse heating method on battery SoH (state of health) for large laminated power lithium-ion batteries at low temperature is investigated experimentally. Firstly, excitation current frequencies, amplitudes, and voltage limitations on cell temperature evolution are studied. High current amplitudes facilitate the heat accumulation and temperature rise. Low frequency region serves as a good innovation to heat the battery because of the large impedance. Wide voltage limitations also enjoy better temperature evolution owing to the less current modulation, but the temperature difference originated from various voltage limitations attenuates due to the decrement of impedance resulting from the temperature rise. Experiments with the thermocouple-embedded cell manifest good temperature homogeneity between the battery surface and interior during the AC heating process. Secondly, the cell capacity, Direct Current resistance and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy are all calibrated to assess the battery SoH after the hundreds of AC pulse heating cycles. Also, all cells are disassembled to investigate the battery internal morphology with the employment of Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy-Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy techniques. The results indicate that the AC heating method does not aggravate the cell degradation even in the low frequency range (0.5 Hz) under the normal voltage protection limitation.

Low voltage operation of plasma focus.

PubMed

Shukla, Rohit; Sharma, S K; Banerjee, P; Das, R; Deb, P; Prabahar, T; Das, B K; Adhikary, B; Shyam, A

2010-08-01

Plasma foci of compact sizes and operating with low energies (from tens of joules to few hundred joules) have found application in recent years and have attracted plasma-physics scientists and engineers for research in this direction. We are presenting a low energy and miniature plasma focus which operates from a capacitor bank of 8.4 muF capacity, charged at 4.2-4.3 kV and delivering approximately 52 kA peak current at approximately 60 nH calculated circuit inductance. The total circuit inductance includes the plasma focus inductance. The reported plasma focus operates at the lowest voltage among all reported plasma foci so far. Moreover the cost of capacitor bank used for plasma focus is nearly 20 U.S. dollars making it very cheap. At low voltage operation of plasma focus, the initial breakdown mechanism becomes important for operation of plasma focus. The quartz glass tube is used as insulator and breakdown initiation is done on its surface. The total energy of the plasma focus is approximately 75 J. The plasma focus system is made compact and the switching of capacitor bank energy is done by manual operating switch. The focus is operated with hydrogen and deuterium filled at 1-2 mbar.

High power thyristors with 5 kV blocking voltage. Volume 1: Development of high-voltage-thyristors (4.5 kV) with good dynamic properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lock, K.; Patalong, H.; Platzoeder, K.

1979-01-01

Using neutron irradiated silicon with considerably lower spread in resistivity as compared to conventionally doped silicon it was possible to produce power thyristors with breakdown voltages between 3.5 kV and 5.5 kV. The thyristor pellets have a diameter of 50 mm. Maximum average on-state currents of 600 to 800 A can be reached with these elements. The dynamic properties of the thryistors could be improved to allow standard applications up to maximum repetitive voltages of 4.5 kV.

Effect of electrode materials on the space charge distribution of an Al2O3 nano-modified transformer oil under impulse voltage conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qing; Liu, Mengna; Sima, Wenxia; Jin, Yang

2017-11-01

The combined effect mechanism of electrode materials and Al2O3 nanoparticles on the insulating characteristics of transformer oil was investigated. Impulse breakdown tests of pure transformer oil and Al2O3 nano-modified transformer oil of varying concentrations with different electrode materials (brass, aluminum and stainless steel) showed that the breakdown voltage of Al2O3 nano-modified transformer oil is higher than that of pure transformer oil and there is a there is an optimum concentration for Al2O3 nanoparticles when the breakdown voltage reaches the maximum. In addition, the breakdown voltage was highest with the brass electrode, followed by that with stainless steel and then aluminum, irrespective of the concentration of nanoparticles in the transformer oil. This is explained by the charge injection patterns from different electrode materials according to the results of space charge measurements in pure and nano-modified transformer oil using the Kerr electro-optic system. The test results indicate that there are electrode-dependent differences in the charge injection patterns and quantities and then the electric field distortion, which leads to the difference breakdown strength in result. As for the nano-modified transformer oil, due to the Al2O3 nanoparticle’s ability of shielding space charges of different polarities and the charge injection patterns of different electrodes, these two factors have different effects on the electric field distribution and breakdown process of transformer oil between different electrode materials. This paper provides a feasible approach to exploring the mechanism of the effect of the electrode material and nanoparticles on the breakdown strength of liquid dielectrics and analyzing the breakdown process using the space charge distribution.

Characterization of AC current sensor based on giant magnetoresistance and coil for power meter design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhani, H. S.; Aminudin, A.; Waslaluddin

2018-05-01

Electric current is the basic variable of measurement in instrumentation system. One of the current measurements had been developed was based on magnetic sensor. Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) produces an output voltage when it detects the magnetic field from electric current flow. The purpose of this study was to characterize the response of GMR when variation number of coil was given. The characterization was the GMR voltage response to the AC current values from 0.01 A to 5.00 A. The linearity of the relation was reaching saturation point when the magnetic field measured higher than 10.5 Oe at room temperature. As the number of coil increased, the earlier saturation occurred. To see the sensitivity of the sensor response, the data graph was cut off at 1.56 A AC. From this research, we got single coil was ideal to measure electric current higher than 1.56 A AC, as the relation of GMR voltage to the current tended to maintain its linearity. For measurement of 1.56 A AC and less, coil number addition would increase the sensitivity of sensor response. This research hopefully will be benefit for further development using an electric current measurement based on GMR magnetic sensor for power meter design.

A new AC driving circuit for a top emission AMOLED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yongwen, Zhang; Wenbin, Chen; Haohan, Liu

2013-05-01

A new voltage programmed pixel circuit with top emission design for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays is presented and verified by HSPICE simulations. The proposed pixel circuit consists of five poly-Si TFTs, and can effectively compensate for the threshold voltage variation of the driving TFT. Meanwhile, the proposed pixel circuit offers an AC driving mode for the OLED by the two adjacent pulse voltage sources, which can suppress the degradation of the OLED. Moreover, a high contrast ratio can be achieved by the proposed pixel circuit since the OLED does not emit any light except for the emission period.

Equivalent circuit modeling of a piezo-patch energy harvester on a thin plate with AC-DC conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayik, B.; Aghakhani, A.; Basdogan, I.; Erturk, A.

2016-05-01

As an alternative to beam-like structures, piezoelectric patch-based energy harvesters attached to thin plates can be readily integrated to plate-like structures in automotive, marine, and aerospace applications, in order to directly exploit structural vibration modes of the host system without mass loading and volumetric occupancy of cantilever attachments. In this paper, a multi-mode equivalent circuit model of a piezo-patch energy harvester integrated to a thin plate is developed and coupled with a standard AC-DC conversion circuit. Equivalent circuit parameters are obtained in two different ways: (1) from the modal analysis solution of a distributed-parameter analytical model and (2) from the finite-element numerical model of the harvester by accounting for two-way coupling. After the analytical modeling effort, multi-mode equivalent circuit representation of the harvester is obtained via electronic circuit simulation software SPICE. Using the SPICE software, electromechanical response of the piezoelectric energy harvester connected to linear and nonlinear circuit elements are computed. Simulation results are validated for the standard AC-AC and AC-DC configurations. For the AC input-AC output problem, voltage frequency response functions are calculated for various resistive loads, and they show excellent agreement with modal analysis-based analytical closed-form solution and with the finite-element model. For the standard ideal AC input-DC output case, a full-wave rectifier and a smoothing capacitor are added to the harvester circuit for conversion of the AC voltage to a stable DC voltage, which is also validated against an existing solution by treating the single-mode plate dynamics as a single-degree-of-freedom system.

Module Twelve: Series AC Resistive-Reactive Circuits; Basic Electricity and Electronics Individualized Learning System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

The module covers series circuits which contain both resistive and reactive components and methods of solving these circuits for current, voltage, impedance, and phase angle. The module is divided into six lessons: voltage and impedance in AC (alternating current) series circuits, vector computations, rectangular and polar notation, variational…

Needle-array to Plate DBD Plasma Using Sine AC and Nanosecond Pulse Excitations for Purpose of Improving Indoor Air Quality

PubMed Central

Zhang, Li; Yang, Dezheng; Wang, Wenchun; Wang, Sen; Yuan, Hao; Zhao, Zilu; Sang, Chaofeng; Jia, Li

2016-01-01

In this study, needle-array to plate electrode configuration was employed to generate an atmospheric air diffuse discharge using both nanosecond pulse and sine AC voltage as excitation voltage for the purpose of improving indoor air quality. Different types of voltage sources and electrode configurations are employed to optimize electrical field distribution and improve discharge stability. Discharge images, electrical characteristics, optical emission spectra, and plasma gas temperatures in both sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were compared and the discharge stability during long operating time were discussed. Compared with the discharge excited by sine AC voltage, the nanosecond pulsed discharge is more homogenous and stable, besides, the plasma gas temperature of nanosecond pulse discharge is much lower. Using packed-bed structure, where γ- Al2O3 pellets are filled in the electrode gap, has obvious efficacy in the production of homogenous discharge. Furthermore, both sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were used for removing formaldehyde from flowing air. It shows that nanosecond pulse discharge has a significant advantage in energy cost. And the main physiochemical processes for the generation of active species and the degradation of formaldehyde were discussed. PMID:27125663

AC power generation from microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobo, Fernanda Leite; Wang, Heming; Forrestal, Casey; Ren, Zhiyong Jason

2015-11-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) directly convert biodegradable substrates to electricity and carry good potential for energy-positive wastewater treatment. However, the low and direct current (DC) output from MFC is not usable for general electronics except small sensors, yet commercial DC-AC converters or inverters used in solar systems cannot be directly applied to MFCs. This study presents a new DC-AC converter system for MFCs that can generate alternating voltage in any desired frequency. Results show that AC power can be easily achieved in three different frequencies tested (1, 10, 60 Hz), and no energy storage layer such as capacitors was needed. The DC-AC converter efficiency was higher than 95% when powered by either individual MFCs or simple MFC stacks. Total harmonic distortion (THD) was used to investigate the quality of the energy, and it showed that the energy could be directly usable for linear electronic loads. This study shows that through electrical conversion MFCs can be potentially used in household electronics for decentralized off-grid communities.

Research on key technology of planning and design for AC/DC hybrid distribution network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yu; Wu, Guilian; Zheng, Huan; Deng, Junpeng; Shi, Pengjia

2018-04-01

With the increasing demand of DC generation and DC load, the development of DC technology, AC and DC distribution network integrating will become an important form of future distribution network. In this paper, the key technology of planning and design for AC/DC hybrid distribution network is proposed, including the selection of AC and DC voltage series, the design of typical grid structure and the comprehensive evaluation method of planning scheme. The research results provide some ideas and directions for the future development of AC/DC hybrid distribution network.

A novel wireless power and data transmission AC to DC converter for an implantable device.

PubMed

Liu, Jhao-Yan; Tang, Kea-Tiong

2013-01-01

This article presents a novel AC to DC converter implemented by standard CMOS technology, applied for wireless power transmission. This circuit combines the functions of the rectifier and DC to DC converter, rather than using the rectifier to convert AC to DC and then supplying the required voltage with regulator as in the transitional method. This modification can reduce the power consumption and the area of the circuit. This circuit also transfers the loading condition back to the external circuit by the load shift keying(LSK), determining if the input power is not enough or excessive, which increases the efficiency of the total system. The AC to DC converter is fabricated with the TSMC 90nm CMOS process. The circuit area is 0.071mm(2). The circuit can produce a 1V DC voltage with maximum output current of 10mA from an AC input ranging from 1.5V to 2V, at 1MHz to 10MHz.

Breakdown assisted by a novel electron drift injection in the J-TEXT tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Nengchao; Jin, Hai; Zhuang, Ge; Ding, Yonghua; Pan, Yuan; Cen, Yishun; Chen, Zhipeng; Huang, Hai; Liu, Dequan; Rao, Bo; Zhang, Ming; Zou, Bichen

2014-07-01

A novel electron drift injection (EDI) system aiming to improve breakdown behavior has been designed and constructed on the Joint Texas EXperiment Tokamak Tokamak. Electrons emitted by the system undergo the E×B drift, ∇B drift and curvature drift in sequence in order to traverse the confining magnetic field. A local electrostatic well, generated by a concave-shaped plate biased more negative than the cathode, is introduced to interrupt the emitted electrons moving along the magnetic field line (in the parallel direction) in an attempt to bring an enhancement of the injection efficiency and depth. A series of experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of this method, and a penetration distance deeper than 9.5 cm is achieved. Notable breakdown improvements, including the reduction of breakdown delay and average loop voltage, are observed for discharges assisted by EDI. The lower limit of successfully ionized pressure is expanded.

Numerical and theoretical evaluations of AC losses for single and infinite numbers of superconductor strips with direct and alternating transport currents in external AC magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajikawa, K.; Funaki, K.; Shikimachi, K.; Hirano, N.; Nagaya, S.

2010-11-01

AC losses in a superconductor strip are numerically evaluated by means of a finite element method formulated with a current vector potential. The expressions of AC losses in an infinite slab that corresponds to a simple model of infinitely stacked strips are also derived theoretically. It is assumed that the voltage-current characteristics of the superconductors are represented by Bean's critical state model. The typical operation pattern of a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) coil with direct and alternating transport currents in an external AC magnetic field is taken into account as the electromagnetic environment for both the single strip and the infinite slab. By using the obtained results of AC losses, the influences of the transport currents on the total losses are discussed quantitatively.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Optoelectronic switching in diamond and optical surface breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipatov, E. I.; Tarasenko, V. F.

2008-03-01

The optoelectronic switching in two natural diamond samples of type 2-A is studied at voltages up to 1000 V and the energy density of control 60-ns, 308-nm laser pulses up to 0.6 J cm-2. It is shown that the design of a diamond switch affects the switching efficiency. When the energy density exceeds 0.2 J cm-2 and the interelectrode surface is completely illuminated, the surface breakdown is initiated by UV radiation, which shunts the current flow through the diamond crystal. When the illumination of the interelectrode surface is excluded, the surface breakdown does not occur. The threshold radiation densities sufficient for initiating the surface breakdown are determined for electric field strengths up to 10 kV cm-1.

Efficiency estimation method of three-wired AC to DC line transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solovev, S. V.; Bardanov, A. I.

2018-05-01

The development of power semiconductor converters technology expands the scope of their application to medium voltage distribution networks (6-35 kV). Particularly rectifiers and inverters of appropriate power capacity complement the topology of such voltage level networks with the DC links and lines. The article presents a coefficient that allows taking into account the increase of transmission line capacity depending on the parameters of it. The application of the coefficient is presented by the example of transfer three-wired AC line to DC in various methods. Dependences of the change in the capacity from the load power factor of the line and the reactive component of the resistance of the transmission line are obtained. Conclusions are drawn about the most efficient ways of converting a three-wired AC line to direct current.

Investigation of multipactor breakdown in communication satellite microwave co-axial systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagesh, S. K.; Revannasiddiah, D.; Shastry, S. V. K.

2005-01-01

Multipactor breakdown or multipactor discharge is a form of high frequency discharge that may occur in microwave components operating at very low pressures. Some RF components of multi-channel communication satellites have co-axial geometry and handle high RF power under near-vacuum conditions. The breakdown occurs due to secondary electron resonance, wherein electrons move back and forth in synchronism with the RF voltage across the gap between the inner and outer conductors of the co-axial structure. If the yield of secondary electrons from the walls of the co-axial structure is greater than unity, then the electron density increases with time and eventually leads to the breakdown. In this paper, the current due to the oscillating electrons in the co-axial geometry has been treated as a radially oriented Hertzian dipole. The electric field, due to this dipole, at any point in the coaxial structure, may then be determined by employing the dyadic Green's function technique. This field has been compared with the field that would exist in the absence of multipactor.

Energy breakdown in capacitive deionization.

PubMed

Hemmatifar, Ali; Palko, James W; Stadermann, Michael; Santiago, Juan G

2016-11-01

We explored the energy loss mechanisms in capacitive deionization (CDI). We hypothesize that resistive and parasitic losses are two main sources of energy losses. We measured contribution from each loss mechanism in water desalination with constant current (CC) charge/discharge cycling. Resistive energy loss is expected to dominate in high current charging cases, as it increases approximately linearly with current for fixed charge transfer (resistive power loss scales as square of current and charging time scales as inverse of current). On the other hand, parasitic loss is dominant in low current cases, as the electrodes spend more time at higher voltages. We built a CDI cell with five electrode pairs and standard flow between architecture. We performed a series of experiments with various cycling currents and cut-off voltages (voltage at which current is reversed) and studied these energy losses. To this end, we measured series resistance of the cell (contact resistances, resistance of wires, and resistance of solution in spacers) during charging and discharging from voltage response of a small amplitude AC current signal added to the underlying cycling current. We performed a separate set of experiments to quantify parasitic (or leakage) current of the cell versus cell voltage. We then used these data to estimate parasitic losses under the assumption that leakage current is primarily voltage (and not current) dependent. Our results confirmed that resistive and parasitic losses respectively dominate in the limit of high and low currents. We also measured salt adsorption and report energy-normalized adsorbed salt (ENAS, energy loss per ion removed) and average salt adsorption rate (ASAR). We show a clear tradeoff between ASAR and ENAS and show that balancing these losses leads to optimal energy efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy breakdown in capacitive deionization

DOE PAGES

Hemmatifar, Ali; Palko, James W.; Stadermann, Michael; ...

2016-08-12

We explored the energy loss mechanisms in capacitive deionization (CDI). We hypothesize that resistive and parasitic losses are two main sources of energy losses. We measured contribution from each loss mechanism in water desalination with constant current (CC) charge/discharge cycling. Resistive energy loss is expected to dominate in high current charging cases, as it increases approximately linearly with current for fixed charge transfer (resistive power loss scales as square of current and charging time scales as inverse of current). On the other hand, parasitic loss is dominant in low current cases, as the electrodes spend more time at higher voltages.more » We built a CDI cell with five electrode pairs and standard flow between architecture. We performed a series of experiments with various cycling currents and cut-off voltages (voltage at which current is reversed) and studied these energy losses. To this end, we measured series resistance of the cell (contact resistances, resistance of wires, and resistance of solution in spacers) during charging and discharging from voltage response of a small amplitude AC current signal added to the underlying cycling current. We performed a separate set of experiments to quantify parasitic (or leakage) current of the cell versus cell voltage. We then used these data to estimate parasitic losses under the assumption that leakage current is primarily voltage (and not current) dependent. Our results confirmed that resistive and parasitic losses respectively dominate in the limit of high and low currents. We also measured salt adsorption and report energy-normalized adsorbed salt (ENAS, energy loss per ion removed) and average salt adsorption rate (ASAR). As a result, we show a clear tradeoff between ASAR and ENAS and show that balancing these losses leads to optimal energy efficiency.« less

Modelling a single phase voltage controlled rectifier using Laplace transforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraft, L. Alan; Kankam, M. David

1992-01-01

The development of a 20 kHz, AC power system by NASA for large space projects has spurred a need to develop models for the equipment which will be used on these single phase systems. To date, models for the AC source (i.e., inverters) have been developed. It is the intent of this paper to develop a method to model the single phase voltage controlled rectifiers which will be attached to the AC power grid as an interface for connected loads. A modified version of EPRI's HARMFLO program is used as the shell for these models. The results obtained from the model developed in this paper are quite adequate for the analysis of problems such as voltage resonance. The unique technique presented in this paper uses the Laplace transforms to determine the harmonic content of the load current of the rectifier rather than a curve fitting technique. Laplace transforms yield the coefficient of the differential equations which model the line current to the rectifier directly.

Lower-Order Compensation Chain Threshold-Reduction Technique for Multi-Stage Voltage Multipliers.

PubMed

Dell' Anna, Francesco; Dong, Tao; Li, Ping; Wen, Yumei; Azadmehr, Mehdi; Casu, Mario; Berg, Yngvar

2018-04-17

This paper presents a novel threshold-compensation technique for multi-stage voltage multipliers employed in low power applications such as passive and autonomous wireless sensing nodes (WSNs) powered by energy harvesters. The proposed threshold-reduction technique enables a topological design methodology which, through an optimum control of the trade-off among transistor conductivity and leakage losses, is aimed at maximizing the voltage conversion efficiency (VCE) for a given ac input signal and physical chip area occupation. The conducted simulations positively assert the validity of the proposed design methodology, emphasizing the exploitable design space yielded by the transistor connection scheme in the voltage multiplier chain. An experimental validation and comparison of threshold-compensation techniques was performed, adopting 2N5247 N-channel junction field effect transistors (JFETs) for the realization of the voltage multiplier prototypes. The attained measurements clearly support the effectiveness of the proposed threshold-reduction approach, which can significantly reduce the chip area occupation for a given target output performance and ac input signal.

Modeling of breakdown during the post-arc phase of a vacuum circuit breaker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarrailh, P.; Garrigues, L.; Boeuf, J. P.; Hagelaar, G. J. M.

2010-12-01

After a high-current interruption in a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB), the electrode gap is filled with a high density copper vapor plasma in a large copper vapor density (~1022 m-3). The copper vapor density is sustained by electrode evaporation. During the post-arc phase, a rapidly increasing voltage is applied to the gap, and a sheath forms and expands, expelling the plasma from the gap when circuit breaking is successful. There is, however, a risk of breakdown during that phase, leading to the failure of the VCB. Preventing breakdown during the post-arc phase is an important issue for the improvement of VCB reliability. In this paper, we analyze the risk of Townsend breakdown in the high copper vapor density during the post-arc phase using a numerical model that takes into account secondary electron emission, volume ionization, and plasma and neutral transport, for given electrode temperatures. The simulations show that fast neutrals created in the cathode sheath by charge exchange collisions with ions generate a very large secondary electron emission current that can lead to Townsend breakdown. The results also show that the risk of failure of the VCB due to Townsend breakdown strongly depends on the electrode temperatures (which govern the copper vapor density) and becomes important for temperatures greater than 2100 K, which can be reached in vacuum arcs. The simulations also predict that a hotter anode tends to increase the risk of Townsend breakdown.

Mechanism of Small Current Generation under Impulse Voltage Applications in Vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, Keita; Yasukawa, Hideaki; Kojima, Hiroki; Homma, Mitsutaka; Shioiri, Tetsu; Okubo, Hitoshi

Small discharge not to accompany breakdown can occur under high electric field in vacuum, however the mechanism is not well clarified. We have found that the current of small discharge decreases with repeated voltage applications, and leads to electrode conditioning effect of raising withstand voltage. The inception of the current is delayed with the decrease of current, and the inception time and waveform change by gap length. On the other hand, under low vacuum condition, the current increases and reaches saturation with repeated voltage applications. From these discussions, we concluded that the generating process of small current depended on the adsorption and absorption gas of electrodes.

Sub-nanosecond resolution electric field measurements during ns pulse breakdown in ambient air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simeni Simeni, Marien; Goldberg, Ben; Gulko, Ilya; Frederickson, Kraig; Adamovich, Igor V.

2018-01-01

Electric field during ns pulse discharge breakdown in ambient air has been measured by ps four-wave mixing, with temporal resolution of 0.2 ns. The measurements have been performed in a diffuse plasma generated in a dielectric barrier discharge, in plane-to-plane geometry. Absolute calibration of the electric field in the plasma is provided by the Laplacian field measured before breakdown. Sub-nanosecond time resolution is obtained by using a 150 ps duration laser pulse, as well as by monitoring the timing of individual laser shots relative to the voltage pulse, and post-processing four-wave mixing signal waveforms saved for each laser shot, placing them in the appropriate ‘time bins’. The experimental data are compared with the analytic solution for time-resolved electric field in the plasma during pulse breakdown, showing good agreement on ns time scale. Qualitative interpretation of the data illustrates the effects of charge separation, charge accumulation/neutralization on the dielectric surfaces, electron attachment, and secondary breakdown. Comparison of the present data with more advanced kinetic modeling is expected to provide additional quantitative insight into air plasma kinetics on ~ 0.1-100 ns scales.

The role of optoelectronic feedback on Franz-Keldysh voltage modulation of transistor lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chi-Hsiang; Chang, Shu-Wei; Wu, Chao-Hsin

2016-03-01

Possessing both the high-speed characteristics of heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) and enhanced radiative recombination of quantum wells (QWs), the light-emitting transistor (LET) which operates in the regime of spontaneous emissions has achieved up to 4.3 GHz modulation bandwidth. A 40 Gbit/s transmission rate can be even achieved using transistor laser (TL). The transistor laser provides not only the current modulation but also direct voltage-controlled modulation scheme of optical signals via Franz-Keldysh (FK) photon-assisted tunneling effect. In this work, the effect of FK absorption on the voltage modulation of TLs is investigated. In order to analyze the dynamics and optical responses of voltage modulation in TLs, the conventional rate equations relevant to diode lasers (DLs) are first modified to include the FK effect intuitively. The theoretical results of direct-current (DC) and small-signal alternating-current (AC) characteristics of optical responses are both investigated. While the DC characteristics look physical, the intrinsic optical response of TLs under the FK voltage modulation shows an AC enhancement with a 20 dB peak, which however is not observed in experiment. A complete model composed of the intrinsic optical transfer function and an electrical transfer function fed back by optical responses is proposed to explain the behaviors of voltage modulation in TLs. The abnormal AC peak disappears through this optoelectronic feedback. With the electrical response along with FK-included photon-carrier rate equations taken into account, the complete voltage-controlled optical modulation response of TLs is demonstrated.

Fundamental Study on Self-healing Insulation Performance of Silicone Rubber Affected by Local Breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hozumi, Naohiro; Nishioka, Koji; Suematsu, Takeshi; Murakami, Yoshinobu; Nagao, Masayuki; Sakata, Hiroshi

Feasibility of self-healing insulation system was studied. A silicone rubber without filler was mounted on a glass substrate with a needle electrode. An ac voltage with 4 kV in rms was applied. The voltage was cut off when the tree had propagated into 150 micrometers in length. After the cut-off, the partial discharge inception voltage was periodically observed. The partial discharge inception voltage had once reduced into as low as 2 kV. However, it gradually increased with time, and finally exceeded the tree inception voltage (4 kV) when 30 - 60 hours had passed. It was also observed by optical microscope that the tree gradually disappeared in parallel with the recovery of the partial discharge inception voltage. The same phenomenon was observed even if 1 kV ac voltage had been continuously applied during the process of the recovery. A simulation using a needle-shaped void was performed in order to clarify the mechanism of the self-healing effect. It was observed that the tip of the needle-shaped void gradually got wet with a liquid material. It would be the result of "bleed-out" of the low molecular component included in the rubber. The tip of the void was finally filled with the liquid, however, the rest of the needle-shaped void stayed without being filled. In this type of tree, it was suggested that the self-healing effect is expected if the diameter of the tree did not exceed ca. 5 micrometers.

Ultra-compact Marx-type high-voltage generator

DOEpatents

Goerz, David A.; Wilson, Michael J.

2000-01-01

An ultra-compact Marx-type high-voltage generator includes individual high-performance components that are closely coupled and integrated into an extremely compact assembly. In one embodiment, a repetitively-switched, ultra-compact Marx generator includes low-profile, annular-shaped, high-voltage, ceramic capacitors with contoured edges and coplanar extended electrodes used for primary energy storage; low-profile, low-inductance, high-voltage, pressurized gas switches with compact gas envelopes suitably designed to be integrated with the annular capacitors; feed-forward, high-voltage, ceramic capacitors attached across successive switch-capacitor-switch stages to couple the necessary energy forward to sufficiently overvoltage the spark gap of the next in-line switch; optimally shaped electrodes and insulator surfaces to reduce electric field stresses in the weakest regions where dissimilar materials meet, and to spread the fields more evenly throughout the dielectric materials, allowing them to operate closer to their intrinsic breakdown levels; and uses manufacturing and assembly methods to integrate the capacitors and switches into stages that can be arranged into a low-profile Marx generator.

High voltage studies of inverted-geometry ceramic insulators for a 350 kV DC polarized electron gun

DOE PAGES

Hernandez-Garcia, C.; Poelker, M.; Hansknecht, J.

2016-02-01

Jefferson Lab is constructing a 350 kV direct current high voltage photoemission gun employing a compact inverted-geometry insulator. This photogun will produce polarized electron beams at an injector test facility intended for low energy nuclear physics experiments, and to assist the development of new technology for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility. A photogun operating at 350kV bias voltage reduces the complexity of the injector design, by eliminating the need for a graded-beta radio frequency “capture” section employed to boost lower voltage beams to relativistic speed. However, reliable photogun operation at 350 kV necessitates solving serious high voltage problems relatedmore » to breakdown and field emission. This study focuses on developing effective methods to avoid breakdown at the interface between the insulator and the commercial high voltage cable that connects the photogun to the high voltage power supply. Three types of inverted insulators were tested, in combination with two electrode configurations. Our results indicate that tailoring the conductivity of the insulator material, and/or adding a cathode triple-junction screening electrode, effectively serves to increase the hold-off voltage from 300kV to more than 375kV. In conclusion, electrostatic field maps suggest these configurations serve to produce a more uniform potential gradient across the insulator.« less

High voltage studies of inverted-geometry ceramic insulators for a 350 kV DC polarized electron gun

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hernandez-Garcia, C.; Poelker, M.; Hansknecht, J.

Jefferson Lab is constructing a 350 kV direct current high voltage photoemission gun employing a compact inverted-geometry insulator. This photogun will produce polarized electron beams at an injector test facility intended for low energy nuclear physics experiments, and to assist the development of new technology for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility. A photogun operating at 350kV bias voltage reduces the complexity of the injector design, by eliminating the need for a graded-beta radio frequency “capture” section employed to boost lower voltage beams to relativistic speed. However, reliable photogun operation at 350 kV necessitates solving serious high voltage problems relatedmore » to breakdown and field emission. This study focuses on developing effective methods to avoid breakdown at the interface between the insulator and the commercial high voltage cable that connects the photogun to the high voltage power supply. Three types of inverted insulators were tested, in combination with two electrode configurations. Our results indicate that tailoring the conductivity of the insulator material, and/or adding a cathode triple-junction screening electrode, effectively serves to increase the hold-off voltage from 300kV to more than 375kV. In conclusion, electrostatic field maps suggest these configurations serve to produce a more uniform potential gradient across the insulator.« less

Investigation on the mode of AC discharge in H2O affected by temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siyuan, DONG; Shaomeng, GUO; Dan, WEN; Xiaoliang, TANG; Gao, QIU

2018-04-01

In this paper, some experimental equipment has been set up for kHz frequency AC liquid phase discharge, and the temperature of the deionized water was regulated during discharge. The electrical characteristics and spectra of liquid phase H2O discharge have been investigated. Two discharge modes, high temperature and low temperature, were both found. The results show that there are two mechanisms in liquid phase discharge: the field ionization mechanism and the breakdown mechanism of bubbles, and these two mechanisms are always developed simultaneously; the temperature is the key factor determining the discharge type. At high temperature, the breakdown of bubbles is the main discharge mechanism, and the field ionization mechanism occurs mainly at low temperature.

Boron nitride as two dimensional dielectric: Reliability and dielectric breakdown

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ji, Yanfeng; Pan, Chengbin; Hui, Fei

2016-01-04

Boron Nitride (BN) is a two dimensional insulator with excellent chemical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, which make it especially attractive for logic device applications. Nevertheless, its insulating properties and reliability as a dielectric material have never been analyzed in-depth. Here, we present the first thorough characterization of BN as dielectric film using nanoscale and device level experiments complementing with theoretical study. Our results reveal that BN is extremely stable against voltage stress, and it does not show the reliability problems related to conventional dielectrics like HfO{sub 2}, such as charge trapping and detrapping, stress induced leakage current, and untimelymore » dielectric breakdown. Moreover, we observe a unique layer-by-layer dielectric breakdown, both at the nanoscale and device level. These findings may be of interest for many materials scientists and could open a new pathway towards two dimensional logic device applications.« less

Electrical breakdown and nanogap formation of indium oxide core/shell heterostructure nanowires.

PubMed

Jung, Minkyung; Song, Woon; Sung Lee, Joon; Kim, Nam; Kim, Jinhee; Park, Jeunghee; Lee, Hyoyoung; Hirakawa, Kazuhiko

2008-12-10

We report the electrical breakdown behavior and subsequent nanogap formation of In(2)O(3)/InO(x) core/shell heterostructure nanowires with substrate-supported and suspended structures. The radial heterostructure nanowires, composed of crystalline In(2)O(3) cores and amorphous In-rich shells, are grown by chemical vapor deposition. As the nanowires broke down, they exhibited two distinct current drops in the current-voltage characteristics. The tips of the broken nanowires were found to have a cone or a volcano shape depending on the width of the nanowire. The shape, the size, and the position of the nanogap depend strongly on the device structure and the nanowire dimensions. The substrate-supported and the suspended devices exhibit distinct breakdown behavior which can be explained by the diffusive thermal transport model. The breakdown temperature of the nanowire is estimated to be about 450 K, close to the melting temperature of indium. We demonstrated the usefulness of this technique by successful fabrication of working pentacene field-effect transistors.

Water permeation and dielectric breakdown. Water permeability in Pub Tedlar. Pub/Tedlar as a function of temperature and humidity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orehotsky, J.

1985-01-01

Moisture transport and dielectric breakdown of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Tedlar, and PVB/Tedlar composites were addressed. Data for the temperature range between 20 and 80 C showed that the moisture flux through the composite is governed by the slower material; and that the composite permeability is intermediate to those of the component material, as predicted by theory. Data for Tedlar at 71 C, showing the dependence of moisture flux on relative humidity, was also presented. Dielectric breakdown data were less precise and less conclusive. The generally applied theoretical model does not match the experimental data. The PVB/Tedlar composite exhibited greater voltage breakdown resistance than either component. Testing of EVA and EVA/Tedlar composites is underway.

AC-electric field dependent electroformation of giant lipid vesicles.

PubMed

Politano, Timothy J; Froude, Victoria E; Jing, Benxin; Zhu, Yingxi

2010-08-01

Giant vesicles of larger than 5 microm, which have been of intense interest for their potential as drug delivery vehicles and as a model system for cell membranes, can be rapidly formed from a spin-coated lipid thin film under an electric field. In this work, we explore the AC-field dependent electroformation of giant lipid vesicles in aqueous media over a wide range of AC-frequency from 1 Hz to 1 MHz and peak-to-peak field strength from 0.212 V/mm to 40 V/mm between two parallel conducting electrode surfaces. By using fluorescence microscopy, we perform in-situ microscopic observations of the structural evolution of giant vesicles formed from spin-coated lipid films under varied uniform AC-electric fields. The real-time observation of bilayer bulging from the lipid film, vesicle growth and fusing further examine the critical role of AC-induced electroosmotic flow of surrounding fluids for giant vesicle formation. A rich AC-frequency and field strength phase diagram is obtained experimentally to predict the AC-electroformation of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) of l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, where a weak dependence of vesicle size on AC-frequency is observed at low AC-field voltages, showing decreased vesicle size with a narrowed size distribution with increased AC-frequency. Formation of vesicles was shown to be constrained by an upper field strength of 10 V/mm and an upper AC-frequency of 10 kHz. Within these parameters, giant lipid vesicles were formed predominantly unilamellar and prevalent across the entire electrode surfaces. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a “Field Cage” for Electric Field Control in GaN-Based HEMTs That Extends the Scalability of Breakdown Into the kV Regime

DOE PAGES

Tierney, Brian D.; Choi, Sukwon; DasGupta, Sandeepan; ...

2017-08-16

A distributed impedance “field cage” structure is proposed and evaluated for electric field control in GaN-based, lateral high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) operating as kilovolt-range power devices. In this structure, a resistive voltage divider is used to control the electric field throughout the active region. The structure complements earlier proposals utilizing floating field plates that did not employ resistively connected elements. Transient results, not previously reported for field plate schemes using either floating or resistively connected field plates, are presented for ramps of dV ds /dt = 100 V/ns. For both DC and transient results, the voltage between the gatemore » and drain is laterally distributed, ensuring the electric field profile between the gate and drain remains below the critical breakdown field as the source-to-drain voltage is increased. Our scheme indicates promise for achieving breakdown voltage scalability to a few kV.« less

Evaluation of a “Field Cage” for Electric Field Control in GaN-Based HEMTs That Extends the Scalability of Breakdown Into the kV Regime

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tierney, Brian D.; Choi, Sukwon; DasGupta, Sandeepan

A distributed impedance “field cage” structure is proposed and evaluated for electric field control in GaN-based, lateral high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) operating as kilovolt-range power devices. In this structure, a resistive voltage divider is used to control the electric field throughout the active region. The structure complements earlier proposals utilizing floating field plates that did not employ resistively connected elements. Transient results, not previously reported for field plate schemes using either floating or resistively connected field plates, are presented for ramps of dV ds /dt = 100 V/ns. For both DC and transient results, the voltage between the gatemore » and drain is laterally distributed, ensuring the electric field profile between the gate and drain remains below the critical breakdown field as the source-to-drain voltage is increased. Our scheme indicates promise for achieving breakdown voltage scalability to a few kV.« less

Effects of RTV coating on the electrical performance of polymer insulator under lightning impulse voltage condition.

PubMed

Jamaludin, Farah Adilah; Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin; Izadi, Mahdi; Azis, Norhafiz; Jasni, Jasronita; Abd-Rahman, Muhammad Syahmi

2017-01-01

Located near the equator, Malaysia is a country with one of the highest lightning densities in the world. Lightning contributes to 70% of the power outages in Malaysia and affects power equipment, automated network systems, causes data losses and monetary losses in the nation. Therefore, consideration of insulator evaluation under lightning impulses can be crucial to evaluate and attempt to overcome this issue. This paper presents a new approach to increase the electrical performance of polymer insulators using a Room Temperature Vulcanisation (RTV) coating. The evaluation involves three different settings of polymer insulator, namely uncoated, RTV type 1, and RTV type 2 upper surface coatings. All the insulators were tested under three different conditions as dry, clean wet and salty under different impulse polarities using the even-rising test method. The voltage breakdown for each test was recorded. From the experiment, it was found that the effectiveness of the RTV coating application became apparent when tested under salty or polluted conditions. It increased the voltage withstand capabilities of the polymer insulator up to 50% from the basic uncoated insulator. Under dry and clean conditions, the RTV coating provided just a slight increase of the breakdown voltage. The increase in voltage breakdown capability decreased the probability of surface discharge and dry band arcing that could cause degradation of the polymeric material housing. The RTV type 1 coating was found to be more effective when performing under a lightning impulse. The findings might help the utility companies improve the performance of their insulators in order to increase power system reliability.

Effects of RTV coating on the electrical performance of polymer insulator under lightning impulse voltage condition

PubMed Central

Jamaludin, Farah Adilah; Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin; Izadi, Mahdi; Azis, Norhafiz; Jasni, Jasronita; Abd-Rahman, Muhammad Syahmi

2017-01-01

Located near the equator, Malaysia is a country with one of the highest lightning densities in the world. Lightning contributes to 70% of the power outages in Malaysia and affects power equipment, automated network systems, causes data losses and monetary losses in the nation. Therefore, consideration of insulator evaluation under lightning impulses can be crucial to evaluate and attempt to overcome this issue. This paper presents a new approach to increase the electrical performance of polymer insulators using a Room Temperature Vulcanisation (RTV) coating. The evaluation involves three different settings of polymer insulator, namely uncoated, RTV type 1, and RTV type 2 upper surface coatings. All the insulators were tested under three different conditions as dry, clean wet and salty under different impulse polarities using the even-rising test method. The voltage breakdown for each test was recorded. From the experiment, it was found that the effectiveness of the RTV coating application became apparent when tested under salty or polluted conditions. It increased the voltage withstand capabilities of the polymer insulator up to 50% from the basic uncoated insulator. Under dry and clean conditions, the RTV coating provided just a slight increase of the breakdown voltage. The increase in voltage breakdown capability decreased the probability of surface discharge and dry band arcing that could cause degradation of the polymeric material housing. The RTV type 1 coating was found to be more effective when performing under a lightning impulse. The findings might help the utility companies improve the performance of their insulators in order to increase power system reliability. PMID:29136025

Note: Tesla based pulse generator for electrical breakdown study of liquid dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veda Prakash, G.; Kumar, R.; Patel, J.; Saurabh, K.; Shyam, A.

2013-12-01

In the process of studying charge holding capability and delay time for breakdown in liquids under nanosecond (ns) time scales, a Tesla based pulse generator has been developed. Pulse generator is a combination of Tesla transformer, pulse forming line, a fast closing switch, and test chamber. Use of Tesla transformer over conventional Marx generators makes the pulse generator very compact, cost effective, and requires less maintenance. The system has been designed and developed to deliver maximum output voltage of 300 kV and rise time of the order of tens of nanoseconds. The paper deals with the system design parameters, breakdown test procedure, and various experimental results. To validate the pulse generator performance, experimental results have been compared with PSPICE simulation software and are in good agreement with simulation results.

Analysis and Assessment of Operation Risk for Hybrid AC/DC Power System based on the Monte Carlo Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaojing; Li, Qiang; Zhang, Hao; Guo, Ziming; Zhao, Kun; Li, Xinpeng

2018-06-01

Based on the Monte Carlo method, an improved risk assessment method for hybrid AC/DC power system with VSC station considering the operation status of generators, converter stations, AC lines and DC lines is proposed. According to the sequential AC/DC power flow algorithm, node voltage and line active power are solved, and then the operation risk indices of node voltage over-limit and line active power over-limit are calculated. Finally, an improved two-area IEEE RTS-96 system is taken as a case to analyze and assessment its operation risk. The results show that the proposed model and method can intuitively and directly reflect the weak nodes and weak lines of the system, which can provide some reference for the dispatching department.

Voltage balanced multilevel voltage source converter system

DOEpatents

Peng, Fang Zheng; Lai, Jih-Sheng

1997-01-01

A voltage balanced multilevel converter for high power AC applications such as adjustable speed motor drives and back-to-back DC intertie of adjacent power systems. This converter provides a multilevel rectifier, a multilevel inverter, and a DC link between the rectifier and the inverter allowing voltage balancing between each of the voltage levels within the multilevel converter. The rectifier is equipped with at least one phase leg and a source input node for each of the phases. The rectifier is further equipped with a plurality of rectifier DC output nodes. The inverter is equipped with at least one phase leg and a load output node for each of the phases. The inverter is further equipped with a plurality of inverter DC input nodes. The DC link is equipped with a plurality of rectifier charging means and a plurality of inverter discharging means. The plurality of rectifier charging means are connected in series with one of the rectifier charging means disposed between and connected in an operable relationship with each adjacent pair of rectifier DC output nodes. The plurality of inverter discharging means are connected in series with one of the inverter discharging means disposed between and connected in an operable relationship with each adjacent pair of inverter DC input nodes. Each of said rectifier DC output nodes are individually electrically connected to the respective inverter DC input nodes. By this means, each of the rectifier DC output nodes and each of the inverter DC input nodes are voltage balanced by the respective charging and discharging of the rectifier charging means and the inverter discharging means.

Voltage balanced multilevel voltage source converter system

DOEpatents

Peng, F.Z.; Lai, J.S.

1997-07-01

Disclosed is a voltage balanced multilevel converter for high power AC applications such as adjustable speed motor drives and back-to-back DC intertie of adjacent power systems. This converter provides a multilevel rectifier, a multilevel inverter, and a DC link between the rectifier and the inverter allowing voltage balancing between each of the voltage levels within the multilevel converter. The rectifier is equipped with at least one phase leg and a source input node for each of the phases. The rectifier is further equipped with a plurality of rectifier DC output nodes. The inverter is equipped with at least one phase leg and a load output node for each of the phases. The inverter is further equipped with a plurality of inverter DC input nodes. The DC link is equipped with a plurality of rectifier charging means and a plurality of inverter discharging means. The plurality of rectifier charging means are connected in series with one of the rectifier charging means disposed between and connected in an operable relationship with each adjacent pair of rectifier DC output nodes. The plurality of inverter discharging means are connected in series with one of the inverter discharging means disposed between and connected in an operable relationship with each adjacent pair of inverter DC input nodes. Each of said rectifier DC output nodes are individually electrically connected to the respective inverter DC input nodes. By this means, each of the rectifier DC output nodes and each of the inverter DC input nodes are voltage balanced by the respective charging and discharging of the rectifier charging means and the inverter discharging means. 15 figs.

Electrical voltages and resistances measured to inspect metallic cased wells and pipelines

DOEpatents

Vail, III, William Banning; Momii, Steven Thomas

2001-01-01

A cased well in the earth is electrically energized with A.C. current. Voltages are measured from three voltage measurement electrodes in electrical contact with the interior of the casing while the casing is electrically energized. In a measurement mode, A.C. current is conducted from a first current carrying electrode within the cased well to a remote second current carrying electrode located on the surface of the earth. In a calibration mode, current is passed from the first current carrying electrode to a third current carrying electrode located vertically at a different position within the cased well, where the three voltage measurement electrodes are located vertically in between the first and third current carrying electrodes. Voltages along the casing and resistances along the casing are measured to determine wall thickness and the location of any casing collars present so as to electrically inspect the casing. Similar methods are employed to energize a pipeline to measure the wall thickness of the pipeline and the location of pipe joints to electrically inspect the pipeline.

Electrical voltages and resistances measured to inspect metallic cased wells and pipelines

DOEpatents

Vail III, William Banning; Momii, Steven Thomas

2003-06-10

A cased well in the earth is electrically energized with A.C. current. Voltages are measured from three voltage measurement electrodes in electrical contact with the interior of the casing while the casing is electrically energized. In a measurement mode, A.C. current is conducted from a first current carrying electrode within the cased well to a remote second current carrying electrode located on the surface of the earth. In a calibration mode, current is passed from the first current carrying electrode to a third current carrying electrode located vertically at a different position within the cased well, where the three voltage measurement electrodes are located vertically in between the first and third current carrying electrodes. Voltages along the casing and resistances along the casing are measured to determine wall thickness and the location of any casing collars present so as to electrically inspect the casing. Similar methods are employed to energize a pipeline to measure the wall thickness of the pipeline and the location of pipe joints to electrically inspect the pipeline.

Pre-breakdown processes in a dielectric fluid in inhomogeneous pulsed electric fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shneider, Mikhail N., E-mail: m.n.shneider@gmail.com; Pekker, Mikhail

2015-06-14

We consider the development of pre-breakdown cavitation nanopores appearing in the dielectric fluid under the influence of the electrostrictive stresses in the inhomogeneous pulsed electric field. It is shown that three characteristic regions can be distinguished near the needle electrode. In the first region, where the electric field gradient is greatest, the cavitation nanopores, occurring during the voltage nanosecond pulse, may grow to the size at which an electron accelerated by the field inside the pores can acquire enough energy for excitation and ionization of the liquid on the opposite pore wall, i.e., the breakdown conditions are satisfied. In themore » second region, the negative pressure caused by the electrostriction is large enough for the cavitation initiation (which can be registered by optical methods), but, during the voltage pulse, the pores do not reach the size at which the potential difference across their borders becomes sufficient for ionization or excitation of water molecules. And, in the third, the development of cavitation is impossible, due to an insufficient level of the negative pressure: in this area, the spontaneously occurring micropores do not grow and collapse under the influence of surface tension forces. This paper discusses the expansion dynamics of the cavitation pores and their most probable shape.« less

Time-dependent dielectric breakdown in pure and lightly Al-doped Ta2O5 stacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atanassova, E.; Stojadinović, N.; Spassov, D.; Manić, I.; Paskaleva, A.

2013-05-01

The time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) characteristics of 7 nm pure and lightly Al-doped Ta2O5 (equivalent oxide thickness of 2.2 and 1.5 nm, respectively) with W gate electrodes in MOS capacitor configuration are studied using gate injection and constant voltage stress. The effect of both the process-induced defects and the dopant on the breakdown distribution, and on the extracted Weibull slope values, are discussed. The pre-existing traps which provoke weak spots dictate early breakdowns. Their effect is compounded of both the stress-induced new traps generation (percolation model is valid) and the inevitable lower-k interface layer in the region with long time-to-breakdown. The domination of one of these competitive effects defines the mechanism of degradation: the trapping at pre-existing traps appears to dominate in Ta2O5; Al doping reduces defects in Ta2O5, the generation of new traps prevails over the charge trapping in the doped samples, and the mechanism of breakdown is more adequate to the percolation concept. The doping of high-k Ta2O5 even with small amount (5 at.%) may serve as an engineering solution for improving its TDDB characteristics and reliability.

The influence of lightning induced voltage on the distribution power line polymer insulators.

PubMed

Izadi, Mahdi; Abd Rahman, Muhammad Syahmi; Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin; Gomes, Chandima; Jasni, Jasronita; Hajikhani, Maryam

2017-01-01

Protection of medium voltage (MV) overhead lines against the indirect effects of lightning is an important issue in Malaysia and other tropical countries. Protection of these lines against the indirect effects of lightning is a major concern and can be improved by several ways. The choice of insulator to be used for instance, between the glass, ceramic or polymer, can help to improve the line performance from the perspective of increasing the breakdown strength. In this paper, the electrical performance of a 10 kV polymer insulator under different conditions for impulse, weather and insulator angle with respect to a cross-arm were studied (both experimental and modelling) and the results were discussed accordingly. Results show that the weather and insulator angle (with respect to the cross-arm) are surprisingly influenced the values of breakdown voltage and leakage current for both negative and positive impulses. Therefore, in order to select a proper protection system for MV lines against lightning induced voltage, consideration of the local information concerning the weather and also the insulator angles with respect to the cross-arm are very useful for line stability and performance.

The influence of lightning induced voltage on the distribution power line polymer insulators

PubMed Central

Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin; Gomes, Chandima; Jasni, Jasronita; Hajikhani, Maryam

2017-01-01

Protection of medium voltage (MV) overhead lines against the indirect effects of lightning is an important issue in Malaysia and other tropical countries. Protection of these lines against the indirect effects of lightning is a major concern and can be improved by several ways. The choice of insulator to be used for instance, between the glass, ceramic or polymer, can help to improve the line performance from the perspective of increasing the breakdown strength. In this paper, the electrical performance of a 10 kV polymer insulator under different conditions for impulse, weather and insulator angle with respect to a cross-arm were studied (both experimental and modelling) and the results were discussed accordingly. Results show that the weather and insulator angle (with respect to the cross-arm) are surprisingly influenced the values of breakdown voltage and leakage current for both negative and positive impulses. Therefore, in order to select a proper protection system for MV lines against lightning induced voltage, consideration of the local information concerning the weather and also the insulator angles with respect to the cross-arm are very useful for line stability and performance. PMID:28234930

Torus Breakdown and Homoclinic Chaos in a Glow Discharge Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginoux, Jean-Marc; Meucci, Riccardo; Euzzor, Stefano

2017-12-01

Starting from historical researches, we used, like Van der Pol and Le Corbeiller, a cubic function for modeling the current-voltage characteristic of a direct current low-pressure plasma discharge tube, i.e. a neon tube. This led us to propose a new four-dimensional autonomous dynamical system allowing to describe the experimentally observed phenomenon. Then, mathematical analysis and detailed numerical investigations of such a fourth-order torus circuit enabled to highlight bifurcation routes from torus breakdown to homoclinic chaos following the Newhouse-Ruelle-Takens scenario.

Reduction of Electric Breakdown Voltage in LC Switching Shutters / Elektriskās Caursites Sprieguma Samazināšana Šķidro Kristālu Šūnās

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozolevskis, G.; Ozols, A.; Nitiss, E.; Linina, E.; Tokmakov, A.; Rutkis, M.

2015-10-01

Liquid crystal display (LCD) industry is among the most rapidly growing and innovating industries in the world. Here continuously much effort is devoted towards developing and implementing new types of LCDs for various applications. Some types of LCDs require relatively high voltages for their operation. For example, bistable displays, in which an altering field at different frequencies is used for switching from clear to scattering states and vice versa, require electric fields at around 10 V/μm for operation. When operated at such high voltages an electrical breakdown is very likely to occur in the liquid crystal (LC) cell. This has been one of the limiting factors for such displays to reach market. In the present paper, we will report on the results of electrical breakdown investigations in high-voltage LC cells. An electrical breakdown in the cell is observed when current in the liquid crystal layer is above a specific threshold value. The threshold current is determined by conductivity of the liquid crystal as well as point defects, such as dust particles in LC layer, pinholes in coatings and electrode hillocks. In order to reduce the currents flowing through the liquid crystal layer several approaches, such as electrode patterning and adding of various buffer layers in the series with LC layer, have been tested. We demonstrate that the breakdown voltages can be significantly improved by means of adding insulating thin films. Šķidro kristālu ekrānu (LCD) industrija ir viena no visstraujāk augošajām industrijām pasaulē. Daudz pūļu un resursu tiek veltīti jauna tipa LCD izstrādē dažādiem pielietojumiem. Atsevišķa tipa LCD funkcionēšanai nepieciešami augsti spriegumi. Piemēram, bistabilos LCD, kuros izkliedējošs (ieslēgts) un dzidrs (izslēgts) stāvoklis tiek iegūts ar dažādu frekvenču maiņsprieguma palīdzību, elektriskā lauka intensitāte šķidrā kristāla slānī var sasniegt pat 10 V/μm. Augstās elektriskā lauka intensit

Subnanosecond breakdown in high-pressure gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naidis, George V.; Tarasenko, Victor F.; Babaeva, Natalia Yu; Lomaev, Mikhail I.

2018-01-01

Pulsed discharges in high-pressure gases are of considerable interest as sources of nonequilibrium plasma for various technological applications: pollution control, pumping of laser media, plasma-assisted combustion, etc. Recently, attention has been attracted to the use of subnanosecond voltage fronts, producing diffuse discharges with radii of several millimeters. Such plasma structures, similar to pulsed glow discharges, are of special interest for applications due to quasi-uniformity of plasma parameters in relatively large gas volumes. This review presents the results of experimental and computational study of subnanosecond diffuse discharge formation. A description of generators of short high-voltage pulses with subnanosecond fronts and of discharge setups is given. Diagnostic methods for the measurement of various discharge parameters with high temporal and spatial resolution are described. Obtained experimental data on plasma properties for a wide range of governing factors are discussed. A review of various theoretical approaches used for computational study of the dynamics and structure of fast ionization waves is given; the applicability of conventional fluid streamer models for simulation of subnanosecond ionization waves is discussed. Calculated spatial-temporal profiles of plasma parameters during streamer propagation are presented. The efficiency of subnanosecond discharges for the production of reactive species is evaluated. On the basis of the comparison of simulation results and experimental data the effects of various factors (voltage rise time, polarity, etc.) on discharge characteristics are revealed. The major physical phenomena governing the properties of subnanosecond breakdown are analyzed.

New phenomenology of gas breakdown in DC and RF fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, Zoran Lj; Sivoš, Jelena; Savić, Marija; Škoro, Nikola; Radmilović Radenović, Marija; Malović, Gordana; Gocić, Saša; Marić, Dragana

2014-05-01

This paper follows a review lecture on the new developments in the field of gas breakdown and low current discharges, usually covered by a form of Townsend's theory and phenomenology. It gives an overview of a new approach to identifying which feedback agents provide breakdown, how to model gas discharge conditions and reconcile the results with binary experiments and how to employ that knowledge in modelling gas discharges. The next step is an illustration on how to record volt-ampere characteristics and use them on one hand to obtain the breakdown voltage and, on the other, to identify the regime of operation and model the secondary electron yields. The second aspect of this section concerns understanding the different regimes, their anatomy, how those are generated and how free running oscillations occur. While temporal development is the most useful and interesting part of the new developments, the difficulty of presenting the data in a written form precludes an easy publication and discussion. Thus, we shall only mention some of the results that stem from these measurements. Most micro discharges operate in DC albeit with complex geometries. Thus, parallel plate micro discharge measurements were needed to establish that Townsend's theory, with all its recent extensions, is still valid until some very small gaps. We have shown, for example, how a long-path breakdown puts in jeopardy many experimental observations and why a flat left-hand side of the Paschen curve often does not represent good physics. We will also summarize a kinetic representation of the RF breakdown revealing a somewhat more complex picture than the standard model. Finally, we will address briefly the breakdown in radially inhomogeneous conditions and how that affects the measured properties of the discharge. This review has the goal of summarizing (rather than developing details of) the current status of the low-current DC discharges formation and operation as a discipline which, in spite of

Characteristics of corona impulses from insulated wires subjected to high ac voltages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doreswamy, C. V.; Crowell, C. S.

1976-01-01

Corona discharges arise due to ionization of air or gas subject to high electric fields. The free electrons and ions contained in these discharges interact with molecules of insulating materials, resulting in chemical changes and destroying the electrical insulating properties. The paper describes some results of measurements aimed at determining corona pulse waveforms, their repetition rate, and amplitude distribution during various randomly-sampled identical time periods of a 60-Hz high-voltage wave. Described are properties of positive and negative corona impulses generated from typical conductors at various test high voltages. A possible method for calculating the energies, densities, and electromagnetic interferences by making use of these results is suggested.

Input-current shaped ac to dc converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

The problem of achieving near unity power factor while supplying power to a dc load from a single phase ac source of power is examined. Power processors for this application must perform three functions: input current shaping, energy storage, and output voltage regulation. The methods available for performing each of these three functions are reviewed. Input current shaping methods are either active or passive, with the active methods divided into buck-like and boost-like techniques. In addition to large reactances, energy storage methods include resonant filters, active filters, and active storage schemes. Fast voltage regulation can be achieved by post regulation or by supplementing the current shaping topology with an extra switch. Some indications of which methods are best suited for particular applications concludes the discussion.

Multilevel cascade voltage source inverter with seperate DC sources

DOEpatents

Peng, Fang Zheng; Lai, Jih-Sheng

1997-01-01

A multilevel cascade voltage source inverter having separate DC sources is described herein. This inverter is applicable to high voltage, high power applications such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) including static VAR generation (SVG), power line conditioning, series compensation, phase shifting and voltage balancing and fuel cell and photovoltaic utility interface systems. The M-level inverter consists of at least one phase wherein each phase has a plurality of full bridge inverters equipped with an independent DC source. This inverter develops a near sinusoidal approximation voltage waveform with only one switching per cycle as the number of levels, M, is increased. The inverter may have either single-phase or multi-phase embodiments connected in either wye or delta configurations.

Multilevel cascade voltage source inverter with seperate DC sources

DOEpatents

Peng, Fang Zheng; Lai, Jih-Sheng

2002-01-01

A multilevel cascade voltage source inverter having separate DC sources is described herein. This inverter is applicable to high voltage, high power applications such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) including static VAR generation (SVG), power line conditioning, series compensation, phase shifting and voltage balancing and fuel cell and photovoltaic utility interface systems. The M-level inverter consists of at least one phase wherein each phase has a plurality of full bridge inverters equipped with an independent DC source. This inverter develops a near sinusoidal approximation voltage waveform with only one switching per cycle as the number of levels, M, is increased. The inverter may have either single-phase or multi-phase embodiments connected in either wye or delta configurations.

Multilevel cascade voltage source inverter with seperate DC sources

DOEpatents

Peng, Fang Zheng; Lai, Jih-Sheng

2001-04-03

A multilevel cascade voltage source inverter having separate DC sources is described herein. This inverter is applicable to high voltage, high power applications such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) including static VAR generation (SVG), power line conditioning, series compensation, phase shifting and voltage balancing and fuel cell and photovoltaic utility interface systems. The M-level inverter consists of at least one phase wherein each phase has a plurality of full bridge inverters equipped with an independent DC source. This inverter develops a near sinusoidal approximation voltage waveform with only one switching per cycle as the number of levels, M, is increased. The inverter may have either single-phase or multi-phase embodiments connected in either wye or delta configurations.

Multilevel cascade voltage source inverter with separate DC sources

DOEpatents

Peng, F.Z.; Lai, J.S.

1997-06-24

A multilevel cascade voltage source inverter having separate DC sources is described herein. This inverter is applicable to high voltage, high power applications such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) including static VAR generation (SVG), power line conditioning, series compensation, phase shifting and voltage balancing and fuel cell and photovoltaic utility interface systems. The M-level inverter consists of at least one phase wherein each phase has a plurality of full bridge inverters equipped with an independent DC source. This inverter develops a near sinusoidal approximation voltage waveform with only one switching per cycle as the number of levels, M, is increased. The inverter may have either single-phase or multi-phase embodiments connected in either wye or delta configurations. 15 figs.

Nuclear microprobe investigation of the effects of ionization and displacement damage in vertical, high voltage GaN diodes

DOE PAGES

Vizkelethy, G.; King, M. P.; Aktas, O.; ...

2016-12-02

Radiation responses of high-voltage, vertical gallium-nitride (GaN) diodes were investigated using Sandia National Laboratories’ nuclear microprobe. Effects of the ionization and the displacement damage were studied using various ion beams. We found that the devices show avalanche effect for heavy ions operated under bias well below the breakdown voltage. Here, the displacement damage experiments showed a surprising effect for moderate damage: the charge collection efficiency demonstrated an increase instead of a decrease for higher bias voltages.

Nuclear microprobe investigation of the effects of ionization and displacement damage in vertical, high voltage GaN diodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vizkelethy, G.; King, M. P.; Aktas, O.

Radiation responses of high-voltage, vertical gallium-nitride (GaN) diodes were investigated using Sandia National Laboratories’ nuclear microprobe. Effects of the ionization and the displacement damage were studied using various ion beams. We found that the devices show avalanche effect for heavy ions operated under bias well below the breakdown voltage. Here, the displacement damage experiments showed a surprising effect for moderate damage: the charge collection efficiency demonstrated an increase instead of a decrease for higher bias voltages.

Experimental and analytical study of the DC breakdown characteristics of polypropylene laminated paper with a butt gap condition considering the insulation design of superconducting cable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, In-jin; Choi, Won; Seong, Jae-gyu; Lee, Bang-wook; Koo, Ja-yoon

2014-08-01

It has been reported that the insulation design under DC stress is considered as one of the critical factors in determining the performance of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) superconducting cable. Therefore, it is fundamentally necessary to investigate the DC breakdown characteristics of the composite insulation system consisting of liquid nitrogen (LN2)/polypropylene-laminated-paper (PPLP). In particular, the insulation characteristics under DC polarity reversal condition should be verified to understand the polarity effect of the DC voltage considering the unexpected incidents taking place at line-commutated-converters (LCC) under service at a DC power grid. In this study, to examine the variation of DC electric field strength, the step voltage and polarity reversal breakdown tests are performed under DC stress. Also, we investigate the electric field distributions in a butt gap of the LN2/PPLP condition considering the DC polarity reversal by using simulation software.

Low-voltage gas-discharge device

DOEpatents

Kovarik, V.J.; Hershcovitch, A.; Prelec, K.

1982-06-08

An electronic device of the type wherein current flow is conducted by an ionized gas comprising a cathode of the type heated by ionic bombardment, an anode, means for maintaining a predetermined pressure in the region between the anode and the cathode and means for maintaining a field in the region is described. The field, which is preferably a combined magnetic and electric field, is oriented so that the mean distance traveled by electrons before reaching the anode is increased. Because of this increased distance traveled electrons moving to the anode will ionize a large number of gas atoms, thus reducing the voltage necessary to initiate gas breakdown. In a preferred embodiment the anode is a main hollow cathode and the cathode is a smaller igniter hollow cathode located within and coaxial with the main hollow cathode. An axial magnetic field is provided in the region between the hollow cathodes in order to facilitate gas breakdown in that region and initiate plasma discharge from the main hollow cathode.

Multiple high voltage output DC-to-DC power converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cronin, Donald L. (Inventor); Farber, Bertrand F. (Inventor); Gehm, Hartmut K. (Inventor); Goldin, Daniel S. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

Disclosed is a multiple output DC-to-DC converter. The DC input power is filtered and passed through a chopper preregulator. The chopper output is then passed through a current source inverter controlled by a squarewave generator. The resultant AC is passed through the primary winding of a transformer, with high voltages induced in a plurality of secondary windings. The high voltage secondary outputs are each solid-state rectified for passage to individual output loads. Multiple feedback loops control the operation of the chopper preregulator, one being responsive to the current through the primary winding and another responsive to the DC voltage level at a selected output.

Border Collision of Three-Phase Voltage-Source Inverter System with Interacting Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhen; Liu, Bin; Li, Yining; Wong, Siu-Chung; Liu, Xiangdong; Huang, Yuehui

As a commercial interface, three-phase voltage-source inverters (VSI) are commonly equipped for energy conversion to export DC power from most distributed generation (DG) to the AC utility. Not only do voltage-source converters take charge of converting the power to the loads but support the grid voltage at the point of common connection (PCC) as well, which is dependent on the condition of the grid-connected loads. This paper explores the border collision and its interacting mechanism among the VSI, resistive interacting loads and grids, which manifests as the alternating emergence of the inverting and rectifying operations, where the normal operation is terminated and a new one is assumed. Their mutual effect on the power quality under investigation will cause the circuital stability issue and further deteriorate the voltage regulation capability of VSI by dramatically raising the grid voltage harmonics. It is found in a design-oriented view that the border collision operation will be induced within the unsuitable parameter space with respect to transmission lines of AC grid, resistive loads and internal resistance of VSI. The physical phenomenon is also identified by the theoretical analysis. With numerical simulations for various circuit conditions, the corresponding bifurcation boundaries are collected, where the stability of the system is lost via border collision.

Method for measuring the alternating current half-wave voltage of a Mach-Zehnder modulator based on opto-electronic oscillation.

PubMed

Hong, Jun; Chen, Dongchu; Peng, Zhiqiang; Li, Zulin; Liu, Haibo; Guo, Jian

2018-05-01

A new method for measuring the alternating current (AC) half-wave voltage of a Mach-Zehnder modulator is proposed and verified by experiment in this paper. Based on the opto-electronic self-oscillation technology, the physical relationship between the saturation output power of the oscillating signal and the AC half-wave voltage is revealed, and the value of the AC half-wave voltage is solved by measuring the saturation output power of the oscillating signal. The experimental results show that the measured data of this new method involved are in agreement with a traditional method, and not only an external microwave signal source but also the calibration for different frequency measurements is not needed in our new method. The measuring process is simplified with this new method on the premise of ensuring the accuracy of measurement, and it owns good practical value.

High Voltage Hybrid Electric Propulsion - Multilayered Functional Insulation System (MFIS) NASA-GRC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lizcano, M.

2017-01-01

High power transmission cables pose a key challenge in future Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft. The challenge arises in developing safe transmission lines that can withstand the unique environment found in aircraft while providing megawatts of power. High voltage AC, variable frequency cables do not currently exist and present particular electrical insulation challenges since electrical arcing and high heating are more prevalent at higher voltages and frequencies. Identifying and developing materials that maintain their dielectric properties at high voltage and frequencies is crucial.

Network-Cognizant Voltage Droop Control for Distribution Grids

DOE PAGES

Baker, Kyri; Bernstein, Andrey; Dall'Anese, Emiliano; ...

2017-08-07

Our paper examines distribution systems with a high integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and addresses the design of local control methods for real-time voltage regulation. Particularly, the paper focuses on proportional control strategies where the active and reactive output-powers of DERs are adjusted in response to (and proportionally to) local changes in voltage levels. The design of the voltage-active power and voltage-reactive power characteristics leverages suitable linear approximation of the AC power-flow equations and is network-cognizant; that is, the coefficients of the controllers embed information on the location of the DERs and forecasted non-controllable loads/injections and, consequently, on themore » effect of DER power adjustments on the overall voltage profile. We pursued a robust approach to cope with uncertainty in the forecasted non-controllable loads/power injections. Stability of the proposed local controllers is analytically assessed and numerically corroborated.« less

Network-Cognizant Voltage Droop Control for Distribution Grids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baker, Kyri; Bernstein, Andrey; Dall'Anese, Emiliano

Our paper examines distribution systems with a high integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and addresses the design of local control methods for real-time voltage regulation. Particularly, the paper focuses on proportional control strategies where the active and reactive output-powers of DERs are adjusted in response to (and proportionally to) local changes in voltage levels. The design of the voltage-active power and voltage-reactive power characteristics leverages suitable linear approximation of the AC power-flow equations and is network-cognizant; that is, the coefficients of the controllers embed information on the location of the DERs and forecasted non-controllable loads/injections and, consequently, on themore » effect of DER power adjustments on the overall voltage profile. We pursued a robust approach to cope with uncertainty in the forecasted non-controllable loads/power injections. Stability of the proposed local controllers is analytically assessed and numerically corroborated.« less

Chance-Constrained AC Optimal Power Flow for Distribution Systems With Renewables

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DallAnese, Emiliano; Baker, Kyri; Summers, Tyler

This paper focuses on distribution systems featuring renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage systems, and presents an AC optimal power flow (OPF) approach to optimize system-level performance objectives while coping with uncertainty in both RES generation and loads. The proposed method hinges on a chance-constrained AC OPF formulation where probabilistic constraints are utilized to enforce voltage regulation with prescribed probability. A computationally more affordable convex reformulation is developed by resorting to suitable linear approximations of the AC power-flow equations as well as convex approximations of the chance constraints. The approximate chance constraints provide conservative bounds that hold for arbitrarymore » distributions of the forecasting errors. An adaptive strategy is then obtained by embedding the proposed AC OPF task into a model predictive control framework. Finally, a distributed solver is developed to strategically distribute the solution of the optimization problems across utility and customers.« less

A multi-functional high voltage experiment apparatus for vacuum surface flashover switch research.

PubMed

Zeng, Bo; Su, Jian-cang; Cheng, Jie; Wu, Xiao-long; Li, Rui; Zhao, Liang; Fang, Jin-peng; Wang, Li-min

2015-04-01

A multifunctional high voltage apparatus for experimental researches on surface flashover switch and high voltage insulation in vacuum has been developed. The apparatus is composed of five parts: pulse generating unit, axial field unit, radial field unit, and two switch units. Microsecond damped ringing pulse with peak-to-peak voltage 800 kV or unipolar pulse with maximum voltage 830 kV is generated, forming transient axial or radial electrical field. Different pulse waveforms and field distributions make up six experimental configurations in all. Based on this apparatus, preliminary experiments on vacuum surface flashover switch with different flashover dielectric materials have been conducted in the axial field unit, and nanosecond pulse is generated in the radial field unit which makes a pulse transmission line in the experiment. Basic work parameters of this kind of switch such as lifetime, breakdown voltage are obtained.

Time varying voltage combustion control and diagnostics sensor

DOEpatents

Chorpening, Benjamin T [Morgantown, WV; Thornton, Jimmy D [Morgantown, WV; Huckaby, E David [Morgantown, WV; Fincham, William [Fairmont, WV

2011-04-19

A time-varying voltage is applied to an electrode, or a pair of electrodes, of a sensor installed in a fuel nozzle disposed adjacent the combustion zone of a continuous combustion system, such as of the gas turbine engine type. The time-varying voltage induces a time-varying current in the flame which is measured and used to determine flame capacitance using AC electrical circuit analysis. Flame capacitance is used to accurately determine the position of the flame from the sensor and the fuel/air ratio. The fuel and/or air flow rate (s) is/are then adjusted to provide reduced flame instability problems such as flashback, combustion dynamics and lean blowout, as well as reduced emissions. The time-varying voltage may be an alternating voltage and the time-varying current may be an alternating current.

Specific Localization of High-Voltage Discharge in Vicinity of Two Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonov, Sergey; Shurupov, Michail; Shneider, Michail; Napartovich, Anatoly; Kochetov, Igor

2011-10-01

A subject of paper is the appearance and dynamics of sub-microsecond long filamentary high-voltage discharge generated in atmosphere, and in non-homogeneous gaseous media. Typical discharge parameters are: maximal current 1-3kA, breakdown voltage >100 kV, duration 30-100 ns, gap distance 50-100mm. The effect of discharge specific localization within mixing layer of two gases is particularly discussed. The second discussed idea is the filamentary discharge movement within a region with concentration gradient of different components. For the short-pulse discharge the physical mechanism appears as the following. The first stage of the spark breakdown is the multiple streamers propagation from the high-voltage electrode toward the grounded one. In case of high-power electrical source those streamers occupy a huge volume of the gas, covering all possible paths for the further development. The next phase consists of the real selection of the discharge path among the multiple channels with non-zero conductivity. Experiments and calculations are presented for Air-CO2 and Air-C2H4 pairs. The effects found are supposed to be applied for lightning prediction/protection, and for high-speed mixing acceleration. The work was funded through EOARD-ISTC project #3793p. Some part of this work was supported by RFBR grant #10-08-00952.

High voltage and high current density vertical GaN power diodes

DOE PAGES

Fischer, A. J.; Dickerson, J. R.; Armstrong, A. M.; ...

2016-01-01

We report on the realization of a GaN high voltage vertical p-n diode operating at > 3.9 kV breakdown with a specific on-resistance < 0.9 mΩ.cm 2. Diodes achieved a forward current of 1 A for on-wafer, DC measurements, corresponding to a current density > 1.4 kA/cm 2. An effective critical electric field of 3.9 MV/cm was estimated for the devices from analysis of the forward and reverse current-voltage characteristics. Furthermore this suggests that the fundamental limit to the GaN critical electric field is significantly greater than previously believed.

Variable frequency inverter for ac induction motors with torque, speed and braking control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A variable frequency inverter was designed for driving an ac induction motor which varies the frequency and voltage to the motor windings in response to varying torque requirements for the motor so that the applied voltage amplitude and frequency are of optimal value for any motor load and speed requirement. The slip frequency of the motor is caused to vary proportionally to the torque and feedback is provided so that the most efficient operating voltage is applied to the motor. Winding current surge is limited and a controlled negative slip causes motor braking and return of load energy to a dc power source.

The effects of extraterrestrial environments on high voltage distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, Lloyd B.

1990-01-01

The problems encountered in the transmission of high-power (kilowatts to megawatts) in extraterrestrial environments are reviewed. A summary of the work at Auburn University in the study of these problems is presented. These studies include high-voltage breakdown in the space environment as influenced by gas contamination and thermal stress, the modeling of lunar transmission lines, particle contamination, and material degradation by the hypervelocity impact of microparticles.

Performance of an X-ray single pixel TES microcalorimeter under DC and AC biasing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gottardi, L.; Kuur, J. van der; Korte, P. A. J. de

2009-12-16

We are developing Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) for the read-out of TES imaging microcalorimeter arrays for future X-ray missions like IXO. In the FDM configuration the TES is AC voltage biased at a well defined frequencies (between 0.3 to 10 MHz) and acts as an AM modulating element. In this paper we will present a full comparison of the performance of a TES microcalorimeter under DC bias and AC bias at a frequency of 370 kHz. In both cases we measured the current-to-voltage characteristics, the complex impedance, the noise, the X-ray responsivity, and energy resolution. The behaviour is very similarmore » in both cases, but deviations in performances are observed for detector working points low in the superconducting transition (R/R{sub N}<0.5). The measured energy resolution at 5.89 keV is 2.7 eV for DC bias and 3.7 eV for AC bias, while the baseline resolution is 2.8 eV and 3.3 eV, respectively.« less

Working group report on advanced high-voltage high-power and energy-storage space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, H. A.; Cooke, D. L.; Evans, R. W.; Hastings, D.; Jongeward, G.; Laframboise, J. G.; Mahaffey, D.; Mcintyre, B.; Pfizer, K. A.; Purvis, C.

1986-01-01

Space systems in the future will probably include high-voltage, high-power energy-storage and -production systems. Two such technologies are high-voltage ac and dc systems and high-power electrodynamic tethers. The working group identified several plasma interaction phenomena that will occur in the operation of these power systems. The working group felt that building an understanding of these critical interaction issues meant that several gaps in our knowledge had to be filled, and that certain aspects of dc power systems have become fairly well understood. Examples of these current collection are in quiescent plasmas and snap over effects. However, high-voltage dc and almost all ac phenomena are, at best, inadequately understood. In addition, there is major uncertainty in the knowledge of coupling between plasmas and large scale current flows in space plasmas. These gaps in the knowledge are addressed.

Three-Phase and Six-Phase AC at the Lab Bench

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplan, George M.

2009-01-01

Utility companies generate three-phase electric power, which consists of three sinusoidal voltages with phase angles of 0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees. The ac generators described in most introductory textbooks are single-phase generators, so physics students are not likely to learn about three-phase power. I have developed a simple way…

AC electroosmotic micromixer for chemical processing in a microchannel.

PubMed

Sasaki, Naoki; Kitamori, Takehiko; Kim, Haeng-Boo

2006-04-01

A rapid micromixer of fluids in a microchannel is presented. The mixer uses AC electroosmotic flow, which is induced by applying an AC voltage to a pair of coplanar meandering electrodes configured in parallel to the channel. To demonstrate performance of the mixer, dilution experiments were conducted using a dye solution in a channel of 120 microm width. Rapid mixing was observed for flow velocity up to 12 mm s(-1). The mixing time was 0.18 s, which was 20-fold faster than that of diffusional mixing without an additional mixing mechanism. Compared with the performance of reported micromixers, the present mixer worked with a shorter mixing length, particularly at low Peclet numbers (Pe < 2 x 10(3)).

Development of software to improve AC power quality on large spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraft, L. Alan

1991-01-01

To insure the reliability of a 20 kHz, alternating current (AC) power system on spacecraft, it is essential to analyze its behavior under many adverse operating conditions. Some of these conditions include overloads, short circuits, switching surges, and harmonic distortions. Harmonic distortions can become a serious problem. It can cause malfunctions in equipment that the power system is supplying, and, during distortions such as voltage resonance, it can cause equipment and insulation failures due to the extreme peak voltages. To address the harmonic distortion issue, work was begun under the 1990 NASA-ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program. Software, originally developed by EPRI, called HARMFLO, a power flow program capable of analyzing harmonic conditions on three phase, balanced, 60 Hz AC power systems, was modified to analyze single phase, 20 kHz, AC power systems. Since almost all of the equipment used on spacecraft power systems is electrically different from equipment used on terrestrial power systems, it was also necessary to develop mathematical models for the equipment to be used on the spacecraft. The modelling was also started under the same fellowship work period. Details of the modifications and models completed during the 1990 NASA-ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program can be found in a project report. As a continuation of the work to develop a complete package necessary for the full analysis of spacecraft AC power system behavior, deployment work has continued through NASA Grant NAG3-1254. This report details the work covered by the above mentioned grant.

Multilayered Functional Insulation System (MFIS) for AC Power Transmission in High Voltage Hybrid Electrical Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lizcano, Maricela

2017-01-01

High voltage hybrid electric propulsion systems are now pushing new technology development efforts for air transportation. A key challenge in hybrid electric aircraft is safe high voltage distribution and transmission of megawatts of power (>20 MW). For the past two years, a multidisciplinary materials research team at NASA Glenn Research Center has investigated the feasibility of distributing high voltage power on future hybrid electric aircraft. This presentation describes the team's approach to addressing this challenge, significant technical findings, and next steps in GRC's materials research effort for MW power distribution on aircraft.

Theoretical prediction of fast 3D AC electro-osmotic pumps.

PubMed

Bazant, Martin Z; Ben, Yuxing

2006-11-01

AC electro-osmotic (ACEO) pumps in microfluidics currently involve planar electrode arrays, but recent work on the underlying phenomenon of induced-charge electro-osmosis (ICEO) suggests that three-dimensional (3D) geometries may be exploited to achieve faster flows. In this paper, we present some new design principles for periodic 3D ACEO pumps, such as the "fluid conveyor belt" of ICEO flow over a stepped electrode array. Numerical simulations of these designs (using the standard low-voltage model) predict flow rates almost twenty times faster than existing planar ACEO pumps, for the same applied voltage and minimum feature size. These pumps may enable new portable or implantable lab-on-a-chip devices, since rather fast (mm s(-1)), tuneable flows should be attainable with battery voltages (<10 V).

Development of 2.8 V Ketjen black supercapacitors with high rate capabilities for AC line filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Yongju; Park, Jinwoo; Kim, Min-Seop; Kim, Woong

2017-08-01

Supercapacitors are generally more compact than conventional bulky aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs). Replacement of AECs with supercapacitors can lead to miniaturization of electronic devices. However, even state-of-the-art supercapacitors developed in laboratories are superior to or competitive with AECs only in low voltage applications (<∼40 V). In order to improve the voltage limits of current supercapacitors, we have incorporated Ketjen black (KB) as an electrode material. Utilizing the open pore structure and the graphitic nature of KB, we demonstrate that the voltage limit can be extended to 53 V. The KB supercapacitor exhibits excellent areal capacitance, cell voltage, and phase angle values of ∼574 μF cm-2, 2.8 V, and ∼-80°, respectively. In addition, we demonstrate that an AC line filtering circuit with three supercapacitors connected in series can extend the application voltage without significant sacrifice in rate capability (ϕ ∼ -77° at 120 Hz). On the other hand, KBs are much less expensive than carbon materials previously demonstrated for AC line filtering and hence are very attractive for practical applications. We believe that this demonstration of high-performance supercapacitors made from low-cost carbon materials is both scientifically interesting and important for practical applications.

[The Emission Spectroscopy of Nitrogen Discharge under Low Voltage at Room Temperature].

PubMed

Shen, Li-hua; Yu, Chun-xia; Yan, Bei; Zhang, Cheng-xiao

2015-03-01

A set of direct current (DC) discharge device of N2 plasma was developed, carbon nanotubes (CNT) modified ITO electrode was used as anode, aluminum plate as cathode, with -80 μm separation between them. Nitrogen emission spectra was observed at room temperature and low DC voltage (less than 150 V), and the emission spectrometry was used to diagnose the active species of the process of nitrogen discharge. Under DC discharge, the strongest energy band N2 (C3π(u)), the weak Gaydon's Green system N2 (H3 -Φ(u)-G3 Δ(g)) and the emission line of nitrogen atoms (4 p-4 p0) at 820 nm were observed. Found that metastable state of nitrogen molecules were the main factors leading to a series of excited state nitrogen atoms and nitrogen ionization. Compared the emission spectra under DC with that under alternating current (AC) (1.1 kV), and it can be seen that under DC the spectra band of nitrogen atoms can be obviously observed, and there was a molecular band in the range of 500 - 800 nm. The effect of oxygen and hydrogen on the emission spectra of nitrogen was investigated. The results showed that the oxygen inhibited the luminescence intensity of nitrogen, but the shape of spectra unchanged. All of the second positive system, Gaydon's Green system and atomic lines of nitrogen can be observed. The second positive system and Gaydon's Green system of nitrogen will be greatly affected when the volume ratio of nitrogen and hydrogen greatly affected is 1 : 1, which was due to the hydrogen. The hydrogen can depresse nitrogen plasma activation, and make the Gaydon's Green System disappeared. CNT modified ITO electrode can reduce the breakdown voltage, and the optical signal generated by the weakly ionized gas can be observed by the photo-multiplier tube at low voltage of 10 V.

Non-intrusive high voltage measurement using slab coupled optical sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stan, Nikola; Chadderdon, Spencer; Selfridge, Richard H.; Schultz, Stephen M.

2014-03-01

We present an optical fiber non-intrusive sensor for measuring high voltage transients. The sensor converts the unknown voltage to electric field, which is then measured using slab-coupled optical fiber sensor (SCOS). Since everything in the sensor except the electrodes is made of dielectric materials and due to the small field sensor size, the sensor is minimally perturbing to the measured voltage. We present the details of the sensor design, which eliminates arcing and minimizes local dielectric breakdown using Teflon blocks and insulation of the whole structure with transformer oil. The structure has a capacitance of less than 3pF and resistance greater than 10 GΩ. We show the measurement of 66.5 kV pulse with a 32.6μs time constant. The measurement matches the expected value of 67.8 kV with less than 2% error.

Electron Injection by E-Field Drift and its Application in Starting-up Tokamaks at Low Loop Voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yuan; Yan, Xiao-Lin; Liu, Bao-Hua

2003-05-01

We propose an innovative method of electron injection by E-field drift into a plasma device and discuss its application in starting-up tokamak plasmas at low loop voltage. The experimental results obtained from HT-6M Tokamak are also presented. The breakdown loop voltage is obviously reduced and the discharge performance is improved by using the electron injection method. It could be applied to some other types of plasma device.

The development of high-voltage repetitive low-jitter corona stabilized triggered switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Jiuyuan; Yang, Jianhua; Cheng, Xinbing; Yang, Xiao; Chen, Rong

2018-04-01

The high-power switch plays an important part in a pulse power system. With the trend of pulse power technology toward modularization, miniaturization, and accuracy control, higher requirements on electrical trigger and jitter of the switch have been put forward. A high-power low-jitter corona-stabilized triggered switch (CSTS) is designed in this paper. This kind of CSTS is based on corona stabilized mechanism, and it can be used as a main switch of an intense electron-beam accelerator (IEBA). Its main feature was the use of an annular trigger electrode instead of a traditional needle-like trigger electrode, taking main and side trigger rings to fix the discharging channels and using SF6/N2 gas mixture as its operation gas. In this paper, the strength of the local field enhancement was changed by a trigger electrode protrusion length Dp. The differences of self-breakdown voltage and its stability, delay time jitter, trigger requirements, and operation range of the switch were compared. Then the effect of different SF6/N2 mixture ratio on switch performance was explored. The experimental results show that when the SF6 is 15% with the pressure of 0.2 MPa, the hold-off voltage of the switch is 551 kV, the operating range is 46.4%-93.5% of the self-breakdown voltage, the jitter is 0.57 ns, and the minimum trigger voltage requirement is 55.8% of the peak. At present, the CSTS has been successfully applied to an IEBA for long time operation.

The development of high-voltage repetitive low-jitter corona stabilized triggered switch.

PubMed

Geng, Jiuyuan; Yang, Jianhua; Cheng, Xinbing; Yang, Xiao; Chen, Rong

2018-04-01

The high-power switch plays an important part in a pulse power system. With the trend of pulse power technology toward modularization, miniaturization, and accuracy control, higher requirements on electrical trigger and jitter of the switch have been put forward. A high-power low-jitter corona-stabilized triggered switch (CSTS) is designed in this paper. This kind of CSTS is based on corona stabilized mechanism, and it can be used as a main switch of an intense electron-beam accelerator (IEBA). Its main feature was the use of an annular trigger electrode instead of a traditional needle-like trigger electrode, taking main and side trigger rings to fix the discharging channels and using SF 6 /N 2 gas mixture as its operation gas. In this paper, the strength of the local field enhancement was changed by a trigger electrode protrusion length Dp. The differences of self-breakdown voltage and its stability, delay time jitter, trigger requirements, and operation range of the switch were compared. Then the effect of different SF 6 /N 2 mixture ratio on switch performance was explored. The experimental results show that when the SF 6 is 15% with the pressure of 0.2 MPa, the hold-off voltage of the switch is 551 kV, the operating range is 46.4%-93.5% of the self-breakdown voltage, the jitter is 0.57 ns, and the minimum trigger voltage requirement is 55.8% of the peak. At present, the CSTS has been successfully applied to an IEBA for long time operation.

Assessment of three AC electroosmotic flow protocols for mixing in microfluidic channel.

PubMed

Chen, Jia-Kun; Weng, Chi-Neng; Yang, Ruey-Jen

2009-05-07

This study performs an experimental investigation into the micromixer capabilities of three different protocols of AC electroosmotic flow (AC EOF), namely capacitive charging (CC), Faradaic charging (FC) and asymmetric polarization (AP). The results reveal that the vortices generated by the FC protocol (the frequency is around 50-350 Hz) are stronger than those induced by the CC protocol (the frequency is higher than 350 Hz), and therefore provide an improved mixing effect. However, in the FC protocol, the frequency of the external AC voltage must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging electrodes as a result of Faradaic reactions. The experimental results indicate that the AP polarization effect (the applied voltage and frequency are V(1) = 1 V(pp) and V(2) = 20 V(pp)/5 kHz) induces more powerful vortices than either the CC protocol or the FC protocol, and therefore yields a better mixing performance. Two AP-based micromixers are fabricated with symmetric and asymmetric electrode configurations, respectively. The mixing indices achieved by the two devices after an elapsed time of 60 seconds are found to be 56.49 % and 71.77 %, respectively. This result shows that of the two devices, an asymmetric electrode configuration represents a more suitable choice for micromixer in microfluidic devices.

Very low noise AC/DC power supply systems for large detector arrays.

PubMed

Arnaboldi, C; Baù, A; Carniti, P; Cassina, L; Giachero, A; Gotti, C; Maino, M; Passerini, A; Pessina, G

2015-12-01

In this work, we present the first part of the power supply system for the CUORE and LUCIFER arrays of bolometric detectors. For CUORE, it consists of AC/DC commercial power supplies (0-60 V output) followed by custom DC/DC modules (48 V input, ±5 V to ±13.5 V outputs). Each module has 3 floating and independently configurable output voltages. In LUCIFER, the AC/DC + DC/DC stages are combined into a commercial medium-power AC/DC source. At the outputs of both setups, we introduced filters with the aim of lowering the noise and to protect the following stages from high voltage spikes that can be generated by the energy stored in the cables after the release of accidental short circuits. Output noise is very low, as required: in the 100 MHz bandwidth the RMS level is about 37 μV(RMS) (CUORE setup) and 90 μV(RMS) (LUCIFER setup) at a load of 7 A, with a negligible dependence on the load current. Even more importantly, high frequency switching disturbances are almost completely suppressed. The efficiency of both systems is above 85%. Both systems are completely programmable and monitored via CAN bus (optically coupled).

Hybrid inverter for HVDC/weak AC system interconnection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tam, K.S.

1985-01-01

The concept of the hybrid converter is introduced. By independently controlling a naturally commutated converter (NCC) and an artificially commutated converter (ACC), real power and reactive power can be controlled independently. Alternatively, the ac bus voltage can be regulated without affecting the real power transfer. Independent control is feasible only within certain operating boundaries. Twelve pulse operation, sequential control, and complementary circuits may be viewed as variations of the hybrid converter. The concept of the hybrid converter is demonstrated by digital simulation. At the current state of technology, the NCC is best implemented by a 6-pulse bridge using thyristors asmore » the switching elements. A survey of power electronics applicable to HVDC applications reveals that the capacitively commutated current-sourced converters are either technically or economically better than the other alternatives for the implementation of the ACC. The digital simulation results show that the problems of operating an HVDC system into a weak ac system can be solved by using a hybrid inverter. A new control scheme, the zero Q control, is developed. With no reactive power interaction between the dc system and the ac system, the stability of the HVDC/weak ac system operation is significantly improved. System start-up and fault recovery is fast and stable.« less

Generator voltage stabilisation for series-hybrid electric vehicles.

PubMed

Stewart, P; Gladwin, D; Stewart, J; Cowley, R

2008-04-01

This paper presents a controller for use in speed control of an internal combustion engine for series-hybrid electric vehicle applications. Particular reference is made to the stability of the rectified DC link voltage under load disturbance. In the system under consideration, the primary power source is a four-cylinder normally aspirated gasoline internal combustion engine, which is mechanically coupled to a three-phase permanent magnet AC generator. The generated AC voltage is subsequently rectified to supply a lead-acid battery, and permanent magnet traction motors via three-phase full bridge power electronic inverters. Two complementary performance objectives exist. Firstly to maintain the internal combustion engine at its optimal operating point, and secondly to supply a stable 42 V supply to the traction drive inverters. Achievement of these goals minimises the transient energy storage requirements at the DC link, with a consequent reduction in both weight and cost. These objectives imply constant velocity operation of the internal combustion engine under external load disturbances and changes in both operating conditions and vehicle speed set-points. An electronically operated throttle allows closed loop engine velocity control. System time delays and nonlinearities render closed loop control design extremely problematic. A model-based controller is designed and shown to be effective in controlling the DC link voltage, resulting in the well-conditioned operation of the hybrid vehicle.

Droplet condensation on superhydrophobic surfaces with enhanced dewetting under a tangential AC electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xinzhu; Li, Jian; Li, Licheng; Huang, Zhengyong; Wang, Feipeng; Wei, Yuan

2016-10-01

In this Letter, the dewetting behavior of superhydrophobic condensing surfaces under a tangential AC electric field is reported. The surface coverage of condensed droplets only exhibits a negligible increase with time. The jumping frequency of droplets is enhanced. The AC electric field motivates the dynamic transition of droplets from stretch to recoil, resulting in the counterforce propelling droplet jumping. The considerable horizontal component of jumping velocity facilitates droplet departure from superhydrophobic surfaces. Both the amplitude and frequency of AC voltage are important factors for droplet departure and dewetting effect. Thereby, the tangential electric field provides a unique and easily implementable approach to enhance droplet removal from superhydrophobic condensing surfaces.

Amplitude-temporal characteristics of a supershort avalanche electron beam generated during subnanosecond breakdown in air and nitrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasenko, V. F.; Baksht, E. Kh.; Beloplotov, D. V.; Burachenko, A. G.; Lomaev, M. I.

2016-04-01

The amplitude-temporal characteristics of a supershort avalanche electron beam (SAEB) with an amplitude of up to 100 A, as well as of the breakdown voltage and discharge current, are studied experimentally with a picosecond time resolution. The waveforms of discharge and SAEB currents are synchronized with those of the voltage pulses. It is shown that the amplitude-temporal characteristics of the SAEB depend on the gap length and the designs of the gas diode and cathode. The mechanism for the generation of runaway electron beams in atmospheric-pressure gases is analyzed on the basis of the obtained experimental data.

Amplitude−temporal characteristics of a supershort avalanche electron beam generated during subnanosecond breakdown in air and nitrogen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarasenko, V. F., E-mail: vft@loi.hcei.tsc.ru; Baksht, E. Kh.; Beloplotov, D. V.

2016-04-15

The amplitude−temporal characteristics of a supershort avalanche electron beam (SAEB) with an amplitude of up to 100 A, as well as of the breakdown voltage and discharge current, are studied experimentally with a picosecond time resolution. The waveforms of discharge and SAEB currents are synchronized with those of the voltage pulses. It is shown that the amplitude−temporal characteristics of the SAEB depend on the gap length and the designs of the gas diode and cathode. The mechanism for the generation of runaway electron beams in atmospheric-pressure gases is analyzed on the basis of the obtained experimental data.

A new mathematical model and control of a three-phase AC-DC voltage source converter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blasko, V.; Kaura, V.

1997-01-01

A new mathematical model of the power circuit of a three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) was developed in the stationary and synchronous reference frames. The mathematical model was then used to analyze and synthesize the voltage and current control loops for the VSC. Analytical expressions were derived for calculating the gains and time constants of the current and voltage regulators. The mathematical model was used to control a 140-kW regenerative VSC. The synchronous reference frame model was used to define feedforward signals in the current regulators to eliminate the cross coupling between the d and q phases. It allowed themore » reduction of the current control loop to first-order plants and improved their tracking capability. The bandwidths of the current and voltage-control loops were found to be approximately 20 and 60 times (respectively) smaller than the sampling frequency. All control algorithms were implemented in a digital-signal processor. All results of the analysis were experimentally verified.« less

Performance criteria guideline for three explosion protection methods of electrical equipment rated up to 15,000 volts AC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linley, L. J.; Luper, A. B.; Dunn, J. H.

1982-01-01

The Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, is reviewing explosion protection methods for use in gassy coal mines. This performance criteria guideline is an evaluation of three explosion protection methods of machines electrically powered with voltages up to 15,000 volts ac. A sufficient amount of basic research has been accomplished to verify that the explosion proof and pressurized enclosure methods can provide adequate explosion protection with the present state of the art up to 15,000 volts ac. This routine application of the potted enclosure as a stand alone protection method requires further investigation or development in order to clarify performance criteria and verification certification requirements. An extensive literature search, a series of high voltage tests, and a design evaluation of the three explosion protection methods indicate that the explosion proof, pressurized, and potted enclosures can all be used to enclose up to 15,000 volts ac.

A new LTPS TFT AC pixel circuit for an AMOLED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yongwen, Zhang; Wenbin, Chen

2013-01-01

This work presents a new voltage programmed pixel circuit for an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display. The proposed pixel circuit consists of six low temperature polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (LTPS TFTs), one storage capacitor, and one OLED, and is verified by simulation work using HSPICE software. Besides effectively compensating for the threshold voltage variation of the driving TFT and OLED, the proposed pixel circuit offers an AC driving mode for the OLED, which can suppress the degradation of the OLED. Moreover, a high contrast ratio can be achieved by the proposed pixel circuit since the OLED does not emit any light except for the emission period.

Reliability Improvement of Ground Fault Protection System Using an S-Type Horn Attachment Gap in AC Feeding System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajiki, Kohji; Morimoto, Hiroaki; Shimokawa, Fumiyuki; Sakai, Shinya; Sasaki, Kazuomi; Sato, Ryogo

Contact wires used in feeding system for electric railroad are insulated by insulators. However, insulation of an insulator sometimes breaks down by surface dirt of an insulator and contact with a bird. The insulator breakdown derives a ground fault in feeding system. Ground fault will cause a human electric shock and a destruction of low voltage electric equipment. In order to prevent the damage by ground fault, an S-type horn has been applicable as equipped on insulators of negative feeder and protective wire until present. However, a concrete pole breaks down at the time of the ground fault because a spark-over voltage of the S-type horn is higher than a breakdown voltage of a concrete pole. Farther, the S-type horn installed in the steel tube pole does not discharge a case, because the earth resistance of a steel tube pole is very small. We assumed that we could solve these troubles by changing the power frequency spark-over voltage of the S-type horn from 12kV to 3kV. Accordingly, we developed an attachment gap that should be used to change the power frequency spark-over voltage of the S-type horn from 12kV to 3kV. The attachment gap consists of a gas gap arrester and a zinc oxide element. By the dynamic current test and the artificial ground fault test, we confirmed that the attachment gap in the S-type horn could prevent a trouble at the time of the ground fault.

AC and DC electrical behavior of MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposite near percolation threshold: Equivalent circuits and percolation limits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alizadeh Sahraei, Abolfazl; Ayati, Moosa; Baniassadi, Majid; Rodrigue, Denis; Baghani, Mostafa; Abdi, Yaser

2018-03-01

This study attempts to comprehensively investigate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the AC and DC electrical conductivity of epoxy nanocomposites. The samples (0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 wt. % MWCNT) were produced using a combination of ultrason and shear mixing methods. DC measurements were performed by continuous measurement of the current-voltage response and the results were analyzed via a numerical percolation approach, while for the AC behavior, the frequency response was studied by analyzing phase difference and impedance in the 10 Hz to 0.2 MHz frequency range. The results showed that the dielectric parameters, including relative permittivity, impedance phase, and magnitude, present completely different behaviors for the frequency range and MWCNT weight fractions studied. To better understand the nanocomposites electrical behavior, equivalent electric circuits were also built for both DC and AC modes. The DC equivalent networks were developed based on the current-voltage curves, while the AC equivalent circuits were proposed by using an optimization problem according to the impedance magnitude and phase at different frequencies. The obtained equivalent electrical circuits were found to be highly useful tools to understand the physical mechanisms involved in MWCNT filled polymer nanocomposites.

Changes in behavioral responses of Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae) from various applied signal voltages during EPG recordings

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A 3rd-generation AC-DC electrical penetration graph (EPG) monitor was used to study feeding behaviors of pre-reproductive adult Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae) on pinhead (<3mm) cotton squares, applying different signal voltages at several input impedances. The AC-DC monitor allows a user to s...

Experimental validation of prototype high voltage bushing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Sejal; Tyagi, H.; Sharma, D.; Parmar, D.; M. N., Vishnudev; Joshi, K.; Patel, K.; Yadav, A.; Patel, R.; Bandyopadhyay, M.; Rotti, C.; Chakraborty, A.

2017-08-01

Prototype High voltage bushing (PHVB) is a scaled down configuration of DNB High Voltage Bushing (HVB) of ITER. It is designed for operation at 50 kV DC to ensure operational performance and thereby confirming the design configuration of DNB HVB. Two concentric insulators viz. Ceramic and Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rings are used as double layered vacuum boundary for 50 kV isolation between grounded and high voltage flanges. Stress shields are designed for smooth electric field distribution. During ceramic to Kovar brazing, spilling cannot be controlled which may lead to high localized electrostatic stress. To understand spilling phenomenon and precise stress calculation, quantitative analysis was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of brazed sample and similar configuration modeled while performing the Finite Element (FE) analysis. FE analysis of PHVB is performed to find out electrical stresses on different areas of PHVB and are maintained similar to DNB HV Bushing. With this configuration, the experiment is performed considering ITER like vacuum and electrical parameters. Initial HV test is performed by temporary vacuum sealing arrangements using gaskets/O-rings at both ends in order to achieve desired vacuum and keep the system maintainable. During validation test, 50 kV voltage withstand is performed for one hour. Voltage withstand test for 60 kV DC (20% higher rated voltage) have also been performed without any breakdown. Successful operation of PHVB confirms the design of DNB HV Bushing. In this paper, configuration of PHVB with experimental validation data is presented.

Short-Term State Forecasting-Based Optimal Voltage Regulation in Distribution Systems: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Rui; Jiang, Huaiguang; Zhang, Yingchen

2017-05-17

A novel short-term state forecasting-based optimal power flow (OPF) approach for distribution system voltage regulation is proposed in this paper. An extreme learning machine (ELM) based state forecaster is developed to accurately predict system states (voltage magnitudes and angles) in the near future. Based on the forecast system states, a dynamically weighted three-phase AC OPF problem is formulated to minimize the voltage violations with higher penalization on buses which are forecast to have higher voltage violations in the near future. By solving the proposed OPF problem, the controllable resources in the system are optimally coordinated to alleviate the potential severemore » voltage violations and improve the overall voltage profile. The proposed approach has been tested in a 12-bus distribution system and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach.« less

Current collection by high voltage anodes in near ionospheric conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antoniades, John A.; Greaves, Rod G.; Boyd, D. A.; Ellis, R.

1990-01-01

The authors experimentally identified three distinct regimes with large differences in current collection in the presence of neutrals and weak magnetic fields. In magnetic field/anode voltage space the three regions are separated by very sharp transition boundaries. The authors performed a series of laboratory experiments to study the dependence of the region boundaries on several parameters, such as the ambient neutral density, plasma density, magnetic field strength, applied anode voltage, voltage pulsewidth, chamber material, chamber size and anode radius. The three observed regimes are: classical magnetic field limited collection; stable medium current toroidal discharge; and large scale, high current space glow discharge. There is as much as several orders of magnitude of difference in the amount of collected current upon any boundary crossing, particularly if one enters the space glow regime. They measured some of the properties of the plasma generated by the breakdown that is present in regimes II and III in the vicinity of the anode including the sheath modified electrostatic potential, I-V characteristics at high voltage as well as the local plasma density.

Impacts on the Voltage Profile of DC Distribution Network with DG Access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, J. J.; Yin, Z. D.

2017-07-01

With the development of electronic, more and more distributed generations (DGs) access into grid and cause the research fever of direct current (DC) distribution network. Considering distributed generation (DG) location and capacity have great impacts on voltage profile, so use IEEE9 and IEEE33 typical circuit as examples, with DGs access in centralized and decentralized mode, to compare voltage profile in alternating and direct current (AC/DC) distribution network. Introducing the voltage change ratio as an evaluation index, so gets the general results on voltage profile of DC distributed network with DG access. Simulation shows that, in the premise of reasonable location and capacity, DC distribution network is more suitable for DG access.

Application field and ways to control alternating-current plasma torch with rail electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, V. E.; Safronov, A. A.; Vasilieva, O. B.; Shiryaev, V. N.; Dudnik, Yu D.; Pavlov, A. V.; Kuchina, Yu A.

2018-01-01

The paper deals with the investigation of parameters of the high voltage alternating-current plasma torch with rail electrodes. Usage of the injector and its variation allows controlling of operation of the ac plasma torch with rail electrodes. Also the possibility to protect the electric arc chamber without protective gas has been studied. It was found that increasing in the injector power causes the repeated breakdown at lower voltage and hence the arc dimensions decreases. The results of experiments are presented in the paper.

System and method for monitoring and controlling stator winding temperature in a de-energized AC motor

DOEpatents

Lu, Bin [Kenosha, WI; Luebke, Charles John [Sussex, WI; Habetler, Thomas G [Snellville, GA; Zhang, Pinjia [Atlanta, GA; Becker, Scott K [Oak Creek, WI

2011-12-27

A system and method for measuring and controlling stator winding temperature in an AC motor while idling is disclosed. The system includes a circuit having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of a multi-phase AC motor. The circuit further includes a plurality of switching devices to control current flow and terminal voltages in the multi-phase AC motor and a controller connected to the circuit. The controller is configured to activate the plurality of switching devices to create a DC signal in an output of the motor control device corresponding to an input to the multi-phase AC motor, determine or estimate a stator winding resistance of the multi-phase AC motor based on the DC signal, and estimate a stator temperature from the stator winding resistance. Temperature can then be controlled and regulated by DC injection into the stator windings.

Pre-breakdown cavitation nanopores in the dielectric fluid in the inhomogeneous, pulsed electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pekker, Mikhail; Shneider, Mikhail N.

2015-10-01

This paper discusses the nanopores emerging and developing in a liquid dielectric under the action of the ponderomotive electrostrictive forces in a nonuniform electric field. It is shown that the gradient of the electric field in the vicinity of the rupture (cavitation nanopore) substantially increases and determines whether the rupture grows or collapses. The cavitation rupture in the liquid (nanopore) tends to stretch along the lines of the original field. The mechanism of the breakdown associated with the generation of secondary ruptures in the vicinity of the poles of the nanopore is proposed. The estimations of the extension time for nanopore in water and oil (polar and nonpolar liquids, respectively) are presented. A new mechanism of nano- and subnanosecond breakdown in the insulating (transformer) oil that can be realized in the vicinity of water microdroplets in nanosecond high-voltage devices is considered.

Chance-Constrained AC Optimal Power Flow: Reformulations and Efficient Algorithms

DOE PAGES

Roald, Line Alnaes; Andersson, Goran

2017-08-29

Higher levels of renewable electricity generation increase uncertainty in power system operation. To ensure secure system operation, new tools that account for this uncertainty are required. Here, in this paper, we adopt a chance-constrained AC optimal power flow formulation, which guarantees that generation, power flows and voltages remain within their bounds with a pre-defined probability. We then discuss different chance-constraint reformulations and solution approaches for the problem. Additionally, we first discuss an analytical reformulation based on partial linearization, which enables us to obtain a tractable representation of the optimization problem. We then provide an efficient algorithm based on an iterativemore » solution scheme which alternates between solving a deterministic AC OPF problem and assessing the impact of uncertainty. This more flexible computational framework enables not only scalable implementations, but also alternative chance-constraint reformulations. In particular, we suggest two sample based reformulations that do not require any approximation or relaxation of the AC power flow equations.« less

Investigation of breakdown processes in automotive HID lamps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergner, Andre; Hoebing, Thomas; Ruhrmann, Cornelia; Mentel, Juergen; Awakowicz, Peter

2011-10-01

HID lamps are used for applications where high lumen output levels are required. Car headlights are a special field of HID lamp application. For security reasons and lawful regulations these lamps have to have a fast run-up phase and the possibility of hot re-strike. Therefore the background gas pressure amounts to 1.5 MPa xenon. But this high background gas pressure has the disadvantage that the ignition voltage becomes quite high due to Paschen's law. For that reason this paper deals with the investigation of the breakdown process of HID lamps for automotive application. The ignition is investigated by electrical as well as optical methods. Ignition voltage and current are measured on a nanosecond time scale and correlated with simultaneous phase resolved high speed photography done by an ICCD camera. So the ignition process can be observed from the first light emission until to the formation of whole discharge channel. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support by BMBF within the European project 'SEEL - Solutions for Energy Efficient Lighting' (FKZ: 13N11265). Furthermore the author would like to thank Philips Lighting (Aachen) for valuable discussions.

An Improved Targeted cAMP Sensor to Study the Regulation of Adenylyl Cyclase 8 by Ca2+ Entry through Voltage-Gated Channels

PubMed Central

Everett, Katy L.; Cooper, Dermot M. F.

2013-01-01

Here we describe an improved sensor with reduced pH sensitivity tethered to adenylyl cyclase (AC) 8. The sensor was used to study cAMP dynamics in the AC8 microdomain of MIN6 cells, a pancreatic β-cell line. In these cells, AC8 was activated by Ca2+ entry through L-type voltage-gated channels following depolarisation. This activation could be reconstituted in HEK293 cells co-expressing AC8 and either the α1C or α1D subunit of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The development of this improved sensor opens the door to the study of cAMP microdomains in excitable cells that have previously been challenging due to the sensitivity of fluorescent proteins to pH changes. PMID:24086669

NASCAP modelling of high-voltage power system interactions with space charged-particle environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, N. J.; Roche, J. C.; Mandell, M. J.

1979-01-01

A simple space power system operating in geosynchronous orbit was analyzed. This system consisted of two solar array wings and a central body. Each solar array wing was considered to be divided into three regions operating at 2000 volts. The center body was considered to be an electrical ground with the array voltages both positive and negative relative to ground. The system was analyzed for both a normal environment and a moderate geomagnetic substorm environment. Initial results indicate a high probability of arcing at the interconnects on the negative operating voltage wing. The dielectric strength of the substrate may be exceeded giving rise to breakdown in the bulk of the material. The geomagnetic substorm did not seem to increase the electrical gradients at the interconnects on the negative operating voltage wing but did increase the gradients on the positive operating voltage wing which could result in increased coupling current losses.

Observation and discussion of avalanche electroluminescence in GaN p-n diodes offering a breakdown electric field of 3 MV cm‑1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, S.; Kanathila, M. B.; Pynn, C. D.; Li, W.; Gao, J.; Margalith, T.; Laurent, M. A.; Chowdhury, S.

2018-06-01

We report on the first observation of avalanche electroluminescence resulting from band-to-band recombination (BTBR) of electron hole pairs at the breakdown limit of Gallium Nitride p-n diodes grown homo-epitaxially on single crystalline GaN substrates. The diodes demonstrated a near ideal breakdown electric field of 3 MV cm‑1 with electroluminescence (EL) demonstrating sharp peaks of emission energies near and at the band gap of GaN. The high critical electric field, near the material limit of GaN, was achieved by generating a smooth curved mesa edge with low plasma damage, using etch engineering without any use of field termination. The superior material quality was critical for such a near-ideal performance. An electric field of 3 MV cm‑1 recorded at the breakdown resulted in impact ionization, confirmed by a positive temperature dependence of the breakdown voltage. The spectral data provided evidence of BTBR of electron hole pairs that were generated by avalanche carrier multiplication in the depletion region.

Analysis of copper contamination in transformer insulating material with nanosecond- and femtosecond-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aparna, N.; Vasa, N. J.; Sarathi, R.

2018-06-01

This work examines the oil-impregnated pressboard insulation of high-voltage power transformers, for the determination of copper contamination. Nanosecond- and femtosecond-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy revealed atomic copper lines and molecular copper monoxide bands due to copper sulphide diffusion. X-ray diffraction studies also indicated the presence of CuO emission. Elemental and molecular mapping compared transformer insulating material ageing in different media—air, N2, He and vacuum.

Modeling development of converter topologies and control for BTB voltage source converters. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tang, L.

1998-08-01

This report presents the results of an investigation into the merits of using a back-to-back voltage source converter (BTB-VSC) as an alternative to a conventional back-to-back high voltage DC link (HVDC). The report presents the basic benefits of the new technology along with the basic control blocks needed to implement the design. The report also describes a model of the BTB-VSC implemented in EMTDC{trademark} and discusses the use of the model. Simulation results, showing how the model responds to various control actions and system disturbances, are presented. This modeling work developed a detailed EMTDC{trademark} model using the appropriate converter technologymore » and magnetic interface configuration. Various possible converter and magnetic interface configurations were examined and the most promising configuration was used for the model. The chosen configuration minimizes the number of high voltage transformers needed and minimizes the complexity non-standard interfacing transformers. There is no need for transformers with phase shifts other than zero or thirty degrees (wye-wye or wye-delta). The only non-standard feature is the necessity of bringing the neutral side of the high voltage winding on the wye-wye unit out through bushings and to insulate the wye-wye transformer for the system voltage which is twice the transformer winding voltage. The developed EMTDC{trademark} model was used to demonstrate the possibility of achieving independent control of the real power transmitted and the voltages at the AC terminals. The model also demonstrates the ability to interconnect weak AC systems without the necessity of additional voltage support equipment as is the case with the conventional back-to-back DC interconnection. The model has been shown to work with short circuit ratios less than 2 based on the total rating of the high voltage transformers.« less

["Nervous breakdown": a diagnostic characterization study].

PubMed

Salmán, E; Carrasco, J L; Liebowitz, M; Díaz Marsá, M; Prieto, R; Jusino, C; Cárdenas, D; Klein, D

1997-01-01

An evaluation was made of the influence of different psychiatric co-morbidities on the symptoms of the disorder popularly known as "ataque de nervios" (nervous breakdown) among the US Hispanic population. Using a self-completed instrument designed specially for both traditional nervous breakdown and for panic symptoms, and structured or semi-structured psychiatric interviews for Axis I disorders, and evaluation was made of Hispanic subjects who sought treatment for anxiety in a clinic (n = 156). This study centered on 102 subjects who presented symptoms of "nervous breakdown" and comorbidity with panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, or affective disorder. Variations in co-morbidity with "nervous breakdown" enabled the identification of different patterns of "nervous breakdown" presenting symptoms. Individuals with "nervous breakdown" and panic disorder characteristically expressed a greater sense of asphyxiation, fear of dying, and growing fear (panic-like) during their breakdowns. Subjects with "nervous breakdown" and affective disorder had a greater sensation of anger and more tendency toward screaming and aggressive behavior such as breaking things during the breakdown (emotional anger). Finally, subjects with "nervous breakdown" and co-morbidity with another anxiety disorder had fewer "paniclike" or "emotional anger" symptoms. These findings suggest that: a) the widely used term "nervous breakdown" is a popular label for different patterns of loss of emotional control; b) the type of loss of emotional control is influenced by the associated psychiatric disorder; and c) the symptoms characteristics of the "nervous breakdown" can be useful clinical markers for associated psychiatric disorders. Future research is needed to determine whether the known Hispanic entity "ataque de nervios" is simply a popular description for different aspects of well-known psychiatric disorders, or if it reflects specific demographic, environmental, personality and/or clinical

Time and temperature dependent breakdown characteristics of ZnS:Mn films obtained by rf-magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhigal'Skii, A. A.; Mukhachev, V. A.; Troyan, P. E.

1994-04-01

Breakdown delay times (tdel) for films of managanese-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Mn) were measured in the range 10-6-10-1 s. The maximum value was tdel=10-3-10-2 s. The electrical strength (Ebr) was found to increase as the voltage pulse duration was reduced, the more so the thinner the ZnS:Mn film. The temperature dependence of Ebr exhibited a weak reduction in Ebr as the temperature was raised to roughly 80°C and a sharp reduction in Ebr for T>130°C. A maximum in Ebr was observed at T≈130°C which is presumably explained by a structural modification of the ZnS:Mn film. The experimental results obtained are explained in terms of a combined electronic and thermal breakdown mechanism.

Fast Breakdown as Coronal/Ionization Waves?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krehbiel, P. R.; Petersen, D.; da Silva, C. L.

2017-12-01

Studies of high-power narrow bipolar events (NBEs) have shown they are produced by a newly-recognized breakdown process called fast positive breakdown (FPB, Rison et al., 2016, doi:10.1038/ncomms10721). The breakdown was inferred to be produced by a system of positive streamers that propagate at high speed ( ˜3-6 x 107 m/s) due to occurring in a localized region of strong electric field. The polarity of the breakdown was determined from broadband interferometer (INTF) observations of the propagation direction of its VHF radiation, which was downward into the main negative charge region of a normally-electrified storm. Subsequent INTF observations being conducted in at Kennedy Space Center in Florida have shown a much greater incidence of NBEs than in New Mexico. Among the larger dataset have been clear-cut instances of some NBEs being produced by upward breakdown that would be of negative polarity. The speed and behavior of the negative breakdown is the same as that of the fast positive, leading to it being termed fast negative breakdown (FNB). The similarity (not too mention its occurrence) is surprising, given the fact that negative streamers and breakdown develops much differently than that of positive breakdown. The question is how this happens. In this study, we compare fast breakdown characteristics to well-known streamer properties as inferred from laboratory experiments and theoretical analysis. Additionally, we begin to explore the possibility that both polarities of fast breakdown are produced by what may be called coronal or ionization waves, in which the enhanced electric field produced by streamer or coronal breakdown of either polarity propagates away from the advancing front at the speed of light into a medium that is in a metastable condition of being at the threshold of hydrometeor-mediated corona onset or other ionization processes. The wave would develop at a faster speed than the streamer breakdown that gives rise to it, and thus would be

Potential damage to dc superconducting magnets due to high frequency electromagnetic waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabriel, G. J.; Burkhart, J. A.

1977-01-01

Studies of a d.c. superconducting magnet coil indicate that the large coil behaves as a straight waveguide structure. Voltages between layers within the coil sometimes exceeded those recorded at terminals where protective resistors are located. Protection of magnet coils against these excessive voltages could be accomplished by impedance matching throughout the coil system. The wave phenomenon associated with superconducting magnetic coils may create an instability capable of converting the energy of a quiescent d.c. superconducting coil into dissipative a.c. energy, even in cases when dielectric breakdown does not take place.

Method and system for a gas tube-based current source high voltage direct current transmission system

DOEpatents

She, Xu; Chokhawala, Rahul Shantilal; Bray, James William; Sommerer, Timothy John; Zhou, Rui; Zhang, Di

2017-08-29

A high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission system includes an alternating current (AC) electrical source and a power converter channel that includes an AC-DC converter electrically coupled to the electrical source and a DC-AC inverter electrically coupled to the AC-DC converter. The AC-DC converter and the DC-AC inverter each include a plurality of legs that includes at least one switching device. The power converter channel further includes a commutating circuit communicatively coupled to one or more switching devices. The commutating circuit is configured to "switch on" one of the switching devices during a first portion of a cycle of the H-bridge switching circuits and "switch off" the switching device during a second portion of the cycle of the first and second H-bridge switching circuits.

Voltage measurements at the vacuum post-hole convolute of the Z pulsed-power accelerator

DOE PAGES

Waisman, E. M.; McBride, R. D.; Cuneo, M. E.; ...

2014-12-08

Presented are voltage measurements taken near the load region on the Z pulsed-power accelerator using an inductive voltage monitor (IVM). Specifically, the IVM was connected to, and thus monitored the voltage at, the bottom level of the accelerator’s vacuum double post-hole convolute. Additional voltage and current measurements were taken at the accelerator’s vacuum-insulator stack (at a radius of 1.6 m) by using standard D-dot and B-dot probes, respectively. During postprocessing, the measurements taken at the stack were translated to the location of the IVM measurements by using a lossless propagation model of the Z accelerator’s magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs)more » and a lumped inductor model of the vacuum post-hole convolute. Across a wide variety of experiments conducted on the Z accelerator, the voltage histories obtained from the IVM and the lossless propagation technique agree well in overall shape and magnitude. However, large-amplitude, high-frequency oscillations are more pronounced in the IVM records. It is unclear whether these larger oscillations represent true voltage oscillations at the convolute or if they are due to noise pickup and/or transit-time effects and other resonant modes in the IVM. Results using a transit-time-correction technique and Fourier analysis support the latter. Regardless of which interpretation is correct, both true voltage oscillations and the excitement of resonant modes could be the result of transient electrical breakdowns in the post-hole convolute, though more information is required to determine definitively if such breakdowns occurred. Despite the larger oscillations in the IVM records, the general agreement found between the lossless propagation results and the results of the IVM shows that large voltages are transmitted efficiently through the MITLs on Z. These results are complementary to previous studies [R.D. McBride et al., Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 13, 120401 (2010)] that showed

Mechanism of formation of subnanosecond current front in high-voltage pulse open discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweigert, I. V.; Alexandrov, A. L.; Zakrevsky, Dm. E.; Bokhan, P. A.

2014-11-01

The mechanism of subnanosecond current front rise observed previously in the experiment in high-voltage pulse open discharge in helium is studied in kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. The Boltzmann equations for electrons, ions, and fast atoms are solved self-consistently with the Poisson equations for the electrical potential. The partial contributions to the secondary electron emission from the ions, fast atoms, photons, and electrons, bombarding the electrode, are calculated. In simulations, as in the experiment, the discharge glows between two symmetrical cathodes and the anode grid in the midplane at P =6 Torr and the applied voltage of 20 kV. The electron avalanche development is considered for two experimental situations during the last stage of breakdown: (i) with constant voltage and (ii) with decreasing voltage. For case (i), the subnanosecond current front rise is set by photons from the collisional excitation transfer reactions. For the case (ii), the energetic electrons swamp the cathode during voltage drop and provide the secondary electron emission for the subnanosecond current rise, observed in the experiment.

Thin-film fractal nanostructures formed by electrical breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadtaev, P. O.; Bobkov, A. A.; Borodzyulya, V. F.; Lamkin, I. A.; Mihailov, I. I.; Moshnikov, V. A.; Permyakov, N. V.; Solomonov, A. V.; Sudar, N. T.; Tarasov, S. A.

2017-11-01

This is a study of the fractal micro- and nanostructures formation caused by the electrical breakdown of the indium-tin oxide (ITO) covered with various organic coatings. The samples were created by covering a glass substrate with a 1 to 10um-thick layer of indium-tin oxide. Some of the samples were then coated with organic layers of polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate) and others. In order to create high local electrical field densities a special setup based on a eutectic GaIn liquid needle was created: it allowed for the contact area of 60um in diameter and application of the step voltage swept from 20 to 300 volts. The setup also contained a spectrometer for measuring the spectra of the breakdown optical effects. The results showed that the destruction of ITO led to the formation of the spiral fractal nanostructures, parameters of which depended on the thickness of the layer and the presence of the organic cover. In case of the latter, polymer coating was shown to visualize and zoom the topography of the nanostructures which might be used as a method of “polymer photography” for such fractal formations. The analysis of the spectra showed their dependence on the parameters of the structures which proves the possibility of conducting optical diagnostics of the created structures.

Measurements of Breakdown Field and Forward Current Stability in 3C-SiC P-N Junction Diodes Grown on Step-Free 4H-SiC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Spry, David J.; Trunek, Andrew J.

2005-01-01

This paper reports on initial fabrication and electrical characterization of 3C-SiC p-n junction diodes grown on step-free 4H-SiC mesas. Diodes with n-blocking-layer doping ranging from approx. 2 x 10(exp 16)/cu cm to approx.. 5 x 10(exp 17)/cu cm were fabricated and tested. No optimization of junction edge termination or ohmic contacts was employed. Room temperature reverse characteristics of the best devices show excellent low-leakage behavior, below previous 3C-SiC devices produced by other growth techniques, until the onset of a sharp breakdown knee. The resulting estimated breakdown field of 3C-SiC is at least twice the breakdown field of silicon, but is only around half the breakdown field of <0001> 4H-SiC for the doping range studied. Initial high current stressing of 3C diodes at 100 A/sq cm for more than 20 hours resulted in less than 50 mV change in approx. 3 V forward voltage. 3C-SiC, pn junction, p+n diode, rectifier, reverse breakdown, breakdown field,heteroepitaxy, epitaxial growth, electroluminescence, mesa, bipolar diode

High-frequency graphene voltage amplifier.

PubMed

Han, Shu-Jen; Jenkins, Keith A; Valdes Garcia, Alberto; Franklin, Aaron D; Bol, Ageeth A; Haensch, Wilfried

2011-09-14

While graphene transistors have proven capable of delivering gigahertz-range cutoff frequencies, applying the devices to RF circuits has been largely hindered by the lack of current saturation in the zero band gap graphene. Herein, the first high-frequency voltage amplifier is demonstrated using large-area chemical vapor deposition grown graphene. The graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) has a 6-finger gate design with gate length of 500 nm. The graphene common-source amplifier exhibits ∼5 dB low frequency gain with the 3 dB bandwidth greater than 6 GHz. This first AC voltage gain demonstration of a GFET is attributed to the clear current saturation in the device, which is enabled by an ultrathin gate dielectric (4 nm HfO(2)) of the embedded gate structures. The device also shows extrinsic transconductance of 1.2 mS/μm at 1 V drain bias, the highest for graphene FETs using large-scale graphene reported to date.

Note: A phase synchronization photography method for AC discharge.

PubMed

Wu, Zhicheng; Zhang, Qiaogen; Ma, Jingtan; Pang, Lei

2018-05-01

To research discharge physics under AC voltage, a phase synchronization photography method is presented. By using a permanent-magnet synchronous motor to drive a photography mask synchronized with a discharge power supply, discharge images in a specific phase window can be recorded. Some examples of discharges photographed by this method, including the corona discharge in SF 6 and the corona discharge along the air/epoxy surface, demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Therefore, this method provides an effective tool for discharge physics researchers.

Note: A phase synchronization photography method for AC discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhicheng; Zhang, Qiaogen; Ma, Jingtan; Pang, Lei

2018-05-01

To research discharge physics under AC voltage, a phase synchronization photography method is presented. By using a permanent-magnet synchronous motor to drive a photography mask synchronized with a discharge power supply, discharge images in a specific phase window can be recorded. Some examples of discharges photographed by this method, including the corona discharge in SF6 and the corona discharge along the air/epoxy surface, demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Therefore, this method provides an effective tool for discharge physics researchers.

Internal structure of a vortex breakdown

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura, Y.; Leonard, A.; Spalart, P. R.

1986-01-01

An axisymmetric vortex breakdown was well simulated by the vortex filament method. The agreement with the experiment was qualitatively good. In particular, the structure in the interior of the vortex breakdown was ensured to a great degree by the present simulation. The second breakdown, or spiral type, which occurs downstream of the first axisymmetric breakdown, was simulated more similarly to the experiment than before. It shows a kink of the vortex filaments and strong three-dimensionality. Furthermore, a relatively low velocity region was observed near the second breakdown. It was also found that it takes some time for this physical phenomenon to attain its final stage. The comparison with the experiment is getting better as time goes on. In this paper, emphasis is placed on the comparison of the simulated results with the experiment. The present results help to make clear the mechanism of a vortex breakdown.

Gene delivery by microfluidic flow-through electroporation based on constant DC and AC field.

PubMed

Geng, Tao; Zhan, Yihong; Lu, Chang

2012-01-01

Electroporation is one of the most widely used physical methods to deliver exogenous nucleic acids into cells with high efficiency and low toxicity. Conventional electroporation systems typically require expensive pulse generators to provide short electrical pulses at high voltage. In this work, we demonstrate a flow-through electroporation method for continuous transfection of cells based on disposable chips, a syringe pump, and a low-cost power supply that provides a constant voltage. We successfully transfect cells using either DC or AC voltage with high flow rates (ranging from 40 µl/min to 20 ml/min) and high efficiency (up to 75%). We also enable the entire cell membrane to be uniformly permeabilized and dramatically improve gene delivery by inducing complex migrations of cells during the flow.

Shock/vortex interaction and vortex-breakdown modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kandil, Osama A.; Kandil, H. A.; Liu, C. H.

1992-01-01

Computational simulation and study of shock/vortex interaction and vortex-breakdown modes are considered for bound (internal) and unbound (external) flow domains. The problem is formulated using the unsteady, compressible, full Navier-Stokes (NS) equations which are solved using an implicit, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. For the bound flow domain, a supersonic swirling flow is considered in a configured circular duct and the problem is solved for quasi-axisymmetric and three-dimensional flows. For the unbound domain, a supersonic swirling flow issued from a nozzle into a uniform supersonic flow of lower Mach number is considered for quasi-axisymmetric and three-dimensional flows. The results show several modes of breakdown; e.g., no-breakdown, transient single-bubble breakdown, transient multi-bubble breakdown, periodic multi-bubble multi-frequency breakdown and helical breakdown.

Dielectric-wall linear accelerator with a high voltage fast rise time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators

DOEpatents

Caporaso, George J.; Sampayan, Stephen E.; Kirbie, Hugh C.

1998-01-01

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is improved by a high-voltage, fast rise-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface.

ac-driven vortices and the Hall effect in a superconductor with a tilted washboard pinning potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shklovskij, Valerij A.; Dobrovolskiy, Oleksandr V.

2008-09-01

The Langevin equation for a two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear guided vortex motion in a tilted cosine pinning potential in the presence of an ac is exactly solved in terms of a matrix continued fraction at arbitrary value of the Hall effect. The influence of an ac of arbitrary amplitude and frequency on the dc and ac magnetoresistivity tensors is analyzed. The ac density and frequency dependence of the overall shape and the number and position of the Shapiro steps on the anisotropic current-voltage characteristics are considered. The influence of a subcritical or overcritical dc on the time-dependent stationary ac longitudinal and transverse resistive vortex responses (on the frequency of an ac drive Ω ) in terms of the nonlinear impedance tensor Ẑ and the nonlinear ac response at Ω harmonics are studied. Analytical formulas for 2D temperature-dependent linear impedance tensor ẐL in the presence of a dc which depend on the angle α between the current-density vector and the guiding direction of the washboard planar pinning potential are derived and analyzed. Influence of α anisotropy and the Hall effect on the nonlinear power absorption by vortices is discussed.

Integration of offshore wind farms through high voltage direct current networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Livermore, Luke

The integration of offshore wind farms through Multi Terminal DC (MTDC) networks into the GB network was investigated. The ability of Voltage Source Converter (VSC) High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) to damp Subsynchronous Resonance (SSR) and ride through onshore AC faults was studied. Due to increased levels of wind generation in Scotland, substantial onshore and offshore reinforcements to the GB transmission network are proposed. Possible inland reinforcements include the use of series compensation through fixed capacitors. This potentially can lead to SSR. Offshore reinforcements are proposed by two HVDC links. In addition to its primary functions of bulk power transmission, a HVDC link can be used to provide damping against SSR, and this function has been modelled. Simulation studies have been carried out in PSCAD. In addition, a real-time hardware-in-the-loop HVDC test rig has been used to implement and validate the proposed damping scheme on an experimental platform. When faults occur within AC onshore networks, offshore MTDC networks are vulnerable to DC overvoltages, potentially damaging the DC plant and cables. Power reduction and power dissipation control systems were investigated to ride through onshore AC faults. These methods do not require dedicated fast communication systems. Simulations and laboratory experiments are carried out to evaluate the control systems, with the results from the two platforms compared..

Increase the threshold voltage of high voltage GaN transistors by low temperature atomic hydrogen treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erofeev, E. V., E-mail: erofeev@micran.ru; Fedin, I. V.; Kutkov, I. V.

High-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on AlGaN/GaN epitaxial heterostructures are a promising element base for the fabrication of high voltage electronic devices of the next generation. This is caused by both the high mobility of charge carriers in the transistor channel and the high electric strength of the material, which makes it possible to attain high breakdown voltages. For use in high-power switches, normally off-mode GaN transistors operating under enhancement conditions are required. To fabricate normally off GaN transistors, one most frequently uses a subgate region based on magnesium-doped p-GaN. However, optimization of the p-GaN epitaxial-layer thickness and the doping levelmore » makes it possible to attain a threshold voltage of GaN transistors close to V{sub th} = +2 V. In this study, it is shown that the use of low temperature treatment in an atomic hydrogen flow for the p-GaN-based subgate region before the deposition of gate-metallization layers makes it possible to increase the transistor threshold voltage to V{sub th} = +3.5 V. The effects under observation can be caused by the formation of a dipole layer on the p-GaN surface induced by the effect of atomic hydrogen. The heat treatment of hydrogen-treated GaN transistors in a nitrogen environment at a temperature of T = 250°C for 12 h reveals no degradation of the transistor’s electrical parameters, which can be caused by the formation of a thermally stable dipole layer at the metal/p-GaN interface as a result of hydrogenation.« less

Ultrastable Natural Ester-Based Nanofluids for High Voltage Insulation Applications.

PubMed

Peppas, Georgios D; Bakandritsos, Aristides; Charalampakos, Vasilis P; Pyrgioti, Eleftheria C; Tucek, Jiri; Zboril, Radek; Gonos, Ioannis F

2016-09-28

Nanofluids for high voltage insulation systems have emerged as a potential substitute for liquid dielectrics in industrial applications. Nevertheless, the sedimentation of nanoparticles has been so far a serious barrier for their wide and effective exploitation. The present work reports on the development and in-depth characterization of colloidally ultrastable natural ester oil insulation systems containing iron oxide nanocrystals which lift the problem of sedimentation and phase separation. Compared to state-of-the-art systems, the final product is endowed with increased dielectric strength, faster thermal response, lower dielectric losses (decreased dissipation factor: tan δ), and very high endurance during discharge stressing. The developed nanofluid was studied and compared with a similar system containing commercial iron oxide nanoparticles, the latter demonstrating extensive sedimentation. Herein, the dielectric properties of the nanofluids are analyzed at various concentrations by means of breakdown voltage and dissipation factor measurements. The characterization techniques unequivocally demonstrate the high performance reliability of the reported nanofluid, which constitutes a significant breakthrough in the field of high voltage insulation technologies.

Early-\\x90stage Electrical Breakdown involving Tunneling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hjalmarson, Harold; Moore, Chris; Schultz, Peter; Bussman, Ezra; Scrymgeour, David; Hopkins, Matt

The early stage of electrical breakdown from a surface is assumed to involve field emission. In real-world applications, the electrical field is often assumed to be increased by geometrical effects. In addition to these enhancement effects, contamination by adsorbates can lead to reductions in the effective work functions. To develop a physics-based understanding beyond the use of these empirical effects, the field emission currents at early times are being computed and measured. The calculations involve a solution of the Boltzmann equation, and the measurements involve a scanning tunneling microscope. Early results from this collaborative theoretical-experimental project will be described in this presentation. The presentation will focus on results for an ideal system with an absence of geometrical effects. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Geriatric Sexuality Breakdown Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaas, Merrie Jean

1981-01-01

Focuses on the relationship between social environment and the older individual. By utilizing the Social Breakdown Syndrome a cycle of events is defined by the Geriatric Sexuality Breakdown Syndrome, in which an older individual is initially predisposed to diminished sexual activity to the end point of self-identification as nonsexual. (Author)

Use of vacuum tubes in test instrumentation for measuring characteristics of fast high-voltage semiconductor devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berning, D.

1981-01-01

Circuits are described that permit measurement of fast events occurring in power semiconductors. These circuits were developed for the dynamic characterization of transistors used in inductive-load switching applications. Fast voltage clamping using vacuum diodes is discussed, and reference is made to a unique circuit that was built for performing nondestructive, reverse-bias, second-breakdown tests on transistors.

High Voltage Tests in the LUX-ZEPLIN System Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitis, Thomas; Lux-Zeplin Collaboration

2016-03-01

The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) project is a dark matter direct detection experiment using liquid xenon. The detector is a time projection chamber (TPC) requiring the establishment of a large electric field inside of the detector in order to drift ionization electrons. Historically, many xenon TPC designs have been unable to reach their design fields due to light production and breakdown. The LZ System Test is scaled so that with a cathode voltage of -50 kV, it will have the fields that will be seen in the LZ detector at -100 kV. It will use a fully instrumented but scaled-down version of the LZ TPC design with a vessel set and gas system designed for quick turnaround, allowing for iterative modifications to the TPC prototype and instrumentation. This talk will present results from the high voltage tests performed during the first runs of the LZ System Test.

Electrodeposition of Au/Ag bimetallic dendrites assisted by Faradaic AC-electroosmosis flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ji, Jianlong; Li, Pengwei; Sang, Shengbo, E-mail: sbsang@tyut.edu.cn

2014-03-15

Au/Ag bimetallic dendrites were synthesized successfully from the corresponding aqueous solution via the AC electrodeposition method. Both of the morphologies and compositions could be tuned by the electrolyte concentration and AC frequency. The prepared bimetallic dendrites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The underlying dendrite growth mechanism was then proposed in the context of the Directed Electrochemical Nanowires Assembly (DENA) models. Owing to the unscreened voltage dropping in the electrolyte bulk, electromigration dominates the species flux process, and cations tend to accumulate in areas with strong electricmore » field intensity, such as electrode edges. Moreover, Faradaic AC-electro-osmosis (ACEO) flow could increase the effective diffusion layer thickness in these areas during the electrochemical reaction, and leads to dendrite growth. Further Micro-Raman observations illustrated that the Au/Ag bimetallic dendrites exhibited pronounced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity, using 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MP) as model molecules.« less

Multiple piezo-patch energy harvesters on a thin plate with respective AC-DC conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghakhani, Amirreza; Basdogan, Ipek

2018-03-01

Piezoelectric patch energy harvesters can be directly integrated to plate-like structures which are widely used in automotive, marine and aerospace applications, to convert vibrational energy to electrical energy. This paper presents two different AC-DC conversion techniques for multiple patch harvesters, namely single rectifier and respective rectifiers. The first case considers all the piezo-patches are connected in parallel to a single rectifier, whereas in the second case, each harvester is respectively rectified and then connected in parallel to a smoothing capacitor and a resistive load. The latter configuration of AC-DC conversion helps to avoid the electrical charge cancellation which is a problem with the multiple harvesters attached to different locations of the host plate surface. Equivalent circuit model of the multiple piezo-patch harvesters is developed in the SPICE software to simulate the electrical response. The system parameters are obtained from the modal analysis solution of the plate. Simulations of the voltage frequency response functions (FRFs) for the standard AC input - AC output case are conducted and validated by experimental data. Finally, for the AC input - DC output case, numerical simulation and experimental results of the power outputs of multiple piezo-patch harvesters with multiple AC-DC converters are obtained for a wide range of resistive loads and compared with the same array of harvesters connected to a single AC-DC converter.

Ga2O3 Schottky rectifiers with 1 ampere forward current, 650 V reverse breakdown and 26.5 MW.cm-2 figure-of-merit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jiancheng; Ren, F.; Tadjer, Marko; Pearton, S. J.; Kuramata, A.

2018-05-01

A key goal for Ga2O3 rectifiers is to achieve high forward currents and high reverse breakdown voltages. Field-plated β-Ga2O3 Schottky rectifiers with area 0.01 cm2, fabricated on 10 μm thick, lightly-doped drift regions (1.33 x 1016 cm-3) on heavily-doped (3.6 x 1018 cm-3) substrates, exhibited forward current density of 100A.cm-2 at 2.1 V, with absolute current of 1 A at this voltage and a reverse breakdown voltage (VB) of 650V. The on-resistance (RON) was 1.58 x 10-2 Ω.cm2, producing a figure of merit (VB2/RON) of 26.5 MW.cm-2. The Schottky barrier height of the Ni was 1.04 eV, with an ideality factor of 1.02. The on/off ratio was in the range 3.3 x 106 - 5.7 x 109 for reverse biases between 5 and 100V. The reverse recovery time was ˜30 ns for switching from +2V to -5V. The results show the capability of β-Ga2O3 rectifiers to achieve exceptional performance in both forward and reverse bias conditions.

Effect of surfactants on dielectric strength of crude oil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yunusov, A.A.

1995-09-01

In all the methods used for crude oil demulsification, including electrodemulsification, surfactants are used to aid the demulsification. Therefore, the present work has been aimed at studying the character and degree of influence of surfactants on the dielectric strength of crude oil. Our experiments were performed with a standard discharger at an AC frequency of 50 Hz. The high-voltage source was a universal breakdown unit of the UPU-1 type.

Electromechanical systems with transient high power response operating from a resonant ac link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burrows, Linda M.; Hansen, Irving G.

1992-01-01

The combination of an inherently robust asynchronous (induction) electrical machine with the rapid control of energy provided by a high frequency resonant ac link enables the efficient management of higher power levels with greater versatility. This could have a variety of applications from launch vehicles to all-electric automobiles. These types of systems utilize a machine which is operated by independent control of both the voltage and frequency. This is made possible by using an indirect field-oriented control method which allows instantaneous torque control all four operating quadrants. Incorporating the ac link allows the converter in these systems to switch at the zero crossing of every half cycle of the ac waveform. This zero loss switching of the link allows rapid energy variations to be achieved without the usual frequency proportional switching loss. Several field-oriented control systems were developed under contract to NASA.

Very Low Frequency Breakdown Properties of Electrical Insulation Materials at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauers, I.; Tuncer, E.; Polizos, G.; James, D. R.; Ellis, A. R.; Pace, M. O.

2010-04-01

For long cables or equipment with large capacitance it is not always possible to conduct high voltage withstand tests at 60 Hz due to limitations in charging currents of the power supply. Very low frequency (typically at a frequency of 0.1 Hz) has been used for conventional cables as a way of getting around the charging current limitation. For superconducting grid applications the same issues apply. However there is very little data at cryogenic temperatures on how materials perform at low frequency compared to 60 Hz and whether higher voltages should be applied when performing a high voltage acceptability test. Various materials including G10 (fiberglass reinforced plastic or FRP), Cryoflex™ (a tape insulation used in some high temperature superconducting cables), kapton (commonly used polyimide), polycarbonate, and polyetherimide, and in liquid nitrogen alone have been tested using a step method for frequencies of 60 Hz, 0.1 Hz, and dc. The dwell time at each step was chosen so that the aging factor would be the same in both the 60 Hz and 0.1 Hz tests. The data indicated that, while there is a small frequency dependence for liquid nitrogen, there are significant differences for the solid materials studied. Breakdown data for these materials and for model cables will be shown and discussed.

Fuzzy efficiency optimization of AC induction motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jani, Yashvant; Sousa, Gilberto; Turner, Wayne; Spiegel, Ron; Chappell, Jeff

1993-01-01

This paper describes the early states of work to implement a fuzzy logic controller to optimize the efficiency of AC induction motor/adjustable speed drive (ASD) systems running at less than optimal speed and torque conditions. In this paper, the process by which the membership functions of the controller were tuned is discussed and a controller which operates on frequency as well as voltage is proposed. The membership functions for this dual-variable controller are sketched. Additional topics include an approach for fuzzy logic to motor current control which can be used with vector-controlled drives. Incorporation of a fuzzy controller as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) microchip is planned.

Measurements and calculations of transport AC loss in second generation high temperature superconducting pancake coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Weijia; Coombs, T. A.; Kim, Jae-Ho; Han Kim, Chul; Kvitkovic, Jozef; Pamidi, Sastry

2011-12-01

Theoretical and experimental AC loss data on a superconducting pancake coil wound using second generation (2 G) conductors are presented. An anisotropic critical state model is used to calculate critical current and the AC losses of a superconducting pancake coil. In the coil there are two regions, the critical state region and the subcritical region. The model assumes that in the subcritical region the flux lines are parallel to the tape wide face. AC losses of the superconducting pancake coil are calculated using this model. Both calorimetric and electrical techniques were used to measure AC losses in the coil. The calorimetric method is based on measuring the boil-off rate of liquid nitrogen. The electric method used a compensation circuit to eliminate the inductive component to measure the loss voltage of the coil. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical calculations thus validating the anisotropic critical state model for loss estimations in the superconducting pancake coil.

The effect of step height on the performance of three-dimensional ac electro-osmotic microfluidic pumps.

PubMed

Urbanski, John Paul; Levitan, Jeremy A; Burch, Damian N; Thorsen, Todd; Bazant, Martin Z

2007-05-15

Recent numerical and experimental studies have investigated the increase in efficiency of microfluidic ac electro-osmotic pumps by introducing nonplanar geometries with raised steps on the electrodes. In this study, we analyze the effect of the step height on ac electro-osmotic pump performance. AC electro-osmotic pumps with three-dimensional electroplated steps are fabricated on glass substrates and pumping velocities of low ionic strength electrolyte solutions are measured systematically using a custom microfluidic device. Numerical simulations predict an improvement in pump performance with increasing step height, at a given frequency and voltage, up to an optimal step height, which qualitatively matches the trend observed in experiment. For a broad range of step heights near the optimum, the observed flow is much faster than with existing planar pumps (at the same voltage and minimum feature size) and in the theoretically predicted direction of the "fluid conveyor belt" mechanism. For small step heights, the experiments also exhibit significant flow reversal at the optimal frequency, which cannot be explained by the theory, although the simulations predict weak flow reversal at higher frequencies due to incomplete charging. These results provide insight to an important parameter for the design of nonplanar electro-osmotic pumps and clues to improve the fundamental theory of ACEO.

Effect of an ac Perturbation on the Electroosmotic Behavior of a Cation-Exchange Membrane. Influence of the Cation Nature.

PubMed

Barragán, V. M.; Bauzá, C. Ruíz

2001-08-01

The effect of an ac sinusoidal perturbation of known amplitude and frequency superimposed on the usual dc applied electric voltage difference on the electroosmotic flow through a typical cation-exchange membrane has been studied using different monovalent electrolytes. As a general trend, the presence of the ac perturbation increases the value of the electroosmotic flow with respect to the value in the absence of ac perturbation. A dispersion of the electroosmotic permeability on the frequency of the applied ac signal has been found for the three studied electrolytes, observing that the electroosmotic permeability reaches maximum values for some characteristic values of the frequency. This behavior may be related to the different relaxation processes in heterogeneous mediums. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Skin breakdown in acute care pediatrics.

PubMed

Suddaby, Elizabeth C; Barnett, Scott D; Facteau, Lorna