Study on self-breakdown voltage dispersion characteristics in corona-stabilized spark gap switch

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Plasma Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Spark gap switches are crucial components in pulsed power systems, but their breakdown stability is a major limitation.
• Output characteristics of pulsed power systems are critically dependent on the breakdown stability of spark gap switches.
• Reducing the dispersion of breakdown voltage is essential for reliable operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and investigate a corona-stabilized spark gap switch with a corona needle structure.
• To reduce the dispersion of breakdown voltage in spark gap switches.
• To analyze the volt-ampere and self-breakdown voltage characteristics of the proposed switch.

Main Methods:

• Numerical and experimental investigations of corona discharge and breakdown voltage characteristics.
• Design of a spark gap switch incorporating a corona needle.
• Analysis of electric field amplification and seed electron generation.

Main Results:

• The corona needle amplifies the local electric field, generating measurable corona currents that supply seed electrons.
• Stabilized corona formation homogenizes the electric field, reducing breakdown event stochasticity.
• A breakdown voltage dispersion of 0.54% was achieved at 40 kV and 20 Hz with the corona-stabilized switch.

Conclusions:

• The corona-stabilized spark gap switch effectively reduces breakdown voltage dispersion, enhancing stability.
• The corona needle's proximity to the main electrode influences corona current and breakdown voltage stability.
• The developed switch demonstrates excellent breakdown stability, meeting pulsed power system application requirements.