Optimum transformer turns ratio for the power supply of dielectric barrier discharge lamps

Abstract

This study is focused on studying a resonant current converter for the electrical supply of dielectric barrier discharge devices. To understand the impact of parasitic capacitances and incorporate them into the design of an optimised power supply, this approach theoretically analyses a boost-based resonant converter, considering switch capacitance and analysing the impact of the transformer turns ratio on the system's electrical efficiency. The theoretical loss analysis shows a considerable variation in efficiency for different transformer turns ratios (between 38 and 90%). At low turns ratios, most of the losses are caused by switching, whereas at high turns ratios, the conduction losses outweigh the switching losses. The impact of the transformer stray capacitance is analysed via simulation and the optimised converter is used for the experimental validation of the theoretical study.

Power Estimation of a Current Supplied DBD Considering the Transformer Parasitic Elements

“…One of the most relevant parasitic effects in DBD systems is produced by the transformer equivalent capacitance, which draws part of the DBD current and may even prohibit the discharge ignition [16], [17]. In order to avoid this, the step-up transformer can be eliminated [17]- [19], however, the capacitances of the switches and other components may have similar effects [20]. Additionally, elements, such as the transformer magnetizing inductance, L m , and leakage inductance, L k , also affect the converter operation, since they resonate with parasitic and DBD equivalent capacitances.…”