Sensing and control of position of an electrical discharge
AssigneeKw Associates LLC
InventorsMatthew A. Cibula, Joshua R. Motley, C. Rigel Woodside, Paul E. King
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Sensors measure magnetic field components, and the measured fields are used to calculate and estimated transverse position of a longitudinal electric current flowing as an electric discharge across a discharge gap. Based on the estimated position, and according to a selected transverse trajectory or distribution of the estimated discharge position, magnetic fields are applied transversely across the discharge gap so as to control or alter the estimated discharge position. Inventive apparatus and methods can be employed, inter alia, during operation of a vacuum arc furnace.
Claims20
A method for controlling or altering an estimated transverse position of one or more primary electric discharges within a discharge gap between first and second longitudinal electrical conductors, the method comprising:
- (A) using one or more magnetic field sensors, measuring corresponding magnetic field components in two or more spatial dimensions at corresponding sensor positions of the one or more magnetic field sensors;
- (B) using a computer system that is part of a control and acquisition system and that is structured, connected, and programmed therefor, calculating the estimated transverse position of the one or more primary electric discharges within the discharge gap, based on measured magnetic field components received from one or more of the magnetic field sensors via the control and acquisition system;
- (C) using the computer system that is structured, connected, and programmed therefor, generating, and transmitting via the control and acquisition system to one or more magnetic field sources, one or more corresponding control signals;
- and
- (D) using the one or more magnetic field sources, applying corresponding applied magnetic fields in response to the corresponding control signals, thereby controlling or altering the estimated transverse position of the one or more primary electric discharges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.