High Voltage Flyback Converter for Cold Plasma Generation

Abstract

This article outlines the development of an affordable high-voltage power supply designed for generating cold plasma. It generates DC voltages up to 10 kV using a flyback converter. The power supply includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) unit, a driver circuit, a snubber circuit consisting of a resistor, capacitor, and diode (RCD) and a high-voltage flyback transformer (HVFT). It achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS) or soft switching for improved efficiency. Experiments with positive point-to-plane corona discharges in atmospheric pressure air, using a 10 mm electrode gap, revealed repetitive current pulses. These pulses had a duration of 70 ns, peak amplitudes ranging from 30 to 45 mA, and occurred at a frequency of 10 kHz. These findings validate the proposed design for cold plasma generation, underscoring its potential to contribute significantly to the development of cost-effective and energy-efficient plasma applications.