Compact microsecond pulsed power generator driven by solar energy for dielectric barrier discharge applications

The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) driven by a pulsed power supply can produce non-equilibrium plasma at atmospheric pressure with merits of more uniform and higher chemical reactivity which makes it promising in various applications. To fulfil the demand of the improvement of energy efficiency and environmental protection, the power generators driven by renewable sources of energy have drawn much attention. This paper describes a microsecond pulse power generator in a compact form (300 mm×200 mm×150 mm) and driven by solar energy is built in a modular structure with solar panels, DC-DC converter, voltage stabilizer, switching system, and high-voltage pulse shaping system. The pulsed power supply has the capability of providing a high voltage pulse up to 20 kV, a pulse repetitive frequency from 1 Hz to 2 kHz, and a maximum output power of 150 W. Tests with a non-inductive resistive load and a coaxial DBD load show that the compact microsecond pulse power generator can provide positive and negative pulses, adjustable voltage amplitude, and reproducible pulse waveforms with different pulse repetition rate. Also, the pulsed power supply has the capability to excite the DBD in working conditions with adjustable output parameters.