Abstract
M.Ing.
50 Hz technology has led the plasma torch converters up to now. This technology
was used. The high power levels of plasma torches made it difficult
to implement high frequency technology. At this stage it is possible to use
high-frequency technology in plasma torch applications.
This thesis implements a high frequency converter suitable for plasma
applications. The converter used for this application is the Partial Series
Resonant Converter.
A study launched to get the properties of plasmas showed that the control
method used at this stage namely current control is not the ideal control
method. Changing the control method of the converter made it possible to
see what influence it has on the plasma.
A thorough large signal analisis of the Partial Series Resonant Converter
was done. From this analisis a transfer function of the converter was developed
and the control parameters were calculated. This control parameters
made it possible to change the control and to investigate the different control
methods.
The design of the plasma torch converter was based on the design of a
distributed transformer, input and output filter and a non-linear controller.
The results of the Partial Series Resonant Converter showed that power
control leads to a more stable plasma. This thesis made a positive contribution
to the knowledge of plasma torches and the knowledge of plasma torch
converters. The thesis forms a summarry of plasmas and plasma-related
topics, and futher study fields are defined by this thesis.