Patent Grant
11622440
This application relates generally to plasma cutting systems, and more particularly, to cooling plasma cutting system consumables and related systems and methods.
Plasma arc cutting torches are widely used in the cutting, gouging and marking of materials. A plasma arc torch generally includes an electrode, a nozzle having a central exit orifice mounted within a torch body, electrical connections, passages for cooling, and passages for arc control fluids (e.g., plasma gas). Optionally, a swirl ring is employed to control fluid flow patterns in the plasma chamber formed between the electrode and the nozzle. In some torches, a retaining cap can be used to maintain the nozzle and/or swirl ring in the plasma arc torch. In operation, a plasma arc torch produces a plasma arc, which is a constricted jet of mostly ionized gas with high temperature and that can have sufficient momentum to assist with removal of molten metal. A plasma cutting system can include at least one plasma arc torch, a power source for supplying power to the plasma arc torch, and a gas source for supplying a gas (e.g., air) to the plasma arc torch to support various torch operations. In some designs, a compressor is used to compress the gas from the gas source and deliver the compressed gas to the plasma arc torch.
A typical plasma arc torch uses a total of about 240 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh) of air or higher compressed to about 65 pounds per square inch (psi) or higher. This total amount of air is typically directed through various flow paths in the plasma arc torch, such as to the shield, the nozzle, the electrode, and/or to the plasma chamber.
In operation, a gas is introduced into the torch 100 through a gas inlet 110 at a flow rate of about 240 scfh or higher, and a gas flow 112 travels toward the distal end 114 of the electrode 102 in a channel between an exterior surface of the swirl ring 106 and an interior surface of the retaining cap 108. As the gas flow 112 passes the gas distribution hole 118 of the swirl ring 106, the flow 112 is divided about equally, approximately 50% of which forms a shield flow 120 and the remaining 50% of which forms a swirl flow 122. The shield flow 120 travels at a flow rate of about 125 scfh or higher in a channel between an exterior surface of the nozzle 104 and an interior surface of the retaining cap 108 eventually exiting the torch 100. The shield flow 120 can cool the nozzle 104, provide stability to the plasma arc generated, and remove dross. The swirl flow 122 travels through the distribution hole 118 and continues toward the plasma chamber 103 in a channel between an exterior surface of the electrode 102 and an interior surface of the nozzle 104. As the swirl flow 122 reaches the plasma chamber 103, the swirl flow 122 divides, about 20% of which (i.e., 10% of the input gas flow 112) forms a plasma chamber flow 124 and the remaining 80% of which (i.e., 40% of the input gas flow 112) forms an electrode vent flow 126. The plasma chamber flow 124 constricts the plasma arc in the plasma chamber 103 and exits the plasma chamber 103 through the nozzle exit orifice 130 at a flow rate of about 19 scfh or higher. In contrast, the electrode vent flow 126 is adapted to travel in a reverse direction from the distal end 114 of the electrode 102 to its proximal end 115 at a flow rate of about 96 scfh or higher and exit the torch 100 through a venting port (not shown) at the proximal end 115 of the electrode 102. The electrode vent flow 126 is adapted to cool the electrode 102 as it traverses the longitudinal length of the electrode 102.
One significant shortcoming associated with conventional plasma arc torch designs (e.g., the torch 100 of
Thus, it is desirable to provide a plasma arc cutting system that has power and gas considerations for operating a plasma arc torch effectively at lower gas flow rate while maintaining about the same gas pressure, thereby enabling lower gas consumption and more efficient gas usage. Additionally, it is desirable to supply a gas to the plasma arc torch that is cool and dry, thereby allowing better torch performance. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a portable plasma cutting system that achieves the desired gas qualities described above, where the portable system can effectively integrate the power supply with the air compressor without introducing inconvenient limitations, such as adding bulky and/or costly components or requiring fixed input voltages.
In some aspects, systems and methods described herein can achieve efficient use of air within a plasma cutting system (e.g., lower gas flow rate while maintaining similar gas pressure) by preventing unnecessary gas leaks in a plasma arc torch. For example, the torch can include one or more strategically positioned sealing devices (e.g., o-rings) to eliminate gas leaks through its rear end, which can increase plasma chamber pressure by about 6 psi at nominal environmental conditions. This design also increases the robustness of the electrode—swirl ring interface to reduce physical damages and particle contamination, which in turn increases optimal performance pressure range for the plasma cutting system. Such an improvement allows the torch to perform over wider environmental conditions and improves compressor performance.
For example, in some aspects, translatable electrodes for a blowback ignition air cooled plasma cutting system can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.
The sealing member can be an o-ring type sealing member. The annular mating feature can include an annular recess in which the o-ring type sealing member is disposed. The sealing member can be a sealing material coating along the annular mating feature.
The electrode can also include a second annular mating feature extending radially from a distal end of the rear portion of the electrode. A thermal transfer surface can be defined in a region between the annular mating feature and the second annular mating feature. The thermal transfer surface can define a set of flanges extending from the region between the annular mating feature and the second annular mating feature, the set of flanges having a radial width less than the first annular width. The set of flanges can define at least two physically distinct flanges. The set of flanges define a set of longitudinal and/or axial flow passages between the annular mating feature, the second annular mating feature, and the set of thermal flanges.
The dynamic seal can be configured to form a fluid seal between the annular mating feature and an adjacent torch component while permitting the electrode to move relative to the adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a swirl ring.
The electrode can form a thermally conductive path between the rear portion and the plasma arc emitter.
The rear portion of the electrode can be free of axial positioning elements that limit axial motion of the electrode relative to a plasma torch body.
In some aspects electrodes for a plasma cutting system can include an arc portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the arc portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a thermal portion in thermal communication with a second end of the arc portion, the thermal portion shaped to slidingly engage a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: a first circumferentially formed disk-shaped flange mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the thermal portion of the electrode to define a first radial width to interface with the swirl ring, a second circumferentially formed disk-shaped flange mating feature extending radially from a distal end of the thermal portion of the electrode to define a second radial width to interface with the swirl ring, and a thermal exchange surface region defined by a generally cylindrical portion of the thermal portion between the first disk-shaped flange mating feature and the second disk-shaped flange mating feature, the thermal exchange surface defining a set of annular flanges extending from the thermal portion between the first mating flange and the second mating flange, the set of flanges having a radial width less than at least one of the first radial width and the second radial width.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.
The radial width of the set of flanges can be about 50% to about 85% less than the first radial width. At least one flange in the set of flanges can have an axial thickness that is about 5% to about 25% of an axial length of the thermal exchange surface region. At least two flanges of the set of flanges can be spaced apart by a spacing that is about 5% to about 25% of an axial thickness of one of the at least two flanges. At least one of the at least two flanges can be the first mating flange or the second mating flange. The set of flanges can include three flanges arranged between the first mating flange and the second mating flange. At least one flange of the set of flanges can include a sharp corner edge around its outer surface. The first mating flange, the second mating flange, and the thermal exchange surface region can together partially define a cooling cavity. The first radial width and the second radial width can be substantially equal. The first disk-shaped flange mating feature can include a sealing surface configured to form a dynamical seal with a complementary swirl ring. At least one of the first disk-shaped flange mating feature or the second disk-shaped flange mating feature can include a continuous circumferentially formed flange. The electrode can forms thermally conductive path between the thermal exchange surface of the thermal portion and the plasma arc emitter of the arc portion. A gas flow passing between the first mating flange and the second mating flange can convectively cool the thermal exchange surface region and the thermal portion can conductively cool the arc portion.
In some aspects, method of cooling an electrode of a plasma cutting system can include positioning an electrode translatably within a swirl ring of a plasma cutting torch; forming an enclosed electrode cooling cavity between a rear flange of the electrode, a forward flange of the electrode, and an interior surface of the swirl ring; providing a gas flow to the torch; directing the gas flow to a proximal region of the swirl ring; directing the gas flow into the enclosed electrode cooling cavity through a set of inlet holes formed around the proximal region of the swirl ring; circulating the gas flow along the surface defined by the generally cylindrical portion of the electrode between the rear flange and the forward flange; expelling substantially all of the gas flow from the enclosed electrode cooling cavity through a set of outlet holes formed around a distal region of the swirl ring; and directing the gas flow into a plenum region defined between the electrode and a complementary nozzle.
Embodiments can include one of more of the following features.
Directing the gas flow into the enclosed electrode cooling cavity can include directing the gas flow using a sealing device to limit gas flow along an exterior surface of the swirl ring. Using a sealing device can include forming a circumferential seal between the swirl ring and a radially adjacent component. Circulating the gas flow along a surface defined between the rear flange and the forward flange can include flowing the gas flow along a set of thermal flanges extending from between the first mating flange and the second mating flange. Forming the enclosed electrode cooling cavity can include forming a dynamic seal between the rear flange of the electrode and the interior surface of the swirl ring. Circulating the gas flow along the surface defined between the rear flange and the forward flange can conductively cool the surface defined between the rear flange and the forward flange. The convectively cooled surface defined between the rear flange and the forward flange can conductively cool an end of the electrode having an emissive insert via a thermally conductive path through the electrode. Directing the gas flow into the plenum region can include dividing the gas flow and directing a first portion of the gas flow into the plenum region and a second portion of the gas flow to serve as a shield gas.
Methods can also include re-directing the gas flow into the enclosed electrode cooling cavity through a second set of inlet holes formed around the proximal region of the swirl ring; circulating the gas flow along the surface defined by the generally cylindrical portion of the electrode between the rear flange and the forward flange; and expelling substantially all of the gas flow from the enclosed electrode cooling cavity through a second set of outlet holes formed around a distal region of the swirl ring
In some aspects, swirl ring for plasma cutting systems (e.g., plasma cutting torches) can include a distal section shaped to receive a neck portion of a corresponding plasma arc electrode, the distal section including a set of fluid flow passages fluidly connecting an internal surface of the swirl ring with an external surface of the swirl ring, the set of fluid flow passages shaped to impart a swirling flow path on gas passing therethrough; and a proximal section shaped to matingly engage a rear portion of the electrode, the proximal section including: a first portion defining a set of inlet passages that provide a gas flow from the external surface of the swirl ring to the internal surface of the swirl ring; and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the distal section defining a set of outlet passages that provide the gas flow from the internal surface of the swirl ring to the external surface of the swirl ring.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.
Swirl rings can include a flow diversion element disposed along the external surface of the swirl ring. The flow diversion element can limit (e.g., prevent) the gas flow from passing along the external surface of the swirl ring beyond the first portion. The flow diversion element can include or be a sealing feature. The sealing feature can include or be an o-ring type sealing device. The flow diversion element can include or be a feature extending circumferentially from the external surface of the swirl ring.
Swirl rings can also include a transition section between the distal section and the proximal section, which can define a taper, step, or flange.
The outlet passages and/or the inlet passages can be substantially evenly distributed circumferentially around the swirl ring. The set of outlet passages and the set of inlet passages can be circumferentially offset from one another about a longitudinal axis of the swirl ring. At least a portion of the internal surface of the swirl ring can be shaped and configured to slidingly interface with a mating feature of the rear portion of electrode.
In some cases, swirl rings can include a second set of inlet passages disposed distally relative to the outlet passages and a second set of outlet passages disposed distally relative to the second set of inlet passages. The swirl rings can include a flow diversion element disposed between the second set of inlet passages and the second set of outlet passages.
In some aspects, plasma cutting torch tips (e.g., plasma arc torch tips) can include an electrode disposed within a complementary swirl ring of a plasma cutting torch, where the electrode includes: a first flange mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of a rear portion of the electrode to slidingly engage with the swirl ring; a second flange mating feature extending radially from a distal end of the rear portion of the electrode to interface with the swirl ring; and a thermal exchange surface region defined between the first flange mating feature and the second flange mating feature; and the swirl ring includes a proximal section shaped to engage the electrode, the proximal section including: a first portion located substantially opposite to the distal section defining a set of inlet passages that provide a gas flow from the external surface of the swirl ring to the internal surface of the swirl ring; and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the distal section defining a set of outlet passages that provide the gas flow from the internal surface of the swirl ring to the external surface of the swirl ring, the electrode and the swirl ring together defining, during engagement, a substantially enclosed volume between the first flange mating feature, the second flange mating feature, the thermal exchange surface region, and the internal surface of the swirl ring; and a gas supply (e.g., of the plasma arc torch power supply) providing the gas flow to the external surface of the swirl ring.
Additionally, the invention provides systems and methods for improving the quality of the compressed air generated by the compressor. In one exemplary implementation of an integrated compressor-power supply design, an after-cooler tube for transporting the compressor air to the torch is located in the same housing as the compressor and power supply electronics. The after-cooler tube can be positioned directly in the blast of a cooling fan typically used to cool power supply electronics, thereby producing a high heat transfer coefficient (h) of about 112 W/m{circumflex over ( )}2-° C. This design choice allows a reduced package size and more effective cooling than can be otherwise achieved in the same size package.
Moreover, the invention provides an integrated compressor-power supply design that is portable and easy to use, especially conducive to field applications. In some embodiments, an auxiliary direct-current (DC)-to-DC converter is used to power the integrated air compressor, where the DC-DC converter can draw DC power from existing torch power supply and produce an appropriate amount of DC voltage to power the air compressor. One major benefit of this design is that it provides a highly portable plasma cutting system with universal input AC voltage while minimizing the design change needed for the existing torch power supply, thus reducing design alteration cost.
In one aspect, a plasma cutting system is provided. The system includes a power source configured to generate a plasma arc and a plasma arc torch connected to the power source for delivering the plasma arc to a workpiece. The plasma arc torch defines a multi-function fluid flow path for sustaining the plasma arc and cooling the plasma arc torch such that the plasma cutting system has a power-to-gas flow ratio of at least 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute (KW/cfm). The power-to-gas flow ratio comprises a ratio of power of the generated plasma arc to a total gas flow supplied to the plasma arc torch. In some embodiments, the plasma arc torch is a blowback torch.
In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system further comprises a compressor operably connected to the power source and configured to supply a plasma gas to the plasma arc torch at a rate of less than about 80 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh). A direct-current-to-direct-current (DC-DC) converter can be operably connected between an output of the power source and an input of the compressor. The compressor can be integrated with the power source.
In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system further comprises a circumferential seal formed between an electrode and a swirl ring of the plasma arc torch to prevent the plasma gas from traveling in a reverse flow direction toward a proximal end of the torch away from the workpiece. The circumferential seal can be dynamic. In some embodiments, the plasma arc torch is configured to substantial inhibit rearward venting of the plasma gas in the plasma arc torch.
In another aspect, a plasma cutting system is provided. The system includes a power supply and a compressor. The power supply is disposed within a housing and configured to deliver a current of greater than about 25 amperes to a torch head for generating a plasma arc. The torch head comprises a distal end for receiving an emissive element and a proximal end. The compressor is disposed within the housing and operably connected to the power supply and configured to supply a plasma gas to the torch head. The torch head is configured to direct a flow of the plasma gas through a flow path in the torch head at a rate of not more than about 80 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh). In addition, the torch head defines the flow path for providing a multi-function fluid flow of plasma gas toward the distal end, where the torch head is configured to at least substantially prevent a reverse flow of the plasma gas toward the proximal end.
In some embodiments, the system further includes a direct-current-to-direct-current (DC-DC) converter operably connected between an output of the power supply and an input of the compressor. The compressor can be integrated with the power supply, such as an internal component of the power supply. The power supply can include a boost converter that provides a constant input voltage to the DC-DC converter regardless of the input voltage to the power supply.
In some embodiments, the torch head comprises an electrode, a swirl ring, a nozzle, a retaining cap, and a first circumferential seal formed between the electrode and the swirl ring to dynamically engage an external surface of the electrode to an internal surface of the swirl ring. The first circumferential seal at least substantially prevents the reverse flow of the plasma gas toward the proximal end of the torch head away from the workpiece. In addition, the torch head can include a second circumferential seal formed between the swirl ring and the retaining cap to engage an external surface of the swirl ring to an internal surface of the the retaining cap.
In some embodiments, the multi-function fluid flow comprises: i) an electrode cooling flow portion between an external surface of the electrode and an internal surface of the swirl ring to cool the electrode; ii) a retaining cap flow portion between an external surface of the swirl ring and an internal surface of the retaining cap; and iii) a plasma chamber flow portion between an external surface of the electrode and an internal surface of the nozzle and in fluid connection with a plasma chamber of the torch head to constrict the plasma arc. The flow rate of the plasma chamber flow portion of the multi-functional fluid flow can be about 20 scfh. In some embodiments, the multi-function fluid flow further comprises a vent flow portion from an internal surface of the nozzle to an external surface of the nozzle to stabilize the plasma arc and cool the nozzle.
In some embodiments, a power-to-gas flow ratio of the plasma cutting system, which comprises a ratio of plasma cutting power generated by the power supply to a total flow of the plasma gas supplied by the compressor to the torch head, is greater than about 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute (KW/cfm).
In some embodiments, the flow rate of the plasma gas supplied by the compressor to the torch head is about 65 scfh.
In yet another aspect, a plasma cutting system is provided. The system comprises a power generation means for generating a plasma arc and a delivery means for delivering the plasma arc to a workpiece. The delivery means defines a multi-function fluid flow path for sustaining the plasma arc and cooling the delivery means such that the plasma cutting system has a power-to-gas flow ratio of at least 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute (KW/cfm). The power-to-gas flow ratio comprises a ratio of power of the plasma arc to a total gas flow supplied to the delivery means.
In other examples, any of the aspects above can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system further comprises a thermal regulation system including a fan for generating a flow of cooled air, a heat sink located downstream from the fan, and an output tube. The heat sink is connected to a set of electronics in the power source/power supply. The output tube is connected to the compressor and disposed in the power source/power supply for conducting the plasma gas from the compressor to the plasma arc torch. Additionally, the output tube is located substantially between the fan and the heat sink such that the output tube is substantially exposed to the flow of cooled air from the fan.
In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system further includes a set of baffles configured to direct the flow of cooled air from the fan to the output tube. In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system further comprises a water separator connected to the output tube. In some embodiments, the fan is configured to cool both the heat sink and the plasma gas in the output tube. In some embodiments, the output tube comprises a coil. The coil diameter can be approximately the same as or less than an annular flow area of the fan such that the output tube is substantially immersed in the flow of cooled air. At least one of the diameter of the output tube or the length of the output tube can be dimensioned such that the heat transfer rate from the plasma gas within the output tube to the internal surface of the output tube is approximately the same as the heat transfer rate from the exterior surface of the output tube to the ambient air.
In some embodiments, the power source/power supply operates at a current of less than about 50 amperes. In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system weighs no more than about 30 pounds. In some embodiments, the plasma cutting system has a volume of about 1640 inch3. Unless otherwise noted or stated herein, the various aspects of the systems and methods described herein, and their related embodiments, can be implemented in any of various different possible combinations with one another.
It should also be understood that various aspects and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways. Based on the teachings of this specification, a person of ordinary skill in the art can readily determine how to combine these various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, any of the aspects above can include one or more of the above features. One embodiment of the invention can provide all of the above features and advantages.
The advantages of the invention described above, together with further advantages, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
In some embodiments, power supplies described herein are designed and manufactured to operate efficiently at low operational cost while also being affordable to purchase and maintain. Additionally, power supplies described herein can maintain a desired operational temperature while reducing (e.g., minimizing) power supply size and promoting a simplified component layout. Additionally, power supplies described herein can operate in a wide variety of environments at reasonable operational temperatures while minimizing the exposure of internal components to moisture and other environmental contaminants.
In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein provide a material processing power supply unit (e.g., a plasma arc torch power supply) that is light weight and requires reduced gas flow and/or cooling flow relative to other systems (e.g., other systems with comparable power outputs). The power supplies described herein can be a small, more compact design.
The advantageous capabilities described herein can be achieved using modifications to the torch cooling subsystem, the power supply cooling subsystem, each alone or in combination with one another. For example, as discussed below, a torch cooling subsystem can include a fewer number of torch consumables (i.e., consumables requiring less compressed air flow) to achieve a higher power to cooling gas flow ratios. Additionally or alternatively, power supply cooling subsystems can include various features, such as electronic circuitry configurations to power an air compressor using a wide range of (e.g., universal) power inputs. Additionally or alternatively, in some cases, compressed air delivered to the torch can be cooled within the power supply by arranging tubing carrying the compressed air within a path or (e.g., directly within an exhaust path of) a power supply cooling fan rather than requiring multiple fan devices.
In general, plasma cutting systems of the present invention can include any of the various features or components described herein, either alone or in combination with one another, to achieve one or more advantageous results described herein.
In one aspect, the systems and methods described herein provide plasma arc torches that direct and use compressed gas in a more efficient manner to help limit gas flow losses and to reduce the amount of compressed gas needed to operate the torches, such as using limited (e.g., no) vent flow and reduced (e.g., minimal) shield gas flow. Additionally, in some embodiments, most or all of the gas flow in a torch can be directed axially towards the torch tip to help reduce losses.
For example,
Referring to
The electrode 202 is designed and configured to be generally free to translate (e.g., slide within or along) adjacent torch components, such as a swirl ring. In some cases, the blowback style electrode can be substantially free of features or elements, such as threaded connections, that couple (e.g., affix) the electrode to an adjacent torch component that could otherwise cause the electrode to be permanently fixed to the torch body after installation. For example, during use (e.g., during plasma arc ignition) a gas flow can be introduced to a region of the electrode to drive the electrode away from the nozzle 204 to create a gap between the nozzle and the electrode through which a plasma arc can be formed. So that the electrode can move (e.g., slide, translate, matingly engage, etc.) relative to an adjacent component, such as a swirl ring, it can therefore be useful and advantageous (e.g., or even necessary in some cases) that the electrode be free of axial positioning elements, such as threaded connections. However, in some examples, as discussed below, the electrodes described herein can include one or more sealing devices that form a fluid seal between the electrode and an adjacent component (e.g., the swirl ring) that is a dynamic seal. In some embodiments, the fluid seal permits the electrode to axially move (translate) a relatively small amount (e.g., about 0.025 inches to about 0.100 inches (e.g., about 0.035 inches)). Such permitted translation can be useful for blowback style electrodes that move into and out of contact with the nozzle during ignition.
The rear portion 260 is typically sized and configured to interface with (e.g., slidingly engage with) an adjacent torch component, such as the swirl ring 206. For example, the rear portion 260 can have a forward end (e.g., a distal end) 262 and a rear end (e.g., a proximal end) 264 that are adapted to mate with the swirl ring 206.
In some embodiments, the rear portion 260 includes at least one mating feature, such as a first feature (e.g., a circumferentially formed disk-shaped flange mating feature (e.g., an annular flange)) 266 that extends outwardly (e.g., radially) from the proximal end 264 of the rear portion 260. In some cases, the first feature 266 can be annularly formed flanges formed generally uniformly (e.g., continuously) around the rear portion 260. The first feature 266 can be solid structures (e.g., substantially free of fluid passages therethrough) to serve as a fluid barrier to help contain a gas flow. The first feature 266 defines a width (e.g., a radial width (e.g., a diameter)) W1 adapted to interface with the swirl ring 206.
In some embodiments, the rear portion 260 can also include a second feature (e.g., a circumferentially formed disk-shaped flange mating feature (e.g., an annular flange)) 268 that extends outwardly (e.g., radially) from the distal end 262 of the rear portion 260. The second feature 268 can also define a width (e.g., a radial width (e.g., a diameter) W2 adapted to interface with the swirl ring 206). In some embodiments, the radial width W1 can be approximately the same as the radial width W2. In some embodiments, the width W1 and/or the width W2 can be about 0.4 inches to about 0.5 inches (e.g., about 0.44 inches to about 0.45 inches (e.g., 0.449 inches to about 0.4497 inches)). However, in some embodiments, the radial width W1 of the first feature 266 is greater than the radial width W2 of the second feature 268. For example, the radial width W1 may be larger than the radial width W2 so that the first feature 266 has a tighter fit with the swirl ring 206 than the second feature 268.
In some cases, the first feature 266 can define a positioning surface (e.g., a bearing surface) that is configured to slidingly interface with the swirl ring 206. For example, the positioning surface can be defined around an outer circumferential surface of the first feature 266. The bearing surface can be configured to provide a tight fit between the electrode 202 and the swirl ring 206. In some examples, the first feature 266 (e.g., and the bearing surface thereon) can be configured to slidingly engage and seal with a sealing device (e.g., an o-ring) of the swirl ring, as discussed below.
The first feature 266 and the second feature 268 can be separated by an axial length such that a ratio of the radial width W1 to the axial length between the first feature 266 and the second feature 268 is less than about 1.32 to about 1.44 (e.g., about 1.38). That is, in some embodiments, the rear portion 260 (e.g., via the first feature 266 and the second feature 268) can define a generally cylindrical engagement surface area to be received by the adjacent swirl ring.
In some embodiments, at least one of the disk-shaped features (e.g., the first feature 266 or the second feature 268) can include a sealing surface configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring. For example, the sealing surface can limit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the disk-shaped feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature. In some examples, the sealing surface can comprise a sealing device (e.g., an o-ring type sealing member) 232. In some embodiments, the disk-shaped feature can define a recess (e.g., an annularly formed recess) 233 along its outer circumferential surface to receive the o-ring 232. For example, the electrode 202 illustrated in
The rear portion 260 can include a region (e.g., a thermal exchange or transfer surface region (e.g., a convective heat exchange surface)) 270 defined by a generally cylindrical portion between the first feature 266 and the second feature 268. The thermal exchange surface region 270 typically has a width (e.g., a radial width (e.g., diameter)) W3 that is less than the radial width W1 of the first feature 266 and/or the radial width W2 of the second feature 268. In some cases the average width along the thermal exchange surface region is less than the radial width W1 and/or the radial width W2.
As discussed herein, the electrode can be installed (e.g., physically mated) with the complementary swirl ring such that the first feature 266 or the second feature 268 can slidingly engage the swirl ring. When installed within the swirl ring, the electrode, for example, by the first feature 266, second feature 268, and/or the thermal exchange surface region 270 can define a cavity (e.g., an enclosed volume or a cooling cavity) 275 between the electrode and swirl ring through which gas (e.g., a cooling gas flow) can flow to cool the rear portion of the electrode. As described below, in an installed configuration, the enclosed cooling cavity 275 can receive a gas flow from a gas inlet (e.g., one or more holes) of the swirl ring and expel the gas flow (e.g., after the gas flow has passed along and cooled the thermal exchange surface region) through an outlet (e.g., one or more holes) of the swirl ring. As discussed herein, the cavity 275 can be formed in part by forming a dynamic seal between the first feature 266 of the electrode and the interior surface of the swirl ring.
The thermal exchange surface region 270 can be used to cool other portions of the electrode. In some embodiments, the electrode forms a thermally conductive path between the thermal exchange surface region 270 and the plasma arc emitter 216 of the front portion 250. For example, as discussed below, a gas flow passing between the first feature 266 and the second feature 268 can convectively cool the thermal exchange surface region 270 and/as the rear portion 260 conductively cools the front portion 250 (e.g., via the thermally conductive path).
The thermal exchange surface region 270 can have any of various shapes and sizes to help promote cooling of the rear portion 260. In some embodiments, the thermal exchange surface region 270 can include a generally cylindrical portion (e.g., a substantially uniform cylinder) formed between the first feature 266 and the second feature 268. Alternatively, in some examples, as illustrated the thermal exchange surface region 270 can include one or more features, such as a flange (e.g., a disk-shaped flange (e.g., a round disk-shaped flange)) 272 extending from an inner cylindrical portion 282. As mentioned above, the width W3 of one or more of the flanges 272 can be less than the radial width W1 of the first feature 266 and/or the radial width W2 of the second feature 268. The set of flanges can include at least two physically distinct (e.g., separated) flanges. In some examples, one or more of the flanges can define a sharp edge (e.g., square or about 90 degree corner) around an outer corner 280. In some cases, the sharp edge corner 280 can help promote cooling of the flange, for example, by increasing thermal energy transfer or helping to perturb gas flow passing through the cooling cavity 275 to create turbulent flow within the cavity.
The set of flanges can include any number of flanges disposed along the thermal exchange surface region 270. For example, the set of flanges can include one to ten or more flanges. In some embodiments, the set of flanges can include about three flanges, which can be arranged substantially equally spaced from one another. In some cases, the flanges can all be equally sized to have a common width W3 and thickness 274. Constructing the set of flanges to have substantially the same size and spacing can help to promote equal cooling of the rear portion 260.
The set of flanges 272 can define a set of longitudinal and/or axial flow passages within the cooling cavity 275, such as in a spacing 277 between an internal surface of the complementary swirl ring (e.g., or the outer surface of the first feature 266) and the set of thermal flanges.
In some examples, the width W3 can be about 50% to about 85% (e.g., about 81% of the radial width W1. In some embodiments, the width W3 is about 0.225 inches to about 0.38 inches (e.g., about 0.36 inches).
The set of flanges are typically sized and configured to promote airflow along the thermal exchange surface region 270 (e.g., to promote convective cooling along the flanges) while balancing the flanges' capability to promote conductive cooling therethrough. That is, the flanges typically have a diameter that is sufficiently large to provide a surface area along which gas can flow and a spacing 276 between adjacent flanges so that gas can pass therethrough (e.g., to serve as a cooling fin). Sizing to promote convective cooling can be balanced with design of the individual flanges to promote conductive cooling. For example, the flanges can have a thickness that is large enough to promote desired conductive cooling radially through the flanges to help cool other regions of the electrode. In some cases, at least one flange 272 can have a thickness (e.g., an axial thickness) 274 that is about 5% to about 25% (e.g., about 15%) of an axial length of the thermal exchange surface region 270. In some cases, the axial thickness 274 can be about 0.01 inches to about 0.083 inches (e.g., about 0.047 inches).
The flanges can be separated by a spacing (e.g., an axial spacing) 276 that is large enough to provide a region through which gas flow can pass, for example, to help convectively cool the flanges. In some examples, at least two flanges (e.g., in some cases, one of the two flanges can be the first feature 266 or the second feature 268) can be separated by a spacing 276 that is about 5% to about 25% of an axial length of the thermal exchange surface region 270. In some cases, the spacing 276 is about 0.01 inches to about 0.083 inches (e.g., about 0.046 inches).
While the electrode has been generally described as having two features that define a cooling cavity (e.g., the first feature 266 and the second feature 268), other embodiments are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the electrode can include three or more disk-shaped features that help to define two or more cooling cavities. As discussed below, multiple cooling cavities can be used with multiple sets of coolant passages along the swirl ring to circulate gas flow along multiple regions of the electrode.
Referring to
The swirl ring can include a series of two or more sets of fluid flow passages formed radially through the swirl ring so that gas can flow into and out of the swirl ring, for example, to flow along and cool the electrode and/or to serve as a swirling plasma gas flow. In some embodiments, the two or more sets of fluid flow passages are formed in proximal section 284. In some cases, as illustrated in
For example, the proximal section 286 includes a first portion (e.g., an inlet portion) 288 and a second portion (e.g., an outlet portion) 290.
The first portion 288 includes a set of proximal holes (e.g., inlet flow passages (e.g., gas flow holes)) 218 that provide a gas flow from the external surface 287 of the swirl ring to the internal surface 285. The inlet passages 218 can be distributed circumferentially around the swirl ring to provide the gas flow to the internal surface 285 of the swirl ring. The inlet passages 218 can be formed radially (e.g., transverse relative to the external surface) or canted (e.g., angled with respect to a radial axis) to help impart a swirling flow. As discussed herein, the swirl ring and a matingly engaged electrode can together define a cooling cavity 275, and the inlet passages 218 can introduce a gas flow from outside the swirl ring into the cooling cavity.
The second portion 290 of the proximal section 286 is arranged (e.g., disposed or otherwise positioned) between the first portion 288 of the proximal section 286 and the distal section 284. The second portion 290 includes a set of outlet flow passages (e.g., middle holes) 222 distributed circumferentially around the swirl ring that provide the gas flow from the internal surface 285 of the swirl ring (e.g., from the cooling cavity 275 defined between the electrode and the swirl ring) to the external surface 287 of the swirl ring. The outlet passages 222 can be formed radially (e.g., transverse relative to the external surface) or canted to help impart a swirling flow.
The swirl ring can include a flow diversion element (e.g., flow obstruction) 240 disposed along the external surface of the proximal section 286 of the swirl ring between the first portion 288 and the second portion 290 (e.g., between the inlet passages 218 and the outlet passages 222). The flow diversion element 240 can help limit (e.g., inhibit or prevent) gas flow from passing along the external surface of the swirl ring (e.g., between the swirl ring and an adjacent retaining cap 208) beyond the first portion. That is, the flow diversion element 240 can block gas from flowing towards the torch tip and direct the gas flow into the inlet passages 218. The flow diversion element 240 can be a circumferential sealing surface or feature of the swirl ring or a sealing device coupled to the external surface of the swirl ring. For example the flow diversion element 240 can include an o-ring type sealing device. In some cases, the swirl ring can define an annular recess around its external surface that is configured to receive the o-ring 240. In some examples, the flow diversion element 240 can be a feature (e.g., a flange feature) extending from the external surface that defines a sealing surface that engages with the adjacent retaining cap 208.
The holes in the proximal section (e.g., the inlet passages 218 and the outlet passages 222) can be any of various sizes to provide gas flow through the swirl ring. For example, one or more of the inlet passages (e.g., all of the inlet passages) 218 can have a diameter that is about 0.030 inches to about 0.060 inches (e.g., about 0.052 inches). In some cases, the inlet passages can be substantially evenly distributed around the swirl ring (e.g., circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the swirl ring). Similarly, one or more of the outlet passages (e.g., all of the outlet passages) 222 can have a diameter that is about 0.030 inches to about 0.060 inches (e.g., about 0.052 inches).
The outlet passages can be substantially evenly distributed around the swirl ring (e.g., circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the swirl ring). In some examples, the inlet passages 218 and the outlet passages 222 can be designed to have the same sizing and/or distribution or can be arranged in different patterns. For example, as depicted in the example of
The axial distance between the inlet passages and the outlet passages can vary. In some embodiments, the inlet passages and the outlet passages can be axially separated by about 0.100 inches to about 0.200 inches (e.g., about 0.183 inches).
While the proximal section 286 has been described generally as including one set of inlet passages and one set of outlet passages that help circulate gas flow into and out of the cavity, other embodiments are possible. In some embodiments, the swirl ring can include two or more sets of inlet passages and two or more sets of outlets passages. For example, the swirl ring can have alternating sets of inlet and outlet passages that provide multiple flow paths into and out of the swirl ring. Similarly, the swirl ring can include multiple flow diversion elements to help direct gas flow into and out of the various flow passages.
The distal section 284 is shaped to accommodate (e.g., receive) a neck portion of a corresponding plasma arc electrode (e.g., the front portion 250 of electrode 202). One or more swirling fluid flow passages (e.g., distal holes) 220 are disposed around (e.g., distributed circumferentially around) the distal section that fluidly connect an internal surface 285 of the swirl ring with an external surface 287 of the swirl ring. The swirling fluid flow passages 220 help to impart a swirling flow path on gas passing therethrough. For example, the swirling fluid flow passages 220 can be canted (e.g., defined angularly with respect to the external surface 287) to direct the flow therethrough in a swirling (e.g., helical) path around the electrode.
The plasma chamber 203 is defined, at least in part, by the distal end 214 of the electrode 202 and the nozzle 204, which is situated in a spaced relationship from the electrode 202. The nozzle 204 includes a nozzle exit orifice 230 and a nozzle vent hole 231. The swirl ring 206 is in fluid communication with the plasma chamber 203 and has three sets of one or more radially offset or canted gas distribution holes, A shield (not shown) can be connected (e.g., threaded) to the retaining cap 208.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the circulating coolant flow within the cavity convectively cools the surface defined between the first feature 266 and the second feature 268. Convectively cooling the surface defined between the first feature 266 and the second feature 268 can help the electrode conductively cool the end of the electrode having an emissive insert 216, for example, via a thermally conductive path through the electrode.
The electrode cooling flow 212a then exits (e.g., is expelled from) the swirl ring 206 and the cooling cavity 275 through the set of outlet passages 222. In some cases, substantially all of the gas flow can be expelled from the enclosed cooling cavity 275 through the outlet holes 222. The gas flow 212 continues to flow distally between an outer surface of the swirl ring 206 and an inner surface of the retaining cap 208. This segment of the gas flow 212 is referred to as a retaining cap flow 212b. The retaining cap flow 212b is then directed back into the swirl ring 206 through the distal holes 220 to be used as a plasma gas flow (e.g., with a swirling flow path imparted by the distal holes 220). For example,
As discussed above, in some embodiments, the swirl ring can have two or more sets of inlet passages and outlet passages. Thus, in some embodiments, prior to entering the swirl ring through the distal holes 220, the gas flow can be directed into the swirl through a second set of inlet passages and then expelled through the swirl ring from a second set of outlet passages. This configuration of multiple inlet and outlet passages can be useful to increase gas flow circulation or to provide the gas flow to and from a second cooling cavity defined along the electrode.
With reference to
In general, the torch design 200 of
In some embodiments, the electrode 202 and/or the swirl ring 206 can include one or more sealing devices to further help reduce gas flow leakage within the torch and increase gas pressure within the plasma chamber 203. In particular, the sealing device can help reduce and/or eliminate backward (i.e., proximal) gas flow within the torch. As shown in
Similarly to the gas flow sequences described above, as a gas flow 312 can be introduced, for example during use, by a gas supply into the torch 300 through a gas inlet (not shown) at a flow rate of less than 80 scfh (e.g., about 77 scfh), the gas flow 312 travels toward the distal end 314 of the electrode 302 (i.e., downward) in a channel between an exterior surface of the swirl ring 306 and an interior surface of the retaining cap 308. Similar to
As shown, an additional sealing device is absent from the interface 334 between the electrode 302 and the swirl ring 306. Instead the interface 334 provides a surface seal (i.e., between the internal surface of the swirl ring 206 and the external surface of the electrode 202) to reduce gas leakage. However, in some cases, this configuration can still result in certain amount of backward leaking gas flow, such as about 7 to 8 scfh under nominal operating conditions. The extent of the leakage can vary with consumable dimensions. In addition, the extent of the leakage can increase if there is electrode sealing surface damage. For example, in the absence of a sealing device, the pressure in the plasma chamber 303 can be about 44 psi under nominal operating conditions. After multiple uses, this pressure can drop to about 24-27 psi at least in part due to wear between the electrode 302 and swirl ring 306 and/or contamination of the consumable components, which can create a gas passage at the interface 334. In general, variable amount of gas leakage puts large variations on the separation times between the electrode 302 and the nozzle 304 during pilot arc initiation, thereby making pilot arc initiation time unpredictable and sluggish in some cases, such as a delay of 750 ms between when the pilot arc initiation starts and when actual electrode-nozzle separation occurs.
In comparison, the sealing device 232 of
In general, the reduced-flow torch designs 200, 300 of
In view of the lower gas flow rate needed to operate the torch 200 of
Some conventional plasma arc systems, including the systems describe in Table 1, consume a significant amount of compressed gas flow to support both a cutting arc (e.g., typically a small percentage of the total compressed gas) and a cooling shield gas flow (e.g., typically a large percentage of the total compressed gas). Some conventional systems can require compressed gas flows to be provided at about 4 cubic feet per minute (cfm) to about 9 cfm. Such high gas requirements can be detrimental as some shop air compressors that have outputs in the 2-3 cfm range.
In contrast, the systems of the present invention, including the reduced-flow torch designs 200, 300 have high power-to-gas flow ratios of at least 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute KW/cfm). The high power-to-gas flow ratios can indicate high efficiency systems. The high power-to-gas ratios are achieved in part due to the lower flow rate of the plasma gas supplied to the torches, such as 80 scfh or less to sustain a 50 amp or less operation. In some embodiments, the higher efficiency systems can be configured to operate at 30 amps with a rated output of 83 volts (e.g., resulting in 2.5 kilowatts (kW)) using a compressed gas flow of about 1 cfm. The resulting power-to-gas flow ratio is about 2.5 kW/cfm. In some embodiments, a minimum gas flow used to sustain a reasonable plasma arc in a 30-amp plasma cutter is as low as about 0.3 cfm. Such increased power-to-gas flow ratios can result in reduced startup costs for end users (e.g., with lower-end air compressor systems).
In some embodiments, due to the lower plasma gas flow requirement, each torch system can use a smaller air compressor to provide the plasma gas to the torch system. In some embodiments, the torch systems can include built-in, portable air compressors that provide lower amounts of compressed air flow of about 1 cfm to 2 cfm. Such integrated design can increase system portability and autonomy (e.g., enable the system to be powered by on-board gas source and/or battery power).
On most plasma arc cutting systems, better cutting performance can be made possible if the compressed air delivered to the torch (e.g., the torch 200 of
In one aspect, a portable plasma arc cutting system is provided having a power supply and an air compressor integrated in a single enclosure, along with a thermal regulation system configured to regulate the temperature of the power electronics and the compressed air generated. The thermal regulation system includes an after-cooler coil that can be positioned in the enclosure between a fan typically used to cool power supply electronics (hereinafter referred to as “heat sinks”) and the heat sinks such that the after-cooler coil is directly in the blast of the cooling fan. The resulting heat transfer coefficient can be about 112 W/m{circumflex over ( )}2-° C. This arrangement significantly improves compressed air cooling with little additional costs to the system. Furthermore, by using the fan that cools power supply electronics to additionally cool the after-cooler coil, enhanced overall cooling capabilities can be achieved using only one fan, rather than using an additional fan dedicated to cooling only compressed air. As a result of the increased cooling, torch systems can be designed with fewer components, having a reduced package size and more effective cooling than can otherwise be achieved in the same sized package.
The compressor output tube 608 serves as a conduit for delivering gas from the compressor 606 to a torch (not shown) coupled to the enclosure 600, where an inlet of the compressor output tube 608 is connected to the compressor 606 while an outlet of the compressor output tube 608 is connected to the torch. The compressor output tube 608 can be located between the cooling fan 602 and the heat sinks 604. As a result of the arrangement of the compressor output tube 608 within the cooling path of the fan 602, the cooling flow from the fan 602 cools both the heat sinks 604 and the compressed air in the compressor output tube 608. In some embodiments, after the cooling flow from the fan 602 passes over and cools the compressor output tube 608 followed by the heat sinks 604, the heat sinks 604 can redirect the air flow towards different electrical components within the enclosure 600.
In some embodiments, the compressor output tube 608 is located close to the fan 602 (e.g., as close to the fan 602 as possible) and directly in the high-speed output blast of the fan 602. As shown in
The diameter and length of the compressor output tube 608 can also be adjusted (e.g., optimized) in view of the particular flow of compressed air and the particular speed of the fan blast. Optimal performance is typically achieved when the heat transfer from compressed air in the compressor output tube 608 to the internal surface of the compressor output tube 608 (e.g., a copper tube) occurs at approximately the same rate as the heat transfer from the external surface of the compressor output tube 608 to the ambient air. Consistent heat transfer rates can help to limit (e.g., prevent) excessive heat from building within the air or within the compressor output tube 608. This arrangement can also improve (e.g., maximize) cooling efficiency given a tube of fixed size, or conversely allow for a reduced (e.g., minimum) tube length given a fixed velocity of cooling air. As an example, if the compressor output tube 608 is a copper tube, the transfer of heat from the compressed air flow within the copper tube to the cooling flow outside of the copper tube can be analyzed as three steps:
Thus, for a copper tube with a wall thickness of 0.032 inch that contains a compressed air flow of 1 SCFM at 55 PSIG and 120° C., the thermal resistance is about 2.08E-06 [° C.-m2/W] (for step 2). Thermal resistance for steps 1) and 3) depend on air velocities and tube diameters. For example, a ¼″ dia copper tube carrying a compressed air flow of 1 SCFM at 55 PSIG and 120° C. corresponds to an internal thermal resistance of about 6.64E-03 [° C.-m2/W]. Smaller diameter tubes can decrease the internal thermal resistance due to a higher Reynolds number (NRe), but at the cost of higher ΔP given a fixed flow rate.
Externally, the velocity of cooling air over the compressor output tube 608 depends on the location of the cooling fan 602. If there is no fan (e.g., ‘natural’ convection driven only by buoyancy), air velocities created can be about 0.15 m/s. Calculations show that this condition has a thermal resistance of at least 5.87E-02 [° C.-m2/W] at the exterior of a ¼″ copper tube. Since forced convection generally decreases thermal resistance, a fan located at the far end of a small enclosure can create a 2 m/s flow of cooling air over the tube, which is like to result in an external thermal resistance of 1.67E-02 [° C.-m2/W]. Smaller diameter tubes generally increase thermal resistance since less surface area is available for heat transfer.
Comparing the three heat transfer steps, it can be concluded that conduction through the wall of the copper tube demonstrates the lowest heat transfer resistance of all the steps by about 3 orders of magnitude. The next lowest heat transfer resistance is attributed to internal convection, i.e., the transfer of heat from the compressed air to the copper tube. The dominant factor in limiting heat removal from the compressed air is the heat transfer from the copper tube to the external cooling flow, which provides the largest heat transfer resistance by about 1 order of magnitude. Furthermore, based on comparison of ‘natural’ convection to low-speed forced-convection, it can be concluded that higher cooling flow speeds enhances overall heat exchange without increasing the length of the copper tube used.
Thus, by locating a helically coiled compressor output tube 608 directly in the path of the annular exhaust of a tube-axial fan 602, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the enclosure 600 includes at least one water-separator/air-filter device 612 configure to remove condensation and excess moisture present in the compressor output tube 608. Such moisture can be generated as a result of cooling of the compressed air by the air flow of the fan 602.
In general, the enclosure 600 includes 1) a compressor output tube 608 located within high-speed air, 2) where the output tube 608 is located between a cooling fan 602 and other heat-sinks 604 cooled by the fan 602, 3) with the fan 602 as near to the properly-sized output tube 608 as possible (e.g., the output tube 608 comprising a coil having a maximum diameter that fits within the same compartment for storing the fan 602), and/or 4) a filter-separator 612 in fluid communication with the output tube 608 to remove the condensed water from the compressed air flow.
The enclosure 600 is transportable and can be a handheld enclosure and/or a briefcase-sized enclosure. For example, the enclosure 600 can be hand-carried or otherwise transported to local and remote locations for use. A handle 614 can be attached to the enclosure 600 to facilitate transportation and/or enable an operator to carry the enclosure 600 during a plasma cutting operation. In some embodiments, the enclosure 600 is compact and autonomous, including (i) a power supply comprising a battery to provide torch operation without connection to an electric grid and (ii) a gas source comprising an onboard gas container or ambient air. In some embodiments, the enclosure 600 weighs no more than about 30 pounds, which include the power supply electronics (without a battery), the air compressor and the attached plasma arc torch. In some embodiments, the enclosure 600 has a volume of about 1640 inch3.
As described above, a plasma cutting system having integrated built-in air compressor can be highly portable for various field applications. Previously, a fixed input AC voltage (e.g., 110 VAC or 240 VAC) is used to power the integrated system. Alternatively, the air compressor is powered by a separate power source other than the cutting system power supply. These previous systems have limitations. For example, an AC-powered compressor can limit the choice of power sources, add inconvenience to end users, and/or increase device production cost.
In one aspect, a plasma-cutting system power supply assembly is provided to supply energy to a plasma arc torch (e.g., the reduced-flow torch of
The boost circuit 712 can be in electrical communication with the input power source 710, the inverter circuit 714, and the auxiliary power converter 708. The boost circuit 712 can be a power factor corrected (PFC) boost converter that converts the input signal 718 from the input power source 710 to a constant, predefined direct-current (DC) output signal 720. While the voltage of the input signal 718 can vary based on the magnitude of the input power supply 710, the voltage of the output signal 720 can be maintained by the boost circuit 712 to be substantially constant at a desired power supply internal voltage (VBus) that is optimal for operating the plasma arc torch 704. For example, the input power source 710 can be a wall power that generates an AC input signal 718 ranging between 98 to 265 VAC, while the voltage of the output signal 720 can be maintained close to a VBus of about 385 VDC. The boost circuit 712 can provide the constant voltage output signal 720 to both the inverter circuit 714 to power the plasma arc torch 704 and the auxiliary power converter 708 to power one or more auxiliary components, such as the compressor 706.
The inverter circuit 714 is in electrical communication with the boost circuit 712, the controller 716 and the plasma arc torch 704. The inverter circuit 714 can modify the output signal 720 from the boost circuit 712, such as convert the output signal 720 from a DC waveform to an AC waveform, prior to providing the resulting modified signal 722 to the plasma arc torch 704 to power an operation of the torch. The inverter circuit 714 can also provide the modified signal 722 to the controller 716.
The controller 716, which can be a digital signal processor based controller, is in electrical communication with the inverter circuit 714 and the auxiliary power converter 708. The controller 716 is configured to determine an appropriate control output 724 based on the modified signal 722 supplied by the inverter circuit 714 and use the control output 724 to control the function of the auxiliary power converter 708. The controller 716 can monitor system voltage, current, and temperature signals and use the monitored values in a feedback loop to control the voltage of the output signal 720 and/or the voltage/current supplied to the torch 704 via the modified signal 722.
In addition, to the plasma arc torch 704, the output signal 720 from the boost circuit 712 can provide energy to one or more power auxiliary components, such as a compressor 706 (e.g., built into the power supply). In some embodiments, the compressor 706 is a compact 15V DC motor. To power the compressor 706, the output signal 720 from the boost circuit 720 can be provided to the auxiliary power converter 708 (e.g., a forward converter), which can be an auxiliary direct-current (DC) to DC converter. In operation, the auxiliary power converter 708 can convert the power supply internal voltage VBUS (e.g., at 385V DC) in the output signal 720 to a compressor signal 726 with appropriate voltage to operate the compressor 706 (e.g., at 15V DC). The auxiliary power converter 708 can be controlled by the control output 724 from the controller 716 to coordinate the supply of power. For example, the controller 716 can determine and regulate the on/off state of the auxiliary power converter 708 based on system control sequence
The power supply assembly 700 of
A substantial benefit of this design is that it creates a highly portable plasma cutting system with universal input AC voltage. Such a design also reduces (e.g., minimizes) the changes needed for use on existing cutting power supplies, which can reduce cost. Additionally, such a system can help to precisely control voltage delivered to the compressor 706 (e.g., to accommodate any of various compressors, modes, and/or conditions), essentially allowing the compressor 706 to operate independent of the AC line and giving an operator precise control of compressor operation.
Other related concepts can also help to provide consistent (e.g., universal) input voltage(s) for the compressor system. In some embodiments, the compressor 706 is a customized high voltage DC compressor that is directly powered by VBUS of the output signal 720 (i.e., without the auxiliary power converter 708). In some embodiments, an auxiliary housekeeping power module (e.g., a flyback converter, etc.) of the power supply circuit 702 is modified to power the compressor 706. In some embodiments, separate power converters (e.g., a buck converter, etc.) with large input AC voltage range can be used to power the compressor 706.
While several aspects have been described herein to help create a more compact and efficient power supply, it is noted that specific embodiments need not incorporate all of the features or aspects described herein. That is, embodiments can include any of various combinations of one or more of the aspects, components, or features described herein.
While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented and described by way of example only. Thus, the breadth and scope of an embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary structures or embodiments.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/952,598, filed Apr. 13, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/726,229, filed on May 29, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,967,964, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/610,135, filed on Jan. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,908,195, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/005,526, filed May 30, 2014. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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