Self-Synchronized Trichel Pulse Trains in Multi-Point Corona Discharge Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how multiple corona discharge systems can self-synchronize their pulse trains through mutual electric field interactions, combining experiments and numerical modeling to reveal complex synchronization behaviors.

Contribution

It introduces a multi-electrode corona discharge model demonstrating self-synchronization phenomena and explores different synchronization modes through numerical simulations and experiments.

Findings

Pulse trains can synchronize in-phase or anti-phase.

Synchronization depends on interaction strength and voltage.

Multiple modes including out-of-phase and harmonic oscillations were observed.

Abstract

Evidence of self-synchronization has been observed in multi-electrode corona discharge systems, where the application of high negative DC voltages induces a self-sustained mode of current pulse trains. These pulses, historically referred to as Trichel pulses, characterize the operation of a two-electrode system where the discharge electrode is subjected to a high negative DC voltage. The numerical algorithm indicates that in a multi-electrode discharge system, comprising multiple two-electrode discharges, each two-electrode system independently produces pulse trains. These systems, each comprising a pair of electrodes, operate in a pulsed mode, with synchronization emerging from weak yet significant interactions among them. These interactions arise from the mutual influence of electric fields and space charges generated by each discharge pair. This influence extends beyond individual systems, leading to a synchronization between both pairs, both in a pulsed mode. A three-species model of discharge was employed to simulate this process and it was based on the finite element method formulation. Two different numerical models were investigated, a 2D model, consisting of two discharge electrodes and a third grounded electrode, and two 1D-axisymmetric models, consisting dual and triple pairs of discharge systems. Experiments show a multi-stable nature of the coupled pulsed discharge systems, indicating that under appropriate conditions the pulse trains exhibit two distinct modes of synchronization: in-phase synchronization and anti-phase synchronization. The occurrence of each mode depends on factors such as interaction strength, applied voltage level, and various system parameters. Furthermore, variations in these factors can lead to additional outcomes, including out of phase synchronization, as well as scenarios involving near-harmonic oscillations and quenching.