Development of nanosecond pulsed power supply for large-area dielectric barrier discharges

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology, an emerging method for air disinfection, has drawn considerable interest due to its capacity to generate low-temperature plasma at ambient temperatures, thereby effectively neutralizing airborne bacteria and viruses. To cater to the practical requirements of DBD technology, the development of a DBD discharge pulse power supply has been successfully completed. This power supply incorporates a voltage doubling circuit to charge the front-stage capacitor, not only ensuring the zero-current shutdown of the IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) but also mitigating the risk of breakdown potentially caused by short circuits in the back-stage to the solid-state switch. By leveraging the voltage amplification of a pulse transformer in conjunction with the pulse sharpening effect of a magnetic switch, the system achieves a rapid leading edge and a high peak load output voltage. This design not only alleviates the load on the preamplifier system but also substantially enhances the system’s lifespan and operational frequency. Experimental data reveal that the peak load output voltage of this power supply can reach 27 kV, with a pulse width of 650 ns, a pulse rise time of 60 ns, and a continuously adjustable repetition frequency ranging from 0 to 500 Hz