PSpice-based modeling of pulsed corona reactor-generator system

An engineering model for electrical simulation of one-dimensional reactor-pulse generator system accounting for salient features of pulsed corona (PC) discharge has been developed. The following assumptions lay the basis for the model. (1) The discharge gap before the streamers have crossed it divides into two parts. The first one is the space between the inner electrode and the expanding streamer front. Between the streamer front and the outer electrode is the second part, where the displacement current flows. (2) The "streamer part" is simulated as a conducting area. The streamers propagate to the outer electrode with velocity that depends on the average field and polarity. After the gap has been bridged, it is modeled as a fixed resistor. Power circuits of inductive and capacitive pulsers coupled to coaxial reactors were modeled on the PSpice platform using its analog behavioral modeling capabilities. Typical timing diagrams and volt-ampere characteristics are presented. The model yields realistic values and behavior of current, voltage, power and energy that are in fair agreement with experimental data obtained with an inductively based nanosecond pulser. It was found that a relatively small energy share is coupled to the "streamer part" of the gap. More is wasted in dissipative and reactive components of the circuit. To optimize the system it is suggested to match the rector and the pulser in such a way as to deposit the energy into the gap before the primary streamers have crossed it.