Energy-retaining snubbers for an AC Arc welding machine

Abstract- Energy-retaining snubbers of a current-regulated power supply for an AC arc welding machine are proposed in this paper. Although a second output inductor is added, a current- steering diode connected across the output choke keeps the inductor current continuous and retains the energy during the commutation period. Thus no lossy RC snubber is required and no voltage spike is produced. The stored energy can be released in the next energy transfer cycle to reduce the commutation time. Satisfactory experimental results on a 100-A AC arc welding machine are recorded to validate the effectiveness of the presented scheme.