Projects / Programmes
A research and development of integrated surge protection devices based on gas discharge tube (GDT) towards reliable miniaturized engineering solutions (acronim of the project is MINIGDT)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.09.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electronic components and technologies |
Electronic components |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T190 |
Technological sciences |
Electrical engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
electro technique and engineering, electronics, solid state physics and technology, vacuum technics, gas analysis, plasma physics and techniques, numerical method, computer simulations
Researchers (17)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
From the scientific point of view investigations in the over-voltage protection includes numerous fields like electrotechnics and electronics, solid state analysis, gas diagnostics, non-equilibrium plasma behaviour, numerous measurement techniques, computer-numerical methods, design and construction methods, and diagnostic methods, which are all in high importance for development of science and technology.
From social-economic point of view exists at least two problems, which have to be solved, namely reliability and both usage and recycling of materials. Overvoltage in electrical networks frequently cause damages and destruction of electric devices. Insurance companies statistics shows that the 20-30 % of payment is a consequence of overvoltage caused by lightning. Therefore from the viewpoint of national economy, the investigations and development of new overvoltage protection devices are repaid in relative short time period. From the other side the materials used in surge protection devices are very expensive in the production process and in the recycling process. In addition to this there is the problem of lack of space in the case of protection device installation in old electrical network. One of the world leaders in production of surge protection devices for costumers with high demands is company Iskra Zaščite, which is the partner in the project. Therefore the aim of proposed research is to find out optimal solution and prepare prototypes of reliable and miniaturized surge protection devices.
Originality of project idea and expected results have at least two foundations:
(i)understanding of physics of gas discharge tube based on similar physical models
(ii)employment of this new knowledge for production of final prototype of entire overvoltage protection in combination of GDT with varistors, which will be studied and tested for the purpose of the project. Used methods will be mathematical, theoretic, numerical and experimental. Mathematical-physical model for plasma formation between two electrodes in GDT will be solved in two spatial dimensions considering cylindrical symmetry of gas discharge tube. In the following we plan to employ some optimization method (for example: genetic algorithms), which will help us to predict proper geometry of gas discharge tube. We will use existent simulation codes, which will be adapted by us for their proper us for predicting GDT dynamical behaviour. Control of relevant parameters will be compared with those ones obtained by complementary and supplementary techniques and method which are used on devices of collaborating groups.
For miniaturization of GDT we will test different gas mixtures, shapes of electrodes and new high temperature resistive materials. We will prepare GDT with special window from which we will observe plasma radiation during high current surge. With spectroscopic method we will try to determine the temperature of plasma which is strongly coupled with thermal damages of electrodes.
New combination of classical varistor and classical GDT in one piece will be developed. With this technological break we will get essential smaller product, which mean miniaturization of surge protection device at saving of materials, reduction of pollution and waste.
Problem of self extinguish we will solve with new multi-cell construction where several GDTs will be coupled in only one cell. Also in this activity we will try to find optimal gas mixture and proper geometry of electrodes, which have to influence on sufficient self extinguish. Multi-cell GDT will be used as independent element or in combination with low voltage varistor. In both cases we can expect space and material reduction and favourable working conditions of surge protection device.
Domestic and foreign partners are worldwide known in the field of solid state, gas and plasma fields, and numerical, experimental and diagnostics method, which assure high organizing and feasibility of the project
Significance for science
Specialty of the MINIGDT project is the integration of knowledge and scientific methods in the physics of gases, atoms, solids, plasma, diagnostic-measurement methods, circuit theory, numerical modelling, programming and computer simulations that are developed and used in various fields, but not sufficiently related even for the seemingly simple elements, such as two electrodes sealed in a housing (which is in fact our GDT). However, it turned out that two electrodes are very interesting for our purposes and fot the technological science that deals with the production of radioisotopes, neutron, electromagnetic radiation and thermonuclear fusion. In addition to local experts we needed and also attract the attention of colleagues in these areas, both in Slovenia and abroad (ITCP Trieste, University of Belgrade, Innsbruck and Michigan), and achieve results that will be used in their respective fields. The results are also available in seemingly quite independent areassuch as development of highly accurate calibration of the mass spectrometer and testing procedures, empirical data for graphene udages in spark devices, found links between material micro- and nano-structure with processes during the gas breakdown in relaxation and rest, the development of nonlinear electrical circuits such as varistors and plasma devices, and concepts of multicellular and phase discharges. Theoretical modeling and simulation, via our specific modules for monitoring the breakdown in simulations with treecode method, which is proposed by the Plasma Theory and Simulation Group (PTSG) is a brand new way in the simulation approach, with perspective in diverse fields such as plasma crystallization, EM wave generators. Modeling and simulations of ionization fronts represent a new approach in usage of kinetic simulations in high density plasma-research, inlike fluid models where a large part of physics is by rule phenomenologically implemented. Since this is also the reason that the behaviour of many fundamental phenomenons observed in the experiments (filamentation, collapse, characteristic times, self-organization) is impossible to reproduce in simulations, we started developing kinetic models and numerical algorithms for numerical simulations of space-time dependent kinetic and electro-dynamic quantities of high-density plasma devices. With this, we have made an important impact to the group in Michigan who supported 3 month stay for one of our researchers (Janez Krek 2013) with the aim of further work on both the treecode such as XOOPIC code and preparation of results for future publishing. In this context, it should be noted that some colleagues outside the project team, which this project has attracted, has decided to further work in this area. Ing. Janez Krek will be doing a master’s thesis, "The application of numerical methods and computer simulations to determine the conditions for the effect of virtual cathode in gas diodes and characterization at high emission currents", while Dr. Jernej Kovačič has started to work on a project entitled "Establishment of computational frameworks for dealing with gas discharges for surge arresters" funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport under the "Promotion of early-career research" programme. It should also be noted that we collaborate under the bilateral contract with the Institute of Physics of technical faculties of the University of Belgrade, and with a "multidisciplinary Laboratory (MLAB) of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, ITCP " from Italy, and with a group of theoretical plasma physics at the University of Innsbruck as a result of this project, which will be of great importance for the further development of science.
Significance for the country
The project has a positive impact on industrial co-operation with the scientific one, which is often neglected in Slovenia. We hope that it will grow into a long-term co-operation, because certain academic researches helped the industrial progress for manufacture of the gas discharge tubes. This co-operation has a large impact on the development of products with high added value. World wide there are only a few producers of high-quality energetics gas discharge tubes, so that is way the high added value is an important advantage in the manifacturing of the GDTs. In addition to high added value, we should also mention the widespread range of products in the duration of the project, which has high market opportunities. The main reasons are at least three: price competitiveness as a result of miniaturization, the miniaturization itself is a market advantage as well as the quality which often exceeds the leading competitive producers. Anyhow, we must not overlook innovations in the world of surge protection through the phase GDT, which will mix the cards on the field where protection is based on the air spark gap and varistor technology. In addition to the described progress in the field of gas discharge tubes, it is also an important indication that the company Iskra Zaščite has already implemented the new products where the foreign energetic gas discharge tubes are replaced with their ones. This was followed by a German company, which is manufacturing protections in Slovenia. A serious interest of other foreign manufacturers of protections shows a great advantage in the only European manufacturer of energetic gas discharge tubes which puts Iskra Zaščite ahead of the competition. All of the facts above and perspectives are the basis for the "spin-off" gas discharge tubes, which will be set up within a year. Increasing the share of sales will naturally have a positive impact on jobs in the manufacturing and development department with a high added value. Development department will be the engine of the new company in progress, which already has a high level of knowledge. High level of knowledge and links with academic institutions will support the nurturing of new highly qualified personnel. This will be a foundation for the future of the company, which will be responsible for the development of new products in the field of gas discharge tubes. Despite new potential, opened in the field of gas discharge tubes, we are well aware that a large number of factors have an impact on the future, therefore investment in new development personnel will also be an investment resulting in the creation of new high-tech areas that are not directly associated with GDTs. Due to the high scientific level, as well as the integration between the various institutions working in the field of the development of GDTs will offer the perfect opportunity to start a career in research as well as it being a springboard for the future.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2010,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
