Abstract: A static-neutralization system includes a plurality of alternating current (AC) static bars that is coupled to a common, high-voltage power supply. The power supply includes a transformer that steps up AC mains electricity to deliver high-voltage, AC power to the static bars. A monitoring circuit is provided in the power supply that determines the ionization current of the static bars through isolation of the second harmonic of the total load current. By monitoring the ionization current, the power supply can identify when the ion generation efficiency of the static bars falls beneath a user-defined threshold. The monitoring circuit additionally determines the discharge voltage of the static bars through isolation of the fourth harmonic of the total output voltage. By monitoring the discharge voltage, a voltage-suppression circuit can suspend delivery of power to the static bars upon detecting a full-discharge event, which often results from dielectric breakdown.

Abstract: A high-voltage, AC power supply for an electrostatic discharge system comprises a chassis shaped to define an interior cavity, a high-voltage transformer for increasing the voltage received from an external power source, and an output connector module in electrical connection with the transformer for delivering the increased voltage to a high-voltage load, such as one or more anti-static bars. The transformer and the output connector are independently mounted onto the chassis within the interior cavity in a spaced apart relationship and are electrically coupled through one or more flying lead connectors in order to facilitate assembly. During operation, a resistive damping component in the output connector module regulates the output voltage and secondary current delivered to the load in order to render the power supply less susceptible to dielectric breakdown from partial discharge.