Abstract: A DC-DC power converter employs a full bridge series resonant converter topology with a resonant tank and two transformers, one before and one after the resonant tank, to obtain a high voltage (e.g., approximately 300V, approximately 1500V or greater) output from a relatively low voltage (e.g., approximately 9V-16V) input, for instance an input from one or more battery cells. DC-DC power converter is operable to output high voltage (e.g., around 300V, 1500V or higher) short duration pulses (e.g., tens of nanoseconds or less). A burst mode control technique provides as good regulation characteristics at light loads. Instead of turning OFF the active switches during an OFF period, the switches are operated at a different frequency (e.g., higher frequency) during the OFF period than a frequency at which the switches are turned ON during the ON period. Auxiliary loads can also be supplied.

Abstract: A plasma assisted spark ignition system includes an ignitor and a power supply. The first ignitor includes: a casing having a first end, a second end that forms a first electrode, and a longitudinally extending passage, a second electrode which protrudes longitudinally outward from an opening at the second end of the casing and laterally spaced inwardly to form a spark gap, and an electrical insulator (dielectric) surrounding a portion of the second electrode, and which has a terminus that is at least closely spaced to an interior surface of the end of the casing. The power supply supplies a plurality of voltage pulses to the ignitor per ignition event to generate a flash over on the dielectric. Subsequent pulses in an ignition event may be at lower amplitude than an initial pulse in the ignition event. Pulses may, for example, have a duration on the order of a nanosecond.

Abstract: A system and method for differentiating between different modes of pulsed electrical discharges via of an amplitude to time (ATC) conversion circuit is described. A bipolar ATC circuit is used to add together the positive and negative portions of an attenuated and filtered signal derived either from the voltage or current of a pulse. Alternatively, a unipolar ATC circuit may be employed. The resulting processed signal is compared against a reference voltage to generate an output signal that is active for the amount of time that the processed signal exceeds the reference voltage. Discharge mode is determined based on three factors: did a pulse occur, if a pulse occurred when did the pulse start relative to the original pulse event, and what is the duty cycle of the pulse. Subsequent pulse generated may be controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A system for generating and delivering a low temperature, wide, partially ionized tunable plasma stream is described. The system employs a fast rising, repetitive high voltage pulse generator, flowing gas, and a plasma head to produce the described atmospheric pressure plasma stream and its associated active species. The plasma head may have an exit slit with a relatively wide dimension to produce a relative wide plasma stream. Electrodes may be located proximate the exit slit, for example one in an interior of the plasma head via with gas flows toward the exit slit, and the other exterior to the plasma head and offset from the exit slit. The plasma may include baffle material to enhance a uniformity of flow through and across the exit slit. Plasma heads with having exit slit with different widths may be provided as a kit.

Abstract: A method and system to treat emissions (e.g., smoke, particulate, odor, grease) employs a nanosecond high voltage pulse generator, a transient pulsed plasma reactor, and a DC voltage source that supplies a DC bias voltage, preferably a negative DC bias voltage to a conductor of the transient pulsed plasma reactor. The system is used in a scheme that substantially reduces at least particulate matter in emissions streams, for example emissions streams produced during cooking, for instance in commercial charbroiling processes (e.g., cooking of hamburger meat), or from operation of internal combustion engines. Both a reduction in the size distribution and total particulate mass is achieved using the method and system described herein.

Abstract: A method and system to treat cooking emissions (e.g., smoke) employs a nanosecond high voltage pulse generator and a transient pulsed plasma reactor. The system is used in a scheme that substantially reduces particulate matter produced in commercial charbroiling processes (e.g., cooking of hamburger meat). Both a reduction in the size distribution and total particulate mass is achieved using the method and system described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the RF power switched into a resonant load by achieving voltage multiplication by means of coupled inductors are provided herein. In one approach, the RF electromagnetic wave achieved by voltage multiplication is used to drive a diode opening switch in order to create a fast rising, unipolar electrical pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quickly charging a load capacitance to a voltage level that is a multiple of the DC input voltage are provided herein. In one approach, the load capacitance is charged by a voltage multiplication circuit, and the load capacitance is subsequently discharged into a resonant circuit that drives a diode opening switch in order to create a fast rising, unipolar electrical pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple fast rising pulses to improve performance efficiency. In one approach, multiple fast rising pulse power is employed to improve fuel efficiency and power of an engine. The system and method can involve a transient plasma plug assembly intended to replace a traditional spark plug. Alternatively, an approach involving a pulse generator and a high voltage pulse carrying ignition cable is contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple fast rising pulses to improve performance efficiency. In one approach, multiple fast rising pulse power is employed to improve fuel efficiency and power of an engine. The system and method can involve a transient plasma plug assembly intended to replace a traditional spark plug. Alternatively, an approach involving a pulse generator and a high voltage pulse carrying ignition cable is contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple fast rising pulses to improve performance efficiency. In one approach, multiple fast rising pulse power is employed to improve fuel efficiency and power of an engine. The system and method can involve a transient plasma plug assembly intended to replace a traditional spark plug. Alternatively, an approach involving a pulse generator and a high voltage pulse carrying ignition cable is contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pulsed power to improve performance efficiency. In one approach, pulsed power is employed to improve fuel efficiency and power of an engine. The system and method can involve a transient plasma plug assembly intended to replace a traditional spark plug. Alternatively, an approach involving a pulse generator and a nanosecond, high voltage pulse carrying ignition cable is contemplated.