Optimization and Design of a High-Voltage Supply for Electrostatic Precipitators

This paper introduces an improved transformer- based converter, suitable for high-voltage, high-power dc loads such as electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). According to the particle separation model and distribution experiments, the main influencing factors of particle collection performance and the requirements for ESP supply are proposed and verified. By analyzing the static characteristics of the ESP supply with three typical modulation schemes, the loss reduction of IGBT bridges and power transformer are achieved with a lower cost, and the supply reliability is improved. Compensation network enhances the dynamic stability and response speed of the designed supply and guarantees the ESP collection efficiency even in the worst operating condition. Moreover, an ac resistance optimization method applicable for transformer windings is proposed. Compared with conventional design methods, the number of layers of the windings is treated as a design variable instead of as a predetermined parameter, and the core window dimension and insulation requirements are introduced as boundary conditions. The experimental results verify that the design of the power transformer and ESP supply is reasonable, and the field operation data indicate that the pollutant emission of the precipitators powered the devised high-voltage dc supply satisfy the strictest standards in China and the European Union.