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Abstract High pulse discharge breakage has a vast prospect as a fresh crushing mechanism for it has the capability to enhance the comminuting effect, however, the breaking mechanism is not yet well studied. In this orthogonal designed research, 27 indoor tests of high voltage pulse discharge (HVPD) for breaking concrete together with the determination of dynamic elastic modulus of concrete based on three variables, i.e. applied voltage, pulse number, and discharge electrode gap, were carried out at three levels. The effects of these factors were studied by using significance and range analysis. The results showed that among these factors, the pulse number has the greatest impact on the dynamic elastic modulus loss (DEML) of concrete, while the applied voltage has the least influence. By changing the value of pulse number and applied voltage, the DEML can be increased to 12.9% and 26.7%, respectively. The impact of the factors’ combination was experimentally proven, and the resulting DEML of concrete broken by HVPD was obtained as 219.73 ± 9.58 MPa, which was 25.19% higher than the maximum of the DEML of concrete broken by HVPD in the orthogonal experiment under various individual factors. These findings provide technical references for improving the crushing efficiency of concrete materials and the engineering application of HVPD crushing technology.

Aiming at the problem of low fault diagnosis accuracy of high-voltage pulse track circuit, a track circuit fault diagnosis method based on kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) optimized by improved Harris hawks optimization (IHHO) is proposed. Firstly, in order to improve the optimization performance, the logarithmic convergence factor is used in combination with the symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm to improve the basic Harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm. The benchmark test function is used for the experiment, which proves that the IHHO algorithm performs better in convergence accuracy and convergence speed. Secondly, the IHHO algorithm is used to optimize the kernel function parameter and penalty coefficient of the KELM model and then improves the fault diagnosis accuracy of the KELM model. Finally, the IHHO-KELM model is used to diagnose fault types of the high-voltage pulse track circuit. The experimental results show that the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed IHHO-KELM model is 93.3%, which is 6.6%, 5%, and 3.3% higher than that of the KELM model, GA (Genetic algorithm)-KELM model, and HHO-KELM model respectively. Further experiments verify that the IHHO-KELM model is superior to BP neural network, deep confidence network (DBN), long short-term memory (LSTM) network, and gated recurrent unit (GRU) network in terms of diagnostic accuracy, training time, and diagnostic mean square error, which proves the rapidity and stability of the IHHO-KELM model in track circuit fault diagnosis.

Abstract In rock engineering, high-voltage pulse technology has attracted attention because it offers environmental protection, controllable energy, and repeatable discharge. It is necessary to study the fracture behavior of rock under high-voltage pulse discharge (HVPD) for the parametric design of rock breaking thereby. HVPD experiments were conducted in red sandstone samples with the plasma channel spacing ranging from 26 to 66 mm at intervals of 10 mm. The stress wave generated by HVPD was obtained from the current waveform measured by Rogowski coils. In combination with numerical simulations, the distribution characteristics, propagation process, and formation mechanism of fractures were analyzed. The results showed that after two applications of HVPD at different positions, the sample was both broken down and two plasma channels and radial fractures centered around them were formed within. The stress wave decays exponentially with the increase of the distance from the plasma channel. When the spacing between plasma channels is less than or equal to 46 mm, fracture coalescence occurs between the two plasma channels; thereafter, the fractures formed by the second HVPD face resistance to propagation towards the fracture area formed by the first HVPD. In addition, numerical simulation results indicate that the second HVPD will generate significant tensile stress in the middle region of the two plasma channels, leading to near-horizontal fracture coalescence. When the spacing between plasma channels increases to 56 mm and 66 mm, the tensile stress induced by the second HVPD in the middle region of the sample is small, and it is difficult to form fracture coalescence between the two channels.

Purpose. Development and use of a mathematical model of the stages of formation of high-voltage pulse discharges in gas bubbles in the discharge gap «rod-plane» to identify the features of the electric field intensity distribution in the reactor and determine the current density in the load during disinfection and purification of liquid media by high-voltage pulse discharges and find the most rational treatment. Methodology. To achieve this goal, we used computer modeling using the finite element method as a method of numerical analysis. An experimental reactor model was created that takes into account the dynamics of discharges in gas bubbles in water. The equations describing the system include the generalized Ampere equation, the Poisson equation and the electric displacement equation, taking into account the corresponding initial and boundary conditions, as well as the properties of materials. The dependence of the potential of a high-voltage electrode on time has the form of a damped sinusoid, and the specific electrical conductivity in a gas bubble is a function of time. Processes occurring at the front of the voltage pulse from 0 to 20 ns are considered. Results. It is shown that with an increase in conductivity and high-voltage potential to amplitude values in a gas bubble, the electric field strength in the water layer in the reactor reaches 70 kV/cm, and it is in the water layer that there is a strong electric field. The calculations show that already by 19th ns the density of conduction currents in water prevails over that of displacement currents. At the same time, additional inclusions in the water significantly affect the distribution of electric field strength and current density, creating a significant difference in their values at the boundaries of the interface between the bubble, conductive element and water. Originality. A simulation of the dynamics of transient discharge processes in a gas bubble and a layer of water with impurities was carried out, including an analysis of the distribution of the electric field strength and current density in a system with rod-plane electrodes in the phase transition section of a gas bubble-water. This approach allows us to reveal the features of processes in reactors and to investigate the influence of phase transitions on the distribution of electrophysical quantities. Practical value. Computer simulations confirm the prospect of using nanosecond discharges generated in gas bubbles within a volume of water for widespread industrial use and are of great interest for further experimental and theoretical research. References 25, figures 9.

Achieving high cell transfection efficiency is essential for various cell types in numerous disease applications. However, the efficient introduction of genes into natural killer (NK) cells remains a challenge. In this study, we proposed a design strategy for delivering exogenous genes into the NK cell line, NK-92, using a modified non-viral gene transfection method. Calcium phosphate/DNA nanoparticles (pDNA-CaP NPs) were prepared using co-precipitation methods and combined with low-voltage pulse electroporation to facilitate NK-92 transfection. The results demonstrated that the developed pDNA-CaP NPs exhibited a uniform diameter of approximately 393.9 nm, a DNA entrapment efficiency of 65.8%, and a loading capacity of 15.9%. Furthermore, at three days post-transfection, both the transfection efficiency and cell viability of NK-92 were significantly improved compared to standalone plasmid DNA (pDNA) electroporation or solely relying on the endocytosis pathway of pDNA-CaP NPs. This study provides valuable insights into a novel approach that combines calcium phosphate nanoparticles with low-voltage electroporation for gene delivery into NK-92 cells, offering potential advancements in cell therapy.

High pulse discharge breakage has a vast prospect as a fresh crushing mechanism for it has the capability to enhance the comminuting effect, however, the breaking mechanism is not yet well studied. In this orthogonal designed research, 27 indoor tests of high voltage pulse discharge (HVPD) for breaking concrete together with the determination of dynamic elastic modulus of concrete based on three variables, i.e. applied voltage, pulse number, and discharge electrode gap, were carried out at three levels. The effects of these factors were studied by using significance and range analysis. The results showed that among these factors, the pulse number has the greatest impact on the dynamic elastic modulus loss (DEML) of concrete, while the applied voltage has the least influence. By changing the value of pulse number and applied voltage, the DEML can be increased to 12.9% and 26.7%, respectively. The impact of the factors' combination was experimentally proven, and the resulting DEML of concrete broken by HVPD was obtained as 219.73 ± 9.58 MPa, which was 25.19% higher than the maximum of the DEML of concrete broken by HVPD in the orthogonal experiment under various individual factors. These findings provide technical references for improving the crushing efficiency of concrete materials and the engineering application of HVPD crushing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal. Development of the generalized physical principle of development of plasma channel of a high-voltage electrical pulse spark discharge in the homogeneous dielectric of the different aggregate state. Methodology. Basis of physical optics, theoretical electrical engineering, electrophysics bases of technique of high-voltage and large pulse currents, bases of high-voltage pulse technique and measuring technique. Results. Development of physical principle of development of plasma channel of an electric pulse spark discharge is executed in a homogeneous gas dielectric on the applied example of the use in calculations and experiments of the double-electrode discharge system (DEDS) with a long air interval, testing action of standard interconnect аperiodic pulse of high-voltage of temporal shape of Tm/Тd≈200 μs/1990 μs of positive polarity. The generalized formula is got for the calculation of total length of lc of the real way of development of an pulse spark discharge in an air dielectric, which allowed to formulate the offered physical principle in the following kind: «The plasma channel of an pulse spark discharge in a gas dielectric spreads from one of its points to other after a way length of lc, providing the least falling on it of electric voltage of Uc». It is shown that this principle in the first approaching can be applied and to the homogeneous liquid and hard dielectrics. Comparison of the developed physical principle of distribution of plasma channel of an electrical spark discharge is executed in a dielectrical environment with fundamental Fermat physical principle (a law) for distribution of light in an optically transparent environment, which specifies on mathematical likeness and closeness on destiny of these physical principles. Calculation estimations of falling of electric voltage of Uc on total length of lc of the real zigzag way of development in the air dielectric of DEDS a «edge-plane» with the least length of its discharge interval of lmin=1,5 m is presented, that a value Uc does not exceed 9 % from the experimental level of aggressive voltage of Umd≈611,6 кV in this DEDS for the аperiodic pulse of voltage of Tm/Тd≈200 μs/1990 μs. It is set that the estimated time of td advancement of leader channel of electric pulse discharge in air DEDS (lmin=1,5 m) on its real way total length of lc≈1,53 m makes td≈15,3 μs, and experimental duration of cut of Tdc of the indicated аperiodic impulse of voltage utilized in experiments, characterizing time of short circuit by the plasma channel of discharge of air interval in DEDS, appears equal Тdc≈td≈17 μs. Originality. The generalized physical principle of development of plasma channel of a high-voltage electrical pulse spark discharge is first developed in the homogeneous dielectric of the different aggregate state. Practical value. Application in electrical engineering practice and high-voltage pulse technique of the offered principle of distribution in the dielectrics of plasma channel of an pulse spark discharge will allow to develop both new and to perfect the existent methods of computer design of electro-discharge processes in the gas, liquid and hard insulation of different high-voltage electrical power engineering and electrophysics devices, directed on the increase of reliability of their operation.

The results of the development of a high-voltage semiconductor voltage generator (based on IGBT transistors) with a pulse transformer and the results of experiments on generating a capillary discharge using it on a compact gas-discharge source capable of generating pulses of soft X-ray radiation (SXR) in the area of the socalled «water window» - with wavelength in the range of 2.4...4.4 nm. Methods for designing a high-voltage pulse voltage pulse generator are described: theoretical calculations and results of modeling the electrical circuit diagram in the LTSpice software package, the developed design of a pulse transformer based on N87 ring ferrites and the generator itself is described, the results of its operation as part of a compact gas-discharge radiation source are presented and analyzed. The prospects of using such a high-voltage generator (with semiconductor transistor switches) with a pulse transformer as part of a soft X-ray radiation source are shown due to its technical and operational features: the developed generator is capable of operating from an alternating current network of 380 V/50 Hz in a frequency-burst mode (with a repetition rate of the generated voltage pulses up to 600 Hz) and charges the capillary capacitance of the SXR source to a voltage of more than 20 kV in a time of about 4 μs, has small dimensions, does not create pulsed high-frequency interference and false alarms, and also has stable output (amplitude-temporary) parameters.

With the advancements in power semiconductors and converters, power electronics based high-voltage pulse generators (HVPG) have emerged due to their advantages of high repetition rate, flexible control, long lifetime, and compact size. However, there is a lack of comprehensive literature review on recent advances in power electronics intensive HVPG technologies. To fill this gap, we present a systematic review on HVPGs. First, HVPGs are classified into different types based on their mechanisms. Each type along with its basic circuits and modifications are introduced. Then, the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of these topologies are summarized. Furthermore, the potential applications of HVPGs are explored. The performance of pulse generators mentioned in the literature and commercial products is listed. Finally, future trends and technical challenges in HVPG design and development are discussed. This paper provides a clear understanding of HVPGs and the inspiration of topologies developments to meet the specific requirements. Current state and potential future directions are discussed and summarized to facilitate evolvements in HVPG technology.

The article presents the results of investigations of the decay coefficients of dense plasma in impulse discharges in water initiated by an electric explosion of an iron conductor. An analysis of time-resolved and spatial emission spectra of the discharges was performed, along with the study of absorption spectra dynamics with a 5 μs interval. The electron concentration of the dense plasma was determined at different time points, allowing the determination of its decay coefficients at electron concentrations ranging from 1020 to 1021 cm-3. It was found that under equal electron concentrations in the plasma, the decay coefficients of plasma with iron impurities are consistent with the decay coefficients of plasma with tungsten impurities.

In the quest for high-capacity battery electrodes, addressing capacity loss attributed to isolated active materials remains a challenge. We developed an approach to substantially recover the isolated active materials in silicon electrodes and used a voltage pulse to reconnect the isolated lithium-silicon (Li x Si) particles back to the conductive network. Using a 5-second pulse, we achieved >30% of capacity recovery in both Li-Si and Si-lithium iron phosphate (Si-LFP) batteries. The recovered capacity sustains and replicates through multiple pulses, providing a constant capacity advantage. We validated the recovery mechanism as the movement of the neutral isolated Li x Si particles under a localized nonuniform electric field, a phenomenon known as dielectrophoresis.

In the quest for high-capacity battery electrodes, addressing capacity loss attributed to isolated active materials remains a challenge. We developed an approach to substantially recover the isolated active materials in silicon electrodes and used a voltage pulse to reconnect the isolated lithium-silicon (LixSi) particles back to the conductive network. Using a 5-second pulse, we achieved >30% of capacity recovery in both Li-Si and Si-lithium iron phosphate (Si-LFP) batteries. The recovered capacity sustains and replicates through multiple pulses, providing a constant capacity advantage. We validated the recovery mechanism as the movement of the neutral isolated LixSi particles under a localized nonuniform electric field, a phenomenon known as dielectrophoresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous development of the geological engineering field, high-voltage electric pulse plasma rock-fracturing technology has become a research hotspot in recent years. It is now widely recognized that this fracturing technology has many application prospects and great economic benefits. Through the research process of this technology, it has proven to be an efficient and new type of rock-fracturing technology, which overcomes the problems of high cost, low efficiency, high safety risk, and serious pollution associated with traditional rock-fracturing technology. Also, it has unique advantages in terms of protecting the environment and reducing damage to the surrounding buildings. This paper reviews the research history of plasma shock wave influencing factors and pulsed discharge plasma rock-fracturing technology, summarizes the research on this technology from the perspectives of the mechanism of high-voltage electric pulse plasma rock fracturing and practical application, and discusses the feasibility of this technology when applied to the field of tunnel boring as well as the future development direction. This technology can be better used in the tunnel-boring field, which can greatly improve the tunnel-boring efficiency, but at present, the research on plasma rock-fracturing-assisted tunnel boring is still in the laboratory research stage, which lacks systematic research equipment and judging indexes, and the follow-up should focus on improving the systematic research capabilities of the plasma rock-fracturing-assisted tunnel-boring equipment, and systematically and comprehensively carry out research on rock-fracturing by plasma-assisted excavation equipment.

Electrospray thrusters exhibit diverse operational modes based on the nature of ejected particles. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry is frequently employed to analyze the composition of the plume. This study introduces a novel converter-based bipolar high-voltage pulse generator aimed at producing synchronized bipolar high-voltage pulses with controllable voltage levels and frequencies, specifically tailored for the study of electrospray thrusters. The proposed topology generates bipolar high-voltage rails from a low-voltage power source through the forward–flyback with Cockcroft–Walton voltage multiplier topology. Subsequently, fast high-voltage MOSFETs are employed to generate high-voltage pulses. This paper outlines the operational principles and design methodologies of the pulse generator. Experimental verification corroborates its operational principles and functionalities, revealing that the pulse rise and fall times consistently remain below 30 ns, while the voltage can be tuned within the range of 300–1000 V. An electrospray thruster was employed to conduct a thorough and practical validation of the high-voltage pulse generator. This included generating time-of-flight curves and mass spectra of the plume, resulting in precise differentiation of all particles present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTo address the challenges of oil–water separation encountered during the processing of heavy crude oil, this study meticulously examines the kinetics of demulsification under an electric field. Consequently, a cutting-edge high-frequency/high-voltage AC pulsed power supply has been innovatively developed. This device boasts a flexible voltage-adjustment mechanism, strategically enhancing the inverter output voltage incrementally throughout the pulse’s duration. This method effectively reduces the negative impact of current surges on the operational stability of crude oil desalination plants, especially during the commutation periods of the switching devices. Furthermore, it resolves the issue of premature power supply shutdowns to the desalination plant, caused by peak currents misinterpreted as critical short-circuit currents leading to pole plate breakdowns. An industrial application study conducted at Shandong Chambroad Petrochemicals Co., Ltd. Under identical operational conditions, the power supply designed in this research outperforms traditional electrical desalting transformers in several key aspects. These include a notably enhanced oil–water separation capability and significantly more stable performance. Remarkably, the desalting efficiency shows substantial improvement even at increased feed rates, under constant other conditions. The experimental findings indicate that the average rates of desalination and dehydration achieved by this power supply exceed 90%. Moreover, even when the feed rate is augmented by approximately 75% under constant operating conditions, the desalination efficiency remains 78.49% higher than that achieved by standard industrial frequency electric desalination transformers. Additionally, the desalting outcomes are predominantly unaffected by fluctuations in the initial salt content of the feedstock, demonstrating the robustness of the developed solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food processing technologies for food preservation have been in constant development over a few decades in order to meet current consumer’s demands. Healthy competitive improvements are observed in both thermal and non-thermal food processing technology since past two decades due to technical revolution. Among these novel technologies, pulsed electric field food processing technology has shown to be a potential non-thermal treatment capable of preserving liquid foods. The high-voltage pulse generators specifically find their applications in pulsed electric field technology. So, this paper proposes a new structure of a high-voltage pulse generator with a cascaded boost converter topology. The choice of a cascaded boost converter helps in selecting low DC input voltage and hence the size and space requirement of the high-voltage pulse generator is minimized. The proposed circuit is capable of producing high-voltage pulses with flexibility of an adjusting duty ratio and frequency. The designed circuit generates a maximum peak voltage of 1 kV in the frequency range of 7.5–20 kHz and the pulse width range of 0.8–1.8 μs. Also, the impedance matching between the cascaded boost converter and the high-voltage pulse generator is found simple without further additional components. The efficiency can be improved in the circuit by avoiding low frequency transformers.

Achieving high cell transfection efficiency is essential for various cell types in numerous disease applications. However, the efficient introduction of genes into natural killer (NK) cells remains a challenge. In this study, we proposed a design strategy for delivering exogenous genes into the NK cell line, NK-92, using a modified non-viral gene transfection method. Calcium phosphate/DNA nanoparticles (pDNA-CaP NPs) were prepared using co-precipitation methods and combined with low-voltage pulse electroporation to facilitate NK-92 transfection. The results demonstrated that the developed pDNA-CaP NPs exhibited a uniform diameter of approximately 393.9 nm, a DNA entrapment efficiency of 65.8%, and a loading capacity of 15.9%. Furthermore, at three days post-transfection, both the transfection efficiency and cell viability of NK-92 were significantly improved compared to standalone plasmid DNA (pDNA) electroporation or solely relying on the endocytosis pathway of pDNA-CaP NPs. This study provides valuable insights into a novel approach that combines calcium phosphate nanoparticles with low-voltage electroporation for gene delivery into NK-92 cells, offering potential advancements in cell therapy., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts to disclose., (© 2024 Author(s).)