SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING LOW CURRENT REGULATION FOR AC ARC WELDING PROCESSES

摘要

Systems and methods providing low current regulation for AC arc welding processes to regulate arc welding performance. In arc welding power source embodiments, configurations of bridge and arc regulation circuits allow for the directional switching of the welding output current through the welding output circuit path and induce a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece of the welding output circuit path that is sufficient to re-ignite the arc during polarity transition of the output current. The arc regulation circuit provides a high inductance level for storing energy, in both polarities, which induces the voltage level for re-igniting the arc during the zero crossing of the output current and provides low end stabilization of arc current.

主权项

1. A welding power source comprising:
a power conversion circuit configured to convert an input current to an output current; a controller; a bridge circuit operatively connected to the power conversion circuit and configured to switch a direction of the output current through a welding output circuit path operatively connected to a welding output of the welding power source at the command of the controller; an arc regulation circuit operatively connected to the bridge circuit and configured to induce a voltage between an electrode and a workpiece of the welding output circuit path sufficient for arc re-ignition during polarity transition of the output current, and further configured to induce an overshoot current to facilitate arc re-ignition during at least a negative to positive polarity transition of the output current.