초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for treating waste are provided. Waste is converted in an arc plasma-joule heated melter system utilizing one or more arc plasma electrodes and a plurality of joule heating electrodes. The arc plasma electrode(s) can be configured for operation utilizing AC or DC power, or for

Methods and apparatus for treating waste are provided. Waste is converted in an arc plasma-joule heated melter system utilizing one or more arc plasma electrodes and a plurality of joule heating electrodes. The arc plasma electrode(s) can be configured for operation utilizing AC or DC power, or for switching between AC and DC power. The arc plasma electrodes can also be configured for independent arc voltage and arc current control. The joule heating circuits are configured for simultaneous operation with the arcing electrodes, but without detrimental interaction with the arcing electrodes. The systems provide stable, non-leachable products and a gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel can be utilized in a combustion or non-combustion process to generate electricity.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A power supply source for supplying direct current to first, second and third arc plasma electrodes in a waste conversion unit, the power supply source comprising:a transformer having first, second and third primary windings and first, second and third secondary windings,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A power supply source for supplying direct current to first, second and third arc plasma electrodes in a waste conversion unit, the power supply source comprising:a transformer having first, second and third primary windings and first, second and third secondary windings, the first, second and third primary windings connected to an AC power source that provides an AC current and an AC voltage;first, second and third current limiting reactors respectively connected to the first, second and third secondary windings;first, second and third switches respectively connected in series to the first, second and third current limiting reactors;first, second and third rectifiers for converting the AC power to DC power having a DC current and a DC voltage, the rectifiers each having first and second outputs; andfirst, second and third DC inductors, each inductor having first and second ends, the first ends of the first, second and third inductors respectively connected to the first outputs of the first, second and third rectifiers, and the second ends of the first, second and third inductors respectively connected to the first, second and third arc plasma electrodes.