Parallel-Connected High Voltage Multiplier with Symmetrical Structure

A high voltage multiplier is proposed for non-thermal food processing systems utilizing an underwater shockwave. Unlike conventional Cockcroft-Walton Voltage Multiplier (CWVM) providing a DC output from an AC input, the proposed multiplier consists of two switched-capacitor-based DC-DC converters with different polarities. Owing to the symmetrical bipolar structure without magnetic component, the proposed multiplier can achieve faster response speed and lower voltage drop than the conventional CWVM. The theoretical analysis and simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed voltage multiplier.