Comparison of different circuit resistance measurement methods in spark discharge

Abstract

It is generally considered that spark resistance can be determined by circuit resistance subtracted from the total resistance of the discharge circuit and circuit resistance is equal to the total resistance when the spark gap is shorted out. However, practical methods for shorting out the spark gap have not been clearly defined in existing researches. Two methods for shorting out the spark gap were elaborated, and a method for measuring circuit resistance through linear fit was developed in this paper. Experiments were conducted to compare and analyze different circuit resistance measurement methods. The method of shorting out the spark gap by wire is more recommended, compared to that by setting the electrode gap to zero. The linear fitting method avoids the problem of internal discharge in the discharge relay, but it needs to maintain consistency in the discharge environment to minimize the impact of electrostatic discharge randomness. This study offers valuable guidance for accurately measuring spark resistance, which is crucial in minimum ignition energy testing of dust clouds highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge.