Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-conventional machining technique that requires pulse generators to create sparks between the tool and the workpiece. Classical texts describe only two types of EDM pulse generators (EPGs), although there are several different types. This work presents a classification and detailed comparative study of 13 important EPG topologies from the power electronics perspective. The operation of each topology is explained using simulation studies for EDM load with spark current of 10 A and pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz. Control schemes of each topology are explained from the viewpoint of mechanical performance parameters, viz. material removal rate, surface finish, and tool electrode wear ratio. A general analytical methodology to compute efficiency based on machining duty is illustrated considering the existence of two distinct switching frequencies. Overall comparison between EPG topologies is presented considering control aspects, size, efficiency, voltage stresses and suitability for any required application. As an example, a case of investigation of cutting silicon ingots with wire EDM is considered and experimental results are provided for the same. This work can be used as a guideline to understand and develop EPG based on particular target specifications.

中文翻译：

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电火花脉冲发生器的分类与比较研究

放电加工（EDM）是一种非常规的加工技术，需要脉冲发生器在工具和工件之间产生火花。尽管有几种不同的类型，但经典文本仅描述了两种类型的EDM脉冲发生器（EPG）。这项工作从电力电子学的角度对13种重要的EPG拓扑进行了分类和详细的比较研究。通过对EDM负载进行仿真研究，以10 A的火花电流和1 kHz的脉冲重复频率来解释每种拓扑的操作。从机械性能参数的角度解释每种拓扑的控制方案。材料去除率，表面光洁度和工具电极的磨损率。考虑到存在两个不同的开关频率，说明了一种基于加工负荷来计算效率的通用分析方法。提出了EPG拓扑之间的总体比较，其中考虑了控制方面，尺寸，效率，电压应力以及对任何所需应用的适用性。例如，考虑用线切割放电加工研究切割硅锭的情况，并为此提供了实验结果。这项工作可以用作根据特定目标规范理解和开发EPG的指南。考虑了用电火花线切割加工切割硅锭的案例，并提供了实验结果。这项工作可以用作根据特定目标规范理解和开发EPG的指南。考虑了用电火花线切割加工切割硅锭的案例，并提供了实验结果。这项工作可以用作根据特定目标规范理解和开发EPG的指南。