Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process

Abstract

A conversion circuit for converting an alternating current into a feed current for an electrochemical process is provided with at least one supply terminal for supplying an alternating feed current, a rectifier circuit for rectifying a supplied alternating feed current, and an output stage for supplying the rectified current to a device in which the electrochemical process is taking place. The conversion circuit is further provided with an input stage connected between the supply terminals and rectifier circuit, which input stage, when in use, confers upon the conversion circuit a substantially reactive input impedance.

1 . A conversion circuit for converting an alternating current into a feed current for an electrochemical process, the conversion circuit comprising: 
 at least one supply terminal for supplying an alternating feed current;    a rectifier circuit for rectifying a supplied alternating feed current; and    an output stage for supplying the rectified current to a device in which an electrochemical process is taking place; the conversion circuit further comprises an input stage connected between the supply terminals and/or rectifier circuit, wherein the input stage, when in use, confers upon the conversion circuit a substantially reactive input impedance.    
   
   
       2 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 1 , wherein the input stage comprises at least one capacitor connected in series between the supply terminals and the rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       3 . the conversion circuit according to  claim 2 , wherein the input stage comprises a capacitor bank, which comprises one or more capacitors connected in parallel.  
   
   
       4 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 1 , wherein the supply terminals are suitable for connection of the conversion circuit to the mains network.  
   
   
       5 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 2 , wherein the supply terminals are suitable for connection of the conversion circuit to the mains network.  
   
   
       6 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 3 , wherein the supply terminals are suitable for connection of the conversion circuit to the mains network.  
   
   
       7 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 1 , wherein the rectifier circuit comprises a full-wave rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       8 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 2 , wherein the rectifier circuit comprises a full-wave rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       9 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 3 , wherein the rectifier circuit comprises a full-wave rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       10 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 4 , wherein the rectifier circuit comprises a full-wave rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       11 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 5 , wherein the rectifier circuit comprises a full-wave rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       12 . The conversion circuit according to  claim 6 , wherein the rectifier circuit comprises a full-wave rectifier circuit.  
   
   
       13 . A system for carrying out an electrochemical process, comprising a device in which an electrochemical process is running and comprising a conversion circuit according to  claim 1 .  
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein the device in which the electrochemical process is taking place comprises a container for an electrolyte solution, wherein the system means for generating pressure waves in the electrolyte solution present in the container of the device.  
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 13 , further comprising a fluid bath, in which the container can be placed and provided with a means for generating pressure waves in the fluid bath when filled with fluid.  
   
   
       16 . A method of carrying out an electrochemical process, comprising using a conversion circuit according to  claim 1 .  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising 
 having the electrochemical process take place in a container filled with an electrolyte solution, and    generating pressure waves in the electrolyte solution present in the container.    
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising 
 generating pressure waves having a frequency in the range of 20 kHz and higher.