What is a stored energy welding power supply?

A stored energy welding power supply, also known as a Capacitive Discharge Welder (CD Welder), extracts energy from the power line over a period of time and stores it in welding capacitors. This type of power supply thus provides an effective weld energy that is independent of line voltage fluctuations.

What is the energy stored in a capacitor?

The energy stored in a capacitor is the product of one-half the capacitance of the capacitor bank and the square of the applied voltage, expressed in watt-seconds (joules). However, the energy delivered to the electrodes is considerably less due to losses in the primary and secondary circuits.

How are capacitor discharge power supplies rated?

Capacitor discharge power supplies are rated based on the amount of energy they store and the welding speed. The energy stored, expressed in watt-seconds (joules), is the product of one-half the capacitance of the capacitor bank and the square of the applied voltage.

How do weld power supplies work?

Capacitive discharge power supplies store electrical energy and rapidly discharge it through a pulse transformer, producing a flow of electrical current through the welding head and workpieces. This stored energy is independent of line voltage fluctuations. Capacitive discharge power supplies are rated in accordance with the amount of energy they store and the welding speed.