Pulse power conditioning with a transformer for an inductive energy storage system

Abstract

One of the key technologies in a high power microwave system is the Pulsed Power Conditioning System (PPCS). For a system driven by an explosive flux compression generator, the PPCS may consist of an energy storage inductor, a fuse type opening switch and a sharpening spark gap. This paper presents the investigation of a PPCS with a pulse transformer. Before the construction of a prototype, the behavior of the PPCS has been simulated using the PSpice circuit simulation code. A transformer with a primary inductance L,=3.5 pH, secondary inductance L,=85 pH, and a coupling coefficient K=0.75, was designed and used in our experiments. The transformer was designed with two coaxial windings. Simulation results as well as experimental waveforms are shown. I. EXPERIMENTAL SETUPFigure 1 shows a drawing of the experimental setup. The system consists of a primary storage capacitor (Maxwell 16.5 pF, 45 kV), a triggered closing switch, the pulse transformer, a fuse, a peaking gap and a 13 R resistive load.For all of the results reported here, the peaking gap was closed, in order to observe the heating phase of the fuse. The fuse section, consisting of the lower fuse-T and the upper fuse cylinder, as well as the enclosure of the peaking gap were filled with an SFs -Air mixture. The coaxial enclosure of the load resistor was filled with transformer oil. The fuse was constructed of a filament of thin copper wires. The fuse wires and the support structure were embedded in fine sand used for sandblasting (Potters Industries, 2W580) to aid in the suppression of the arc after the explosion of the fuse.To analyze the performance of the system, we measured the voltage on the output of the triggered closing switch located directly behind the primary storage capacitor. We also measured the currents at three positions in the system using Pearson current monitors. A Pearson monitor model 1423 was used to measure the current on the input of the primary of the transformer. The currents in the fuse and in the load were measured with Pearson monitors model 4418 and 4997, respectively.Figure 1. Drawing of the Complete Pulse Forming System.

Pulse current generator with fast rise time based on transformers and single active switch for plasma drilling

“…Possible concepts for the pulse current generator for the considered plasma drilling application are pulse transformers [6], meat grinders [7] and XRAM generators [8]. All those topologies have fast current rise times and offer current multiplication.…”

Transportable High-Energy High-Current Inductive Storage GW Generator

“…An inductive storage system can also contain a transformer, used to match the system with a high-impedance load that requires a high-voltage pulse at a relatively low current. Such type of circuit, which is used in the present work, has been described previously [3][4][5]. As detailed below, the three novelties contained in the present paper are: an aircore transformer capable of withstanding very large magnetic forces, an inter-winding connection enabling (after the action of the opening switch) the generation of a very long current pulse in the load and the use of a high-voltage diode to attach the load.…”