TY - GEN
T1 - High-current compact FCG seed source implementing solid state switching
AU - Elsayed, M.
AU - Holt, T.
AU - Young, A.
AU - Neuber, A.
AU - Dickens, J.
AU - Kristiansen, M.
AU - Altgilbers, L. L.
AU - Stults, A. H.
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Flux Compression Generators (FCGs) are some of the most attractive sources of single-use compact pulsed power available today due to their high energy density output and mobility. Driving FCGs requires some seed energy, which is typically provided by applying a high seed current, usually in the kilo-Ampere range for mid-sized helical FCGs. This initial current is supplied by a high-current seed source that is capable of driving an inductive load. High-current seed sources have typically been comprised of discharging large capacitors using spark-gaps and over-voltage triggering mechanisms to provide the prime power for FCGs. This paper will discuss a recent design of a self-contained (battery powered with full charge time less than 35 sec), single-use Compact Seed Source (CSS) using solid state components for the switching scheme developed at the Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics at Texas Tech University. The CSS developed is a system (0.007-m3 volume and weighing 13 lbs) capable of delivering over 250-J (∼10 kA) into a 6-μH load with a trigger energy of micro-Joules at the TTL triggering level. The newly designed solid-state switching scheme of the CSS incorporates off-the-shelf high-voltage semiconductor components that minimize system cost and size as necessary for a single-use application. An in-depth and detailed evaluation of the CSS is presented primarily focusing on the switching mechanics and experimental characterization of the solid state components used in the system.
AB - Flux Compression Generators (FCGs) are some of the most attractive sources of single-use compact pulsed power available today due to their high energy density output and mobility. Driving FCGs requires some seed energy, which is typically provided by applying a high seed current, usually in the kilo-Ampere range for mid-sized helical FCGs. This initial current is supplied by a high-current seed source that is capable of driving an inductive load. High-current seed sources have typically been comprised of discharging large capacitors using spark-gaps and over-voltage triggering mechanisms to provide the prime power for FCGs. This paper will discuss a recent design of a self-contained (battery powered with full charge time less than 35 sec), single-use Compact Seed Source (CSS) using solid state components for the switching scheme developed at the Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics at Texas Tech University. The CSS developed is a system (0.007-m3 volume and weighing 13 lbs) capable of delivering over 250-J (∼10 kA) into a 6-μH load with a trigger energy of micro-Joules at the TTL triggering level. The newly designed solid-state switching scheme of the CSS incorporates off-the-shelf high-voltage semiconductor components that minimize system cost and size as necessary for a single-use application. An in-depth and detailed evaluation of the CSS is presented primarily focusing on the switching mechanics and experimental characterization of the solid state components used in the system.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=62949149665&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/IPMC.2008.4743567
DO - 10.1109/IPMC.2008.4743567
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:62949149665
SN - 9781424415359
T3 - Proceedings of the 2008 IEEE International Power Modulators and High Voltage Conference, PMHVC
SP - 25
EP - 28
BT - Proceedings of the 2008 IEEE International Power Modulators and High Voltage Conference, PMHVC
T2 - 2008 IEEE International Power Modulators and High Voltage Conference, PMHVC
Y2 - 27 May 2008 through 31 May 2008
ER -