150 kJ Compact Capacitive Pulsed Power System for an Electrothermal Chemical Gun

Abstract

A 150 kJ compact capacitive pulsed power system (CCPPS) capable of delivering electrical energy into an electrothermal chemical (ETC) gun on a vehicle has been studied. The CCPPS provides pulsed electrical energy into a capillary plasma injector which generates plasma of tens of thousands <TEX>$^{\circ}K$</TEX> in temperature and has a nonlinear resistance depending on the current. The design requirements of the CCPPS are as follows: the maximum power of 250 MW, the pulse width of about 0.6 ms, the volume of no more than 0.5 cubic meter, the efficiency of energy transfer over 80 % and the repetition rate of 4~5 times per minute. The constructed CCPPS is composed of four 37.5 kJ capacitor bank modules in parallel to make a trapezoid pulse shape and to satisfy the design requirements. Each module is designed to achieve high reliability, safety, efficiency and energy density to endure severe operating conditions. The results of the performance test on the CCPPS using a 120 mm ETC gun are described.