Estimation model of switching delay for gas-insulated trigatron switches

Abstract

Based on the gas discharge theory involving distorted E-field enhancement, a physical model is proposed to estimate the switching delay for gas-insulated trigatron spark gaps with a trigger pin inside the main electrode. Two discovered breakdown modes, i.e., fast-breakdown mode (FBM) and slow-breakdown mode (SBM), can be unified in this model. Raether criterion can distinguish these two modes. If the main E-field and enhanced E-field near the trigger pin tip are great enough, FBM forms easily. Otherwise, if streamer development needs to rely on the second ionization process and relevant distorted E-field enhancement, the breakdown of the main gap would turn into SBM. The enhanced E-field near the trigger pin tip may affect the threshold main E-field of FBM. The distorted E-field enhancement may affect the switching delay length of SBM.