Improved Architecture of an Inductive Pulsed Power Supply Based on XRAM Meat-Grinder Combination

Abstract

Recently, the new tendency in launch systems is moving toward electric-driven or electromagnetic (EM) launches, converting EM energy to kinetic energy. However, for efficient operation, these systems require high electric current pulses, which makes the design of their power supply challenging. To solve this problem, two classical solutions are used. The first, known as “XRAM”, is based on charging several coils in series and then discharging them in parallel to multiply the delivered current. The second technique is known as a “meat grinder” (MG), in which the energy stored in two tightly coupled coils is abruptly transferred to one of them with the lowest number of turns. It results in a sudden current amplification. This article discusses a new and improved architecture that combines these two techniques to increase the amplification ratio while minimizing the constraints on the primary power switch. A mathematical model of the system is developed to analyze all the operating phases of the generator. This model is validated and confirmed by a series of practical tests made on an experimental prototype.