Solar photovoltaic source based magnetic launcher simulation design with thermal requirements consideration

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic source based military defense systems, especially magnetic launchers, have significant advantages in terms of source independence, mobility, and efficiency. In this study, a solar photovoltaic sourced magnetic launcher system is modeled, and a critical component of the system’s (launcher coil) thermal requirements are analyzed. The designed system contains four energy conversion steps that are respectively photon, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical energy; also the launcher coil has an energy loss by the form of heat. Solar photovoltaic source based magnetic launcher system is sourced by solar photovoltaic panels and produced electrical energy is filtered, limited, and stored by an electrical converter. Stabilized electrical energy is converted to the magnetic energy by a coil. This magnetic energy is transferred to the projectile as mechanical energy. The microcontroller in the electrical converter unit controls all processes and manages the switching operations. Designed launcher coil is subject to a high amplitude current and employs simple, low-cost materials as an air core and copper wire. For this reason, the insulation breakdown on the launcher coil due to high temperatures are investigated, and a simple cooling configuration is suggested.