The Repetitive High Energy Pulsed Power module

Abstract

In the Repetitive High Energy Pulsed Power (RHEPP) module, pulse compression is done exclusively with magnetic switches (saturable reactors). Such switches have the potential of performing efficiently and reliably for >10/sup 10/ shots. The objective of the RHEPP project is to explore the feasibility of using magnetic pulse compression technology in continuous high average power applications. The RHEPP system consists of a compressor driving a linear induction voltage added with a diode load. Construction and initial testing in a bipolar mode of the first two stages of the compressor have been completed. This system has operated for a total of 332 min (4.8*10/sup 6/ pulses) at full power (600 kW) with an efficiency of 94+/-3%. The first stage magnetic switch has a pulse compression factor of 8.4 (4.2 ms to 500 mu s time to peak). It has two parallel-connected, 67 n turns copper coils and a 760 kg core of 2 mil silicon steel with a magnetic cross sectional area of 0.065 m/sup 2/. The second stage magnetic switch has a pulse compression factor of three (500 mu s to 170 mu s). It has two parallel-connected, 36 turn copper coils and a 361 kg core of field annealed 2605 CO Metglas with a magnetic area of 0.019 m/sup 2/. >