Progress in the reduction of inductance in the standard 100 kV energy storage capacitor

The basic metal case low profile bushing energy storage capacitor design has changed little from the 1.85 /spl mu/F, 60 kV capacitor developed for the LANL SCYLLAC program in the late 1960´s. Their enduring use testifies to a robust design. Today energy storage capacitors having a lower equivalent series inductance (ESL) will contribute to increasing the power capability of new or revised pulsed power machines. Lower ESL coupled with an improved terminal configuration for better integration with the system design, will produce faster discharge times and lower driver impedance, making higher power systems more sensible and energy efficient. A lower ESL capacitor that is compatible with existing proven hardware will also make upgrading more cost effective. This paper discusses the establishment of standardized test methods for determining the inductance of different SCYLLAC style energy storage capacitors; for example Maxwell Type C capacitors, which are now manufactured by General Atomics Energy Products, a part of Sorrento Electronics, and units from Aerovox. The effects leading to imprecision in inductance measurements will be noted. The inductance of existing designs will be compared with new hardware compatible prototype configurations with a goal of reducing the inductance up to 50%.