Magnetically Insulated Pulse Transformers

Summary form only given. This paper records the most recent developments in the research programme on the magnetic insulation of pulsed transformers that began at Loughborough University (LU) some six years ago, with the successful proof-of-concept demonstration of a small 100 kV prototype. Most recently, LU has designed and constructed two much larger-scale units for the study of alternative approaches to magnetic insulation, that are capable of producing voltages up to 1 MV. One alternative uses an externally injected magnetic field to achieve magnetic insulation while the other uses the field generated by its own winding currents, thereby forming a magnetically self-insulated system. Various novel features invoked in the two units will be described, with experimental results being presented and compared with theoretical predictions. The potential impact of this innovative technology on the design and development of future multi-MV lightweight and autonomous compact pulsed-power radiation generators will be highlighted.