A low-energy, flexible pulsed-power generator for general purpose indoor and outdoor experimentation

An autonomous, compact and repetitive pulsed power generator has recently been developed at Loughborough University for use in low-energy, general-purpose experimentation, in either indoor or inclement outdoor environments. Flexibility, reliability and safety were the most important design requirements, which were achieved through the use of interchangeable components, off the shelf units and the development of a fibre-optic controlled charging and triggering system that allows the complete system to run from a single battery source. The present arrangement is based on a General Atomics 1 μF capacitor although many GAEP S/SS and SE/SSE series capacitors are compatible. A Trigatron discharges the capacitor into a transmission line with series connected mounting bays designed to accommodate a range of resistors or inductors if required. A high-voltage coaxial cable connects the generator to an external load or a further pulsed power system. Current and voltage are internally monitored using a Pearson current transformer and a Tektronix high-voltage probe. The completed system is housed in a weatherproof metallic container and mounted on rubber wheels. To date it has been operated successfully on more than 100 occasions, both in the laboratory and in various outdoor conditions.