Design and testing of a multi-output 300 kV prototype induction cell pulsed power supply for DARHT

Technology demonstrations of key components at LANL for the dual-axis radiographic hydro test (DARHT) facility including the turnkey induction cell pulsed power supply (ICPPS) delivered by Maxwell have been in progress at the DARHT integrated test stand (ITS) for over three years. The prototype system has accumulated >35000 shots to date with no component failures and only minor system malfunctions. The eight induction cells in the ITS are driven by four water insulated Blumleins at 250 kV nominal, >67 ns wide negative polarity pulses with /spl plusmn/1% flat-top deviation. Each Blumlein drives two cells and is switched by an SF/sub 6/-insulated, coaxial triggered spark gap. The Blumlein is charged using a pulse transformer via two electrically isolated primary power capacitors switched by their respective thyratrons. The timing adjustment between the respective Blumlein output pulses is controlled via Maxwell´s turnkey DARHT HV triggering system. Four switching supplies provide independent control of each Blumlein output pulse voltage. The ICPPS prototype system is provided with a single integrated control console capable of remote operation via a MODICON programmable logic controller. Details of the ICPPS and the results obtained during this extensive testing are described.