Hybrid pulsed power transformer (HPPT): magnet design and results of verification experiments

The hybrid pulsed power transformer (HPPT) is designed to provide pulsed power without the need of a high-power, high-voltage breaker switch. Very low voltages are induced during an HPPT-type operation. The HPPT system has no moving parts. The key feature of the HPPT device is its superconducting primary coil. The sequence of HPPT operation is to charge the primary coil to a level very close to the critical current of the superconductor, then drive it normal uniformly when an energy pulse is required. it is therefore a combination energy storage, power conditioning, and energy transfer device. An experimental program initiated to verify the HPPT concept as well as determine its characteristics is described. Detailed test design, setup, results, and their comparison to theoretically derived engineering models are presented. Potential applications of such a device and the critical issues associated with the design of an HPPT system are also discussed.