Investigation of an FCG and Pulse Transformer Based Power Conditioning System

Summary form only given. A cooperative effort was initiated between Texas Tech University and the University of Missouri-Columbia to develop a single-shot power conditioning system. The purpose of the system is to convert prime power to an output capable of driving a load with an impedance ranging from 15 to 30 Ohms. A helical flux compression generator (HFCG) was chosen as the electrical energy amplification stage due to its portability and high energy density. Certain topologies of IIFCGs are better suited to drive low impedance loads (i.e. short circuits or similar), however, cascaded HFCG systems are capable of driving higher impedance loads, thereby reducing the requirements from subsequent pulse forming stages to match the HFCG output to the load impedance. Therefore, a dual-stage HFCG was chosen to drive a transformer and series fuse in order to step-up the voltage to the 150 k V-300 kV level. A staged fuse has been designed to open in 280 ns or less with 25 kA-40 kA peak currents. The output voltage will be used to drive an RF load or to charge a mesoband oscillator. Both topologies for power conditioning are being considered and tests to date indicate that both types of geometries can be driven by the HFCG and power conditioning system. The results of the experimental tests as well as the energy transfer efficiency will be discussed.