A 30 MJ modular 22 kV/44 kV capacitor bank

Under contract to Rheinmetall, Physics International, in cooperation with TZN, has developed and fielded a 30 MJ capacitor bank which is a part of the Feuerstellung 2000 pulsed power facility at Rheinmetall Proving Ground in Germany. The capacitor bank is designed for use primarily as a driver for electrothermal gun research, but has considerable flexibility in its configuration, allowing a good match to electromagnetic guns, as well. The bank consists of 24 identical energy storage/pulse forming segments. The segments, which store up to 1.25 MJ at their maximum voltage of 22 kV, can be switched independently into the load or can be switched in series pairs, allowing full energy operation at either 22 kV or 44 kV. Each segment incorporates a pair of pulse-shaping inductors, which can be used in parallel or in series, allowing two different segment inductances, for further flexibility. Capacitors used in the segments, manufactured by Aerovox, have demonstrated exceptional fault and reversal tolerance.