Capacitors for Aircraft High Power
Abstract
This report describes an exploratory program conducted to develop reliable lightweight pulse discharge capacitors for airborne application. The specific duty was a 1 minute burst every 2 hours, and both low (50pps) and high (300pps) repetition rate service was to be considered. The energy density goals were 400 to 1100 J/kg with a 20 microsec capacitor current pulse width. A five layer polysulfone/kraft paper dielectric was selected for high rate service, while polyvinylidene fluoride/kraft paper was chosen for the low rate service. Both mineral oil and dioctylphthalate fluids were used. Tension-controlled winding was used to eliminate failure producing folds. Reduced temperature drying further reduced wrinkles. Special filtration, purfication, and cleaning produced very high resistivity fluids free from particles. A highly-instrumented test bay accurately simulated a pulse-forming network environment and allowed detailed and accurate testing. The best single section high rate results were 550 J/kg at 100,000 - 1,000,000 shot life at double the specified duty, while the best low rate results were slightly higher. Case weight minimization was stuided, and three prototype lightweight cases were built. Several techniques for smoothing rough capacitor foils were examined, and a flame technique was selected as being most easily implemented. Problems of terminating extended foils were examined, and a flame-spray method selected as most practical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA087427
Entities
People
- Robert D. Parker
Organizations
- Hughes Aircraft Company