Compact Battery/Capacitor Electromagnetic Launcher Testbed
Abstract
A 0.4 megawatt per pound battery/capacitor system is a viable means to power a Small-Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher (SCEML). A SCEML testbed is in operation at our Laboratory which uses a 55 pound, 0.9 kilojoule per kilogram electrolytic capacitor discharge sub-system and a demountable, compact SCEML that serves as the switch and load. A secondary battery sub-system that weighs 45 pounds has been designed to operate up to 1000 volts and is capable of charging the capacitors at a 1.0 Hertz repetition rate for a minimum of 100 cycles. The total battery/capacitor power system weight is 100 pounds. Power conditioning experiments are in progress under railgun load conditions with a near-term objective of demonstrating a 100 pound power-conditioning system that is capable of powering a projectile of weight 2.0 to 4.0 grams with a muzzle velocity of 2.0 kilometers per second and with a barrel length less than 1.0 meter. Experimental data is presented; new higher-power, energy battery/capacitor power systems are highlighted; and future program plans and some important conclusions are discussed that give support to a compact, lightweight battery/capacitor power conditioning system for a SCEML.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA635640
Entities
People
- Louis J. Jasper Jr.