A 100 kA, 5000 V Solid State Opening Switch for Railgun Applications
Abstract
Inductive energy stores have demonstrated higher energy storage densities than capacitive energy stores. A limitation in the use of inductive energy stores has been the availability of adequately rated opening switches. A self commutated solid state switch has been developed for use as an opening device for an inductive energy store. The switch is rated at 100 kA and 5000 V and is composed of four identical 25 kA switch modules. The opening repetition rate for the intended application varies from single pulse to 10 Hz. Efficiency and volumetric power density are optimized. The switch topology is a two stage hybrid consisting of an SCR-FET / SCR-IGBT combination. The switch is designed to charge an inductive energy store and repetitively commutate the current into a railgun load. A 100 kA switch module has been built and successfully tested. The theory of operation, circuit topology and test results are given in this paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA637749
Entities
People
- E. E. Bowles
- J. Kolawole
- M. W. Heyse
- N. E. Taconi Jr.