Performance of the 10-kV, 100-kA Pulsed-Power Modules for the FRX-C Magnetic Compression Experiment

Abstract

In this paper, we present detailed performance data collected from over a year's operation of the 25 and 50-kJoule pulsed-power capacitor-bank modules developed for the Los Alamos magnetic fusion facility FRX-C2. These modules supply the 5-MA magnet current needed for the compressional heating of compact toroid plasmoids. To date, 54 modules have been built and successfully tested at their full design rating: 100-kA peak output current at 10-kV charge, T(sub 1/4) = 60 (mu)S (25-kJ module), or 110 (mu)S (50-kJ module), crowbar L/R </= 1 ms. Modules are compact, cost about $5,000 each, and though designed for 25 or 50 kJ, they can be easily modified for other pulsed-power applications. Energy is stored in 25-kJ capacitors. Start and crowbar switching is performed with a pair of water-cooled, size-D ignitrons. As an alternative to an ignitron, crowbar switching by solid-state rectifiers has been successfully demonstrated. Current is conducted between components and to the load by parallel-plate transmission lines and by a parallel array of commercially-available coaxial cable.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA640020

Entities

People

  • D. J. Rej
  • W. J. Waganaar

Organizations

  • Los Alamos National Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cables
  • Capacitors
  • Circuits
  • Coaxial Cables
  • Connectors
  • Diodes
  • Electrical Circuits
  • Energy
  • Energy Transfer
  • Ferrites
  • High Voltage
  • Ignitrons
  • Power
  • Pulsed Power
  • Rectifiers
  • Resistance
  • Transmission Lines

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.