Power System for Electron Beam Welding in Space

Results are described of a development program for design and manufacture of a power system for an electron-beam welder to be used for joining materials in space. Consideration has been given to the sources of power for the welding operations, the environmental and human influences on equipment design, and actual design of the equipment using state-of-the-art components. The eqaipment includes a power pack containing a battery and main inverter, a high voltage power supply, and a control console containing a control inverter, a constant current lens supply, and all necessary controls for the welding operations. The results of weight reduction analysis are described, including the effects of duty cycle operation and operation at high frequency.