Performance Of A 10 KV, 625 KA, 85 KJ Energy Discharge Module Utilizing A Solid Dielectric Switch

We have designed and tested an 87-0 energy dis charge system consisting of two 720-/spl mu/F, 11-kV capacitors discharged through parallel coaxial cables into a 250 nH load. Data will be presented on the current and voltage waveforms, with calculated values of the system in ductance and resistance. The bank uses a solid dielectric switch punctured by an explosive bridge wire (EBW) to initiate the discharge. With the capacitors charged to 9 kV, a 625-kA peak current is sent through the load with a ringing frequency of 6.8 kHz. The coaxial cables used to transmit the current to the load are 3 m in length. Both RG-217 and YK-198 cable types were tested, which have an inductance of 74 nH/ft and 35 nH/ft respectively. Normal operation requires that each cable carry 52 kA. The cables were tested to 100 kA each by connecting fewer cables to the load, and gradually increasing the charge voltage. The solid dielectric switch was chosen for high reliability. Details of the switch will he described and data on its performance will be presented.