Circuit modeling of a power conditioning system with an electroexplosive opening switch

Power conditioning systems utilizing inductive energy storage require an opening switch to transfer energy to the system load. Electroexplosive opening switches are often implemented due to their long conduction time of large currents, large and fast change of impedance, and high dielectric strength. Due to the complex relationship between the circuit current and switch impedance, numerical modeling methods are required to understand the dynamic switch and circuit behavior. The resistivity of electroexplosive opening switches can be described in terms of the specific energy dissipated in the switch or the specific action. The specific energy and specific action are dependent on the integral of the square of the current through the switch. The current through the switch is also dependent on the impedance of the switch. Therefore, an iterative process using numerical methods is required to model the switch resistivity and its effects on circuit behavior. A Matlab program was written to simulate an electroexplosive opening switch in a power conditioning circuit with an inductive energy store. The program was developed assuming the source was a flux compression generator, but additional sources can be modeled. An inductor or a transformer can be used as the inductive energy storage element. The program can allow simulation of a resistive load, representing a high power microwave source, the capacitive load of a high power RF source, or an inductive load. A detailed description of the development of the program is provided. Simulation results are included for an exploding wire fuse with a resistive load.