Ten megacoulomb switching operation for the Air Force battery powered inductive storage launcher research facility

Operation of the battery powered inductive energy storage research facility (BPS) presents unique switching problems. The energy storage system switch must be capable of conducting a peak current in excess of 2 MA for as long as five seconds. It must be capable of opening with microsecond precision timing, to synchronize current commutation with the operation of various electromechanical and electrical load components. A solid conductor, explosive-operated switch design has been selected as most suitable for meeting these needs. Switch design incorporates both a normally closed contact for inductor charging and a normally open contact for safety abort and routine energy management after each launch sequence. Both contacts are installed on the BPS switch bus as stand alone devices which may be used independently or sequentially, depending on experiment requirements. The combination is used as the primary system switch for inductor charging, current commutation to various loads including other switches, and energy management. Switch operating parameters are discussed, and results from preliminary system operation are presented