Charging Large Capacitor Banks for Fusion Research Using HVDC Conversion Equipment

Fundamental considerations in the choice of a continuous duty capacitor bank charging system using HVDC conversion equipment are presented. Large systems of the type used in fusion related research pose significant system related problems if they are to be supplied from a conventional power grid. Schemes for conditioning the required power in order to overcome such problems are presented and evaluated. A resonant charging system is examined in detail and shown to be superilor in a number of ways to constant current charging. Results of digital computer simulation studies are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the system. It is shown that the resonant charging system reduces rectifier capacity, simplifies control and reduces reactive power fluctuations. Sequential bank charging and use of a motor-generator set are presented as techniques for compensation of real power fluctuations and a comparison on the basis of initial cost is presented.