Battery–Inductor Parametric System Analysis for Electromagnetic Guns

Growing interest in battery performance and cost reduction for hybrid and electric vehicles has restimulated interest in the United States in the use of high-power batteries as a potential source of pulsed power. Recent progress in high-power density lithium-ion batteries and high-power semiconducting switches has suggested that a battery-inductor-based pulsed power system could become a viable option to pulsed alternators for electromagnetic (EM) launchers and other pulsed loads in the megajoule range. Approximate system sizing and a parametric study are presented, showing the effects of battery and inductor parameters on the overall efficiency and system size for a conceptual 2-MJ muzzle energy EM launch system utilizing the STRETCH circuit topology. The results show the relationship between potential increases in future component performance on overall system size reduction and efficiency.