0.5MJ 18KV module of capacitive energy storage

The module of the capacitive energy storage is intended to investigate high-current electrical discharges in dense media. The module is a functionally completed remote-operated capacitive energy storage built on eight capacitor cells with reverse-switching dynistor (RSD) switches. The module comprises a charger with a high-frequency inverter, a protection contactor with normally closed high-voltage contacts to neutralize cell charge, control units of RSD switches, control and diagnostics apparatus with a programmable logic controller. The semiconductor switches in the capacitor cells are triggered by light pulses transmitted from a remote control board via eight fiber-optical cables. Information exchange between the module control and diagnostics system and the remote terminal is also realized via fiber-optical cables. The storage is designed for operation in the programmable discharge mode, when semiconductor switches in the capacitor cells are switched on in the specified time sequence according to the preset program. A maximal current pulse amplitude of 400 kA at the module output is attained during simultaneous discharge of all eight cells in the short-circuit mode. The wave-front of the current pulse is 150 ¿s. The volume of the capacitor module is 1.3 m³.