Bank Upgrade for SSPX at LLNL

Author

Marchiano, M.M. ; Cook, E.G. ; Geer, R.W. ; Kemptner, R.O. ; McLean, H.S. ; Martovetsky, N.N. ; Moller, J.M. ; Morris, K.L. ; Stallard, B.W. ; Watson, J.A. ; Wood, R.D.

Author_Institution

Sustained Spheromak Phys. Exp., Lawrence Livermore Nat. Lab., Livermore, CA

fYear

2005

fDate

13-17 June 2005

Firstpage

688

Lastpage

691

Abstract

A new 5 kV, 1.5 MJ modular capacitor bank has been designed for the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment (SSPX) at LLNL. The new bank consists of thirty 4 mF capacitors that are independently controlled by light-triggered thyristors. By closing all switches simultaneously, the bank will provide a mega-ampere discharge. The new bank will also allow additional capabilities to SSPX, including higher peak gun current, longer current pulses, and multi-pulse plasma buildup. Experiment results for a single stage prototype will be presented.

Keywords

plasma confinement; plasma production; power capacitors; pulsed power switches; thyristor applications; SSPX; Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment; capacitance 4 mF; energy 1.5 MJ; light-triggered thyristors; mega-ampere discharge; modular capacitor bank; multipulse plasma; single stage prototype; switches; voltage 5 kV; Capacitors; Diodes; Inductors; Optical pulse shaping; Physics; Plasma waves; Shape; Solenoids; Switches; Thyristors;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Pulsed Power Conference, 2005 IEEE

Conference_Location

Monterey, CA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-9189-6

Electronic_ISBN

0-7803-9190-x

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/PPC.2005.300753

Filename

4084309