Low-inductance megampere commutator with using creeping discharge

The operating principle is considered and design is described of a low-induction megampere current commutator on sliding discharge. Current commutation is accomplished by a multichannel discharge in the air along the surface of a solid dielectric. The discharger has two main and one control electrodes placed on a dielectric made of glass textolite. The conditions are studied for obtaining the maximum number of parallel channels per unit length of the control electrode. The discharger operates reliably from 0 to 40 kV for currents of up to 500 kA. The total inductance of the discharge circuit is 66 nH