Published 1979 | Version v1
Journal article Metadata-only

Fast commutation of homopolar generator output

Creators

  • 1. US Nav Res Lab, Washington, DC

Description

The characteristics of a pulse power system using a homopolar generator (HPG) and single-shot, explosive circuit breaker are described. The breaker conducts for several seconds while the self-excited HPG energizes a 1.5 mH inductor. The opening breaker then commutates the 20-kA current into load resistance of less than 0.6 /OMEGA/ within tens of microseconds with an energy transfer efficiency of 99%. When larger load resistance is used, current commutation is assisted by a parallel fuse. The open breaker withstands the voltage pulse of 40-kV peak and 750-/mu/s decay obtained from a 2-/OMEGA/ load. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using inertial current sources for inductive generation of terawatt output pulses. 10 refs

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Proc. Symp. Eng. Probl. Fusion Res.
Journal Volume
3
Journal Issue
79CH1441-5
Series
Proc. Symp. Eng. Probl. Fusion Res.
Journal Page Range
1191-1194

Conference

Title
8. symposium on engineering problems of fusion research.
Dates
13 - 16 Nov 1979.
Place
San Francisco, CA, USA.

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
12626053
Subject category
S70: PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Conference
Descriptors DEI
CIRCUIT BREAKERS; ELECTRIC GENERATORS; ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS; THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
Descriptors DEC
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT PROTECTION DEVICES

Optional Information

Secondary number(s)
CONF-791102--.