First results of the Los Alamos polyphase boost converter-modulator

This paper describes the first full-scale electrical test results of the Los Alamos polyphase boost converter-modulator being developed for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The convertrr-modulator provides 140 kV, 1.2 mS, 60 Hz pulses to a 5 MW, 805 MHz klystron. The system, which has 1 MW average power, derives its +/- 1250 Volt DC buss link voltages from a standard 3-phase utility 13.8 kV to 2100 volt transformer. An SCR pre-regulator provides a soft-start function in addition to correction of line and load variations, from no-load to full-load. Energy storage is provided by low inductance self-clearing metallized hazy polypropylene traction capacitors. Each of the 3-phase H-bridge Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) drivers are resonated with the amorphous nanocrystalline boost transformer and associated peaking circuits to provide zero-voltage-switching characteristics for the IGBT's. This design feature minimizes IGBT switching losses. By PWM of individual IGBT conduction angles, output pulse regulation with adaptive feedforward and feedback techniques is used to improve the klystron voltage pulse shape. In addition to the first operational results, this paper will discuss the relevant design techniques associated with the boost converter-modulator topology.