On the Challenges of High-Voltage Switch Design for Pulsed Power Applications

This work presents the design considerations and experimental results on the development of high-voltage, high-current switch units for pulsed power applications. Three alternative pulse-forming units are constructed with different switching configurations to discharge a 37.5 kJ capacitor bank with a charging voltage of up to 10 kV and a switching current of 35 kA into a 50 μH inductive load. The operational challenges of the high-voltage switches are verified through experimentation. Considerations on the more suitable switch topology and correct design practices for the safe operation of these switches in the presented application conclude our contribution.