High Current Pulsed Power Supply for Multi-Stage Induction-Based Acceleration System

A multi-stage pulsed power supply featuring several kA level currents off a low voltage supply for coilgun propulsion applications is presented. Detailed theoretical analysis of capacitor bank that evaluates the tradeoffs between peak current level, capacitor bank volume, and price are provided. To validate the theoretical derivations, an experimental 5 stage pulsed power supply prototype was built and tested in the lab. Experimental results were found to be in a good agreement with theoretical predictions and simulation evaluations. Using the optimization procedures developed in this study an experimental peak current of approximately 2.8kA was achieved using 1mF capacitor bank charged to 400V.