Critical components for high energy density capacitor modules

The application of electric guns in combat vehicles require pulsed power supply systems with a compact design and a high reliability. Other investigations show that capacitive pulsed power supply (PPS) systems will fulfil these requirements for electrothermal-chemical (ETC) guns. In these PPS systems, high energy density capacitors and high power switches are critical components that have yet to be realized. This paper gives an overview of the latest results obtained from Rheinmetall's investigations on high energy capacitors and optically activated semiconductor switches being developed for ETC PPS systems. The basic technical requirements to be fulfilled by these components are presented. The final setup and the design data of a 1.9-2 MJ/m/sup 3/ discharge capacitors and a 22 kV/40 kA closing switch are described. Results obtained from full scale testing are presented. Basic considerations on other applications of these components and their scaled performance data conclude the paper.