Pulsed Power Options for Large EM Launchers

Abstract

Large electromagnetic launchers require multigigawatt (GW) power levels and mega-ampere currents to be supplied at multikilovolts during the launch of a high-speed projectile. Power systems that operate under these conditions are not readily available and expert development is therefore needed to design, assemble, and operate them safely. The options available for energy storage and GW power delivery are discussed. Some of the larger systems that have been built are described and their features discussed.Index Terms-Electromagnetic (EM) launching power supplies, energy storage, pulsed power systems, railgun power supplies, railguns.

Magnetomechanical study of open-bore two-rail electromagnetic launcher

“…However, by the mid of 1980s, a velocity ceiling was 6 km/s, and nowadays the experiments with solid payloads reach 11 km/s. One of the essential assets of such an EM launcher is the launch fee, which should not exceed $ 600 / kg, while Space Shuttle space cost is more than $ 20,000 / kg (McNab 2009(McNab , 2015.…”

Review of Inductive Pulsed Power Generators for Railguns

“…They reported successful railgun experiments with a corresponding demonstrator which was realized by a multisection Brooks coil, GTOs as opening switches and batteries as primary energy source [51], [52]. It was claimed that with 30 kJ of inductively stored energy, an output current amplitude of 172 kA could be achieved [52], [53] but only preliminary experimental results with a current amplification from 2 kA to 21 kA were published. Recently, Wu et al realized a meat grinder with a superconducting coil and IGBTs [54], [55].…”

Outer Rotor Permanent Magnet Passively Compensated Pulsed Alternator for Electromagnetic Railgun System

“…As one of core components in the electromagnetic railgun system, the performance of pulsed power supply will obviously affect the whole electromagnetic launch system. At present, the typical challenge in the development and application of electromagnetic railgun is how to realize high output power and high-frequency discharge as well as the miniaturization of pulsed power supply [3][4][5][6]. e pulse power supply to realize the energy storage with the capacitor usually has the large volume, its energy storage density and discharge frequency are low, and additionally the charging device and high power circuit switch are required.…”