SiC-Based High Voltage Capacitor Charging Innovations

Electromagnetic Railguns (EMRG) require high-voltage supplies to power pulse-forming-networks (PFN) through charging/discharging of High Voltage (HV) capacitors. Existing high-output-voltage power converters have inadequate power densities for shipboard applications. Additionally, most commercial high-output-voltage converters dont accept input voltages in the range of projected Navy power systems, and arent compatible with the shipboard environment (shock, vibration, etc.) requirements. Navy capacitor charging is very different from commercial applications with higher power levels, continuous operation at high repetition rates, high ramp rates and/or steep changes in power profile, posing challenges to the prime movers and system stability. RCT Systems will develop an innovative, advanced, high power density silicon carbide (SiC) based, modular and scalable capacitor charging converter capable of charging 325kJ capacitor(s) from zero to 6.5-10kVDC in 5 seconds at repetition rates up to 10 charges per minute. Advanced circuit and control techniques will be used to achieve charging profiles with low peak to average power ratios. Mechanical design aspects for shipboard environment (packaging, thermal, shock, vibration, EMI/EMC) will be examined. Since multiple chargers are used in the EMRG application, the system design aspects related to the interface with the shipboard Medium Voltage (MV) distribution system will be provided, focused on the 4160VAC case.