Advanced Dielectric Insulation Techniques for High Voltage Pulsed Power Systems

Directed energy has emerged as a prime military technology for attack and for defense. A major problem with presently available directed energy systems is the size, weight and volume of the power systems which is a function of the high-voltage, dielectric insulation techniques employed. Advancing insulation techniques, either by increasing dielectric strength of materials, by applying sophisticated design methodologies to create laminated dielectrics, or by using innovative manufacturing techniques to implement grading rings, all act to reduce system volume by maximizing insulation performance. APELC proposes to investigate innovative solid-dielectric insulation approaches and assess their effectiveness under transient conditions. The first proposed approach would employ a laminated insulator created by alternating coaxial layers of insulating materials. The second proposed approach would consist of grading rings comprised of the same moderately conducting compounds used in the previous method; however, the alignment of the rings would be in the axial direction. A combination of these two methods should help mitigate bulk breakdown through the insulator and surface flashover along the length of the insulator, two problems that are prevalent in compact Marx generators. BENEFIT: Power Industry, Automotive Industry, Consumer Electronics