Advanced Dielectric Insulation Techniques for High Voltage Pulsed Power Systems

Current state-of-the-art, high voltage, pulsed power systems designed to drive high power microwave (HPM) sources utilize Marx generator designs. The high voltage insulation of these devices has been traditionally based on either high dielectric strength oil or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The dielectric strength of the insulating medium determines the minimum size of the tank enclosure of the Marx generator since it determines the maximum voltage standoff between the fully erected Marx output voltage and the tank wall. We propose to develop an advanced insulating technique based on our patented nested high voltage generator. This technique uses solid insulation with field grading foils that minimized the distance from the fully erected voltage and the tank wall. This proposal describes such a device, expected space savings, and how we plan to model, build, and test a unit based on this construction. BENEFIT: The potential decrease in volume by 40% of high voltage pulsed devices due to this technology makes possible smaller, light-weight payloads for airborne HPM equipment. This can also be used in commercial high voltage applications such as pulsed x-ray or electron beam equipment. This is also beneficial in any mobile pulsed high voltage application where size and weight are critical design factors.