Compact High-Performance Voltage Source

The US Army has programs that require on-demand primary power supplies in very restrictive environments. These power supplies must be capable of supplying voltages as high as 60 to 70 kV. The energy outputs must be 5 joules or more. The active time for this power supply is ≤10 us. Mission requirements require that the power supply must be quiescent and stable under most environments. When activated, the lead time needs to be ≤10 us. Mission size restrictions suggest a total geometry volume of ≈25 in3. Therefore, the Army is seeking prime power supply designs appropriate for several classes of directed-energy munitions. While multi-use power supplies are desirable, a single-shot power supply design will satisfy all requirements of the solicitation. To meet all of the requirements and technical objectives of this solicitation, we propose to develop and experimentally test a new FerroElectric Generator (FEG). Unlike earlier FEGs, the units to be developed under this effort will be limited to voltages between 60 and 70 kV to avoid breakdown of the FEG before the available stored charge potential has been delivered to the capacitive load. This generator will be explosive-driven (<5 grams) and will be single use.