Capabilities, performance, and future possibilities of high frequency polyphase resonant converters

High Frequency Polyphase Resonant Power Conditioning (PRPC) techniques are now being utilized for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) accelerator klystron RF amplifier power systems. Component improvements realized with the SNS effort coupled with new applied engineering techniques have resulted in dramatic changes in RF power conditioning topology. With resonant conversion techniques, load protective networks are not required. A shorted load de-tunes the resonance and little power transfer can occur. This provides for power conditioning systems that are inherently self-protective, with automatic fault "ride-through" capabilities. By altering the Los Alamos design, higher power long pulse and cw power conditioning systems can be realized without further demands of the individual component voltage or current capabilities. This paper will briefly review the performance achieved for the SNS accelerator and examine designs for high efficiency megawatt class cw systems and 30 MW long pulse applications. The devices and designs for compact higher frequency converters utilized for short pulse, lower average power applications will also be presented.