A HV pulse generator for PEF applications

In this work, a high voltage (HV) pulse generator for pulsed electric fields (PEF) application in treatment of liquid food is presented. A complete overview of the target application is followed by a detailed analysis and design of a 10 stages Marx generator. The pulse generator uses semiconductor switches to generate up to 30kV pulses of 2μs and 2400Hz frequency. Simulation of the electrical characteristics of the pulse generator and of the electric field, and temperature variations inside the chamber are presented as well as measured results of a 3-stage prototype.