Status Of The Repetitive High Energy Pulsed Power Project

High average power pulse compression systems are being considered for use in several applications. The Repetitive High Energy Pulsed Power (RHEPP) system will consist of a 7 stage magnetic pulse compressor driving a linear induction voltage adder with an e-beam diode load. It is being designed to deliver 350 kW of average power to the diode in 50 ns FWHM, 2.5 MV, 2.9 kJ pulses. Input power for the module is presently supplied by a 600 kW, 120 Hz, alternator (developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation). Two stages of the compressor have been constructed and tested in a bipolar, 2.5 kJ/pulse output mode [1,2]. These stages are now being modified to operate in a unipolar, 5 kJ/pulse output mode. The design of the system is proceeding and several experiments are being conducted to support the design effort. A discussion of these experiments, the system design, and the status of the project is presented.