Large-Scale Pulsed Power Opportunities and Challenges

Pulsed power applications are widespread, ranging from microscopic devices up to systems that are major installations and cost many millions of dollars. This paper describes some of the approaches used for the larger systems that have been built and discusses their engineering challenges. Basic energy storage approaches include electrostatic (capacitors), magnetic (inductors), inertial (flywheels), electrochemical (batteries), and fuel or explosives. Systems based on these approaches each have their own requirements and challenges but also have many common components. An example of one potential future large-scale opportunity-launch to space-is given and the need to develop more competitive economic approaches is discussed.