A compact high voltage low frequency power supply

Modern power converter topologies and components allow the implementation of compact, low weight, low cost specialized power supplies. This paper presents such a power supply specifically designed for soil resistivity measurements in hydrogeology and mineral prospecting. The 3 kW power supply features a series resonant power converter topology, based on IGBTs, and an innovative reed relay based output inverter for the high voltage (300 V), low frequency (variable from 0.1 to 1 Hz), output stage. Full galvanic isolation is provided. This original approach to the power supply design results in a low cost, low weight (less than 10 kg), competitive product. The paper presents detailed design considerations and complete performance results for the chosen design.<>