Repetitve Operation of High Voltage Switch Utilizing Dielectric Fluid

High voltage switches are fundamental components of high voltage pulsed power modulators. The goal of this research consists of improving the lifetime, and reducing the size of traditional high voltage switches and the associated ancillary equipment, while optimizing performance. A high power, high pressure, flowing liquid dielectric switch has been developed by university, government and contractor researchers for directed energy applications. Dielectric fluid (poly alpha-olefin) flows through apertures concentric around the switch housing and through the cathode axis into central aperture in a contoured anode. The fluid then distributes through the switch at flow rates from 0.13 L/s to 0.72 L/s (2 -11.4 gpm) and pressures from 3.45 MPa to 17.24 MPa (500 -2500 psi) using a compact pump cart. The switch has been designed and tested for charge voltages of -250 to -300 kV and operated with discharge energies to 280 J per pulse at pulse rates of 1 to 10 pps. Switch jitter has been tested in self break mode, with enhanced electrode configurations and with a trigatron trigger. Operation, jitter, and erosion were examined as a function of oil pressure, and flow rate and test results are reported.