Rail-gap switch modifications and test data for the Atlas capacitor bank
- and others
Atlas is a facility being designed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to perform high energy-density experiments in support of weapons-physics and basic-research programs. The capacitor bank design consists of a 36-MJ array of 240-kV Marx modules. The system is designed to deliver a peak current of 45- to 50-MA with a 4- to 5-us risetime. Evaluation, testing and qualification of key components of the Marx module are being conducted. One key element of the Marx module is the low inductance, high-voltage, high-current, high-coulomb transfer spark-gap switch needed for this application, 304 of which will be used in the Atlas capacitor bank. Because of the Marx module configuration, overall system inductance requirements and the need for a triggered switch, the design team initially selected the Maxwell Technologies railgap switch. The switch has been used in other high-voltage, high-current, high-coulomb transfer applications and would meet the Atlas facility requirements with some modifications. Testing of the Maxwell rail-gap switch under expected Atlas conditions is in progress. For the Atlas application, the rail-gap switch required some mechanical design modifications, which are discussed. Maxwell provided to modified switches for testing and evaluation. Results of this testing, before and after modifications, and inherent maintenance improvements to meet overall system reliability will be discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 532572
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR--97-2479; CONF-9706113--23; ON: DE97009114
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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