Abstract
M.Ing. (Electrical And Electronic Engineering)
The theme of this thesis is the time compression of energy in electrical systems with the aim
of improving the efficiency and average power throughput capability of existing pulse
compression systems.
Recent success in the design of pulse lasers indicated successful operation at repetition rates
of up to 2kHz, demanding more powerful pulse power supplies. These pulse lasers require
unusually high peak power, not obtainable with conventional switching techniques. Typical
pulse voltages of up to 40kV with peak currents of lOkA and rise times of 150ns are required.
Traditionally thyratrons have been used for this application, but the limited lifetime of these
devices is a major shortcoming, especially when operating at 2kHz. New switching techniques
were needed.
Excellent results have been obtained using saturable inductors as magnetic switches in pulse
compressors, but notwithout limitations. The generation of heat due to core losses tends to limit
the power throughput capability of these compressors, especially in the final stages. The
minimisation of these losses is therefore of utmost importance.
In order to improve the current systems, a study of the basic principles of compression was
conducted. Loss-mechanisms, especially in the magnetic components, were modelled with the
object of minimising losses. The limitations imposed on the system by flux conservation in
magnetic and dielectric materials, led to the development of the new concept of bipolar
compression.
A full-scale bipolar compressor and pulse power supply was constructed and experimental
results on this system are presented, showing an improvement in the efficiency. A new method
for designing pulse compressors, incorporating core losses,evolved from this development