Rep-rated operation of a modular, compact HV-capacitor charger

Abstract

We are reporting results on a compact high voltage capacitor charger with modular topology for rep-rated operation. This modular topology utilizes synchronized hard-switching H-Bridge inverters. Each current-mode controlled inverter is fed into the highly coupled primaries of a high frequency transformer with a nano-crystalline core. This charging system with two synchronized H-Bridges has reached voltages of over 20 kV with power outputs in excess of 10 kW. Rep-rated operation along with system efficiency has been explored with this modular topology system. Burst mode operation has achieved rep rates close to 20 Hz. Overall system efficiencies have been measured at nearly 80%.