High-Performance Compact Electromagnetic Coilgun Propulsion System with Low-Voltage Modular Rapid Capacitor Charger

Doodi Dayan, Michael Evzelman, Mor Mordechai Peretz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Magnetic propulsion systems utilize electromagnetic actuators to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. A potential candidate to be mobile and compact payload launcher is a coilgun magnetic accelerator in which propulsion is inherently generated without contact and with no friction. A fundamental obstacle of the existing solutions is the low energy conversion efficiency that primarily stems from saturation of the propelled object by the excessive force of the actuator. This study introduces a partition methodology for the coilgun structure which enhances power and energy utilization along the propulsion track. It is enabled by a low voltage modular rapid capacitor charger with multilevel voltage bus and peripheral circuits, to achieve accurate timing sequencing. The resultant system is of significantly higher power density and potentially capable of producing higher velocity propulsion per unit volume. The concept and circuitries are described in detail. Experimental validation is provided for a 1KW rated rapid capacitor charger prototype, that charges 3x1mF serially connected capacitors to 1,200V from a 12V input source.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationAPEC 2020 - 35th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition
Pages1559-1566
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781728148298
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2020
Event35th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2020 - New Orleans, United States
Duration: 15 Mar 202019 Mar 2020

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition - APEC
Volume2020-March

Conference

Conference35th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Orleans
Period15/03/2019/03/20

Keywords

  • Balancer
  • Cascaded
  • Charger
  • Modular
  • high-voltage
  • magnetic propulsion

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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