Characteristics of a Magnetic Energy Storage System Using Exploding Foils

Abstract

A capacitor bank operating at 15 kV and 34 kJ is used to energize an inductive system of 40 nH. Interrupting the current of ∼800 kA, by means of an exploding copper foil fuse, produces voltages across the fuse of the order of 80 kV. The opening time of the fuse, as well as the characteristics of the voltage developed across the fuse are examined as a function of the fuse dimensions. If transfer of the current into a matching inductive load is to take place at the time of peak voltage, energy transfer efficiency is of the order of 8% with İ's of the order of 2×10¹² A/sec.