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

摘要

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.