Thesis Defense Announcement for Walker Thames – 3/7/2024 at 10:30 AM
February 15, 2024
Thesis Title: A Modular Compact kW-Class IPOS DC-DC Converter for Pulsed Power Applications
When: 3/7/2024 10:30 AM
Where: Online via Webex
Candidate: Walker Thames
Degree: Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Committee Members: Dr. Ryan B. Green, Dr. Masoud Karimi, Dr. Seungdeog Choi
Abstract
Pulsed power systems are concerned with the delivery of significant amounts of power in a greatly condensed time frame. To achieve this, energy is often stored in a capacitor, where it can be rapidly discharged. Certain applications require repeated charging and discharging of the load capacitor in a specifically modulated manner; special power electronics systems must be developed for these situations. Existing systems on the market sacrifice a small form factor for greater pulsed power output. The proposed design outlines the development of a compact pulsed power capacitor charger capable of charging a load capacitor to high voltages at a pulse repetition frequency of 30 kHz. Due to the compact form factor, the charger features a unique design of four full-bridge converters modularly connected in Input-Parallel Output-Series configuration. Experimental verification shows that the system exceeds expectations and can be utilized and adapted to fit many pulsed power applications.