Characterization of the high current triggered vacuum switch

The triggered vacuum switch (TVS) is widely used in the electromagnetic launcher (EML) system. An important performance of TVS with the six-gap rod electrode system which has been used in experimental research is long operating life, the high current and high coulomb. A major feature of TVS is capacity of carrying high current. Therefore, this paper focuses on the main current characteristics of the TVS. The result shows that under the capacitance of 1200 μF, the experiment was repeated 300 times when the current flowing through TVS was 100 kA, the characteristic of TVS is not damaged, the trigger voltage is maintained at 4–5 kV, insulation resistance is 2000 MΩ. In another case, when the capacitor value is 4400 μF, the current flowing through TVS was 207 kA, it can be repeated several times, until TVS is damaged, insulation resistance drops to 0 Ω. The result proves that the surface flashover triggered vacuum switch of a six-gap rod electrode can withstand 200 kA current, the transfer charge is 75 C.

► The experiment was repeated 300 times when the current flowing through TVS was 100 kA.
► The current flowing through TVS was 207 kA, it can be repeated several times.
► The transfer charge of TVS can reach 75 C.