Development of a 20 GW compact lightweight Tesla-transformer pulsed power driver

Wang Gang; Zeng Bo; Liu Sheng; Zheng Lei; Guo Zhiqiang; Jia Biao; Liu Yao; Liu Shifei; Shi Dingyuan; Huang Hongyang; Li Jie

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202638.250362

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Wang Gang, Zeng Bo, Liu Sheng, et al. Development of a 20 GW compact lightweight Tesla-transformer pulsed power driver[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250362

Citation:

Wang Gang, Zeng Bo, Liu Sheng, et al. Development of a 20 GW compact lightweight Tesla-transformer pulsed power driver[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250362

Wang Gang, Zeng Bo, Liu Sheng, et al. Development of a 20 GW compact lightweight Tesla-transformer pulsed power driver[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250362

Citation:

Wang Gang, Zeng Bo, Liu Sheng, et al. Development of a 20 GW compact lightweight Tesla-transformer pulsed power driver[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250362

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Development of a 20 GW compact lightweight Tesla-transformer pulsed power driver

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250362

Key Laboratory on Science and Technology on High Power Microwave, Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China

Received Date: 2025-10-22
Accepted Date: 2025-11-17
Rev Recd Date: 2025-11-23

Available Online: 2025-12-01

Abstract

Abstract

Background
The rapid development of high-power microwave application technology presents significant challenges for the reliability and installability of pulsed power drivers.
Purpose
The design methodology of a compact, lightweight Tesla-type pulsed power driver based on high-energy-density liquid dielectric Midel 7131 and a dual-width pulse-forming line (PFL) is introduced.
Methods
There was a key breakthrough in the miniaturization of the integrated Tesla transformer and PFL assembly. Through optimization of the electrical length of the short pulse transmission line and its impedance matching characteristics, longstanding challenges associated with conventional single-cylinder PFLs and extended transmission lines using transformer oil dielectrics have been effectively resolved. A high-elevation, high-vacuum oil impregnation technique was developed for the Tesla transformer, successfully mitigating partial discharge in oil-paper insulation systems and thereby enhancing the power rating and operational reliability of the PFL.
Results
The developed pulsed power driver delivers a peak output power of 20 GW, a pulse duration of 50 ns, a pulse flat-top fluctuation of less than 2%, and a maximum repetition rate of 50 Hz. The system has demonstrated stable operation over continuous one-minute durations, accumulating approximately 200 000 pulses with consistent performance. The driver’s overall dimensions are 4.0 m(L)×1.5 m (W)×1.5 m (H), with a total mass of approximately 5 metric tons.
Conclusions
Compared to the conventional 20 GW Tesla-type pulsed power generator, this driver has achieved significant improvements in power density and miniaturization.
- compact lightweight,
- Tesla transformer,
- Midel 7131,
- dual-width pulse-forming line,
- short pulse transmission line

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References(24)

References

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