Development of 36kV Standard Lightning Impulse Voltage Generator

Abstract: One standard lightning impulse voltage generator is developed in the paper. Its waveform parameter is 1.2/50μs and highest output voltage is 36kV. The impulse voltage generator uses the spring mechanical ignition device to trigger the sphere gap discharge. The cost is low but the practicability is good.     

Key words: Standard lightning wave, impulse voltage generator, ignition device  

1. Introduction

The impulse voltage generator is a kind of HV generating device, which can generate the impulse wave, and is mainly used for conducting impulse high voltage test on HV electrical equipment. Besides, it can also be an important component of nanosecond impulse power apparatus and serves as an power supply for high-power electron beam generator and CO2 laser. In recent years, the electromagnetic effect generated by the generator has been widely applied in the biology field. The 36kV standard lightning wave impulse voltage generator is developed in this paper.  First of all, when main capacitance C0 is isolated by the gap G, the rectified circuit charges to steady voltage U0. After the gap G breakdowns, the charge on the capacitance discharges through the resistance R1 and charges to Cf through Rf. The rising voltage wave front is formed on the test object. After the voltage on the Cf charges to its maximum value, it discharges to Rt together with Rf and C0 and generates dropping wave tail. The full waveform of lightning impulse voltage is finally generated.