Derating of a DC Capacitor Subjected to Polarity Reversal Under FCG Simulator Application

Pulsed power applications have been a topic of extensive research in the field of defense applications with research focused on creating a non-destructible and a repeatable pulsed power system with flux compression generator (FCG) simulator topology being widely accepted. Under the influence of polarity reversals experienced in FCG simulator evident degradation of the energy storage capacitors occurs. These high voltage energy storage capacitors are nominally designed for a rated peak current and designated discharge cycles. Due to the experienced polarity reversals, the expected life of the capacitors is observed to decrease and they fail before the designated cycles. It is thus important to quantify the damage accumulated by these capacitors under polarity reversal conditions in a FCG simulator application and redesigning accordingly for this operation.