Overview of Pulsed Alternators

TLDR

The pulsed alternator (PA) is a kinetic energy pulsed power supply developed over four decades for electromagnetic launchers, with a history of research prototypes. This paper describes the principles, characteristics, challenges, and future prospects of pulsed alternators. The authors explain PA design through topologies, compensation types, operation modes, and the electromagnetic, thermal, and structural aspects. The study reports technical improvements across PA generations and outlines ongoing challenges and future trends.

Abstract

The pulsed alternator (PA), a kinetic energy pulsed power supply, has been developed during the past four decades for application to the electromagnetic launchers. The principles and characteristics of PAs, including topologies, compensation type, and operation mode are described here. The development history of PAs is introduced with a description of the research prototypes that have been developed. Technical improvements have occurred during the development of each generation of PAs. Three basic design aspects, electromagnetic, thermal, and structural design of PAs are presented. The challenges and prospects for PAs are presented, concluding with future trends.