Pulse discharge control and machine protection for a multi-discharge compulsator

A compensated pulse alternator (compulsator) to power railgun research experiment has been designed and built. The author presents the control design considerations and strategies used in the control of proper output pulses and the detection and clearing of faults. Since the compulsator is designed for limited pulse duty, particular emphasis is placed on reliability and redundancy in the fault-control system to avert potentially massive generator damage. The circuit has provided reliable performance through the system testing. Other circuits, designed to protect the compulsator from short-circuit fault damage, have also been successfully implemented.< >