Impulse voltage

Impulse generator

The surge voltage generator (built in 2004) works on the principle of the Marx generator. It consists of 12 stages and can be used to generate oscillating switching impulse and lightning impulse voltages. The capacitors of each stage are charged in parallel to up to 100 kV via a DC voltage source. When the set charging voltage is reached, all capacities are switched in series by igniting the spherical spark gaps. The total voltage results from the addition of the individual capacitor voltages. An oscillation is superimposed on the double exponential pulse via the outer voice coil. The superimposed oscillation increases the utilization factor of the generator.

Technical specifications:

  • Manufacturer: HighVolt
  • Total charging voltage: 1.2 MV
  • Energy content: 30 kJ
  • Number of stages: 12

Voltage measuring system calibrated according to IEC 60060-2 (2010):

  • Oscillating lightning impulse voltage: 100 kV – 1550 kV
  • Oscillating switching impulse voltage: 100 kV – 1175 kV

Impulse generator (unavailable for tests at the moment)

The impulse voltage generator, built in 1961, is used for research purposes and for customer tests.

The generator operates according to the Marx generator principle and consists of 16 stages in total. It can thereby produce switching impulse and lightning impulse voltages up to 3.2 MV.

During the build-up process, all capacitors are connected in parallel and get charged up to a voltage of 200 kV by a direct current voltage source. When the deserved charging voltage is reached, the integrated ball arc gaps flash over and connect all capacitances in series. Their individual voltage is therefore summed up to a high overall voltage across the generator connections.

The resulting voltages are measured by a measurement systems approved according to IEC 60060-2.

Technical details of the generator:

  • Manufacturer: Haefely
  • Maximum impulse voltage: 3.2 MV
  • Energy: 80 kJ
  • Number of Stages: 16

Voltage measuring system calibrated according to IEC 60060-2 (2010):

  • Lightning impulse 400 – 2000 kV
  • Switching impulse 400 – 1500 kV

Measurement system: Highvolt Digital Recorder MIA 200-12/2B