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Design of a Marx Generator for Pulsed-Power Geo-Drilling
The project focuses on optimizing the compact Marx generator, which charges capacitors in parallel and discharges in series to produce high-voltage pulses. Through FEM simulations, the objective is to design capacitor arrangements that limit the electrical field, mitigating equipment failures, and extracting parasitic elements.
Keywords: High Voltage Capacitor, Pulsed Power, Modelling, FEM
At HPE, research is performed on Plasma Pulse Geo Drilling (PPGD)
as a potential alternative to traditional mechanical drilling for harnessing
geothermal energy in large depths (up to 10 km). PPGD technology
is based on applying high voltage (several hundreds of kV) electrical discharges
to rocks. These discharges create a plasma channel that effectively
fragments the rock.
A pulse generator is necessary to be positioned near the electrodes for
applying those discharges in the rock. Therefore, the generator must be
compact to fit inside the drilling hole. A Marx generator is one possible
option for the application.
In this project, you will use FEM simulations to model the components of
Marx generator in order to avoid unwanted high electrical fields which may
cause electrical failures, as well as design customised magnetic elements.
Finally, you will present a possible optimised design for the application.
At HPE, research is performed on Plasma Pulse Geo Drilling (PPGD) as a potential alternative to traditional mechanical drilling for harnessing geothermal energy in large depths (up to 10 km). PPGD technology is based on applying high voltage (several hundreds of kV) electrical discharges to rocks. These discharges create a plasma channel that effectively fragments the rock. A pulse generator is necessary to be positioned near the electrodes for applying those discharges in the rock. Therefore, the generator must be compact to fit inside the drilling hole. A Marx generator is one possible option for the application. In this project, you will use FEM simulations to model the components of Marx generator in order to avoid unwanted high electrical fields which may cause electrical failures, as well as design customised magnetic elements. Finally, you will present a possible optimised design for the application.