Modelling and simulation of impulse voltage generator using marx circuit

Abstract

Protection of power system is an important aspect for the continued service of the electrical power system. Mostly the protection of electrical power depends on the performance of insulation systems under transient over voltage conditions arises due to lightening and switching applications. Transient over voltages in addition to the abrupt changes in the state of power systems, e.g. switching operations or faults are known as switching impulse voltages and that due to lightening are known as lightening impulse voltages. Very short pulse high-voltage or high-current surges can be produced by an electrical apparatus known as impulse generator. High impulse voltages are used to test the durability of electric power equipment against lightning and switching surges. The Marx Impulse generator is used to generate such high impulse voltages. A total of eight stages of both Standard as well as Improved Marx Impulse generator were designed and the impulse waves were recorded. These recorded impulse waves were compared with the standard impulse wave with front time of 1.2µ seconds and fall time of 50µ seconds. The energy and efficiency of all the stages were calculated and the percentage of error in the rise time and fall time was also found out. The simulation was done with the help of NI Multisim Software Package. A small practical prototype of second stage of Standard Marx Impulse Generator circuit was also designed for a voltage source of 12 V and its output impulse wave was compared with that of the standard impulse wave.