Abstracts Category : Other

Hydro-pneumatic pulse forming networks

by Joaquin Miguel Campos

A novel method that combines energy storage and power condition-ing for renewable energy systems is presented. This method utilizes hydro-pneumatic energy storage elements, also known as hydraulic accumulators,as mechanical capacitors arranged in such a fashion as to create a hydro-pneumatic pulse forming network (HPPFN) in a manner similar to sequen-tially red pulsed formed networks (SFPFNs) used for electromagnetic railgunlaunch. This pulse forming network has the ability to create a power output ofnearly constant amplitude for short durations, which is particularly well-suitedfor supplying power to constant amplitude, duty-cycle-type loads.The foundational principles are established herein for how HPPFN sys-tems can be modeled and synthesized, so that systems can be designed andscaled for practical applications. This foundation was established incremen-tally in three parts. First, a working experimental test-bed system was con-structed to prove the feasibility of operating a sequentially- red pulse formingnetwork using hydro-pneumatic energy storage elements in a manner analogousto electromagnetic sequentially- red PFNs. Next, a modeling framework was developed for hydro-pneumatic pulse forming network synthesis. Finally, themodel-based synthesis approach was experimentally validated using the test-bed to demonstrate that sizing and practical construction of HPPFN systemscan be accomplished. Suggestions for future work to extend these methodsand the applications of HPPFNs are provided.Advisors/Committee Members: Longoria, Raul G. (advisor), Beaman, Joseph J (committee member), Fahrenthold, Eric P (committee member), Mallick, John A (committee member).