A 10,000 A 1000 Vdc solid state dump switch

The superconducting magnet test program at Fermilab requires a switch, called a dump switch, rated 10,000 A, 1000 Vdc, which must be able to continuously carry rated current. A dump resistor rated 2 MJoules, is connected in parallel with the switch contacts and dissipates the stored energy from a magnet when the switch opens. The required switch opening time is 250 microsec maximum after detection of a fault or a trip command. A successful switch can be constructed from six parallel inverter type Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCR's) which each carry their share of the load current. These run SCR's are mounted at watercooled heatsinks and are commutated off from stored energy in capacitors. Each parallel SCR is connected in series with a 1 m(Omega) watercooled resistor to assure dc current sharing and turn on. A description of the control and construction of the switch is presented.