An inflatable large-scale transient electromagnetic disturbance testing system based on a low-frequency-compensated...

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineering
• Antenna Theory and Design
• Pulsed Power Systems

Background:

• On-site transient electromagnetic disturbance (TED) radiation testing for large equipment under test (EUT) presents significant logistical challenges.
• Existing testing methods often require transporting large EUTs to specialized facilities, increasing costs and complexity.
• There is a need for mobile and adaptable solutions for accurate TED testing of large-scale infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an inflatable transient electromagnetic disturbance (TED) testing system for on-site evaluation of large equipment under test (EUT).
• To enhance the low-frequency radiation performance of the transverse electromagnetic horn antenna through theoretical modeling and optimization.
• To create a portable and collapsible system capable of generating high-intensity electromagnetic fields for realistic testing scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A low-frequency-compensated transverse electromagnetic horn antenna with a back-loaded matched impedance was theoretically modeled.
• Analytical expressions for electric and magnetic dipole moments were derived to guide antenna design.
• A wire-grid TED simulator was optimized using parametric studies, considering factors like arc transition, ground layers, grid layout, and wire sagging.
• An inflatable supporting structure and a 600 kV pulse generator were integrated into the testing system.

Main Results:

• The proposed antenna design enhances low-frequency radiation performance.
• The optimized wire-grid TED simulator achieved a test volume of 10 × 8 × 7 m³.
• The integrated system provides a 4 × 4 × 4 m³ test volume with electric fields exceeding 50 kV/m (2.54 ns rise time, 23.6 ns pulse width).
• The collapsible inflatable design allows the entire system (11 × 12 × 9 m³) to be compacted for transport.

Conclusions:

• The inflatable TED testing system effectively addresses the challenges of on-site testing for large EUTs.
• The system's portability and collapsible nature enable on-site testing of equipment like high-voltage power transformers without relocation.
• The developed antenna and simulator designs contribute to advancements in electromagnetic compatibility testing methodologies.