How Do I Build a Coil Gun Without Exceeding SCR Limits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on building a coil gun while adhering to the surge current limits of a GE C150 SCR, which can handle up to 1200 Amps. The user is utilizing five 2200μF capacitors rated at 400V with a low equivalent series resistance (ESR) of 0.05Ω each. To avoid exceeding the SCR's limits, the user seeks to determine the appropriate inductance for the coil and explore effective methods for increasing circuit resistance without incurring high costs on resistors. The GE SCR manual, particularly the 4th edition, is recommended as a crucial resource for understanding the SCR's specifications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of SCR specifications, particularly surge current ratings.
  • Knowledge of capacitor characteristics, including capacitance and ESR.
  • Familiarity with inductance calculations for coil design.
  • Basic principles of electrical resistance and its impact on current flow.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the required inductance for the coil to stay within the 1200 Amp limit.
  • Research methods for increasing circuit resistance effectively, such as using wire-wound resistors.
  • Study the GE C150 SCR manual for detailed specifications and operational guidelines.
  • Explore multilayer coil winding techniques to optimize coil design.
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, hobbyists building coil guns, and anyone interested in high-voltage circuit design and SCR applications.

mJusticz
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...and need some help with a bit of engineering. I've got 5 2200μF capacitors @ 400V (I'm familiar with high voltage + current, just not inductors, and have the appropriate safety gear) in parallel with about .05Ω ESR a piece. These are running into a GE C150 SCR, which can surge up to 1200 Amps. I need to figure out the inductance of a coil that won't exceed that 1200 Amps, but come as close to it as possible. At that point I can use the formulas for multilayer coils to figure out a good way to wind the coil.

Another question: Obviously, increasing the resistance in the circuit will reduce the number of amps passed through the SCR, but what would be the most effective way of doing this (other than spending tons on super high wattage resistors)?

Thanks!
 
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check the di/dt rating of your SCR
http://www.affiliatedelec.com/servlet/the-815/C150E--dsh--110-Amp/Detail
800 A/us ?
i suspect if you size your coil to meet that restriction you'll be okay, but check...

GE SCR manual is best reference around. usually there's one for sale on Ebay.
I like 4th edition best.
 
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