Un generador de tensión de impulso atmosférico es un equipo fundamental en los laboratorios de alta tensión, utilizado para simular sobretensiones debidas a rayos y probar el rendimiento del aislamiento de los equipos eléctricos (por ejemplo, transformadores, pararrayos, cables, etc.).
Consta principalmente de los siguientes componentes principales:
2. Sistema de carga
DC High-Voltage Power Supply: Typically a combination of a high-voltage rectifier stack and a transformer (voltage multiplier circuits are also common), used to provide stable DC high voltage to the main capacitors at each stage.3. Sistema de activación
Triggering Device: This is the «ignition switch» of the generator. It produces a very high-amplitude, fast-rising pulse voltage to precisely break down the first-stage spark gap, thereby initiating the series discharge of the entire generator. It usually consists of a small impulse generator and a three-electrode spark gap.4. Sistema de medición
Voltage Divider: Due to the extremely high voltages generated (up to several million volts), they cannot be measured directly with ordinary instruments. A voltage divider (usually a resistive-capacitive type) reduces the high voltage to a measurable low level proportionally.Measuring Instruments: Primarily high-voltage pulse oscilloscopes or digital recorders, used to capture, display, and record the low-voltage pulse waveform from the divider, and analyze key parameters such as the peak value, wavefront time, and wavetail time of the impulse voltage.5. Componentes auxiliares
Sphere Gaps: In addition to the triggered spark gaps, there is often a large output sphere gap at the end of the generator, sometimes used to protect the test object (from overvoltage) or to adjust the waveform.Main Structure: Includes insulating columns (usually made of epoxy resin or ceramic) that support the entire structure and grading rings, used to prevent corona discharge and optimize electric field distribution, ensuring stable operation of the generator.