Influence of Gap Distribution on Conduction Delay of Multigap Gas Switch

In order to optimize the conduction delay of multigap gas switches, this article establishes a computational model for the conduction delay of gas switches based on the Rather-Meek criterion. The computational model has an error rate of less than 6% as validated through the single-gap switch experiment. Subsequently, a two-gap switch is designed to simulate the basic operating conditions of a multigap gas switch. Combining the conduction delay computational model, the relationship between the switch gap length distribution ratio and the overall conduction delay of the switch is analyzed. The results show that an obvious correlation exists between the conduction delay and the distribution ratios of the trigger gap and overvoltage gap, while there is an optimal distribution ratio to make the conduction delay the shortest. Based on this calculation result, the calculation process of the optimal gap length ratio for multigap gas switches is proposed. The correctness of the calculation process is confirmed by experiments, which show that all calculation errors are less than 6%. This article provides a multigap switching delay optimization scheme that reduces the delay time by changing the gap ratios. Compared with the traditional optimization scheme, it has lower optimization cost and higher optimization efficiency, which can provide a technical reference for the optimization design of multigap gas switches in conduction delay.