An advanced solid-state RF power source maximizing energy efficiency for optimal superconducting RF cavity charging

Abstract This paper outlines an experimental demonstration of an envelope tracking (ET) technique applied to a kilowatt-level single-ended solid-state power amplifier (SSPA), aimed at enhancing the charging efficiency of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities by reducing reflection power while maintaining a high degree of efficiency. The technique is particularly designed for the pulsed operation of the European Spallation Source (ESS) at a nominal frequency of 352 MHz, with a 5% duty cycle and a pulse width of 3.5 ms. The study introduces an optimal charging scheme using a solid-state-based amplifier to maintain high efficiency, allowing for power ramp-up while minimizing reflections from SRF cavities and optimizing SSPA efficiency. A fast envelope tracking power supply (ETPS) system is implemented for the approximately 300 ms charging time required by the SRF cavities at ESS. The ETPS system, demonstrated on a single module as a proof-of-concept with scalability potential to a 400 kW power station, indicates an overall average efficiency of 70% and a 24% energy saving over traditional vacuum-tube based amplifiers. This demonstrates the ET technique’s effectiveness at the kilowatt level for efficient SRF cavity charging with reduced reflection, offering significant efficiency and energy savings.