1. Understanding the problem: Nuclear and Non-Nuclear EMP
Curtis Birnbach
Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
11 Edmond Rd
Newtown, CT 06470
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2. Overview
In order to appreciate and plan for threats, it is necessary to fully understand them.
There are three major electromagnetic threats to the power grid.
Geomagnetically Induced Currents from Solar Storms (GIC)
Nuclear EMP (NEMP)
Non-Nuclear EMP (NNEMP); (also known as IEMI or IEMP)
Previous speakers have discussed the first two threats.
This talk will compare the Nuclear and Non-Nuclear EMP threats.
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3. EM Waveforms NNEMP Regime >>>>
Green line shows when AFS protection occurs >>>>>
Blue line shows when Mil protection occurs >>>>>
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4. Nuclear vs. Non-Nuclear EMP
The Non-Nuclear EMP threat (NNEMP) is not generally understood to be a significant threat, yet numerous demonstrations have produced pulses substantially exceeding the levels of NEMP have been produced.
NNEMP pulses almost an order of magnitude greater than the largest NEMP have been demonstrated.
The technology exists to go significantly higher than this level.
While NNEMP pulses do not normally have the E3 tail, their E1 is substantially more dangerous.
NNEMP pulses have demonstrated the ability to defeat MIL and TEMPEST shielding with ease.
Standards Groups such as IEC, IEEE, and CIGRE are apparently unaware or unwilling to acknowledge this threat, as are others.
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5. Non-Nuclear EMP
The non-nuclear EMP threat (NNEMP) arises from the ability to build extremely powerful radio transmitters that can duplicate the waveforms and intensities of the EMP portion of a nuclear explosion.
The technology exists to build transmitters of this nature that can be portable and still produce effects many times that of a large nuclear EMP pulse.
NEMP Level EMP Source
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6. Comparison of Nuclear & Non-Nuclear EMP Environments
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Newtown CT
This is presently published Comparison of Nuclear & Non-Nuclear EMP Threat New Analysis Indicates Much Higher Non-Nuclear Threats Possible than depicted here (note Red and Green Highlighted Curves above), NNEMP Threat can be an order of magnitude higher

7. NNEMP Threat
NNEMP seriously threatens medium to high voltage transformers and requires protective devices that operate far more efficiently than MOV Surge Arresters
The footprint of Non Nuclear EMP is smaller, but it produces a more substantially more intense E1 (Fast) Transient which may not be protected by standard MOV Arresters.
AFS has protective products that address the full range of Electromagnetic threats:
GIC
NNEMP
NEMP
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8. Now What?
There are technological solutions that will be available in the near term.
When evaluating cost to mitigate threats, it is necessary to consider the cost in relation to the economic consequences of not having that protection should an event occur.
AFS has designed systems to provide various forms of protection to the electric grid to respond to these unique threats.
AFS is currently building an advanced manufacturing facility to enable production of substantial volumes of protective equipment.
There are few, if any, alternative solutions, and none as technically satisfactory.
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9. EPS™ (EM Protection Systems)

10. AFS EPS™ EMP Protection
AFS has developed the EPS™ series EMP Protection device and system for grid-level protection.
This series of devices implement AFS’ patent-pending Field Collapse™ technique, where the magnetic field in the core winding is instantly shorted out, collapsing the magnetic field to prevent damage.
The individual device is a stand-alone element that connects directly to the transformer or generator to be protected.
These devices also provide GIC protection.
The EPS™ turns on in less than 100 picoseconds and safely conducts the EMP & GIC energy to ground.
Overall system recovery time is measured in hours or days as opposed to years.
Recovery period decreases as level of grid protection increases.
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11. AFS EPS™ pat pend EMP Protector
Each phase is protected by a device like this: >>>
Each EPS™ consists of a dielectric vacuum. enclosure, a ground conductor, and specialized internal structures.
These devices implement the Field-Collapse™ protocol.
Detection and operation are autonomous.
The EPS™ has redundant internal vacuum pumps to ensure constant availability.
The EPS™ provides a hardened data output containing information on the EPS™ status and EMP Event alert.
These units are networked using hardened technology to provide system operators an alert of an event or system failure.
The units are available from 4160V to 1.2 MV.
Cost of EMP Protection may be offset by anticipated reduction in insurance costs.
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12. AFS 4138 Bi-tron™ Series Configuration
Bulkhead EMP Protection
for Secure Facility Power
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Newtown CT
AFS 4138 Bi-tron™ Series Configuration
4 – 125 KV AC or DC; 1KA to 100 KA

13. Field-Collapse™ EMP & GIC Protection (3-Phase; Artist Concept)
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14. EMP/GIC Test Facility
It is essential that all devices be tested under realistic conditions, but there are no EMP test facilities capable of on-load testing devices up to 1 million volts (that we are aware of).
As part of our commitment to the EMP protection arena, AFS is constructing a world-class EMP test facility.
This facility will be capable of testing devices at line voltages up to 1.2 million VAC or VDC, under load conditions of up to 10 MW, and in a sub-100 picosecond risetime pulsed electric field environment of >250 KV/m.
This facility will test in excess of the Mil standard so as to provide realistic IEMP conditions.
This facility can successfully create SGEMP environment.
This facility also does fault-current testing, flashover, and other tests..
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15. Contact Advanced Fusion Systems LLC. P.O. Box 3247 Newtown CT, 06470
Curtis Birnbach
President