Would it be possible to run a pulsed demo fusor off of a van de graaf generator put trough a step down transformer and then through a diode string? Because van de graafs are very high voltage and very low current, a step down transformer should give it enough of each to be able to run a small demo fusor, correct?
Any input is thanked in advanced.
Van De Graff
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Carl Willis
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Re: Van De Graff
Van de Graaff generators produce a DC current.
Transformers work on the principle that a CHANGING magnetic field induces an electric field; they are fundamentally AC devices.
In other words, what has been proposed is not functional.
-Carl
Transformers work on the principle that a CHANGING magnetic field induces an electric field; they are fundamentally AC devices.
In other words, what has been proposed is not functional.
-Carl
Re: Van De Graff
Sorry, I meant to say run it through an inverter, transformer, and then through the diodes.
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Wilfried Heil
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Re: Van De Graff
Nope, that won't work. You might consider to use the inverter, transformer and diodes alone ...
Or just try to use the Van de Graaff as a DC power supply for the fusor and report your results.
Or just try to use the Van de Graaff as a DC power supply for the fusor and report your results.
Re: Van De Graff
It would be a lot harder, considering the extremely low amperage a van de graaf carries ,not even enough for plasma.
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Tyler Christensen
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Re: Van De Graff
There is additional discussion of this in this previous thread: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4721#p27559
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Wilfried Heil
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Re: Van De Graff
To my knowledge, no one has run a fusor with a VDG yet. Of course one can discuss such things endlessly, or simply try them, which would bring the discussion to a higher level.
Re: Van De Graff
Which is what I am doing, but first one need a van de graaf generator, and that is what I am working on right now.
Re: Van De Graff
Nelson -
To get 1 or 2 mA from a Van deGraaf generator requires a fairly large charging belt. Most of the ones I've seen, charge in the 100 uA range or below.
Getting mA levels of current from almost any static electricity device is a challenge in itself. The lower voltage Wimshurst machines may actually charge at higher levels.
Both types, do better in a dry pressurized enclosure.
That said, if you are thinking of a short burst like operating mode for a fusor, than either device charging a suitably sized capacitor, and discharging through an overvolted sphere gap - might be workable.
It's a good exercise to figure out what size capacitor and resistors you need, based on the current you want to deliver and for how long, etc. and etc.
The real caution I would urge is to remember that electrostatic generators are very high voltage, low current devices. The x-ray danger from a fusor increases dramatically as the voltage increases. So even while the bursts may be very short, without proper shielding, you could be exposed to repetitive high energy xrays which over time could pose a health hazard. Burst type radiation is a bit more difficult to measure in comparison to steady state emissions.
Dave Cooper
To get 1 or 2 mA from a Van deGraaf generator requires a fairly large charging belt. Most of the ones I've seen, charge in the 100 uA range or below.
Getting mA levels of current from almost any static electricity device is a challenge in itself. The lower voltage Wimshurst machines may actually charge at higher levels.
Both types, do better in a dry pressurized enclosure.
That said, if you are thinking of a short burst like operating mode for a fusor, than either device charging a suitably sized capacitor, and discharging through an overvolted sphere gap - might be workable.
It's a good exercise to figure out what size capacitor and resistors you need, based on the current you want to deliver and for how long, etc. and etc.
The real caution I would urge is to remember that electrostatic generators are very high voltage, low current devices. The x-ray danger from a fusor increases dramatically as the voltage increases. So even while the bursts may be very short, without proper shielding, you could be exposed to repetitive high energy xrays which over time could pose a health hazard. Burst type radiation is a bit more difficult to measure in comparison to steady state emissions.
Dave Cooper