50Hz or 60Hz High Voltage Generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: xzswq21
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2020, 08:31:50 am
content: HelloI want to make a50 or 60HzHigh voltage generator. Actually I want to generate Electrical fields around my setup to evaluate some parameters in my researching project as following:The output voltage is between 1Kvolt to 5Kvol. Most of high voltage generators have high frequency fly-back topology so for 50Hz I couldn't find anythingCould you please recommend me some circuits?Thanks

author: ceoxrad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2020, 09:01:08 am
content: Why not use an high voltage transformer+ variac? I don't know your setup and the details of what you are attempting to do but I think it can be done that way.Have a look to neon sign transformers.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2020, 09:07:29 am
content: The trouble is modern neon sign transformers work at much higher frequencies. Your best hope is to find and old, second-hand unit.

author: ceoxrad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2020, 09:09:43 am
content: Quote from: Zero999 on August 06, 2020, 09:07:29 amsecond this, be sure that your transformer is the old iron core type. They are current limited too via gap in the core, but always remember that contact with the output voltage is lethal.

author: xzswq21
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2020, 09:54:41 am
content: Actually the high voltage output is open bcoz the magnetic field on the cable should be minimum but I need the effect of Electrical field on my setup.the ground is under my setup so the Electrical field will be between the high voltage cable and the ground as follownig:I think due to 50Hz frequency the transformer's core should be Iron.

author: ArthurDent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2020, 12:40:22 pm
content: The problem with old neon sign transformers is the output is centertapped with the centertap connected (grounded) to the case so if you're not careful wiring it up you can end up with serious, and perhaps deadly, problems.https://members.tm.net/lapointe/Neon.htm

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2020, 12:47:34 am
content: Quote from: ceoxrad on August 06, 2020, 09:01:08 amThat is what I would do; buy or build some high voltage rectifiers to get DC. Use the minimum of output capacitance.Quote from: ArthurDent on August 06, 2020, 12:40:22 pmSo use two high voltage rectifiers for a full wave center-tap output.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2020, 09:50:18 am
content: Quote from: David Hess on August 07, 2020, 12:47:34 amI think he wants 5kVAC, not DC.The problem is, small 5kV transformers aren't widely available.Two microwave oven transformers in series would do, but is far too dangerous and one side of the secondary is bonded to the core.An insect killer might work, but again is very dangerous.The only other thing I can think of is loads of small mains transformers, in reverse (secondary windings connected to the mains) in series, but again that's quite dangerous, probably not as much as the other options, since small transformers have a high impedance.

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2020, 12:25:36 pm
content: Quote from: Zero999 on August 08, 2020, 09:50:18 amAssuming their insulation stands up, at least this way you can put a large resistor in between each transformer ... don't have to rely on the winding resistance. Then at any point the voltage&current are somewhat limited, instead of just behind the final output resistors.Ideally there'd be some small 50 Hz transformer designed for a Watt or so at most, instead of all these 100s or 1000s of Watt monstrosities which would have to rely on very careful containment and distance. He doesn't need all that potential power.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2020, 01:05:49 pm
content: Does it have to be a sine wave? If a rough square wave will do, build a low current 10kV DC supply based on a flyback transformer and build a mechanical switch similar to a distributor to use as the inverter.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2020, 07:00:09 pm
content: you need something called a e-field generator (that is, not just the source, its like a antenna) to do this right. i gave up working on it because i thought it was pointless unless you are trying to win a military contract out of aerotyne. Going past the ISN is a bit much IMO.https://www.tdkrfsolutions.tdk.com/products/antennas/e-field-generator-efg-03