Re: DC? was: mechanical bridge rectifier

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <dhmccauley-at-spacecatlighting-dot-com>

Good evening folks
Recently I asked about rectifying AC on the low side of the mane
transformer in a TC.
The answers from the list were a resounding NO it can't be dun.  So then if
DC is bad for transformer action why is it ok for HV TC work? The TC (pri ­
sec) is just a transformer.
Why is DC bad for one kind of transformer and not for another?

 >>>>>>>>>I am assuming you are referring to your primary coil as the
transformer in tesla coil work here.
Although you are running a DC power supply (not 50/60Hz AC), you are still
chopping up the DC via the
spark gap (switch), therefore, the input to the primary coil is NOT DC at
all.
DC is bad for all transformers.  Remember, an ideal inductor has zero
impedance at zero frequency (DC).  Therefore,
the impedance of an ideal transformer will always be zero (a direct short)
at DC.

Dan




And- hey thanks for the Mechanical rectifier replies! As I am into super
cool looking things I may try one out. I was imagining a supped up spark
gap used as the SRSG and the rectifier at the same time. It would be on an
1800-rpm motor with 12 electrodes. 4 for the SRSG and 8 for the rectifier.
I don't really think it will offer much in the way of performance but it
will sure be fun. And that's the point.

Read you all later
Josh