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Re: Electrum & Advanced Lightning Facility



Original poster: Greg Leyh <lod-at-pacbell-dot-net> 

Hi Steve, J, All,

Electrum is still in NZ, and is still operational AFAIK.  There are still 
no public showings; however the NZ maintenance crew responsible for 
Electrum does test-run it once a month.  I've wanted some reason to go back 
to visit the machine, but the crew there consists of engineers and master 
mechanics that have things well in hand.  I occasionally supply them with 
replacement tungsten electrode inserts, and that's about it for 
me.  Pictures from the NZ site show that the sun and the salty air are 
starting to bleach the sides of the tower [which is 6 yrs old now], but the 
dielectric strength of the exterior surface is still nominal.  The tower 
exterior is hosed down and measured before each power test.

Regarding the ALF, I'm just now starting to come across serious leads for 
funding.  The fundamental ALF design has been in quite a state of flux, due 
to the ever-improving solid-state HV devices emerging over the last few 
years.  However, the basic machine design has settled down enough to come 
up with credible work and cost breakdown structures, using 6.3kV silicon in 
the primary at 6MW total site power.  There are tentative plans in February 
to meet with some folks in Nevada who have a stellar track record, and have 
direct access to suitable funding sources.

At present, I'm trying to get a 1:12 scale prototype of the ALF up and 
running.  This prototype will use solid-state primary drives as well.  The 
goal is 20'+ arcs, using 4.5kV silicon in the primary, with a 5kW HF 
cap-charger for each tower instead of a DC resonant charging scheme.  Being 
1:12 scale, each prototype tower will measure about 120in high overall, and 
25in in diameter.  I'll post some pics when [and if] I get it running.



>Original poster: "S & J Young" <youngs-at-konnections-dot-net>
>To Greg Leyh,
>
>Many of us would be interested in a report on the Electrum since it was
>installed in New Zealand.  How has it continued to perform?  Have there been
>any unique problems or events associated with its operation and maintenance?
>Any interesting anecdotes to relate?
>
>Secondly, we are all hoping your Advanced Lightning Facility can become
>reality in our lifetimes.  Are there any indications that funding for it may
>be forthcoming in the near future?
>
>Are you doing any other interesting high voltage projects these days?
>
>Thanks,
>--Steve Y.