Higher Mains Frequency

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

Original poster: "S & J Young by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <youngs-at-konnections-dot-net>

Coilers,

With the availability of large IGBTs and MOSFETs these days, it seems to me
that one need not be constrained to running their PTs and DTs with 60 (or
50) Hz mains power.  One could build a multi-KW oscillator, like those in an
UPS, and generate AC power at 120 (or 100) Hz, for example.  One would want
a sine-wave output, or at least a stepped approximation of a sine wave.
This should be phase-locked to the mains frequency so SRSGs powered from the
mains circuit still function OK (of course, doubling the number of rotating
electrodes).  STSGs would be powered from the 120 Hz source.


This could prove interesting.  One could use lower capacitance tank caps at
twice the BPS and still have the same power throughput.  Streamers probably
would be a bit longer at the higher BPS.  The spark gap and streamer racket
would be more pleasing (240 Hz).  Power transformers, especially MOTs that
barely have enough core, would be more efficient.  But eddy current heating
would also be a little higher.  Etc.

One could run their converter to output triple or quadruple the input
frequency for even more experimental fun & flexibility.

Comments?

--Steve Y.