RE: Spark length vs. toroid size (was RE: Newbe Question)

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

Original poster: Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-twfpowerelectronics-dot-com>

Hi,

Unlike SSTCs, OLTCs are based of the same basic principles as spark gaps 
coils.  Thus, I would think larger toroids would help OLTCs just like the 
spark gap coils.

Cheers,

         Terry

At 12:18 PM 4/14/2004, you wrote:
>I have also found that up to some difficult-to-predict-in-advance point, 
>performance always improves with larger top loads.
>
>Gary Lau
>MA, USA
>
>
>
>Original poster: "Steve Conner" <steve.conner-at-optosci-dot-com>
>
>  >My 3.5kW tesla coil
>  >uses 4" PVC and is capable of 6-8 foot arcs depending on the toroid I use.
>
>That's interesting that your output changes by 2ft depending on the size of
>the toroid. Is the toroid the only thing you're altering or are you using a
>bigger bang energy too?
>
>Do others find that changing the toroid size makes such a big difference?
>
>The reason I ask is because I'm hoping to get 6ft+ sparks from the OLTC II
>by sticking a bigger toroid on and upping the tank capacitance. Recent
>findings suggest that I'm being too nice to my IGBTs.
>
>(eg Greg Leyh's IGBT modulator work, and this Review Of Scientific
>Instruments paper
>
>http://depts.washington.edu/rppl/papers/multi%20megawatt%20solid%20state.pdf
>
>where they drive 400A IGBTs at 3000A)
>
>Steve C.