[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: series of transformers for high voltage?



Original poster: Mddeming@xxxxxxx In a message dated 11/8/06 3:23:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:
Original poster: "Ryckmans, Thomas" <Thomas.Ryckmans@xxxxxxxxxx>

Hello,

I'm interested in Tesla coils and high voltage... Is it possible to use
a series of transformers to obtain high voltage, as in the sketch below?
>From what I understand of transformers, Vout=Vin * (n2/n1) *
(n4/n3)*(n6/n5) and with this wiring one would save on the TOTAL number
of turns. Something must be wrong - otherwise it would used!

http://hot-streamer.com/temp/serialtransformer.jpg

Thanks for your comments

Thomas

Hi Thomas,

While it is in principle, possible to series transformers built for that purpose, you will destroy most ordinary transformers if you try it. Insulation is the main problem. Referring to your diagram, primary n3 must be insulated to withstand the voltage on n2, and there must be enough insulation between n3 and n4 to standoff n4s new output voltage.The insulation on n4 must be able to withstand its new output voltage Likewise, n5 must be insulated to withstand the output of n4, and the insulation on n6 and between n5 & n6 must be adequate to withstand Vout. Most transformers are unhappy at 1.5 times their rated input voltage. If your transformers were all 50:1, the stress on the n5/n6 insulation would be 2500 times normal!Insulation that keeps the sparks from getting out of the wires also keeps heat from getting out, so bigger transformers with more cooling area. Remember, mass and volume cost money to build and more money to ship. Unless you're into burning insulation and melted copper, you'll need custom made transformers with special cooling. (That's Tran$$$former$) There are other problems with core size and saturation, turns per volt, hysteresis, eddy currents etc. but IMO, the insulation problem alone is enough to kill it. Since I don't know the depth of your background, I'll leave it to others to tackle those parts.
Hopes this helps explain the problem,

Matt D.