[TCML] Re: Halfwave rectified Tesla coil and spark growth.

[<pterren@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I rectified my briefcase Tesla coil which normally makes sparks of about 2.5 
inches.
> From the top of the Tesla coil is attached a string of 20 x 20 kV diodes 
rated at 10 mA and with a fast recovery of 100 ns.
So theoretically rated at 400 kV (if under oil and with various other 
precautions).
The diode attaches to a string of capacitors rated at 56pF at 100kV. Each 
ceramic cap is rated at 2.2 nF at 2.5 kV and there are 39 in the string.

With sparks across the diode (not across the capacitor) I should be 
converting eg 50kV AC peak to a half wave 100kV DC (unsmoothed). The cap 
charges to 50kV DC smoothed.
The half wave frequency is the same as AC.  I get sparks of around 3 inches 
which is not bad considering the length of the diodes and cap is around 1 
foot each have serious corona losses.

What are the implications for spark growth with half wave DC?
Has anyone else rectified a TC?

I only have pics and details on my new website - sadly still not activated 
after 2 years.

Peter.
tesladownunder.com



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