Hi Tim,
Your system looks more or less Ok, but I have a few comments.
Let us
start with the spark gap, with that configuration you will be getting
345
BPS. I think this is low, but I haven't actually done the math. You
want
to shoot for your cap to be between 60 and 75% charged when the gap
fires,
so 30A*120V is 3600 Watts roughly; hmm, gut feeling maybe that is Ok,
but
you should check it on JAVATC to make sure. Also take in consideration
ballast current etc, will you be drawing a full 30 A or less? My other
comment is on the construction of your tank cap, I think it would
benefit
you in the long (and possibly the short run) to increase the voltage
rating
of your tank cap. 14,400/.707=20347 peak volts, which is really
close to
the 24kV your tank provides, I think the rule of thumb is you want
double
or more of your peak volts, which would be closer to 40K. If you don't
wish to mortgage your house to buy caps, speed your break rate up
substantially with 24 electrodes and provide active cooling for the cap
bank, that way you still get 70% ish charge on the tank cap per
firing, but
with a smaller capacitance and a much higher voltage rating. A
little time
in Java TC could help with this I think, just to make sure everything is
balanced from a power draw standpoint. Just my two cents...
Scott Bogard.
On Thu, Jun 6, 2013 at 2:26 PM, Tim Flood <tflood@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Finally got around to the initial planning stage of using my potential
transformer to power a new TC. Here are my basic component values
based on
what I have on hand:
Power Supply - 14,400/120 GE potential transformer. Plan on starting
with
a 30 amp breaker.
Capacitor - .062uF, 5 strings of 12@ .150uF 2000vdc
Primary - 14 turns of 1/4" cooper tube
Secondary - 8.5" dia.x 36" PVC, 1200 turns 22 ga. for a winding
length of
32"
Gap - ASRG, 12 electrodes on disc running at 1725 RPM powered by a
1/2 HP
DC motor w/AC controller
Toroid - 24" x 6"
Of course, I would like to obtain the longest spark length possible.
This
is my initial starting point. Any input will be welcome and greatly
appreciated.
Thank you,
Tim