In this space, visitors are invited to post any comments, questions, or skeptical observations about Philo T. Farnsworth's contributions to the field of Nuclear Fusion research.Subject: Re: HV component sources
Date: Apr 23, 3:00 pm
Poster: Richard HullOn Apr 23, 3:00 pm, Richard Hull wrote:
David,
You are in for a long haul here. A transformer of the type you are looking for should be capable of at least 25ma or more at full voltage. Neon sign transformers are out of the picture. Plate transformers don't go that high and most pole transformers in this range start at 50kw and 350lbs in weight.
The ideal transformer would be found in a hi-pot or oil bath tester on even an insulation thumper.
I have used a 44kv transformer that is about 20 lbs and is cast up in a block of epoxy from an old insulation tester.
Probably the easiest of all to acquire would be an old X-ray tranformer under oil. That is my current system and it works great.
Oil immersed systems are always the best as the insulation is superb and corona losses are zero.
Hamfests are another option where potential transformers might be found on rare occassions.
Don't forget voltage doubler circuits. They are fine provided you have the proper capacitors that can withstand the voltages involved.
Finally, winding and potting your own transformer is an option but a real hassle. Checkout your local yellow pages for transformer winding companies. Those who rebuild pole transformers can easily make to order a custom unit for you, but it would windup on at least 5kva iron, and be bulky.
Richard Hull
>Some colleagues and I are getting ready to embark upon a fusor project. We're starting from scratch, and have decided to start out by building a stable DC power supply suitable for fusor work.
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>Can anyone suggest good sources for components that will allow us to get up to the 25-30kv range?
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>I've checked out a local electronics flea market, and one or two surplus places, and haven't found the crucial transformer or caps necessary for a good linear supply.
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>This shouldn't be too difficult, since we're in the Silicon Valley, and I've made a few trips to LLNL to check out some of their auction items.
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>Thanks for any scrounging advice,
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>David