Charging a capacitor in a tesla coil

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SUMMARY

Charging a capacitor in a Tesla coil involves using pulsed DC rather than traditional AC voltage. The discussion clarifies that while AC voltage alternates rapidly (60Hz), capacitors can charge effectively with high-frequency pulsed DC, allowing them to charge quickly and discharge slowly. The necessity for capacitors that operate at high frequencies is emphasized, as standard capacitors may not perform adequately under these conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Tesla coil operation and design
  • Knowledge of capacitor types, specifically high-frequency capacitors
  • Familiarity with AC and pulsed DC voltage concepts
  • Basic electronics schematic reading skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research high-frequency capacitor specifications and applications
  • Learn about Tesla coil circuit design and components
  • Study the behavior of capacitors under pulsed DC conditions
  • Explore the differences between AC and pulsed DC charging methods
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Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists building Tesla coils, and anyone interested in high-frequency capacitor applications in circuit design.

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Can somebody explain how it is possible to charge a capacitor using ac voltage? The way I see it is the capacitor wouldn't have time to charge as the voltage is constantly switching. In the case of 60Hz - 120 times a second.
I have attached a schematic of a tesla coil which is how I come to think about it.
 

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and if the cap charges quickly but discharges slowly...
 
I have made some enquiries and it appears that it is not AC voltage but rather pulsed DC.
 
You have the same issue - when the pulse is low the cap can discharge.
 
Simon Bridge said:
You have the same issue - when the pulse is low the cap can discharge.

Your right. It must be a capacitor which operates at high frequencies. I don't have any practical experience so I never new such capacitors were available until I had a look around the net.
 

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