Applying an electrostatic charge to a conductor

[uby]

I want to apply a net electrostatic charge with controlled constant voltage (polarity switchable as well) to a conductor. The conductor will continually be charged by friction, so I want to have a circuit apparatus operating on it to continually re-supply or drain charge as needed. Does such a solution exist?

I cannot imagine a situation in which a current flows through the conductor while simultaneously maintaining a net charge; therefore, the conductor must be allowed to float. Connecting to a capacitor doesn't seem to help either, as the charge cannot be 'trapped' on the conductor in a continuous manner.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[anorlunda]

Your terminology is confused.

Net charge and voltage are related, but not synonyms.

The conductor will continually be charged by friction,

That sounds like a Van De Graff Generator.

See
Thomson, William (November 1867). "On a self-acting apparatus for multiplying and maintaining electric charges, with applications to the Voltaic Theory". The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science. Series 4. 34 (231): 391–396. Retrieved September 1, 2015.