Can a DC Motor in a Chopper Circuit Generate AC for a Transformer?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a DC motor in a chopper circuit to generate AC current for a transformer, particularly in the context of powering a voltage multiplier for a Marx generator. Participants explore the implications of using different switching methods and the efficiency of the proposed setups.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a generic DC motor can interrupt the circuit quickly enough to produce AC current on the transformer side, suggesting that the motor interrupts the flow of current.
  • Another participant argues against placing a DC motor in series with a transformer, stating that it would result in pulsing DC current that could saturate the transformer core, and notes the inefficiency of such a setup.
  • A subsequent reply considers using a self-switched relay instead of a DC motor and inquires about the potential for core saturation with this method.
  • Another participant recommends using transistors for switching, suggesting that a relay could work if it reverses the current direction with each switch, although they provide a diagram for clarity.
  • One participant expresses a specific goal of generating 300V to drive a voltage multiplier for a Marx generator, mentioning a lack of plans for an inverter and referencing an old electronics kit for circuit ideas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for generating AC from a DC source, with multiple competing views on the effectiveness and efficiency of using a DC motor, relay, or transistors for switching.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the saturation of transformer cores and the efficiency of various switching methods, indicating that assumptions about circuit behavior may depend on specific configurations and components used.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in circuit design, particularly those exploring methods for generating high voltage from DC sources or working with transformers and voltage multipliers.

cassio
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Will a generic dc motor interrupt the circuit fast enough to get a ac current on the other side of the transformer. I was assuming that a motor interrupt the flow of current.This is to feed a voltage multiplier.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Are you thinking of putting a DC motor in series with the primary of a transformer?

This would not be a good idea because, at best, you would get pulsing DC current into the primary of the transformer and this would possibly saturate the core of the transformer.

Also, DC motors are designed so that they have very small gaps in the commutator, so there will be only very small interruptions to the supply of current to the transformer.

So, you might get very short pulses of voltage produce on the secondary, but it would be very inefficient.
 
That is what I was thinking. I will just use a self switched relay. Will this also saturate the core if so what is the best solution.
 
The best solution is to use transistors to do the switching.
Like this:
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNAWockavbyZZBf2O1T1DcrSDqD8rJqUIUYf1tOBBBB5kHa54a.png


Or see lots more circuits here:
http://www.google.com.au/search?tbm...rter+circuit&gbv=2&aq=1&aqi=g8&aql=&oq=DC+DC+

However, you can do it with a relay. You just need to reverse the direction of the current with each switching.

[PLAIN]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4222062/Reversing%20switch%205.PNG

The relay would have to have two switches on it that are double pole double throw, as well as another contact that could be used to turn the relay coil on and off. This is not shown in the diagram.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for the response. Was specifically trying to get like 300v to drive the voltage multiplier to drive the Marx generator. Although irritatingly he don't supply plans for his inverter.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-simple-Marx-Generator/


All my simple circuits come from a 3000 in 1 electronics kit from like 30 years ago that's where I got the chopper circuit.
 

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
Replies
30
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K