Capacitor Design for 2GHz AC Frequency - 800W-kW Power

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of designing a capacitor for use with an AC generator operating at a frequency of 2 GHz and a power requirement ranging from 800W to several kW. Participants explore the technical challenges and safety concerns associated with such a project.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for assistance in building a capacitor for a high-frequency AC generator, indicating limited knowledge in electrical engineering.
  • Another participant highlights the challenges of combining high frequency (2 GHz) with high power (a few kW), suggesting that off-the-shelf solutions are unlikely to exist and that custom solutions would be necessary.
  • Concerns are raised about scattering problems at 2 GHz, emphasizing the importance of impedance matching and careful consideration of connections to ensure effective power delivery.
  • A suggestion is made to consider using Cat 5e cable for transmission, although its power handling capability is questioned.
  • One participant insists that the minimum power requirement of 800W is non-negotiable, expressing uncertainty about the feasibility of the project.
  • A warning is issued regarding the safety risks associated with operating at 800W and 2 GHz, indicating that such a project could be extremely dangerous.
  • Another participant suggests that a microwave oven could serve as a practical example of the desired power and frequency.
  • The thread concludes with a note that discussions on dangerous activities are not permitted on the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of the project, with some expressing skepticism about the safety and practicality of operating at the specified power and frequency, while others suggest alternative approaches or examples.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various technical challenges, including impedance matching and scattering issues, but do not resolve these complexities. The discussion also reflects a lack of consensus on the safety and feasibility of the proposed project.

rc88
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Hi guys,

I'm a new member of this forum.
As a chemist, I don't have much knowledge of electrical engineering, and that's the reason why I'm here. Hope you guys can help me out.

I'm going to go straight to the point. I need to build a capacitor connected to an AC generator with an AC frequency of around 2 GHz (and more). I also need a power from 800W to a few kW. What do I need in order to do so? Like electronic oscillators or stuff like that? If you need any further information, please just ask.
Thanks in advance.
 
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A few kW at 2Ghz is a tall order. 2GHz is no problem and a few kW is no problem but putting high frequency and that high power together is pretty tough. There isn't going to be any off-the-shelf solution for you. I don't think that high current switches exist that could achieve that speed.

I think you're going to need a very special generator custom made for something like this. It will need lot's of poles, will have to spin very fast, and be very large.

At 2 GHz you're going to have scattering problems. Every wire and connection will have to be scrutinized for reflections or else the power will not be effectively delivered to your capacitor. Pay special attention to the connection of your capacitor. It will have a certain impedance which must be matched to the impedance of the transmission line carrying the signal. There are methods to fix scattering problems but I'm not an expert WAMI guy (Wireless and Microwave).

Cat 5e cable would be a good choice for the transmission line. It has a characteristic impedance of about 100 Ohms. Cat 5 won't be able to handle that much power though.

Is there any way you could scale the power down? It would make it much more feasible. 1 Watt is more realistic. If anyone has a better idea I would be most impressed.
 
Thanks for your reply okefenokee. Unfortunately, the minimum I can go for is around 800 W, not less than that. I don't know whether all this is feasible or not. Maybe I'm just saying nonsense, but that's what I'd need.
 
Do not attempt this. This is an extremely unsafe project. Even folks who really know what they are doing take serious precautions.

800W at 2GHz will literally cook you. It will reach out and boil the liquid in your eyeballs within seconds.
 
Oh man, you just gave me a bad news. But from your reply, I kind of guess this is feasible then?
To be honest, I don't know what would happen if I used a lower AC frequency. It should work anyway but, you know, I'd need to run some experiments before saying that.
 
Last edited:
Purchase a microwave oven. They are approximately the correct power and frequency.
 
Thread closed. Dangerous activities are not discussed on the PF.
 

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