Homopolar Generator: 0.1V Output, No Current

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter kannuhny24
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Generator Homopolar
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a homopolar generator constructed with an aluminum disk that outputs approximately 0.1V but reportedly produces no current. Participants explore potential issues with the generator's design and operation, as well as alternative methods for generating high current.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports a homopolar generator outputting 0.1V but no current, despite checking various factors such as resistance, contact, and disk specifications.
  • Another participant inquires about the load being used and the method for measuring current.
  • A different participant suggests that excessive resistance in the circuit may be preventing current flow, proposing a specific resistance requirement for high current generation.
  • One participant shares a method for generating high current using a toroid mains transformer, noting the difference between AC and DC current generation.
  • Another participant mentions the resistance of the disk as 1 ohm and questions whether switching to a copper disk might improve performance, also noting a lack of rotation when applying external voltage.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the responses received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the lack of current in the homopolar generator, and multiple competing views regarding potential solutions and methods for generating high current are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various assumptions regarding resistance and circuit design without resolving the underlying issues related to the generator's performance.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in homopolar generators, electrical engineering, or high current generation techniques may find this discussion relevant.

kannuhny24
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I've made a homopolar generator using Al disk, its giving me a output voltage of around 0.1V but shockingly der is no current ! a checked the resistance of the disk its very low as required, i checked for every other problem like : improper contact , smoothness of the disk , symmetry of the field , speed , proximity of the field , insulation of the rotor shaft with the disk , using a thick disk ( around 5 mm ) etc...but there is no current ! can anybody tell me what might have gone wrong...?? homopolar generator is supposed to generate high current at low voltages i want to verify it, can anybody suggest any other way of producing very high current it doesn't matted at what voltage ii just want high current.
 
Science news on Phys.org
What are you using for a load? How are you measuring the current?
 
The problem is you almost certainly got too much resistance in your circuit. Say you want 10 Amp then since your voltage is 0.1V, R got to be lower than 0.01 Ω which is not easy to do.

The way I generated a high current in the past is by using a small toroid mains transformer. Thread one or two loops of thick cupper wire through the hole and solder the ends of the wire together. Make sure some of this wire runs outside the transformer. I was able to generate 300 Amps and more. But of course that is ac and not dc. But make sure the primairy coil is not overheating and be careful with the mains voltage.
 
@pantaz : i simply used the multimeter to check the V and I.
 
@ per oni : the resistance of my disk is 1 ohm...should have atleast shown 0.1 o some amps but it dint show any...should i go fr Cu disk ?... I even supplied 5amp @12V between the periphery and the centre to see if it atleast rotates but it dint rotate too !
 
Thanks fr replying guys.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
5K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K