Low Voltage AC-AC or AC-DC Step Up

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    Low voltage Voltage
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on stepping up a generator's output of approximately 1.5VAC to a range between 5VAC and 20VAC using a transformer. Participants suggest utilizing a doorbell transformer, specifically a 120-16 model, which has a transformation ratio of 7.5:1, potentially yielding around 12VAC when reversed. The conversation also highlights the importance of frequency, noting that the generator's low output frequency may limit the effectiveness of standard household transformers. The ultimate goal is to charge a portable cell phone battery pack efficiently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of transformer operation and voltage transformation ratios
  • Basic knowledge of AC voltage and its characteristics
  • Familiarity with generator types, particularly low-voltage AC generators
  • Knowledge of DC-DC power conversion techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and applications of doorbell transformers, particularly the 120-16 model
  • Learn about the relationship between voltage and frequency in transformer operation
  • Explore methods for efficiently charging portable battery packs from low-voltage AC sources
  • Investigate alternative transformer designs suitable for low-frequency applications
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Electronics enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists, and engineers working on low-voltage power systems, particularly those interested in renewable energy applications and battery charging solutions.

BabyHueyTAW
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Ok, So my generator is producing ~1.5VAC. I need to step that up via transformer to no less than 5VAC max of 20VAC.
Ideas or links to components I can use?
 
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Google search DIY transfomer. There are many sites offering adivce, lists of componenets, and sometimes calcuators.
 
a doorbell transformer ?
 
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jim hardy said:
a doorbell transformer ?
Think that would work? I have this set up, Need 5VAC to energize my conversion system, minimal current draw, maybe 5ma total.
Shown, is my AC/DC to DC step down (left) and my DC-DC step up.
Need to bump the input from my generator outputting 1.5VAC.
**End goal is charge a portable cell phone battery pack**
Converter1.jpg
 

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Ahh! I think you're onto something there!
so a doorbell XFMR 120-16 is like a 7.5:1 ratio
So if i run it reverse, my 1.5 would become close to 12 out!
Or am I off the mark?
 
upload_2019-2-23_21-33-27.jpeg
 

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Once again! y'all help me out of a pickle!
 
BabyHueyTAW said:
Ok, So my generator is producing ~1.5VAC. I need to step that up via transformer to no less than 5VAC max of 20VAC.

Perhaps I am missing something but to me it looks like you want to create energy out of nothing.
 
Borek said:
Perhaps I am missing something but to me it looks like you want to create energy out of nothing.
Sounds like his generator (from microhydro maybe?) generates a pretty low AC voltage, and he needs to step it up efficiently before running his DC-DC power converter. Seems okay from an overall energy standpoint.
BabyHueyTAW said:
So my generator is producing ~1.5VAC.
At what frequency or range of frequencies?
 
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  • #10
berkeman said:
At what frequency or range of frequencies?

great observation.
i'd completely forgot his generator has up&down motion not round& round.
So frequency might be too low for a household transformer.

A 16 volt transformer will support 1.6 volts down to about 6 hz.
Volts per Hertz ratio is a constant for any particular core.
 
  • #11
berkeman said:
Sounds like his generator (from microhydro maybe?) generates a pretty low AC voltage, and he needs to step it up efficiently before running his DC-DC power converter. Seems okay from an overall energy standpoint.

Probably my understanding of what VAC exactly means is wrong. Is it V AC (voltage of active current) or VA*Cos(φ) (power)? Or even something else?
 
  • #12
Borek said:
Probably my understanding of what VAC exactly means is wrong. Is it V AC (voltage of active current) or VA*Cos(φ) (power)? Or even something else?
Volts AC, or AC volts. Alternating current.

Edit: As opposed to VDC, or DC Volts.
 
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