Low Voltage AC-AC or AC-DC Step Up

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    Low voltage Voltage
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the need to step up a low voltage AC output from a generator, specifically from approximately 1.5VAC to a range between 5VAC and 20VAC, using a transformer. Participants explore various transformer options and considerations related to the generator's characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a doorbell transformer, questioning its effectiveness for the intended application.
  • Another participant proposes that running a doorbell transformer in reverse could achieve the desired voltage increase, estimating a potential output of around 12VAC from the 1.5VAC input.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of stepping up the voltage without creating energy from nothing, with one participant noting the generator's low output and its potential origin from microhydro sources.
  • Questions arise regarding the frequency of the generator's output, with a participant noting that the generator's up-and-down motion may lead to a frequency too low for standard household transformers.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of VAC, with participants clarifying that it refers to alternating current voltage, as opposed to direct current voltage (VDC).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness of different transformer options and the implications of the generator's characteristics. There is no consensus on the best approach or the feasibility of achieving the desired voltage increase.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations regarding the frequency of the generator's output and the efficiency of transformers at low voltages. There are unresolved questions about the exact nature of the generator's output and its compatibility with available transformer options.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in low voltage AC applications, transformer selection, and energy conversion from alternative power sources.

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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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