Tesla coil with voltage doubler?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on powering a Tesla coil using an 8KV 500W transformer with a voltage doubler to achieve 16KV output. Users report suboptimal performance, including shorter sparks and excessive noise, compared to a 30KV 100W flyback transformer. Key issues identified include the discharge of the doubler's capacitors across the spark gap and interference with the tank capacitor's resonance. The conversation explores methods to improve performance, particularly through current limiting techniques to manage the doubler's discharge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Tesla coil operation and design
  • Familiarity with voltage doubler circuits
  • Knowledge of spark gap functionality and tuning
  • Basic principles of electrical impedance and resonance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research current limiting techniques for high-voltage applications
  • Explore advanced Tesla coil tuning methods for optimal performance
  • Investigate the effects of output impedance on Tesla coil operation
  • Learn about insulation requirements for high-voltage systems
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, high-voltage engineers, and hobbyists interested in Tesla coil design and optimization.

Artlav
Messages
161
Reaction score
1
I want to power a small-ish tesla coil from a 8KV 500W transformer with a voltage doubler to raise that to 16KV.

Problem is - it works considerably worse (shorter sparks, LOUD gap) than with a 30KV 100W flyback, spark gap being the same, set at about 12KV.

One issue appears to be that once the spark gap closes the capacitors in the doubler discharge across it as well.
Another issue might be that the doubler's capacitors are essentially in parallel with the tank capacitor, thus interfering with the resonance.

So, wide question is - how to make a tesla coil work well with a voltage doubler?
More specific, is there a way to make a current limiter to prevent the doubler from discharging all at once across the spark gap? Resistors are out of the question, obviously.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
There's more than just voltage. Output impedance is another important parameter. The output of the doubler is too small for the Tesla coil.

Not only that, but if you double or more than double the output voltage of the Tesla coil, the insulation may not be adequate. It is dangerous. Don't try it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
16K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K