Voltage multiplication using a battery

[alpine2beach]

Okay, so before when I asked a question about voltage multiplication, I was recommended a charge pump. But now I realize that creating a charge pump to get the voltage I want would be rather ridiculous. So, here is my problem: I need to get 1000vdc from a 9vdc battery, but I'm not entirely sure how to do this conveniently (well, more conveniently than a charge pump that is). Have any suggestions?


Note: I don't want to convert to AC, otherwise, I wouldn't be asking this question.

 

[berkeman]

Okay, so before when I asked a question about voltage multiplication, I was recommended a charge pump. But now I realize that creating a charge pump to get the voltage I want would be rather ridiculous. So, here is my problem: I need to get 1000vdc from a 9vdc battery, but I'm not entirely sure how to do this conveniently (well, more conveniently than a charge pump that is). Have any suggestions?


Note: I don't want to convert to AC, otherwise, I wouldn't be asking this question.

What is the application? What kind of potential safety issues could you identify in this project for us?

 

[Studiot]

I suggested looking at charge pumps when I did not know your source or target.

I can't imagine why you don't want to use a step up transfomer. A 9v battery can readily be persuaded to yield 500 to 1500 volts with a Hartley oscillator configuration, which is very simple. This is how many insulation testers work.

But, since you eschew such methods, try a Wimshurst machine. You will not then need a battery at all, just a bit of muscle power.

 

[alpine2beach]

What is the application? What kind of potential safety issues could you identify in this project for us?

Lol, I knew I would be asked that. The application is for charging capacitors in a series, which are being used to power a coilgun. The potential safety issues aren't really an issue, as I have dealt with high voltage before, and know the safety precautions that I must take.

 

[alpine2beach]

I suggested looking at charge pumps when I did not know your source or target.

I can't imagine why you don't want to use a step up transfomer. A 9v battery can readily be persuaded to yield 500 to 1500 volts with a Hartley oscillator configuration, which is very simple. This is how many insulation testers work.

But, since you eschew such methods, try a Wimshurst machine. You will not then need a battery at all, just a bit of muscle power.

I guess I wasn't very specific on my first question. Anyways, I need to charge capacitors in a series. I need the DC because that would require a inverter, a transformer, and a bridge rectifier, and I am rather limited on space and weight. So to combat this, I thought that a DC to DC converter would be a much better alternative. A whimshurst machine would make a good alternative, although the same issue with the space turns up.

 

[jim hardy]

i don't know what is a whimshurst

but take a look at how the flash unit works in a throwaway disposable camera.

they turn 1.5 vdc into 400 vdc
using a "flyback" converter

how fast do you want to charge the cap?

local photolab folks at grocery or drugstore will probably give you a grocery sack of old disposable cameras- put 9v to one and see what it'll do.

But be careful, that photoflash capacitor in the camera will probably be charged and it's easy to get a surprisingly vigorous shock. Discharge it before you get very far nto disassembly..

 

[Studiot]

The potential safety issues aren't really an issue, as I have dealt with high voltage before, and know the safety precautions that I must take.

I am glad I'm not helping someone with this attitude power a coilgun.
I retire from this thread, mods please feel free to delete my contributions (if any) so far.

 

[berkeman]

I am glad I'm not helping someone with this attitude power a coilgun.
I retire from this thread, mods please feel free to delete my contributions (if any) so far.

Yeah, wanting to make a highly portable railgun in high school. I think this thread is done.