Greetings,

I would like to build an electrostatic generator similar to that of a Van de Graff generator with a few modifications. First, I don't want it to be generated by a physical means like cloth rubbing against plastic. Instead I want to produce it electrically. What would be your recommendation on how to accomplish this? I suppose I could step the AC from a USA outlet for a transformer. I'd like to vary the voltage potential and have a low current output. You'll find something like it in the attachement. This project is more or less just used to "show" electrical lightning bolts.

Suggestions are encouraged!

 

The transfer of charge on a belt is part of the definition of a Van de Graaf generator.

Something for arcs and the like is the Tesla coil. Look at the link for a zillion circuits - http://www.discovercircuits.com/T/tesla.htm

 

Thanks, I'll look into that. I've heard of Telsa Coils but forgot about them, sounds like the way to go.

 

The nearest pure electronic equivalent is probably a 'ladder rectifier' on a HV source such as a neon sign transformer, though you would still be pushing things to get anywhere near even a simple Van de Graaf machine.

Hmmm.. 'Ladder rectifier' does not seem to be a popular term nowadays..
There is an example in this document, page 74 (Fig 9):
http://lss.fnal.gov/archive/2007/pub/fermilab-pub-07-203-esh.pdf

Hopefully someone else will provide the popular name for this configuration.

 

Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_multiplier

Easier to get juice out of a Tesla coil - mega arcs!

 

Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_multiplier

Easier to get juice out of a Tesla coil - mega arcs!

That's very interesting, I'll have to experiment with that a little.

Easier to get juice out of a Tesla coil - mega arcs!

Yeah, that's definitely what I'm looking for! Mega-arcs are my kind of thing I'll have ya know!

Appreciate all the help everyone!

 

Jacob's Lader = easy/impressive

 

Do the Van de Graff generator it is cool and generally safe.

 

Yeah, I know of a friend who fired up one of those ladder type devices; pretty neat.

As for a Van de Graff generator, I'm actually thinking I'll build a Tesla coil.

With a Tesla coil, it will definitely be a fantastic display of arcing.

Thanks for all the input, now I'll just have to make up my mind.

 

Maybe too late to post so I'll be brief. A Greinacher / Cockroft Walton voltage multiplier is a good alternative. It is an array of diodes and capacitors shaped like a Warren truss with the diodes as diagonals and the capacitors along the beams.