-1
\$\begingroup\$

I am currently making a theoretical tabletop particle accelerator. and i need the materials in the accelorator to be resonating together at a set frequency (Whcih I can change to test speicific theories) The key is High voltage. --- The secondary requirement is AC current --- The third is the frequency

I can step up household AC via a transformer up to 300KV AC Since transformers are tuned typically at a set frequency I cant change the frequency before I step up the voltage , I have to do it afterwards NOTE: the frequency needs to be changeable so that the different ferromagnetic/parametric and diamagnetic materials i am using have their own fundamental harmonic frequencies and what i am attempting to do is match 2 different materials fundamental frequencies be picking a higher frequency that resonates with both materials used.

Ok with that all explained - How do I change a Ultra High Voltage AC's frequency ...

Other materials lets say one is 15hz and the other is 20hz would resonate both at AC frequency 60hz...

Im testing a lot of materials . One of the most common frequency for a few materials is 85-90 Hz . Some higher frequencies are 300-340hz, lowest would be 10hz

\$\endgroup\$
10
  • \$\begingroup\$ How much power/current do you need to deliver to your sample? \$\endgroup\$
    – The Photon
    Dec 4, 2016 at 1:25
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ I am interested to see the answer to this question. However I'm nearly certain that you are wrong, and it will be easier to generate a different frequency in a low voltage regime, and step it up with a different transformer for different frequencies, or with some kind of adjustable tuning circuit to make a single transformer useful over a wider frequency range. \$\endgroup\$
    – The Photon
    Dec 4, 2016 at 1:26
  • \$\begingroup\$ I need the current/ampere/power to be low so that it doesn't heat up - In fact the current isn't the important factor and the higher it is the more heating, and eddys will occur. \$\endgroup\$
    – JoshuaH
    Dec 4, 2016 at 1:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ Actually good point. Yes I wonder if their are transformers that can handle 10-350 hz changes... otherwise having a number of transformers designed - like you siad - have the input wall low voltage modified, first, into the frequency required - then have the appropriate transformer connect to said power and step it up... My dilemma here is I first need to test certain frequencies to see which frequencies harmonise with the materials. Theoretically i know the frequency of the materials when 100% pure but to actually get those pure materials is like buying gold... kind costly. \$\endgroup\$
    – JoshuaH
    Dec 4, 2016 at 1:34
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ WHY do you think you "cant change the frequency before I step up the voltage"? In fact, that is the NORMAL way of doing this. Old CRT television and computer monitors all used "flyback transformers" to generate high-frequency high-voltage (typically around 15-20KHz. Note that all Tesla coils, etc. are high-frequency. It is completely impractical to do this down at utility power mains frequencies (50-60Hz). The basic assumptions of your question seem incorrect and unsupportable. \$\endgroup\$
    – Richard Crowley
    Dec 4, 2016 at 2:05

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

Mechanically drive a DC generator with a motor. Excite the DC generator with your 10-350 hz AC. Send the output through a variac to your HV transformer. Vary your frequency with your exciter. Vary your HV with a variac between the generator output and your HV transformer. Generator output frequency should be independent of mechanical speed. Be careful as insulators breakdown with higher voltages and higher frequencies can conduct through capacities.

\$\endgroup\$
6
  • \$\begingroup\$ I was thinking the insulation is a big issue , which of these do you think (or other suggestions) would be best for limiting breakdown? -section bobbins, silicone potting, heatshrink sleeving, nylon mounting bolts and or standoffs ? This seems like a great solution though \$\endgroup\$
    – JoshuaH
    Dec 4, 2016 at 4:23
  • \$\begingroup\$ Also - This is probably a armature question. But if you use a AC current to excite a DC generator - will the output from the DC Generator therefore become AC? I would assume so since I will be sending the voltage into a transformer \$\endgroup\$
    – JoshuaH
    Dec 4, 2016 at 4:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ HV transformer is where insulation breakdown could be a problem. I would suggest a Tesla coil secondary. As for DC output, a DC generator output polarity is set by its excitation. Varying excitation should change the output. Higher frequencies than designed, will have lower efficiencies and may heat up more depending on load and time. \$\endgroup\$
    – Optionparty
    Dec 4, 2016 at 16:03
  • \$\begingroup\$ Corona Dope for all sharp edges / connections, and tesla or x-ray wire/cable. Be careful of dielectric failure, radiation, high speed particles, ozone, resonant frequencies at high "Q"s can produce extremely high voltages well beyond turn ratios. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-voltage_cable \$\endgroup\$
    – Optionparty
    Dec 4, 2016 at 20:57
  • \$\begingroup\$ So I understand i need AC current with high volatge for my experiment... If I excite the DC generator with AC at specific Frequencies then doesnt the DC still stay DC and the frequency wouldnt change? I just want to understand the process here and what the resulting volage Frequency will be. To be honest I personally dont care if its AC or DC as long as the current has the frequencies i need. \$\endgroup\$
    – JoshuaH
    Dec 10, 2016 at 19:02

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.