A Home Made DC Voltage Multiplier 2010
Content
A Homemade Voltage Multiplier http://www.rmcybernetics.com/projects/DIY_Devices/homemade_voltage_multiplier.ht m A Homemade Voltage Multiplier (HV DC PSU)
Science Menu Research Projects
Using a voltage multiplier is a great way to make a high voltage DC power supply. It is very easy to generate high voltages from easily available components. This page contains information on where to buy the components and how to connect them. It also gives details of sources of mini high voltage power supplys (inverters) which will run from batteries. This information is for educational purposes. Replicating this project is done so entirely at your own risk.
You can see what high voltage static electricity from this device does to a piece of one way window film in the violent discharge experiments section. There are microscope images of the aftermath and a video clip of the explosive action! For efficiency a voltage multiplier should be powered from a source that is already a relatively high voltage. There are a variety of small battery operated high voltage power supplys available. Many lighting devices contain inverters for powering vacuum tubes such as, florescent lights, cold cathode lights and plasma globes. These types of devices usually run from 12V DC and can output voltages up to around 20kV AC.
DIY Projects & Experiments Cybernetics & Virtual Worlds High Voltage
Propulsion Systems
Physics & Formula
Info Box Power Pulse Modulator
Variable Frequency, Variable Pulse Width, up to 100A DC Pulse Control Circuits More.... We Ship Ship Worldwide Customer Feedback
"Awesome job guys, thanks!" "Fantastic Service and delivery!!! Top quality products!!" "Fantastic kit, arrived promptly and very easy to assemble. One step closer to tesla madness!!! madness!!!""
Mini cold cathode tube PSU - ~1kV
Plasma Globe PSU - ~15kV
The capacitors and diodes required for the multiplier can be purchased from a mail order company such as RS. The table below gives some possible sources of components and their approximate cost. You can click the source links and buy the parts right now!
Component
Max Voltage
Source
HV Capacitors
1 - 30kV
Buy Now!
HV Diodes
1 - 30kV
Buy Now!
The capacitors and diodes can be arranged in a variety of ways. The half wave method is the easiest as it requires fewer components, but a full wave circuit will perform better. If you just want to get one working as soon as possible the the half wave method would be adequate. The circuit diagrams below indicate how the components should be arranged.
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The schematics above will output a positive DC voltage relative to the ground (GND). If a negative output is required then the polarity of the diodes should be reversed. you can learn more about how a voltage multiplier works, by visiting the voltage multiplier page. For safety and improved performance the voltage multiplier should be placed in a protective casing, such as a PVC pipe filled with oil. The image on the left shows two protruding screws used for the AC input connection, and he other image shows polished coin used for the high
voltage output. By using Polymorph to seal the ends of the pipe, it can be filled with oil to prevent co rona leakage from the internal connections. A more sturdy method would be to fill the pipe with epoxy resin, but this may be difficult with compact component arrangement. Example Experiments A homemade voltage multiplier is perfect for powering an EHD thruster (aka Lifter). An EHDT can be made from just aluminium foil, sticks, and fine wire. To learn how , see the ElectroHydroDynamic Thruster page. Using freezer spray (used by plumbers) you can grow ice crystals on the HV output with interesting results. For more Simple Experiments with static electricity see the Experiments Section
Questions and Comments on the DIY Voltage Multiplier The information provided here can not be guaranteed as accurate or correct. Always check with an alternate source before following any suggestions made here.
Dr T Saturday, 29th April 2006 8:24pm - No.28 I made one just like it using the cold cathode PSU. If i stood on a chair (so I was insulated from ground) I could hold the high voltage output without getting shocked. I could then point at things in my room and my finger tip would glow with loads of purple sparks!! Certain objects I pointed at would also glow too. It didn't make my har stand on end but I could certainly feel it trying. Cool! Li Yun Lim Dear Sir/Madam,
Tuesday, 15th August 2006 3:29pm - No.166
I am designing a voltage multiplier circuit. I started off by building a 2-stage half wave voltage multiplier circuit using NTE517 (5kV) diodes and 1000pF (15kV) capacitors. I connect the circuit to a variable transformer and tuned the variable transformer to 10Vac. My result for my 1st stage is 5.57Vdc and 2nd stage is 3.72Vdc. Why is it that the output voltage is decreased? Are the types of diodes and ca pacitors used unsuitable? Could yo u recommend me a suitable type and value of diodes and capacitors? Thank you. RMCybernetics
Tuesday, 15th August 2006 7:12pm - No.167
Science Menu Research Projects
Using a voltage multiplier is a great way to make a high voltage DC power supply. It is very easy to generate high voltages from easily available components. This page contains information on where to buy the components and how to connect them. It also gives details of sources of mini high voltage power supplys (inverters) which will run from batteries. This information is for educational purposes. Replicating this project is done so entirely at your own risk.
You can see what high voltage static electricity from this device does to a piece of one way window film in the violent discharge experiments section. There are microscope images of the aftermath and a video clip of the explosive action! For efficiency a voltage multiplier should be powered from a source that is already a relatively high voltage. There are a variety of small battery operated high voltage power supplys available. Many lighting devices contain inverters for powering vacuum tubes such as, florescent lights, cold cathode lights and plasma globes. These types of devices usually run from 12V DC and can output voltages up to around 20kV AC.
DIY Projects & Experiments Cybernetics & Virtual Worlds High Voltage
Propulsion Systems
Physics & Formula
Info Box Power Pulse Modulator
Variable Frequency, Variable Pulse Width, up to 100A DC Pulse Control Circuits More.... We Ship Ship Worldwide Customer Feedback
"Awesome job guys, thanks!" "Fantastic Service and delivery!!! Top quality products!!" "Fantastic kit, arrived promptly and very easy to assemble. One step closer to tesla madness!!! madness!!!""
Mini cold cathode tube PSU - ~1kV
Plasma Globe PSU - ~15kV
The capacitors and diodes required for the multiplier can be purchased from a mail order company such as RS. The table below gives some possible sources of components and their approximate cost. You can click the source links and buy the parts right now!
Component
Max Voltage
Source
HV Capacitors
1 - 30kV
Buy Now!
HV Diodes
1 - 30kV
Buy Now!
The capacitors and diodes can be arranged in a variety of ways. The half wave method is the easiest as it requires fewer components, but a full wave circuit will perform better. If you just want to get one working as soon as possible the the half wave method would be adequate. The circuit diagrams below indicate how the components should be arranged.
Sponsored Links
The schematics above will output a positive DC voltage relative to the ground (GND). If a negative output is required then the polarity of the diodes should be reversed. you can learn more about how a voltage multiplier works, by visiting the voltage multiplier page. For safety and improved performance the voltage multiplier should be placed in a protective casing, such as a PVC pipe filled with oil. The image on the left shows two protruding screws used for the AC input connection, and he other image shows polished coin used for the high
voltage output. By using Polymorph to seal the ends of the pipe, it can be filled with oil to prevent co rona leakage from the internal connections. A more sturdy method would be to fill the pipe with epoxy resin, but this may be difficult with compact component arrangement. Example Experiments A homemade voltage multiplier is perfect for powering an EHD thruster (aka Lifter). An EHDT can be made from just aluminium foil, sticks, and fine wire. To learn how , see the ElectroHydroDynamic Thruster page. Using freezer spray (used by plumbers) you can grow ice crystals on the HV output with interesting results. For more Simple Experiments with static electricity see the Experiments Section
Questions and Comments on the DIY Voltage Multiplier The information provided here can not be guaranteed as accurate or correct. Always check with an alternate source before following any suggestions made here.
Dr T Saturday, 29th April 2006 8:24pm - No.28 I made one just like it using the cold cathode PSU. If i stood on a chair (so I was insulated from ground) I could hold the high voltage output without getting shocked. I could then point at things in my room and my finger tip would glow with loads of purple sparks!! Certain objects I pointed at would also glow too. It didn't make my har stand on end but I could certainly feel it trying. Cool! Li Yun Lim Dear Sir/Madam,
Tuesday, 15th August 2006 3:29pm - No.166
I am designing a voltage multiplier circuit. I started off by building a 2-stage half wave voltage multiplier circuit using NTE517 (5kV) diodes and 1000pF (15kV) capacitors. I connect the circuit to a variable transformer and tuned the variable transformer to 10Vac. My result for my 1st stage is 5.57Vdc and 2nd stage is 3.72Vdc. Why is it that the output voltage is decreased? Are the types of diodes and ca pacitors used unsuitable? Could yo u recommend me a suitable type and value of diodes and capacitors? Thank you. RMCybernetics
Tuesday, 15th August 2006 7:12pm - No.167
