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Hello everyone,
This instructable will tell you how to make a voltage multiplier! So, lets get started :)
Here is some info about voltage multipliers if you want to know how they work. If not, then skip to the parts list.
Definition - "A voltage multiplier is an electrical circuit that converts AC electrical power from a lower voltage to a higher DC voltage by means of capacitors and diodes combined into a network." - Wikipedia
My definition - Voltage multipliers rectify low voltage AC to high voltage DC (pulsed). It uses a series of capacitors and diodes to simultaneously step up and rectify the AC to DC. Most of its uses are obviously applications that require high voltages...
The type of multiplier we will be making is called a 'half-wave' multiplier. I think its the simplest, yet efficient for my purposes. full-wave multipliers are more efficient in the sense that, there is less ripple voltage. Basically, ripple = bad, bad = Less current and voltage out. A voltage multiplier consists of 'stages' each stage doubles the peak output of the ACinput. the more stages, the higher the voltage. In this 'ible, I only make a 2 and 3 stage multiplier because my breadboard isn't big enough to support that and its not even rated for that voltage anyway :P
PARTS LIST!
The following is the parts required for building the EXACT replica of my voltage multiplier. you can easily modify to your needs though. Like add more stages and stuff...
six 330VDC 80uF capacitors (you can get them from the single use cameras at wal-mart.)
seven 1A 400v (minimum) diodes (1N4004)
A breadboard, (or something to mount the components)
22 AWG jumper wire or just regular solid 22 AWG wire.
A wall wart- 16VAC or equivalent. (750ma)
misc alligator clips (for temporary testing)
Tools:
Multimeter (for testing purposes)
wire snips (to take off the insulation on the wire)
This instructable will tell you how to make a voltage multiplier! So, lets get started :)
Here is some info about voltage multipliers if you want to know how they work. If not, then skip to the parts list.
Definition - "A voltage multiplier is an electrical circuit that converts AC electrical power from a lower voltage to a higher DC voltage by means of capacitors and diodes combined into a network." - Wikipedia
My definition - Voltage multipliers rectify low voltage AC to high voltage DC (pulsed). It uses a series of capacitors and diodes to simultaneously step up and rectify the AC to DC. Most of its uses are obviously applications that require high voltages...
The type of multiplier we will be making is called a 'half-wave' multiplier. I think its the simplest, yet efficient for my purposes. full-wave multipliers are more efficient in the sense that, there is less ripple voltage. Basically, ripple = bad, bad = Less current and voltage out. A voltage multiplier consists of 'stages' each stage doubles the peak output of the ACinput. the more stages, the higher the voltage. In this 'ible, I only make a 2 and 3 stage multiplier because my breadboard isn't big enough to support that and its not even rated for that voltage anyway :P
PARTS LIST!
The following is the parts required for building the EXACT replica of my voltage multiplier. you can easily modify to your needs though. Like add more stages and stuff...
six 330VDC 80uF capacitors (you can get them from the single use cameras at wal-mart.)
seven 1A 400v (minimum) diodes (1N4004)
A breadboard, (or something to mount the components)
22 AWG jumper wire or just regular solid 22 AWG wire.
A wall wart- 16VAC or equivalent. (750ma)
misc alligator clips (for temporary testing)
Tools:
Multimeter (for testing purposes)
wire snips (to take off the insulation on the wire)
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I am not responsible If you get hurt/die from accidentally touching or coming into contact with the HV output!
Proceed to the next step to start building!
Proceed to the next step to start building!
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I would use the 400V 100mf because it would be safer and you could change the input to higher/lower voltage later.
Vout =2*Vin*N (N being the number of stages)
if you have 20 volts in, 4 stages will give you 320 v, and 3 will give you 160.
In order to obtain 200 exactly i would personally put 4 stages; then put a few large resistors in series to obtain what you wish.
you could always use the wall outlet that puts off 120 VAC, assuming you live in the United States, then you would only need include 1 stage to obtain 240 V. That would require less components, but they would need to be rated for higher voltage; in turn costing you more money. ( only a couple cents more)
Good Luck! If you have any more questions just post!
-IntrepidElder
Bigger caps mean more expense and more space, just a tip on making it better.
Another thing, in the DC Output, you can connect a Capacitor in Parallel to make that DC (pulsed) into DC (regulated).
Good Project!
You are probably thinking I am a moron, I just have a hard time "getting" electronics. With my ADD the schematics make me woozy. LOL -seriously.
Thanks for humoring my brain.