The previous work related to finding improved performance for Tesla transformers is shortly reviewed. The possibilities to reach the optimal working point by modifying the main components are discussed from a practical standpoint. A methodology for maximizing the secondary voltage by regulating the tuning ratio T and the coupling coefficient is examined in particular. It is shown that its results are valid only if primary and secondary inductor values remain unchanged, and the secondary capacitor value is decreased. All in all, the best improvement from the typical condition of increases the secondary voltage of only 18% and requires tide coupling. This, in turn, imposes severe engineering problems to avoid dielectric breakdown between the primary and secondary coils, and makes the practical utility of this result someway questionable. In a real Tesla transformer, the most practical mean to perform tuning is to move the tap feeding the primary coil, rather than rewinding the secondary coil or redesigning the secondary top terminal. The resonant circuits are not undamped and it is crucial to reach the maximum voltage at the secondary in the shortest time, to minimize losses. It is shown that, in order to achieve optimal performance, a better strategy is to tune the primary coil to achieve and then to increase the coupling coefficient as much as possible, aiming at one of the values selected from a given table.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
September 2002
Research Article|
September 01 2002
Optimal performance for Tesla transformers
Marco Denicolai
Marco Denicolai
High Voltage Institute, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 3000, FIN 02015 HUT, Finland
Search for other works by this author on:
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 73, 3332–3336 (2002)
Article history
Received:
March 21 2002
Accepted:
May 28 2002
Citation
Marco Denicolai; Optimal performance for Tesla transformers. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 1 September 2002; 73 (9): 3332–3336. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1498905
Download citation file:
Pay-Per-View Access
$40.00
Sign In
You could not be signed in. Please check your credentials and make sure you have an active account and try again.
Citing articles via
Overview of the early campaign diagnostics for the SPARC tokamak (invited)
M. L. Reinke, I. Abramovic, et al.
An instrumentation guide to measuring thermal conductivity using frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR)
Dylan J. Kirsch, Joshua Martin, et al.
A glovebox-integrated confocal microscope for quantum sensing in inert atmosphere
Kseniia Volkova, Abhijeet M. Kumar, et al.
Related Content
Analytical expression for the output voltage of the triple resonance Tesla transformer
Rev. Sci. Instrum. (October 2005)
Arbitrary wave-form-pulsed power source for flash-lamp-pumped solid-state lasers
Rev. Sci. Instrum. (June 2000)
Design and optimization of a compact, repetitive, high-power microwave system
Rev. Sci. Instrum. (October 2005)
Development of a Blumlein based on helical line storage elements
Rev. Sci. Instrum. (March 2001)