Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson" <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Hi Gerry,
I run a single gap (2 stationary electrodes are separated and the
rotating electrodes pass between this gap where there is a
stationary electrode on each side of the disc). I term this a single
mechanical gap (2 electrical gaps when ignition occurs). With this
type of setup, a large disc is helpful to keep the electrodes away
from the motor case. You mentioned the number of gaps as a possible
cause. I'm not certain of the mechanism your thinking of there. Dr.
R mentioned the number of electrodes as well as a low break cause.
The increase in electrodes or low break have a common probability of
preignition of the gap. For example, a situation where a non-ideal
low voltage ignition. Because rotary's are narrowly gapped, low
voltage ignition is possible, unlike a properly set static gap. The
slower the pps or larger the electrode as compared to
charge/discharge and quench events, the more likely a power arc might occur.
John Freau mentioned a low C value. That would indicate to me a
"very" low C with a fast quench, yet fast enough charge for a
preignition while the electrodes are still within range. This may be
more likely in a Cres situation where a very high voltage is
attained, igniting the gap long before alignment, which would
increase the mechanical dwell in relation to the electrical dwell
time. I can see how this situation could mesh with Dr. R's experiences.
I wonder if a low voltage (non-ideal) ignition is the root cause to
a power arc. And with that, is a non-break-out condition involved in
the power arc. I have only speculation, so I'm just thinking out loud.
Take care,
Bart
Tesla list wrote:
Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds"
<mailto:gerryreynolds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx><gerryreynolds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Hi Bart,
If you dont use a conductive ring, are you going thru 4 or 2
gaps. Im wondering if the number of gaps affects power arcing.
Gerry R
I have seen it occur on a standard axial electrode arrangement
when the pps were too low due to slow motor speeds or too many electrodes.
Dr. Resonance
Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson"
<mailto:bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx><bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Power Arcing Question:
Has anyone noticed power arcing with RSG's when a conductive ring
is not used? Just curious if this is a side affect contained only
to conductive rings on the discs. I haven't experienced it and I
don't use conductive rings.
Thanks,
Bart
Tesla list wrote:
Original poster: BunnyKiller <mailto:bunikllr@xxxxxxx><bunikllr@xxxxxxx>
power arcing is when you really punch up the power and the arc
that is created at the disc electrodes and the stationary
electrodes continue to transfer electricity even after the
spinning ( disc) electrodes have gone past the point of "self
exstinguishing" the present arc ...
my SRSG employs a copper ring between the 4 disc electrodes and
there are pit marks well beyond an inch past the electrode where
the hi power arcs have traveled on the copper band..... but then
again Im pushing close to 38KV thru my system at full throttle...
Scot D