ultra high current source

[alansimpson]

I am doing some experiments to measure magnetic fields and I want to generate a very high current 1kA for a brief period. How could I do this with easily available components.
Could be AC. Mains power supply is 220V
Thanks.

 

[IRstuff]

Nah! You just blow out the input protection fuse on the DVM. No biggie... Good thing my DVM came with a spare ;-)

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[alansimpson]

1kA for a period of less than a second would do.
I am aware of dangers and will be taking suitable precautions.
Your concerns for my safety are appreciated.

 

[LionelHutz]

What is the resistance you want to apply this 1kA to?

Say it's 0.001 ohms, you need to supply 1VAC so ScottyUK's suggestion or some slight variation is good. Basically, a 120V:1V step down transformer so you apply 8.3A to the primary and get 1V @ 1000A on the secondary.

Now say it's 0.5 ohms, then you need 500V and 500VAC @ 1000A certainly can't be sourced from a wall socket (or even from many services).

 

[Madcow]

http://www.myelectricengine.com/

This guy shows you how to build the cap. bank.
Itsmoked, he also has a good section on plasma arcs.

 

[itsmoked]

Ah, fun Madcow!! Thanks for the link.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[OperaHouse]

That capacitor bank reminded me of a couple of machines I built 25 years ago to magnetize plastic sheet magnets like you find on refrigerators. Those welding cables jumped every time it fired and that was every 2 seconds. Used a mercury filled Ignitron to fire it. Seemed like every week the tube would short out. Then we would turn it upside down and shake it to collect the plated mercury.

 

[itsmoked]

LOL.. It beat using a knife switch!

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[VEBill]

Somewhat-related link:

http://www.powerlabs.org/