voltage multiplier (HV DC supply) simulation.

today, i ran a simulation for my HVDC supply to compare it with the calculation in order to obtain the Vout, since i wont be able to measure the value using normal multimeters provided in the lab,

here is the calculation.

Vpeak = Vrms x 1.4
           = 240 x 1.4
           = 336V

according to cockroft-walton voltage multiplier theory,

Vout = Vpeak x n , n being the number of stages.

i simulated a 6 stage voltage multiplier since there isn't sufficient space to simulate my whole circuit which will be 20 stages. software used was multisim.

simulation result for a 6 stage voltage multiplier is 2.005kV

by calculation;

Vout = 336V x 6

        = 2.016kV

by this, i can assume that by calculation and by simulation the value of Vout is approximately the same, thus by practical it will be approximately the same value.

thus i conclude my actual circuit being 20 stages,

Vout = 336V x 20

        = 6.720kV

the Vout of the voltage multiplier will be the Vin for my marx generator, which means my marx generator will be receiving an input of approx. 6.720kVdc.

1st trial marx generator.

after studying several circuits, ive made a choice that i would use this circuit as a my input power supply :-

http://www.instructables.com/id/High-Voltage-Power-Supply-For-Marx-Generator/

as for the marx generator i decided to use this circuit. since i could not obtain the rated capacitance value, i used 10nos 1nF, 2kV caps.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-simple-Marx-Generator/

completed circuit.

etching process.

circuit examples to be simulated

http://www.electronixandmore.com/project/4.html#top

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-simple-Marx-Generator/

http://www.electricstuff.co.uk/marxgen.htm

lightning and impulse generator.

Lightning generates extremely large surge current and voltage. Malaysia ranks as one of the highest lightning activities in the world, where the average thunder day level for Kuala Lumpur is within 180-300 days per annum. 80% of the lightning discharge currents to the ground in Malaysia exceed 20kA with potentials approaching 50-100 million volts.

On average, 50% percent of Kuala Lumpur stroke exceed 36kA, where it is only 28kA worldwide. Not only the energy of the surge very high in Malaysia, but the frequency of occurence  as well.

Due to this reason, the idea of coming up with this project is generated, that is to measure the earth resistance using a portable impulse generator. impulse generator is a device which produces very short high voltage or high current surges. such device can be classified into two types. impulse voltage generator and impulse current generator. for this project, the high impulse voltage is selected because the high impulse voltage is used to test the strength of electric power equipment against lightning and switching surges.

Soil resistivity test.

Soil resistivity testing is the process of measuring a volume of soil to determine the conductivity of the soil. The resulting soil resistivity is expressed in ohm-meter or ohm-centimeter.

Soil resistivity testing is the single most critical factor in electrical grounding design. this is true when discussing simple electrical design, to dedicated low-resistance grounding system, or to the far more complex issues involved in ground potential rise studies. Good soil models are the basis of all grounding designs and they are developed from accurate soil resistivity testing.

introduction.

In electrical supply systems, a grounding system defines the electrical potential of the conductors relative to that of the Earth's conductive surface. The choice of earthing system has implications for the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of the power supply. Note that regulations for earthing (grounding) systems vary considerably among different countries.

A protective earth (PE) connection ensures that all exposed conductive surfaces are at the same electrical potential as the surface of the Earth, to avoid the risk of electrical shock if a person touches a device in which an insulation fault has occurred. It ensures that in the case of an insulation fault (a "short circuit"), a very high current flows, which will trigger an over current protection device that disconnects the power supply.

The earth is made up of materials that are electrically conductive. A fault current will flow to ‘earth’ through the live conductor, provided it is earthed. This is to prevent a potentially live conductor from rising above he safe level.  All exposed metal parts of an electrical installation or electrical appliance must be earth. Generally the protective earth is also used as a functional earth, though this requires care in some situations.

The main objective of the earthing are:

a)   Providing protection against electrical shock.

b)  Provide an alternative path for the fault current to flow so that it will not endanger the user.

c)   Ensure that all exposed conductive parts do not reach a dangerous potential.

d)  Maintain the voltage at any part of an electrical system at a known value so as to prevent over current or excessive voltage on the appliances or equipment.

            The qualities of good earthing system are:

a)    Must be of low electrical resistance.

b)    Must be of good corrosion resistance.

c)    Must be able to dissipate high fault current repeatedly.

d)   Protection of buildings and installations against lightning.

e)   Safety of human and animal life by limiting touches and step voltages to safe values.

f)    Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) i.e. limitation of electromagnetic disturbances.

g)  Correct operation of the electricity supply network and to ensure good power quality.

All these functions are provided by a single earthing system that has to be designed to fulfill all the requirements. Some elements of an earthing system may be provided to fulfill a specific purpose, but are nevertheless part of one single earthing system. Standards require all earthing measures within an installation to be bonded together, forming one system.