Spark Gap Experiments

Description: Excess electrical energy has been observed in spark gaps using Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten rods, exhibiting a Coefficient of Performance (COP) exceeding 100% across the gap. A Wimshurst Generator serves as the primary high-voltage dynamo. A Tesla-like step-down transformer T1, utilizing a ferrite rod, efficiently reduces the high voltage to safe, practical levels for distribution and measurement. Successive electric discharges, referred to as Electrum Validum (EVs), are generated, with the associated energy collected in a 10 µF low-loss capacitor over a specified period. The spark gap test platform is depicted in Fig. 1, with the spark gap located at the center-left where excess energy is observed. This energy is transferred through the Tesla-like step-down transformer T1, which features a single-layer primary winding shown in yellow and a single-layer secondary winding shown in red. The single-layer design minimizes electric arcing. The transformer’s efficiency is enhanced by a ferrite rod that increases overall inductance. A knife switch directs the energy flow to either a capacitor or an LED display. Fig. 5 illustrates the electrical schematic of the test platform, where high electrostatic voltage is generated by counter-rotating disks, and energy is stored in Leyden Jars. This stored energy is discharged through a large spark gap with a width of approximately 3/4 inch. The circuit is completed by connecting the Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten spark gap rods and the Tesla-like transformer T1 to the Leyden Jars. Fig. 6 presents the spark gap test results, showing that the Wimshurst Generator operates for 15 seconds, after which the voltage across capacitor C1 is recorded. The test platform operates both with and without the Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten rod spark gap, and the resulting voltages are logged. By knowing the energy stored in capacitor C1 and assuming an ideal system, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) can be calculated, with a maximum value of 139% shown in Fig. 7. The conclusion drawn indicates that the Carbon Arc behaves like a negative resistance device in all test cases. The results suggest that more energy charges capacitor C1 with the spark gap than without it, and a higher primary inductance correlates with increased energy collection. Thus, the Carbon Arc shows potential for providing excess energy when properly harnessed.

The circuit design employs a Wimshurst Generator, which consists of two counter-rotating disks that create high-voltage electrostatic charges through the process of induction. The generated high voltage is crucial for initiating the spark gap, which acts as a switch that allows for the rapid discharge of accumulated energy. The spark gap, made from Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten rods, is specifically chosen for its ability to handle high voltage and provide consistent performance.

The Tesla-like step-down transformer T1 is a key component in this setup. Its design incorporates a ferrite rod, enhancing the inductance and thus improving the efficiency of energy transfer from the primary to the secondary winding. The single-layer windings are essential for minimizing electric arcing, which can lead to energy losses and inefficiencies in the system.

The knife switch plays a critical role in controlling the flow of energy, allowing for the selection between charging the capacitor and powering an LED display. This flexibility is important for testing and monitoring the performance of the circuit under different conditions.

The Leyden Jars serve as energy storage devices, capable of holding significant amounts of charge. The discharge through the spark gap allows for the release of this energy in a controlled manner, facilitating experiments to measure the performance metrics such as voltage and COP.

The measurements taken during the tests are vital for understanding the behavior of the circuit and the performance of the Carbon Arc as a potential source of excess energy. The results indicate that the system operates more effectively with the spark gap in place, suggesting that it enhances energy collection and storage capabilities. The findings point toward the promising nature of this technology for future applications in energy generation and storage.Excess electrical energy has been discovered in spark gaps using Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten rods with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) greater than 100% across the gap. A Wimshurst Generator is used as a primary high-voltage dynamo. A Tesla-like step-down transformer T1 with a ferrite rod is used to efficiently reduce the high-voltage

down to safe practical levels, which can easily be distributed and measured. As shown in Fig. 1, successive electric discharges or Electrum Validum (EVs) discharges are generated, and their associated energy is collected in a 10uf low loss capacitor during a given period of time. Fig. 2 details the spark gap test platform. Above center-left shows the spark gap where excess electrical energy is observed. This energy is transferred through a Tesla-like step-down transformer T1 where the single layer primary winding of the transformer is shown in yellow and the single layer secondary winding is shown in red.

Its imperative to use single layering because it minimizes electric arcing. A ferrite rod is used in this transformer to improve efficiency by increasing its` overall inductance. A knife switch is used to direct the flow of energy to either a capacitor or a LED display. Fig 5. shows the electrical schematic of the test platform. A high electrostatic voltage is generated by counter-rotating disks and the energy that`s collected is stored in Leyden Jars.

This stored energy is discharged through a large spark gap with a gap width of approximately 3/4", as shown. The circuit is completed by connecting the Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten spark gap rods and the Tesla-like transformer T1 to the base of the Leyden Jars.

Fig. 6 details the spark gap test results. The Wimshurst Generator is operated for a time period of 15 seconds. At the end of this period, the voltage across capacitor C1 is logged. The test platform is operated with and without the Carbon/Graphite - Thoriated Tungsten rod spark gap, and the resulting voltage is logged. Knowing the energy stored in the capacitor C1 and assuming an ideal system, its possible to calculate the Coefficient of Performance (the COP) as shown below.

The maximum COP is 139% as shown in Fig. 7. My conclusion is the Carbon Arc is performing as a NEGATIVE resistance-like device in every test case. The bottom line is that there is MORE energy charging up capacitor C1 with the spark gap than without, and the greater the primary inductance, the greater the amount of energy that is collected.

Therefore, the Carbon Arc looks very promising as providing excess energy, once properly harnessed.