SSTC Design Questions

[jacobusdens]

Hi, I am designing an SSTC, and I have a couple questions. I intend to have 0-130 VAC input, a full bridge rectifier without a doubler, and a full bridge of IGBTs. I have an attached JAVATC screenshot. I am wondering if the secondary Q is too high, and whether I could expect sparks a foot or more long (I may need a thicker topload.) I am unsure of what IGBTs to use. I am leaning toward the FGH40N60SMD, as it has fast switching times. I think that the primary would draw max ~33A. I will gladly accept criticisms of my design.

[Mads Barnkob]

I only have experience using MOSFETs in SSTCs, so I can not guide you that much there.

Could you please upload your simulation in a resolution so its possible to read the numbers? But generally I follow your need for a larger topload, SSTCs like large toploads as their spark length does not rely on tuning compared with a DRSSTC, but more the amount of power you can get into it. So larger topload, more capacitance to discharge from.

[jacobusdens]

I replaced the simulated toroid with a 4x10 one. I am sorry if I am asking too many questions, but I am only 15 and do not have a lot of money.
Thanks for your many tesla coil pages! They have helped me a lot! This forum is really helpful, as 4hv seems to be going extinct.
Here is the save file (javatc13.4):

units=0,
ambient=0,
s_ws=0,
s_Al=0,
p_ws=0,
p_Al=0,
p_ribbon=0,
temp=68,
g_radius=100,
w_radius=50,
ceil_height=100,
s_radius1=2.25,
s_radius2=2.25,
s_height1=30,
s_height2=40,
s_turn=950,
s_wd=30,
p_radius1=3,
p_radius2=3,
p_height1=29,
p_height2=31,
p_turn=6,
p_wd=12,
p_vwidth=0,
p_rthick=0,
Cp_uF=4.7,
Lead_Length=0,
Lead_Diameter=0,
desired_k=0,
t.inner=4,
t.outer=10,
t.height=42,
TT=true,
TG=false,
x_Vin=0,
x_Vout=0,
x_Iout=0,
x_Hz=0,
x_Vadjust=0,
x_ballast=0,
rsg_ELS=0,
rsg_ELR=0,
rsg_rpm=0,
rsg_disc_D=0,
rsg_ELR_D=0,
rsg_ELS_D=0,
stat_EL=0,
stat_EL_D=0,
stat_gap=0,
SPE=true,
RGE=false

[Mads Barnkob]

You show insight, you can use the available tools and you ask specific questions to your design. This is the right approach to get help on a forum like this!

Do not worry about being 15, I wish I started with electronics that young and not first at 25, different age, different problems Money is always an issue, spend some time on setting up search agents / saved searches on ebay so you get emails for new listed items that you look for. Specific IGBT, MOSFETs, Capacitors, etc. makes it easier to catch a good deal.

I am glad you found help from my website, also be sure to check out loneoceans website, he wrote some good SSTC guides.

Overall your design looks fine, you can omit the primary capacitor in JavaTC as it has no purpose for a SSTC. You can experiment with more primary turns and higher coupling, if you want to lower the primary peak current.

Looking forward to see your building process.