My first Van De Graaff Generator

[CCX191]

Since this section empty. I decided to contribute one of my work. This Van De Graaff generator is built last year as a school project.
I'm planning to build another generator out of printed parts with hopefully longer sparks which I will document in another Topic.

I have well documented my entire process of building this generator in my Instructables here: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Van-De-Graaff-Generator/


Here are some pictures:

First build without motor (Drill powered)


Final build


A side view


Sparks!


Feel free to ask me anything

[Mads Barnkob]

The simplicity of a electrostatic machine is striking, but I also think that it is a risk of poor performance since you can get a result with "wrong" materials.

Which parts of your first build do you see that needs the most improvement for your 2nd?

I have parts lying around for a rather large VDG, but never got the time/space to build it, no more room for more coils with tops at the moment

I got a 2mm rubber belt, teflon and nylon rollers and a 700 mm diameter mushroom toroid topload. I think its the motor from a old blender that I saved for it.

[CCX191]

For my second build will be to have a better belt as it is the main components I was constantly struggling on.
I'm not entirely sure where I can get a nice rubber belt. The first picture is made of a car inner tyre tube and the final is made out of a warning tape which worked rather decently.
Another factor will be to have a nicer dome as this one has many sharp edges and the brush is connected to it. If it is not positioned properly it would not work well or at all.
And another would be to use a direct motor connection to the roller as this uses a belt and it vibrates rather vigorously.
Perhaps also to cut down the size by 2 times and maybe get it powered by a battery so it is more portable.

Really hope that you are able to build a VDG soon!

[Mads Barnkob]

I got some electricians safety rubber mat, used for working on live systems to cover up exposed parts: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/electrical-safety-mats/5001200/  I cut it up into some long 100 mm wide pieces and will have to glue them together to make a long belt.

Very long ago, when reading up on VDGs, I seem to recall that you need the motor to be isolated via a belt/band else you would loose potential through that electrical path, or maybe it was only if you used a high voltage supply for ion spraying onto the belt...

[ldm314]

I've always loved the simplicity of a VDG. Looks great!