An Improved Parametric Method for Selecting Different Types of Tesla Transformer Primary Coil to Construct an Artificial Lightning Simulator

Abstract

Due to the intermittent and hazardous nature of lightning impulse, researchers rely on artificial impulse generators to study it. The Tesla coil is a commonly used device to generate artificial lightning. This paper presents a parametric analysis of the primary side coil of the Tesla transformer. The analysis employs seven key electrical properties: skin depth, current density, voltage distribution, Ohmic loss, electric field strength, charge density, and energy content. These parameters are used to evaluate the response of various coil types to high voltage impulses. The Ansys high-frequency electromagnetic solver is used to perform a comparative analysis of essential parameters. The results can aid lightning researchers and Tesla coil designers in determining the optimal designs for Tesla primary coils in the future. The analyzed data is validated using Tesla coil hardware, which is used as an artificial lightning producer to test the feasibility of a lightning energy harvester.