Chain and inductive charging system as a charge-carrying element of the electrostatic generator

Abstract

A charge-carrying element or chain, for the electrostatic generator, which can be charged or discharged by the electric induction method, has been developed and used in the generator of the Kyushu University with excellent performance. High stability and durability of this system has been well tested through the operation in the last few years. This charge-carrying system is particularly suitable for use in an insulation gas, like freon-12 or SF 6, which has a high dielectric strength but is easily decomposed by corona discharge. Fluctuation of the charge carried by the chain, or that of the generated voltage, is extraordinarily small. The chain is well protected against the external surges since the series of metal rings of the chain serves as spark gaps to prevent damage of the internal insulator. The highest voltage so far obtained with this charging system was 8.9 MV (the height of the stack is 5 m).