120,000-Volt Multiplier

2021-04-12

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This video shows how to build a cockroft-walton type voltage multiplier using a flyback transformer as a first stage driven by a ZVS driver with a 12V input. This circuit outputs 120,000 volts DC and arcs from ~4" away. Within about 2 feet of the device, you can feel the ion wind, and your hair being pulled toward it by electrostatic induction.

I didn't use any current limiting resistors, so the discharges are very dramatic but also extremely hard on the capacitors in the multiplier. After about 4-5 seconds of continuous discharge, there's little to no output, and the device needs a minute or two to recover before it can be used again. My guess being that the caps are swelling under such a high load.

The flyback and ZVS driver are both homemade. The circuit for the ZVS driver is explained in more detail in my video on induction heating :

/youtube/video/G9mudqJ46xM

Parts List:

-1nF / 20kV Capacitors:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V3XMHHL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-20 kV / 100 mA Diodes:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MVX689B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Ferrite U-cores for flybacks:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0146OG8VK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-32 AWG magnet wire for secondary windings

-IRLZ44 MOSFETs with heatsinks for ZVS driver

-1N4148 Diodes for gate pull-downs