Van de Graaf Generator

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Ever wonder how to make static electricity? Combing your hair, rubbing a balloon, etc. are all simple ways to generate static electricity. Here, this project is called a Van de Graaf generator, which was developed in 1931 by Robert J. Van de Graaf. This simple electrostatic generator charges up using belts and rollers.

Here are two good links on Van de Graaf generators:
Howstuffworks.com - How Van de Graaf Generators Work
A simple homemade Van de Graaf generator

I first built a generator similar to the one shown in the link above - A simple homemade Van de Graaf generator. I had several problems; it was difficult to make adjustments, the glass tube (fuse) on the top broke easily, and the rubber band wore out easily. Therefore I did several experiments and found that this odd generator design here I made worked. This generator I made has no PVC enclosing the rubber band and was simple to adjust. A plastic straw for the "top" roller was used instead of the glass tube (fuse). A small bowl is used for the topload. The average spark length from this generator is about 2 to 3 mm long. The motor I used came from a 1500 watt hair dryer and works well with 20 to 30 volts.

Van de Graaf generator

Top view

2-3mm sparks