A low cost approach to design the Tesla transformer for testing of insulating materials and industrial applications

In view of the stringent quality requirements for solid dielectric bushings, a wide range of quality assurance techniques is applied. High frequency testing is by far the most effective destructive test for screening and rejecting poor quality insulation bushings. This paper presents the design and construction of a Tesla transformer for defective insulation testing. The attempts of developing a prototype have low cost of all components. A design technique and testing method are fully given. The calculation is based on stress control so that optimum electric stress can be obtained. A high frequency generator has been tested and used in a bushing factory for routine testing according to TIS. 354-2523 (Thai Industrial Standard). From the results, a prototype unit is found to possess accuracy within an acceptable level.