How to Build a DIY Electrostatic Generator from Scrap

Building your own electrostatic generator from scrap materials can be a fun and educational project. With some basic materials and a bit of electrical know-how, you can construct a simple device that produces high voltage from static electricity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a DIY electrostatic generator using commonly available materials.

Gather the Necessary Materials

To build the electrostatic generator, you will need the following materials:

• Two sheets of acrylic or plexiglass, at least 12 x 12 inches each
• Two pieces of aluminum sheet metal, 12 x 12 inches each
• One empty aluminum soda can
• Two furniture bolts, around 3-4 inches long
• Nuts and washers for bolts
• Silicone sealant or acrylic cement
• Spray glue
• An old bike wheel or lazy susan turntable
• DC motor salvaged from something like a computer fan or toy
• Wires and alligator clip leads
• Scraps of wool or synthetic fabric
• Masking tape

The acrylic sheets will form the main structure of the generator. Aluminum sheet metal will be used for the electrodes. The soda can, bolts, and turntable are for the rotating mechanism. Wires and fabric will be used to collect the static charge. Glue and tape hold everything together.

Construct the Basic Frame

The acrylic sheets form the basis for the electrostatic generator. To construct the frame:

• Cut the acrylic sheets into two 12” x 12” squares if needed. Clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
• Mark and drill 1/4” holes in the corners of each sheet. These will be used to mount the sheets together.
• Use silicone sealant or acrylic cement to attach the two sheets together, spacing them 1-2” apart. Allow time to fully cure.
• Insert the bolts through the corner holes to firmly hold the sheets together. Tighten washers and nuts.

The two sheets spaced apart will create a cavity between them. Make sure they are securely glued and bolted together to withstand the forces involved.

Add the Rotating Mechanism

The electrostatic generator needs a rotating component to build up static charge. This can be created from:

• An aluminum soda can, cut to a 1-2” width ring. The can provides a lightweight drum.
• A bike wheel or lazy susan turntable provides the rotational platform.
• A small DC motor salvaged from a fan or toy drives the rotation.

Follow these steps to construct the rotator:

• Cut the soda can into a ring using tin snips. File the edges smooth.
• Mount the can ring around the edge of the bike wheel or turntable using silicone. Ensure it rotates smoothly.
• Mount the DC motor so it can spin the wheel/turntable at a few hundred RPM. Test the rotation.

Install the Stationary Electrodes

The rotating drum needs to pass close to stationary electrode sheets to produce electrostatic charge.

• Take the two pieces of aluminum sheet. Cut them to approximately 12”x4” size to fit along the bottom edges of the acrylic frame.
• Use spray adhesive to firmly attach the aluminum sheets to the bottom of the acrylic frame, spacing them 2-4” apart.
• Bend the sheets so they follow the curve of the can ring but don’t quite touch. Leave 1/8” or less gap.

The closer the drum passes to the electrodes, the more charge will be produced. But take care not to let them touch.

Connect Wiring to Collect the Charge

The static electricity can now be harvested from the aluminum electrodes.

• Strip 1/2” of insulation from the ends of some wire. Use alligator clips to firmly attach these wires to each aluminum sheet.
• Opposite the electrodes, tape some scraps of wool or synthetic fabric to the can ring as charge collectors.
• Attach wires to the collectors as well, using alligator clips or masking tape.

These wires will transmit the static charge from the collectors to whatever load is powered by the generator.

Generate High Voltage Static Electricity

With construction complete, it's time to test the electrostatic generator:

• Make sure the collector fabric strips are taped securely to the can ring, about 1-2” wide each.
• Check that the rotor spins freely. Verify the minimum gap between drum and electrodes.
• Power the motor to start the drum rotating at several hundred RPM.
• Touch the collector wires to a neon lamp or multimeter set to voltage mode.
• High voltage >5kV should be generated! Adjust components as needed to improve output.

That's it! With scrap materials and basic tools, you can build an electrostatic machine to learn about high voltage generation. Just take proper safety precautions when operating it. Have fun harnessing raw static electricity power!