AC electromagnet questions-I'm smart, but not an engineer-Help

In summary: The required current is 110 volts, and the waveform should be a square wave. The duty cycle should be 40-60%, and the magnet should be able to operate on either 60 Hz or 50 Hz. The magnet should also be able to be plugged into a wall outlet. The magnet should have a strength of at least 500 pounds.
  • #1
lee75275
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AC electromagnet questions--I'm smart, but not an engineer--Help!

I need an AC electromagnet with these requirements:

-17 Hz

-square wave

-40-60% duty cycle

-will run on 60 Hz 110 volt current, and can be plugged into a wall outlet (this one is not an absolute necessity, but it would help a lot)

-strong enough to pick up a couple hundred pounds (I won't use it for lifting, and that strength is just a general guess, I can start with a weaker magnet if I want to, and work up to higher strength)

Help? Who can build this, or can direct me to the right texts to build it myself? Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. I'd be happy to pay one of you to build it, or to tutor me on how to build it. I can definitely pay. :)

Well?
 
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  • #2


lee75275 said:
I need an AC electromagnet with these requirements:

-17 Hz

-square wave

-40-60% duty cycle

-will run on 60 Hz 110 volt current, and can be plugged into a wall outlet (this one is not an absolute necessity, but it would help a lot)

-strong enough to pick up a couple hundred pounds (I won't use it for lifting, and that strength is just a general guess, I can start with a weaker magnet if I want to, and work up to higher strength)

Help? Who can build this, or can direct me to the right texts to build it myself? Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. I'd be happy to pay one of you to build it, or to tutor me on how to build it. I can definitely pay. :)

Well?

Except as a piece of lab equipment, this would be quite difficult to build. Your specs are a little vague. Can you describe your application?
 
  • #3


I will be testing the effects of the generated field on a substance. This may end up being proprietary or patented. Can I keep it very general for now? I will have to transport it after it is built, but only a few times, maybe 3-4 times at most.

What else do you need to know about the specs? I can't be much more specific about the Gauss until after I've tested the prototype. I want it fairly strong on the first version...the stronger the better, with cost and portability being secondary. What else do you need to know about the specs?

Anyone who is serious about building this for me should contact me at leeyousee at gmail dot com, or PM me. I'm also willing to pay someone to design it for me, and tell me where to get the parts, and to teach me how to build one. I want this done in the next few weeks. Cost is no big problem.
 
  • #4


There are several large problems.

Making square wave fields is tough if you have any significant inductance involved. So, you'd have to say something anout this.

Picking up a couple hundred pounds might be a challenge, depending on what you'e picking up and where it's located and size constraints. You might look at some background material for the differences between holding and attracting.

Thanks for the reply.
 
  • #5


I won't be picking anything up. Again, the gauss number is just a guess. Just for the sake of the prototype, I want it to have the same Gauss as a permanent magnet that could pick up a couple hundred pounds. This isn't absolute, but I want results to be easily, quickly seen, which will be more true with a stronger magnet.

The wave doesn't have to be perfectly square, as long as it is more or less always within the 40-60% duty cycle range.
 

FAQ: AC electromagnet questions-I'm smart, but not an engineer-Help

What is an AC electromagnet?

An AC electromagnet is a type of electromagnet that operates using alternating current (AC) as its power source. It consists of a coil of wire wrapped around a metal core, such as iron, which creates a magnetic field when electricity flows through it.

How does an AC electromagnet work?

An AC electromagnet works by using alternating current to create a constantly changing magnetic field. As the current flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field around the core. As the direction of the current changes, the direction of the magnetic field also changes, resulting in a constantly alternating magnetic field.

What is the difference between AC and DC electromagnets?

The main difference between AC and DC electromagnets is the type of current they use. AC electromagnets use alternating current, while DC electromagnets use direct current. This results in different magnetic fields, as AC electromagnets have constantly changing fields while DC electromagnets have a steady, unchanging field.

What are some applications of AC electromagnets?

AC electromagnets have a wide range of applications, including in electric motors, generators, transformers, and speakers. They are also used in many household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.

Can anyone build an AC electromagnet?

While anyone can learn how to build an AC electromagnet, it does require some basic knowledge of electricity and wiring. It is important to follow safety precautions and have a good understanding of the components and principles involved before attempting to build an AC electromagnet.

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