Some initial experiments have been done with simple variations of the Poulsen Arcs to power Tesla Coils. In place of elaborate Hydrogen chambers, turpentine and alcohol were injected into the gap to create a hydrocarbon environment...
Carbon - Copper - Turpentine, used with 1500V 1000mA transformer:
http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/2009/PoulsenTurpentineGap/index.htmDetails, longer movie, large images:
http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/2009/PoulsenTurpentineGap2/index.htmSimple tests with Poulsen and Duddell arrangements using 240VDC:
http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/2008/Poulsen1/index.htmSinging arcs have always looked too complicated to construct. In reality, I suppose like Tesla Coils, even a crude or simple arrangement will still work to some extent. For example, electrodes of solid carbon work but rare-earths impregnated carbons work too (and were preferred by Duddell). The intense magnetic field isn't needed for low power tests. Duddel was using caps 1 - 4 mfd, and Poulsen .003 or .004 mfd...Tesla coils would seem to be in a happy medium of this. While these types of generators were not generally used to power Tesla Coils, but it definitely opens some interesting doors for exploration...
Who can resist the smell of turpentine and ozone?!
Jeff Behary
