Build · 2024-05-09
Corona motor concept
The question
Can a LaserSaber-style corona (electrostatic) motor be reproduced and made useful?
The answer
Proof of concept runs. A CD rotor spun from a ~30 kV negative-ion generator drawing ~1 mA from 12 V, after a starting push. Next: stack stages at a 15° offset for torque.
- Kind
- Build
- Status
- Testing
- Date
- 2024-05-09
- Supply
- 12 V → ~30 kV ion generator
- Current
- ~1 mA
- Rotor
- CD on plastic bearing
- Stage offset
- 15°
Video
What it is
An electrostatic (corona) motor after LaserSaber's design, rebuilt as stackable modules: each stage is a printed shell with aluminum electrodes and a CD rotor on a plastic bearing.
Results
- →Runs once given a push; not yet self-starting due to bearing friction.
- →Stacked stages share one shaft with a 15° offset so torque pulses overlap.
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