Re: Why does a VDG generator's run faster when a conducting sphere touches it?

Hi Timothy,

It's good that you noticed that change. To understand why, think through what is happening with the generator.

When the generator first starts up, there is a belt that carries charge up to the conducting sphere. As that charge builds up, it has a repulsive force against the additional charge moving up the belt. This acts as a "load" to slow the motor slightly.

When you provide the ground (or path for the charge to leave), there is no longer that force of repulsion. This allows the motor to run more freely.

A more powerful motor might not respond as noticeably; while a smaller motor might be even more obvious.

I hope this helps you; and encourages you to continue to look for behaviors like this in nature.

G L Ewald