XPost: sci.electronics.design, sci.physics, sci.space.policy   
      
   In sci.physics Robert Clark  wrote:   
      
      
      
   > If you know of a means to provide 50,000 V at *lightweight* then you will   
   > have solved the problem of an independently flying lifter, using the   
   > macrosized wires currently used. You would need about a power to weight   
   > ratio for the power source of better than 1 watt per gram, while being able   
   > to provide these ca. 50,000 V voltages.   
   >   
   >  Bob Clark   
      
   Trivial; look at any camera flash unit built in the last several decades.   
      
   However you have totally missed the point; voltage and the weight of the   
   converter is irrelevant as it is the total power that determines the   
   weight of it all.   
      
   BTW, here are some real world power to weight ratios:   
      
   Boeing 777 engine 10 kW/kg   
   1985 Chevy Celebrity 300 W/kg   
   Lithium-ion battery 85 W/kg   
   nickel-metal battery 116 W/kg   
   zinc air fuel cell 500 W/kg   
      
      
   --   
   Jim Pennino   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)