I have a design for which I need to generate a high DC voltage (more than
400V). My power source for this voltage is the UK mains (230Vrms @ 50Hz). The way I see it is that I have 2 options. The first option is to use a step up transformer and a bridge. The transformer would need a ratio of 1:2 (primary: 230V, secondary: 460V). As I cannot find any off the shelf transformers I would need to wind my own. My second option is to use a simple voltage doubler consisting of 2 capacitors and 2 diodes. The output of the voltage doubler would be something close to 460V DC.
Out of the 2 options the voltage doubler seems the most straightforward. Some questions I have on this setup are:
1) Does the transformer option offer any advantage over the voltage doubler?
2) How can I determine the maximum current that can be drawn from the voltage doubler?
3) Is connecting a voltage doubler directly to the mains a good idea?
If you have any opinions or advice on this subject then please share them.
Thank you.