Surplus toroid transformers as OPTs...with a little twist.

[Fuling]

And here's some more about the same circuit:
https://www.eleccircuit.com/dual-dc-power-using-2-terminal-transformer/

 

[6A3sUMMER]

If the caps are not reverse biased on either alternation of the sine wave, then . . .
That means the diode that has the anode connected to the cap + lead can be taken out of the circuit, Right?

A very serious analysis of this circuit is needed, please?
Or build it as shown, and tell us about it.

Just my opinion (I am pretty tired and worn out this late).

 

[tikiroo]

The positive ends of the capacitors swing between 400 and 800V, and the negative ends swing between 0 and 400V, maintaining about 400V across the capacitors. It is functionally identical to the 4x8 voltage doubler in post #160 which I know works because I've built one (the 4x8 is ever so slightly better as there is one less diode voltage drop for the higher voltage supply).

 

[Fuling]

tikiroo: That's my impression too, that the caps acts as level shifters. The circuit should work as drawn, but I'm a but curious about what happens during startup and various fault conditions. I assume the caps must be rated for quite a bit of ripple current too.