Suggest analysis for HHO dry-cell

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on the analysis of a homemade HHO dry-cell system, emphasizing four key areas: conversion efficiency through chemical analysis, stress analysis of structural components, fluid analysis of KOH concentration, and electrical power efficiency. The user has constructed the cell using seven SS 316 L plates and 2.04% KOH by weight, with specific dimensions for the acrylic and PVC components. The discussion also highlights the importance of measuring hydrogen production and calculating efficiency using Faraday's First Law, while acknowledging the skepticism surrounding HHO technology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolysis principles and measurements
  • Familiarity with Faraday's First Law for calculating efficiency
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics related to KOH solutions
  • Basic mechanical engineering concepts for stress analysis of materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Faraday's First Law in electrolysis efficiency calculations
  • Study fluid dynamics principles relevant to KOH concentration and viscosity
  • Explore stress analysis techniques for evaluating structural integrity of HHO cells
  • Investigate the scientific debate surrounding HHO technology and its efficacy
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists and engineers involved in alternative energy projects, particularly those interested in electrolysis, fluid dynamics, and mechanical analysis of HHO systems.

wotapeta
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hello.. i have built a dry cell... i want to do the following analysis..please guide me with valuable suggestions...

1.conversion efficiency(chemical analysis)
2.stress analysis(it has nuts and bolts)
3.fluid analysis(KOH concentration-->viscosity,density,distill water...flowing down from a bubbler...head...etc etc...all which comes in mind)
4.electrical power analysis..efficiency..etc..


i have 7 SS 316 L plates...starting with 3 mm PVC plates..2.04 % KOH by weight...

structure details:

extreme end acrylic plates 1.5 cm thich each, 15 cm x 15 cm

12 bolts...0.5 cm dia and 6.5 cm length..each...pentagonal head...

etc..

i wud suggest keeeping all the variables involved as open...

thank u..

here is thee link to the uploaded pics of my initial design...

http://hotfile.com/dl/91052623/2582f3b/tero_pics.pdf.html
 
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wotapeta,

I can't help with the chemical, stress or fluid, the electrical conversion efficiency is covered here:

http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/7_12/electrolysis/electrolysis.htm

Advanced Experimentation

Advanced students may want to study the efficiency of the electrolysis project. This can be done, under careful supervision (since you will be collecting hydrogen), in the following way:

1. First make the following measurements carefully and simultaneously:
* Collect the hydrogen produced with a test tube: The test tube should be initially filled with water (by submerging it) and positioned over the negative electrode, with the open end submerged and the closed end pointing upwards (such that the tube is completely filled with water at the start of the experiment). Run the experiment until the water level inside the test tube matches the water surface level. At this point the pressure of the hydrogen will equal ambient pressure. Stop the experiment when this level is reached.
* Measure the current I in amps: Do this by placing an ammeter in the electrolysis circuit - have someone read the meter during the experiment to get a good idea of the average current. Make sure you express the result in amps, which may require conversion from milliamps.
* Time the entire experiment with a stopwatch in seconds. (This may be a large number).
* Measure the ambient (room) temperature in Celsius degrees.
2. Calculate the volume of hydrogen produced at ambient pressure in cubic meters: Measure the dimensions of the test tube, and the length of the tube above water. Make sure you answer is expressed in cubic meters. For example, if you initially calculate the volume in cubic centimeters, divide your answer by 1 million.
3. Now calculate the theoretical (maximum) volume of the hydrogen produced, also in cubic meters, from the other data for the current and the time, using "Faraday's First Law":

Vtheoretical = (R I T t) / (F p z),

where R=8.314 Joule/(mol Kelvin), I = current in amps, T is the temperature in Kelvins (273 + Celsius temperature), t = time in seconds, F = Faraday's constant = 96485 Coulombs per mol, p = ambient pressure = about 1 x 105 pascals (one pascal = 1 Joule/meter3), z = number of "excess" electrons = 2 (for hydrogen, H2), 4 (if you're measuring oxygen production instead).
4. Finally, calculate the efficiency by comparing the volume produced to the theoretical maximum volume:

Efficiency (in %) = 100 x Vproduced / Vtheoretical .
5. Discuss the possible sources of inefficiencies/errors, such as
* Failure to capture all the hydrogen
* Energy lost to heat
* Various measurement errors

I am not sure how HHO generators are treated here in the PF. In general there are two camps: 1) Those who believe through some miracle a liter or two of Brown's Gas generated from a car's alternator improves gas milage 20% to 80% and could be made to run the car altogether without gasoline. 2) Those who debunk the idea as psuedo-science and point out that the energy gained from the Brown's gas is considerably less than the energy required to produce it.

Both sides are generally pretty insistent about being right. I have never seen a scientific proof or even explanation that gives any credence to the HHO concept, but there are tons of empirical testimonials, LOL. I won't argue it either way, but I find it unlikely you will get much help analyzing the various components of a system most scientific-minded people believe is a hoax, but perhaps I am wrong.

I wish you well with your project.

Fish
 

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