Device, which allows you to get hydrogen from water - a hydrogen generator. They are most often used in cars. The use of such a device in the car is justified. The produced hydrogen enters the intake manifold of the engine. This saves fuel and sometimes increases its power. In the United States, such generators are produced in factories. They are not cheap - from 300 to 800 dollars. In our country it is preferable to make the generator independently.
The principle of operation of the hydrogen generator
A water molecule is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Atoms have the ability to create ions. If you watched the experiments, in which the Tesla coil is used, then you need to know, that atoms are ionized under the influence of an electric field. In this case, hydrogen will form positive, and oxygen negative ions. In hydrogen generators, an electric field is used to separate water molecules from each other.
so, by placing two electrodes in water we need to create an electric field between them. To do this, they must be connected to the terminals of the battery or any other power source. The anode is positive, and the cathode with negative electrodes. Ions, formed in water, will be pulled up to the electrode, whose polarity is opposite. When ions collide with electrodes, then their charge is neutralized by adding or removing electrons. When gas appears between the electrodes, it comes to the surface, it must be sent to the engine.
Hydrogen cells for cars include a vessel with water, which is located under the hood. Ordinary tap water is poured into a vessel and there add a teaspoon of catalyst and soda. The plates are immersed inside, connected to the battery. When included in the car ignition, construction (hydrogen generator) produces gas.
Which electrodes are best to use?
The world's first electrodes were made of copper, but it turned out, that they are far from ideal. In addition, copper gives a strong reaction on contact with water. There is a release of a large number of pollutants, therefore, the use of copper is not the best option. We recommend that you use electrodes, which are made of stainless steel. To reduce the likelihood of corrosion, you need to choose high quality stainless steel. The thickness of the sheets should be close 2 mm, to reduce resistance.
Description of the process of assembling a hydrogen generator
Understanding the intricacies of the hydrogen generator, let's move on to its creation. We will need to assemble the hydrogen generator with our own hands:
- polyethylene canister;
- wires for connection;
- silicone rubber;
- special sealant;
- hoses with clamps.
Picking up everything you need, let's start making the generator with your own hands.
- Choosing a water tank, which will suit us, install inside the plate. Connect the electrodes to the plates through the lid of the container. A cover should be provided in the lid to fill the generator with water, which can be sealed or you need to make the cover removable. You still need to make your own hands in the upper part of the generator tube to move into the hydrogen intake manifold. Be sure to check, that everything was completely airtight. If you use quality insulation between the plates, then you can avoid electricity losses.
- If you want to upgrade the resulting generator, then attach another tank to it with your hands. You will need to connect both tanks with specially designed tubes. Attach the first from the bottom of one tank to the bottom of the other - it will be used for water supply. The second tube connects the upper parts of the tanks and this is required for gas removal. Capacity number two will be used for storage as water, and gas. Capacity number one will directly convert water into gas. Also, the gas in the second tank will be cleaned of excess fine particles. It is desirable to arrange the tanks in this way, so that the length of the hoses between them is minimal.
- A special electronic generator unit can be assembled with your own hands, but only then, if you have knowledge in electronics. Keep in mind, that the control unit is needed for that, to change in direct proportion to the operation of the engine, current strength, which arrives on the plate. It is necessary to establish experimentally the current at idle speed, as well as at maximum power. This will be the minimum and maximum power of the generator. Control signals come to the control unit from the car's sensors.
- After assembly, check all hoses for leaks. If you apply soap suds with a sponge to the joints, then the leak will manifest itself in the form of bubbles, inflated. It is important! Since it affects not only the risk of fire, but also to reduce fuel. In case of leaks in the hydrogen generator, the car will consume more fuel. It is also necessary to monitor, so that the connection between the electrical terminals and the plate does not sway. This can cause heating. In order not to be damaged by shaking, the body must be strong. Glue plexiglass planes to add strength.
- You have to calculate all the dimensions of your hydrogen generator yourself, because they depend on the car model, for which you make the device. It is advisable not to place the product inside the car. This will allow it to stay warm in winter, which will allow fluids to circulate freely. In summer it will not get too hot, and this will help to avoid loss of efficiency of your generator.
It turned out to be quite easy to make a hydrogen generator with your own hands. In addition, thanks to "work with your hands" you can save a lot. Generator, made in a similar way, will not cost more 100 dollars. In modern conditions, you can find a lot of devices, which use hydrogen. Because the reserves of hydrogen in water are almost limitless, then this allows us to see the prospect of mass use of similar or upgraded installations in the future.