Performance evaluation of a lab-scale electrolysis simulation / Ruinelle Kryztan C. Cortez, Una Gwyneth A. Florendo, Lea Arlei B. Gamiao

UTHESIS (Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering)

Bibliography: leaves 69-70

This study focuses on evaluating the performance of a lab-scale electrolysis simulator to achieve specific research objectives. Various testing parameters were employed to assess the simulator's effectiveness in producing HHO gas under different voltage inputs of 12V and 24V. The electrolyte used was 1 tablespoon (6 g) of baking soda, as exceeding this amount resulted in excessive system temperature rise and darkening of the water. Moreover, the electroplates showed no signs of corrosion even after prolonged usage. A voltage drop on the battery was observed during testing. Using Faraday’s Law, the average mass and volume of hydrogen and oxygen were calculated. At 24V, results were 0.0854 g and 0.9539 L for hydrogen, while 0.6858 g and 0.4800 L for oxygen. At 12V, results were 0.0524 g and 0.5834 L for hydrogen, and 0.4194 g and 0.2935 L for oxygen. The implications of having a high hydrogen concentration are primarily related to its potential use as a clean energy source. The evaluation of the produced hydrogen gas was based on mass flow rate, energy content, sensible heat, and generator efficiency. The mass flow rate was determined by dividing the mass of H2 produced by the system's runtime (300 s). Energy content was calculated by multiplying the higher heating value of hydrogen by its mass, while sensible heat was determined using a specific formula. Efficiency was calculated by dividing the energy content by the electrical energy input, yielding an efficiency of 8.69% at 24V and 12.27% at 12V.