Automated Hydrogen Generator

Hyperspace Pirate18 minutes read

A hydrogen generator capable of producing pure hydrogen through water electrolysis is detailed, with practical applications such as creating fireworks with balloons. The text also discusses the efficiency and safety considerations involved in using hydrogen, including methods to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and the importance of constant current power supplies.

Insights

  • Water electrolysis is a practical and reasonable method for hydrogen production, enabling the generation of pure hydrogen at a significant rate of close to 20 L per hour.
  • The detailed process of hydrogen generation through electrolysis not only highlights the technical aspects but also showcases practical applications like creating fireworks with balloons, emphasizing the versatility and potential of hydrogen beyond its traditional uses.

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Recent questions

  • How is hydrogen typically produced?

    Through water electrolysis.

  • What are some practical uses of hydrogen?

    Cutting torch and cryogenics.

  • How can hydrogen be liquefied?

    Using a Juel Thompson cycle with liquid nitrogen.

  • What is a leak-proof hydrogen generator design?

    Concentric electrodes in a glass Bell.

  • Why is constant current power supply preferred in electrolysis?

    Efficiency concerns and temperature-conductivity relationship.

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Summary

00:00

"Efficient Hydrogen Generator Design and Production"

  • Hydrogen generator built for producing close to 20 L per hour of pure hydrogen through water electrolysis.
  • Hydrogen and oxygen mixture can create fireworks with balloons.
  • Hydrogen has limited practical uses, mainly as a cutting torch or in cryogenics.
  • Liquefying hydrogen using a Juel Thompson cycle with liquid nitrogen is a goal.
  • Water electrolysis is the most reasonable method for hydrogen production.
  • A unique design for a leak-proof hydrogen generator using concentric electrodes in a glass Bell.
  • The generator design includes a tube for gas extraction and a check valve to prevent backflow.
  • Conductivity calculations for sodium hydroxide solution to estimate current for electrolysis.
  • Gas production rate calculations based on voltage, current, and energy required to separate water molecules.
  • Efficiency concerns in electrolysis, emphasizing the need for constant current power supplies over constant voltage.

12:51

Hydrogen Generation and Balloon Flight Demo

  • The cell's temperature and conductivity relationship is highlighted, with the electrolyte reaching nearly 60°C after 3 hours, resulting in an amperage increase to over 40 amps at that temperature.
  • The process of filling a balloon with hydrogen is detailed, including the lift produced, the need for a way to store hydrogen in larger quantities, and the precautions taken to prevent hydrogen embrittlement by using aluminum tanks and silica gel to dry the gas.
  • The practical demonstration of generating hydrogen through electrolysis is showcased, with the ability to fill a 10g tank to 125 psi, producing around 320 L of hydrogen, sufficient for generating lift and flying a balloon equipped with a GoPro to capture aerial views.
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