For week four we began data collecting and shortly ran into problems with our electrolyzer system. At first the electrolyzer was not producing proportional amounts of hydrogen and oxygen that we theoretically predicted. We observed that the outlet nearest to the solution inlet produced the most amount of gas, regardless of how we connected the voltage polarities.

So we again took the electrolyzer apart and looked for mechanical problems. The two things that we modified on the electrolyzer was the plastic film and its orientation. As commented in our last blog posting, the plastic film is the piece in the electrolyzer that aids in the separation and traversing of the positive hyrdrogen and negative oxygen ions. With the new plastic film in place and orientated differently, we proceeded to run the test again. This time, the volume proportionality improved, though we did not exactly have double the hydrogen than the oxygen.

After running the test several times and attaining variable results, which were not consistent with each other, we had to step back and brainstorm for ideas on why we are not getting similar results. We hypothesized that the volumetric cylinders that measure the volumetric flow rates should be at the same level as the electrolyzer. Also, that the hoses connected to the electrolyzer should stay at a certain orientation because they may be sensitive. With these ideas implemented, we ran the electrolyzer and we saw great improvement in the hydrogen to oxygen gas production ratio. For week five we are going to collect experimental data that support our theoretical findings.

By Danyal Khafajizad, Fuel Cell Battery