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Author Topic: aluminum can and copper wire batterys  (Read 77539 times)

The Observer

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #60 on: July 05, 2010, 07:12:46 AM »
Hello,

For the 4th I created the first in a series of Lamps hopefully powered by a Penny Pill Jar Setup.

Being my 1st Step Toward Energy Independence... This will be a 4th of July to Remember !

The goal is to have a Joule Thief do the lighting, but the  light's circuit will have to be a start.
   -note ... the  light's circuit has no inductor yet lights 1 bright LED w/ 1.2 V NiCad
            ... the Pill Jars (2.4 V in series) do not work directly in solar light's circuit, but light a JT just fine (brightly)

This lamp is going to be powered by both the ambient light in the room and the Pill Jars.
It has already changed the world as I have not turned on the lights I normally would have tonight.  ;o)

Best Regards,
                      The Observer
« Last Edit: July 05, 2010, 07:42:11 AM by The Observer »

the_big_m_in_ok

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #61 on: July 05, 2010, 08:48:15 PM »
@The Observer
With respect to your Post #60,

Good going!  Reminds me of my steel/aluminum can water cells.  I need a few more parts to attempt to repeat your experiment with what I have handy.
(I don't have the software you have to be able upload data to OU's server, but I can reference the 'Web wherever possible.)

--Lee

old man

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #62 on: July 06, 2010, 07:00:10 PM »
all

here is my test on pepper juice,salt@baking soda,electorlyes for babys

pepper juice

dcv                        ma
start
1.372                    .375
24  hours later
1.282                     .165

salt@baking soda

start with
dcv                          ma
1.175                     .825
24 hours
1.168                      .430

electrolytes for babes

start with
dcv                        ma
.955                        .105 
24 hours
.001                         .000


i will be starting a test in a day or so


Observer

you are doing good with it  it looking good  is it holding up good mine loses power after a day but it could be my setup i and trying something elas will let everyone no later if it works or not  ;D


lee


i am still trying to get bthe book to you i mite have to put it on here for everyone to have ;D




tom

b_rads

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #63 on: July 07, 2010, 09:23:34 PM »
@old man
I hope it is ok with you to post this in your thread.
I have made what I will call my “RX Water Battery”.
The first 2 were made 5 weeks ago – joined - and are putting out a constant 1.3v unloaded.
RX Containers – trash
Ground wire from romex, 15 inches - recycled
Galvanized steel wire, 18 inches – pennies
LED (20 asst from RS) – not expensive
Squealing like a little girl when it actually works – priceless
Below is a pic of my latest test – after approx 6 hrs I had to remove 3x5mm red leds, 1x3mm red led is still shining brightly with no sign yet of quitting.

Having this much fun should be wrong!
Brad S.

Mk1

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #64 on: July 07, 2010, 09:24:23 PM »
@all

Guys have a look a this fire from a potato.

One potato emptied in the middle filed with salt and toothpaste , 2 wire they seem the same material , so i don't thing galvanic here , 5 minute and voila enough current to start a fire , its probably a trick but if real really worth looking into .

http://wickedhowtos.com/index.php/2009/05/28/how-to-make-fire-with-a-potato-potato-battery-cotton-ball-fire/

Potato juice any one !

The Observer

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #65 on: July 07, 2010, 10:05:48 PM »
BRad...

Great Work.. and you aren't even using a Joule Thief.

The Observer

jeanna

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #66 on: July 07, 2010, 11:27:53 PM »
@all

Guys have a look a this fire from a potato.

One potato emptied in the middle filed with salt and toothpaste , 2 wire they seem the same material , so i don't thing galvanic here , 5 minute and voila enough current to start a fire , its probably a trick but if real really worth looking into .

http://wickedhowtos.com/index.php/2009/05/28/how-to-make-fire-with-a-potato-potato-battery-cotton-ball-fire/

Potato juice any one !

That's a funny one, Mark.
I could see some little sparks coming out of the wire.
crazy??

toothpaste gel?

jeanna

Mk1

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #67 on: July 07, 2010, 11:47:22 PM »
@jeanna

I don't know but its almost like some sort of self charging cap potato  ::).

Its strange , salt and toothpaste my guess is we will know soon ...

Mark

b_rads

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #68 on: July 08, 2010, 03:55:37 AM »
@The Observer
Thank you for the kind words and yes you are correct, I am not using a joule thief.  This A is going for 6 full days and no visible degradation.
@old man
You mentioned the Edison Battery and I looked at your attachment.  Something I found interesting was that he placed his copper below the zinc.  I messed with copper and magnesium ribbon last night and (not scientific) noticed that my LED was brighter when the magnesium was on top of the copper and as close as possible to the copper.  I am attaching v.2 of my “RX Water Battery” for your review.  So far it looks promising, though time will tell.
@all
I am even worse than a newbie in that my knowledge of energy would not fill a thimble.  Please feel free to offer advice – but please keep it simple or I will probably not understand.
Thanks,
Brad S.

Mk1

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #69 on: July 13, 2010, 12:18:42 PM »
@all

Ok i made some pictures , this is a aluminum /copper cell , it has been active for over one week , copper is only plated on each side of really slim PC board
and the aluminum you will see in the picture .

I was checking the voltage and amps it has over 22 mili , so i decided to take a picture i started playing with is it went down  :-\ , this design is really temperamental , i will keep at it ...

Size 470 millimeters by 40 .

 

Mk1

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #70 on: July 13, 2010, 10:56:22 PM »
@all

I bought supplied , Epsom and cotton , the cotton should improve the stability , and Epsom boost the amps , i will try a 3 layer stack , to get 1.5v out of it .

My plan is to use the battery has the core for a Joule thief circuit ...


b_rads

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #71 on: July 13, 2010, 11:35:09 PM »
@all
Just some random thoughts about these batteries.
Object: Best methods to optimize output and minimize fuel consumption (Anode).
What is the best Cathode/Anode/Electrolyte combination?
What is the simplest build method to replace fuel source (Anode)?
Seek the most environmentally safe combination of materials.
What is the best use or storage method for output from these batteries?

I agree with others that have indicated that the Cathode can be a more expensive part of the battery since it should have a very long life, and the Anode could be recycled waste – such as aluminum, galvanized nails, steel wire, etc.  For the Cathode, I am currently using an electric motor carbon brush 1 ¼”x1/2”x1/4” with very good results.

Thus far – if I were to experience a power outage, I know I can build batteries to power lights or a small radio.  This is a very comforting feeling.

For general info on batteries – I have found these references interesting.
http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/echem/batteries/batteries.html
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/battery2.htm
http://www.mpoweruk.com/cell_construction.htm

@Mk1
I really like your build – I think you are onto something with this.
Brad S.

jeanna

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #72 on: July 19, 2010, 06:31:00 PM »
This fellow just subscribed to my youtube channel. He has a very interesting battery with instructions.
It uses the carbon from charcoal and it is in an aluminum base which is the anode.
He is getting 1.6v and 15mA because he uses clean potash (= cleaned wetted wood ash from a wood stove)
I am impressed... Talk about recycled!
Please have a look. All the information needed is on that video. It is a good job.

http://www.youtube.com/user/greycom123#p/a/u/1/5h1tQn4Qyjc

jeanna

... and in the end he uses a garden light circuit (EE's jtc) for a light, so this is great for anyone who does not have access to a  toroid or for rainy days use with the garden light.

b_rads

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #73 on: July 20, 2010, 04:13:12 AM »
Not as eco friendly as the video “Jeanna” posted above.  However, this is a very easy to make emergency light.  Fire starter, carbon brush, hacked solar light, and 20% bleach solution.  The AA battery was removed from the light.  I also tried this with table salt (heavy toll on the magnesium) and the output was about the same. Runs for 2 full days before the light dims – stirring the electrolyte will give temporary boost. 
Love all the builds everyone is doing and all the ideas floating around.

b_rads

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Re: aluminum can and copper wire batterys
« Reply #74 on: August 17, 2010, 08:19:18 PM »
See Reply #63
48 days and still running.  ;D
After several days (10 maybe) I added 2-1x3mm red leds for a total of 3 leds.
I have not added any water, just let it happily light the leds without interuption.
I do occasionally check with a meter and it is consistantly putting out 1.57v to 1.62v.
@The Observer
How are your Pill Batteries holding up?