jksav7
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Explanation of a series cell
I just read this on one of Bob Boyce's forums. I thought it might be kind of beneficial. It's his simple explanation of a series cell.
"The simplest explanation to series cells is this:
When you pass current through a single cell, the current is used once
and returned to the power source. The simple formula is the more
amps pushed, the more gas is produced. The drawback is, to get more
gas you have to raise voltage to push more current. So more power is
wasted in generating heat.
When you pass the same current through multiple cells in series, the
same current produces the same amount of gas multiple times, in each
cell. Due to increased resistence of the added cells, overall current
is reduced, however, since there are more cells making gas, the power
applied is used more efficiently.
So, more gas for less power overall. Less power is wasted as heat and
more power goes to making gas.
In order for this to occur at peak efficiency however, each cell
electrolyte MUST be isolated from one another, otherwise the power
will "leak" through the electrolyte, effectively bypassing the cells
in between.
This is a brutally simple answer, for more information and technical
details on the how and why, I suggest reading the documents and posts
on this site pertaining to series cells.
Bob"
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06-07-2008 09:34 AM |
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Gary
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RE: Explanation of a series cell
OTOH, it seems that there is some (albeit less) value to submerged series cells that are sealed, yet have some small orifices to allow water in and gas out. This to me seems to be a very easy build (yeah, just goopseal your plates or something) and can be used in a filter or smack type tube. Anyway, I'm trying it out, expecting some current leakage.
Now, according to Mr. Boyces info, losing current would be the same as adding cells, so IMO, if I build it with one or more less cells, the current should stay up. Soooo....instead of 7 cells giving me 2v/cell, I'll use 6 cells assuming losses and balance. (hopefully)
Did I miss it?
My other thought would be to put more cells on and add amperage, but I think that would run hotter. 15 cells on 14v @ say, 15 - 20 amps...I dunno, but it just seems like that would be weak in each cell, but with more cells...output would increase.
(This post was last modified: 06-30-2008 02:16 PM by Gary.)
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06-30-2008 02:13 PM |
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colchiro
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07-01-2008 02:14 PM |
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