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idea on limiting current leakage in smack

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  • idea on limiting current leakage in smack

    I built my first Smack and have been thinking of ways to limit current losses.
    I posted this on the yahoo forum, please offer any feedback you can:

    IF you look at page 16 of Smack's "Background Information" pages, on the bottom it shows that plates connected by ss nuts are not the same charge. It then goes on to explain that "The voltages are relative to each other, so each plate pair thinks it has a negative electrical connection on one plate and a positive connection on the other plate"

    But, they are connected by a ss nut, which should equalize the charge between adjacent plates. The stepping down of voltage happens in the nylon seperated pairs (I'm thinking aloud at this point, so please tell me if I'm off base).

    So, the ss nut connected plates DO have the same charge in reality.
    The picture showing + - + - on page 16 refers to the relative charge across the nylon seperated plates. Right?

    OK, so now it makes sense that most leakage would occur between the edges of the plates, NOT the gap between pairs.

    SO, in order to keep electrolyte flow between plate pairs, AND to limit current leakage. HOW about insulating the bottom, sides and say 50% of the top edges (to let gas escape).

    would this potentially cut down on leakage and therefore heat? without making it too complicated.

  • #2
    Your basic understanding of the voltage drops is coorect. Electrik has already addressed the voltage leakage problem significantly by adding 4" heat shrinkable tubing around the cell.

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    • #3
      Insulating plate array in Smack Booster

      Jaybone, it is not advisable to insulate the underside of the plate array, as you want electrolyte to flow in freely at the bottom. Water electrolysis causes heat in the column of water between each plate pair. Heated water rises (along with the HHO gas bubbles), being replaced by cooler water from below the plates. If you insulate the sides of the plates and the bottom of the plate array, your electrolyzer's performance will suffer. The insulating method suggested for the Smack Booster is shown at the bottom of page 18 of the instructions.

      Happy motoring to you,

      Rickoff
      "Seek wisdom by keeping an open mind to alternative realities, questioning authority, and searching for truth. Only then, when you see or hear something that has 'the ring of truth' to it, will it be as if a veil has been lifted, and suddenly you will begin to hear and see far more clearly than ever before." - Rickoff

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