Did you calculate voltage drop?

[Stevo]

So, you're going to install a "HHO" generator huh? You've thought about the input voltage and chosen the number of cells to use, but did you take in to account the voltage drop from the power source to the reactor?

Example given:

Reactor 5N1 6x6" 316L Plates (dry type)

8 AWG Copper Wire (single conductor set)
14 VDC
length: 8 ft
30 Amps

Link: http://www.calculator.net/voltage-dr...s=30&x=45&y=12

Voltage drop: 0.30
Voltage drop percentage: 2.14%
Voltage at the end: 13.7

You can see that your 14 volts now becomes 13.7 volts. In a 6 cell reactor, this means a 0.05 V drop per cell. While this isn't such a big deal right now (maybe only causing a 1-2 Amp drop), things can get out of hand pretty quickly. Take this next example

Link: http://www.calculator.net/voltage-dr...s=30&x=51&y=12

Voltage drop: 0.76
Voltage drop percentage: 5.43%
Voltage at the end: 13.24

Voltage drop per cell is now ~0.13 V and your per cell voltage is now 2.20 V. The result of this drop can be surprising at normal operating temperatures. Typically, it can be as much as 5 Amps.

Now you must consider the resistance of other things like relays, splices, connectors (especially unsoldered). My reason for mentioning this is I've seen quite a few individuals attempt 6N reactor setups and many of those people end up less than impressed with the performance once installed. Let's take a look at both result sets from above and change one variable: the number of divider plates.


Reactor 6N1 (6 divider "neutral" plates) 6x6" 316L Plates (dry type)

8 AWG Copper Wire (single conductor set)
14 VDC
length: 8 ft
30 Amps

Test 1
Voltage drop: 0.30
Voltage drop percentage: 2.14%
Voltage at the end: 13.7

Total voltage per cell: ~1.96

Test 2
Voltage drop: 0.76
Voltage drop percentage: 5.43%
Voltage at the end: 13.24

Total voltage per cell: ~1.89

With this setup, you will be if you can get the reactor to draw 3 or 4 amps of current. Your efficiency will be generally poor and the output will be virtually unusable. Your reactor will all but fail to well.. react.

[motocross1550]

and don't forget to check the voltage drop with the circuit under load, otherwise the added resistance may not show up