Practical 7: Electricity

 Practical 7

Week 12

Teammates Present: Shawn and Jovan

Written By Trumann

The focus for this session would be to conduct tests on the voltage and ampere for the electrolysis of KOH and collect data on the ampere and voltage generated by the solar panel. Electrolysis of KOH at voltage 3V and 0.1A was done first. After an hour, the amount of hydrogen produced was minuscule. After a discussion with Dr. Noel, the voltage was to be increased while maintaining the Ampere at 0.1A. 

Crude prototype used for experiments

After further testing, it was found that the maximum voltage for 0.1A is 3.3V. The power supply has to modes: CA and CV mode. CA controls the ampere while the CV controls the voltage. Dr. Noel then suggested to plot an Ampere vs Voltage graph to find out the relationship between A and V using the prototype and the power supply. The team collected data by setting the voltage knob to the maximum and the ampere knob to the lowest which causes the power supply to use Ampere as a set point. The ampere setting was then slowly increased was recorded in increments of about 0.1A. 

Voltage vs Ampere chart for the AC to DC convertor/ power supply

Due to an unconnected point, the set up malfunctioned and the test was postponed to another session.

To the other focus of the session which was to find out the voltage and ampere generated by the solar panel. The solar panel output is via USB cable and DC adapter. A suggestion to cut open the USB cable to expose the positive and ground wires which would allow the team to measure the voltage and ampere.

Exposed USB cable 

The voltage and ampere produced by solar panel were to be measured when it is under the direct sunlight, in the shade and when slightly covered. 

Measurement of voltage produced under sunlight

To measure ampere produced, a load is required to allow the current to flow through the system and allow for ampere to be measured.  

Set up to measure ampere

However, due to lack of time, further experiments will be done in future experiments.