DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR GENERATING HYDROGEN GAS FROM A RENEWABLE SOURCE

Abstract

Several sources of alternative energy can be used to replace fossil fuels, but it must be affordable, economical and safe. The main objective of the study is the development of a clean energy system based on hydrogen gas technology. Based on studies and experiments carried out in the laboratory, a hydrogen and oxygen generation system was developed through the water electrolysis process. In addition, a photovoltaic plate was automated and implemented in its construction. The initial project was composed by a photovoltaic plate, controllers, electrolysis reactor, water deionizer, compressor and cylinder for the storage of hydrogen gas. The automation was developed with the Atmel microcontroller, in which sensors for monitoring hydrogen gas, electric current, pressure and a PWM drive were connected to control the reactor current. The information obtained through the sensors will be fundamental for the improvement and optimization of the hydrogen gas production process. The hydrogen reactor worked correctly with the implementation of the control system and the use of potassium hydroxide as an ionic conductive medium resulted in a high production of hydrogen gas.