Optimation of Gas Flow Rate in Design Parameters of Dry Cell Oxyhidrogen Generator with Taguchi's Method

Abstract

In general, oxy-fuel welding uses acetylene (C2H2) which is hydrocarbon-based as its fuel. This takes several negative impacts in term of the emission produced, including the damage of environment and health. Therefore, in this study we proposed to use hydrogen as a fuel to substitute for acetylene which is certainly more environmental friendly and powerful. Hydrogen and oxygen gas (oxy-hydrogen) have high octane and fuel values so it can be used as a fuel. Oxy-hydrogen gas can be obtained from water electrolysis. To determine the optimal gas flow rate in dry cell type of oxy-hydrogen generator, an experimental design was carried out using the Taguchi’s method. The factor that influence the quantities of gas flow rate is determined with literature study. Parameters that will be varied using Taguchi’s method are electrode configuration, duty cycle of pulse width modulation (PWM) as a current and heat controller, distance between electrodes, and type of electrolyte and its concentration. From the experimental result, it was found that the optimum design parameters were 3A3C15N for electrodes configuration, the type of electrolyte was KOH with a 0,25 M of concentration, duty cycle of PWM was 100%, and the distance of electrodes was 2,7 mm. This design of parameters is capable of producing 492,3 mL/minute gas flow rate.