🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4@chasefrs.UUCP>, saul@chasefrs.UUCP (Saul Goldfisher) writes:
> I am trying to build a homemade battery for my daughter's science project
> using multiple lemons with copper and aluminum plates.  After connecting
> 12 lemons I can get 2.2 volts but not enough amperage to light a 1.2v
> 2.2 mA bulb.  Any suggestions on how to improve the amperage output?

1)  Warm the lemons.  
 
2) roll them before puncturing to 1) break up the internal structure and
   2) release more of the acidic juices.
 
3) Put the electrodes close to each other (but not touching) to decrease 
   the internal impedance of the lemon battery.

4) DON'T use aluminum for the + electrode.  Aluminum very easily forms 
   the tightly adherent Al2O3 oxide layer- which is an electrical
   insulator.  That's probably why you can't get enough amps (more than
   any other factor).   Try any other metal- like iron, or maybe 
   even zinc (a new US penny is zinc-cored... so if you can get the
   copper plating off, there you go.  Or use a galvanized roofing
   nail- it's steel dipped in molten zinc.)
	
5) Steel-wool your electrodes right before use, to remove any insulating
   oxides/skin oils.
	
       Twelve lemons?!?!   That's enough to jump-start a car!    
	I guess your daughter's science project is an arc welder.   :-)
	
	
	-Bill Yerazunis
	  "Don't try this at home, kids"