🚀 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?
>
>Saul Goldfisher (212)-676-0851


1) use electrodes with as much area as possible
2) use steel wool or scotchbrite to remove surface oxide from the aluminum
3) keep the plates close together - maybe in the same hole seperated
   by a piece of paper towel
4) try zinc instead of aluminum

I would also try using one of those solar cell motors rather than
trying to light a bulb.  It should give some visible action on just
a little current, and keep running once it gets started while the
light bulb will probably start to dim as the plates gas up.  Rubbing
the plates with some maganese dioxide from a cheap flashlight battery
*might* help reduce the gassing.
-- 
George Robbins - now working for,	uucp: {ihnp4|seismo|rutgers}!cbmvax!grr
but no way officially representing	arpa: cbmvax!grr@seismo.css.GOV
Commodore, Engineering Department	fone: 215-431-9255 (only by moonlite)