A new source of renewable energy from lightning return stroke : a small scale system

Abstract

A new source of renewable energy from lightning return stroke is an issue which gives a high impact on the environment. This project investigates the behavior of hydrogen gas produced in water by using a Tesla coil. The behavior of the Tesla coil is investigated using a liquid impulse resistive probe. The liquid impulse resistive probe was calibrated by using a recurrent surge generator to identify the probe ratio by using a 500-volt low pulse generator as well as a high voltage impulse generator. The electrolysis method was used to investigate the production of hydrogen gas. A DC generator was used as the source for preliminary tests. Variations in the distance between the two electrodes had been investigated. The conductivity of water due to the hydrogen gas presence was measured. The production of hydrogen gas was observed to increase with the duration of the voltage applied. The amount of hydrogen is also dependent on the height of the carbon electrodes immersed in water. The production of hydrogen gas had also been investigated by using a high voltage pulse source, namely a Tesla coil, to represent a lightning impulse in a small scale system. Results are promising but more work, such as using a more powerful Tesla coil is required to actually generate hydrogen using an impulse source. Hydrogen gas can be converted into electrical energy if it is combined with a fuel cell. This method of energy regeneration can be a potential as a renewable energy source.