dennis13030
07-25-2008, 11:49 AM
The following is a discussion of the Differences & Similarities between Batteries, Capacitors and Electrolyzers.
Batteries
Batteries make and store an electrical charge. They do this by using 2 or more dissimilar metal plates separated by a dielectric(electrolyte) material and a chemical reaction between the electrolyte and the plates. The connections on a battery are associated with the names anode and cathode. If we had a good 12V battery, a 12V light bulb and connected them together, the light bulb would illuminate. Every battery(energy source) has it's limitations.
Capacitors
Capacitors only store an electrical charge. They do this by using 2 or more metal plates separated by a dielectric material. The connections on a Capacitor are NOT associated with the names anode and cathode(however some are polarized). If we had a good 12V battery, a Capacitor and connected them together, the Capacitor would charge up to the 12V. If we then separated the Capacitor from the battery and then measure the voltage across the Capacitor, we would measure the 12V charge. As soon as we put a load(like a resistor) across the Capacitor, the Capacitor will discharge through the load. Every Capacitor(energy source) has it's limitations.
Electrolyzers
Electrolyzers use and temporarily store an electrical charge. They do this by using 2 or more metal plates separated by a dielectric(electrolyte that is mostly water) material and passing an electrical current through the plates/electrolyte. Current passing through water will separate the hydrogen and oxygen from the water. The connections on an Electrolyzer are associated with the names anode and cathode. If we had a good 12V battery, an Electrolyzer and connected them together, the Electrolyzer will produce HHO gas. Every Electrolyzer has it's limitations.
Batteries
Batteries make and store an electrical charge. They do this by using 2 or more dissimilar metal plates separated by a dielectric(electrolyte) material and a chemical reaction between the electrolyte and the plates. The connections on a battery are associated with the names anode and cathode. If we had a good 12V battery, a 12V light bulb and connected them together, the light bulb would illuminate. Every battery(energy source) has it's limitations.
Capacitors
Capacitors only store an electrical charge. They do this by using 2 or more metal plates separated by a dielectric material. The connections on a Capacitor are NOT associated with the names anode and cathode(however some are polarized). If we had a good 12V battery, a Capacitor and connected them together, the Capacitor would charge up to the 12V. If we then separated the Capacitor from the battery and then measure the voltage across the Capacitor, we would measure the 12V charge. As soon as we put a load(like a resistor) across the Capacitor, the Capacitor will discharge through the load. Every Capacitor(energy source) has it's limitations.
Electrolyzers
Electrolyzers use and temporarily store an electrical charge. They do this by using 2 or more metal plates separated by a dielectric(electrolyte that is mostly water) material and passing an electrical current through the plates/electrolyte. Current passing through water will separate the hydrogen and oxygen from the water. The connections on an Electrolyzer are associated with the names anode and cathode. If we had a good 12V battery, an Electrolyzer and connected them together, the Electrolyzer will produce HHO gas. Every Electrolyzer has it's limitations.