Post pictures of your HHO installation

[BrooklynBay]

Try an LM556 instead of 2 LM555s. Do a frequency comparison on the input, then on the output of the transformer. Just to give you an idea about harmonics, the 60 Hz AC line frequency will be 120 Hz if you connect a frequency counter to a solar cell, and point it at a light bulb in your house. Fluorescent lighting with magnetic ballasts will vary in this sort of test since the ballast will shift hormonics. In regard to the power mosfet, in some cases I've gotten better results with a power bipolar transistor.

 

[trucku]

I will this coming weekend. As mentioned above I am currently modifying my design.

I can also post a copy of the electrical schematic if anyone is interested.

--Joe

Interested!

 

[joefnh]

I agree the 556 would be a single package (there are basically 2 555's in a single 556 package), I just had a bunch of 555's in the parts drawer.

I like bipolars as well, again its what was on hand. I had some pretty good N-channel MOSFETs that I received as free samples from a rep. that was visiting at work.

As far as harmonics, a well designed transformer would have the primary 60Hz dominate frequency, but should have little in the way of secondary harmonics. Can you elaborate on what effect that you are concerned about with the transformer.

I do have a couple of freq counters around, plus a good 1GHz digital scope. I will see if I can find any secondary harmonics.

-Joe

 

[Hartman]

my head just exploded.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Harmonics get tricky. You set the circuit on a specific frequency, then the harmonic throws off the balance. The HHO set up is synonymous to a crystal which resonates at a specific frequency. If the transformer causes a frequency shift, it will throw off the desired operating frequency. As a side note to bipolar transistors, the output voltage will vary depending upon the part being used. Some have less resistance, and will allow higher output voltage. N, and P channel types vary as well. Is your output going to the transformer positive or negative?

 

[joefnh]

Agreed harmonics can be quite tricky to calculate and model. I used the N-channel MOSFETS to switch the low side of the circuit. To deal with the RDs-on resistance issue, I turn the MOSFET on fully each cycle; using the MAX5048 driver, I can achieve this in about 1.3ns per each cycle. This greatly reduces the heat dissipation required at the package (TO-220 style). The maximum on resistance for the N-channel MOSFETS is .06 ohms

Since I switch the low side, the output to the transformer is negative on one side (switched) with the other side of the primary tied to V+

As far as the harmonic reasonance issue of the transformer, I believe you a referring to a resonant transformer design, which uses the inductance of its windings in combination with external capacitors connected in series or parallel with the windings, and/or the capacitance of the windings themselves, to create one or more resonant circuits. This would basically be how a Tesla coil can be driven.

That is an interesting thought since reasonance of this type, in a this type of circuit can generate a very high voltage across the secondary windings

--Joe

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could make a step up circuit with capacitors, and eliminate the transformer. It's something like the photo flash circuit in a camera. What about using something like capacitive or inductive discharge like an MSD or Jacobs spark module?

 

[joefnh]

Sorry Al we have hijacked this thread and gotten way off topic here. I will be posting some pictures with installation notes next weekend

--Joe

 

[joefnh]

You can, it would be lossy at the voltages and frequencies that we are talking about, not to mention bulky. You would also have an issue with the available current. Don't forget a good toroidal transformer is about 95% efficient.

I should also mention that the frequency required is not stable, it varies as the temperature of the water in the HHO reactor varies. As time goes on I will probably add a micro controller to my circuit to allow for frequency compensation for the temperature changes.

-Joe

 

[aldive]

I started this thread to see pictures of HHO installs and the results of their use NOT as a discussion of design. Please take that elsewhere. Thanks ...

 

[BrooklynBay]

A new thread was started about HHO generator drive control circuitry in the hydrogen, E-85, hybrid, and bio-diesel section: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217063

 

[joefnh]

Thanks BrooklynBay, we did get a bit carried away...

 

[Hartman]

I started this thread to see pictures of HHO installs and the results of their use NOT as a discussion of design. Please take that elsewhere. Thanks ...

My my, someone is a bit testy..

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Thanks BrooklynBay, we did get a bit carried away...

But with FANTASTIC info. Keep it coming.

 

[Gator Jeff]

my head just exploded.

x2

 

[prayforsurf]

my head just exploded.

hahaha exactly how I feel.

 

[BrooklynBay]

FANTASTIC info. Keep it coming.

The discussion will be continued in this thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217063

 

[Tbars4]

...:shifty_ey ..So where are the pictures already...

...I seen something on the news last night of the guy who invented this (I believe)...He is here in california and is going to donate his idea to third world countries...I couldn't find the news clip online but I will keep searching..

 

[aldive]

Who has one installed?

Mine goes in tomorrow.

 

[lycan91]

i cant wait to see the pics and hear you results al