In this Instructable I will explain how to make a powerful battery that runs on rain water!
This battery is environmentally friendly because it can run on rain water.It still needs the metals. Distilled water will NOT work, it has to be conductive. Whenever it runs out of power you just have to drain the water and refill it. If more power is needed, you can add a little bit of Clorox Bleach. It also works with other electrolytes, like lemon juice, vinegar, saltwater, or baking soda.
This is my first instructable so i am welcome to any criticism or suggestions.
Disclaimer: Alot of the methods of cutting, drilling, hammering, pummeling, incinerating, and sawing that I describe are dangerous and I strongly suggest you should go about all of the cutting, drilling, hammering, pummeling, incinerating, and sawing in your own manner that is safer than mine. I take no responsibilty for the actions you take concerning this instructable. Have fun! =).
By the way, this battery will only produce about 1 volt but will get a lot of current. For more voltage, hook together alot in a circuit.
PS: Just so you know, I'm only 12.
PPS: For you instructables admins, my dad made the account.
Step 1: Materials
To make the battery you will need some stuff (obviously).
-2 feet of 3/4" pvc pipe
-2 feet of 1/2" copper pipe
-2 feet of 7/16" zinc plated threaded rod
-2 3/4" pvc endcaps
-1 3/4" pvc coupler
-1 3/4" pvc threaded endcap
-1 what looks like a 3/4" tee with a 1/2" threaded middle thingie
-1 1/2" copper endcap
-dremel
-sharpie
-measuring tape
-hacksaw
-electrical tape
-pvc glue
-pliers
-multimeter (optional)
Step 2: Getting your materials ready...
OK, so first off you're going to have to cut your 2' pvc pipe in half. You also need to cut 3 1/2" off of one of the halves. This is so you can attach the tee. Next, you need to wrap the very edge of your zinc rod in enough electrical tape to fit snugly in the copper pipe. Also wrap it 1 1/2" away from the other edge with the same amount. Wrap the middle too. Now for the copper pipe, starting 3" away from the edge you have to cut a lot of holes for water to be able to get in. I did them evenly spaced but you can do it whatever way you want to. For the last part you need to take one of your endcaps and drill a copper pipe sized hole in it. You also take your other endcap and drill a zinc rod sized hole in it. Also solder the 1/2" endcap onto the copper pipe end without holes.
Step 3: Assembling it...
Okay, so now you have to slip the zinc rod through the corresponding endcap. Once you have that done then slip the copper pipe through the corresponding endcap. Finally, pvc glue the zinc rod endcap onto the pvc pipe, side doesn't matter. Also glue the copper pipe endcap to the other side. MAKE SURE YOU SLIDE THE COPPER PIPE OVER THE ZINC ROD AS YOU DO IT.
Step 4: Finish....
So now that you are done you have to water proof it for it not to leak. Just apply silicone sealant to the zinc rod joint and copper pipe joint. Wait for it to dry and you are done!
Interconnecting Batteries For Battery Bank
For any off grid renewable energy system the battery bank is probably the most important component. It doesn't matter how much power you generate - if it is not stored safely and efficiently then you will have no electricity when you need it. Batteries are also one of the most expensive parts of wind, solar, and hydro power generation systems so they need to be well cared for.
Unless you have a very small system you will need more than one battery - therefore you will need to connect the batteries to one another to form a battery bank. Below is an illustration from SmartGuage Electronics showing how this is commonly done:
The Problem
Because of the small amount of resistance in the cable used to interconnect the batteries and from the connection between the cable and the battery posts, the battery