Development of Electronic Logic

Introduction: If the HOH Cell is the heart of the system, then the electronic controls are the brain. Electronic controls are required to automate the operational components on the HOH Gas Generation System as well as regulate gas flow based on the engine demand:

Scope:

• Automatically regulate supply voltage to maintain cell within design parameters (prevent current runaway) or preset level (more/less gas)
• Sense water levels and automatically refill  when system levels are low.
• Detect changes in engine load via the MAP sensor and increase / decrease gas flow to the engine
• Intercept O2 sensor signals and modify to prevent over fuelling
• Periodically drain Gas Drying systems to remove build up of moisture
• Regulate gas production based on maximum pressure settings

Outcome:

The design of the integrated electronic control module has taken over 12 months development and testing to reach the proof of concept phase. The electronic controls have been developed using an off-the-self programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Although not perfect for the application the PLC has provided enough functionality to be able to complete all of the proof of concept works.

Testing:

Testing of the PLC and programming variation were conducted over periods of up to one week, where the cell was left operating continuously for this time.

All functions preformed well, allowing the cell to remain with-in working temperatures and pressures, whilst keep the water within the cell at it optimum level.

Schematic of PLC