PERANCANGAN DAN PROSES FABRIKASI HIDROGEN GENERATOR DENGAN VARIASI BENTUK DAN KERAPATAN ELEKTRODA TERHADAP HASIL PRODUKSI GAS HIDROGEN

Abstract

The global energy crisis and the environmental impact of fossil fuel use are driving the search for environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative energy. Hydrogen is a potential solution because it is clean, flexible, and can be produced from water through the electrolysis process. This study aims to design and manufacture a hydrogen generator device based on water electrolysis with a catalyst KOH 0.05 M, as well as evaluate the influence of variations in the shape and density of electrodes on the efficiency and volume of hydrogen gas produced. This study used two electrode shapes (square and perforated square) and three variations of the spacing between the electrodes (4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm), resulting in six combinations of variations. The test was carried out on a laboratory scale using an electric current of 9.5 Amper. The results showed that the shape and density of the electrode had a significant influence on the efficiency of the electrolyser and the discharge of hydrogen gas. The highest efficiency of 37.79% was obtained on the square-shaped electrode with a spacing of 6 mm, resulting in a hydrogen discharge of 1.431 × 10?? m³/s. These findings suggest that increasing electrode spacing and optimal shape selection can improve the efficiency of hydrogen production. The novelty of this study lies in the systematic integration of electrode shape and density variations in wet cell hydrogen generators, as well as the modification of electrical input lines that avoid direct contact with electrolyte liquids, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits and improving system efficiency.