Comparative Analysis of Pure and Scrap Metal Electrodes of Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) for the Development of Saline Batteries as an Alternative Power Source during Calamities

CHS Department, Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the development of a cost-effective and accessible battery system that can be assembled by residents during disaster situations. Specifically, the research compared pure and scrap metals, namely Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu) to evaluate the feasibility of using scrap metals as substitutes for pure metals in battery electrodes. The results indicate that the metal electrode combination (MEC) of Galvanized Copper scrap (Gal-Cuscrap) produced voltage and current outputs comparable to those generated by pure Zinc-Copper electrodes. This conclusion is further substantiated by statistical analysis, which revealed no significant difference in the voltage and current production between the pure and scrap metal electrodes. Subsequently, the research team designed a prototype battery and tested its ability to power various types of LED lamps. Among the different configurations tested, the most effective were the parallel circuits of two 5-cell and two 6-cell batteries, which demonstrated superior longevity and efficiency. These batteries provided a runtime exceeding three days, suggesting their potential for reliable use in emergency situations.