How to transform 12V DC (2 amperes) down to 2.2V (more amperes the better)?

M

Myles

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2008
Messages
62
Reaction score
0
Points
6
I have a 240V AC to 12V DC adapter that is putting out about 2 amperes. I need to take it down to about 2.2V DC to perform an electrolysis of water. I don't know how to do this. A way to take it from the adapter would be good but I can work from the 240V AC if need be.
 
You can't use a transformer on DC. Option 1, get a 240VAC to 2.2VDC transformer. Option 2, buy an expensive voltage regulator to convert 12VDC to 2.2VDC. I'd go with option 1. I'm assuming you're not in the US, but I find all kinds of AC to DC transformers at thrift stores from devices people no longer use. You can probably find one that does what you want cheaply.
 
DC to DC conversion is somewhat more complex than AC conversion. If you know the resistance of your load, you could calculate a series resistor to give you a voltage of 2.2 at your load using ohms law. (be sure to make sure the resistor is capable of the power dissipation!) For electrolysis, water generally has a fairly high resistance, so 2.2 volts may not be enough to force much current through it. With electrolyis, the amount of reaction depends on the current, rather than the voltage. If you are comfortable working with mains voltage, here is a website describing the modification of a transformer from a microwave oven to make a power supply for electrolysis: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Campus/5361/chlorate/winding.html but please only consider this if you have the appropriate electrical knowledge for working with potentially deadly mains! Otherwise, have a look in the classifieds in the paper, or any surplus electrical equipment places for low voltage bench top power supplys, these often have a variable voltage, and are good for small electrolysis experiments. Good Luck!
 
Back
Top