2012 SURF: Calorimeter Construction and Testing

Calorimetry with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Undergraduate Research Fellow: Nick Randall, Mechanical Engineering

Given society's dependence on non-renewable resources, it is increasingly important to be able to identify alternative fuels that could provide another means of energy. Hydrogen is one of those fuels that have been explored and has great theoretical potential. In particular sodium borohydride has been isolated as viable reaction mechanism for producing hydrogen. The Borohydride Fuel Cell Research project intended to produce an inexpensive micro-calorimeter to be used for measuring a reaction that would produce hydrogen. To accomplish this, three different series of experiments were conducted with the hope that after developing and calibrating an inexpensive calorimeter, the researchers would be able to further the research in hydrogen production.

This project resulted in adaptating existing work on low cost micro-calorimeter design. These adaptations focused on vessel and materials investigation as well as the use of an Arduino microcontroller for the calorimetric thermometer. This project has provided insight into how to conduct certain reactions so that the calorimeter can be as accurate as possible. Through this research much was learned about calorimetry, reactions and data collection. This knowledge will be useful in continuing this research and thereby advancing alternative energy production.

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Calorimetry 1: Planning The undergraduate research fellow and mentor planned a simple, low-cost device. View Full-Size	Calorimetry 2: Vessels Various types and shapes of vessels were constructed and tested. View Full-Size
Calorimetry 3: Materials testing Experiments focused on identifying specific amounts of vinegar and soda needed. View Full-Size	Calorimetry 4: Reactants Injection speed was found to be a major factor in performance of the reaction. View Full-Size
Calorimetry 5: Measurement A thermistor infrared sensor was used to measure temperature of the reaction. View Full-Size	Calorimetry 6: Results An Arduino microcontroller recorded data to determine the calibration curve. View Full-Size