After seeing some videos of "Earth batteries", I tried a design utilizing an ice tray as electrolyte battery cells.
The original design used moist soil only and put out 4.8 volts with connections between cells consisting of a 30mm x 5 galvanized bolt connected directly to a short copper wire.
I tried it out and found that the resistance was approaching infinity.
I constructed a new version using a mixture of powdered charcoal, Himalayan salt, Sea salt and water, mixed into a thick mud-like solution with high salt content.
I also used 2 galvanized bolts and 2 x 300 mm long copper wires, (wound up to keep it compact) in order to create a larger contact area with the electrolyte mixture.
The reason for lengthening the copper wire was to hopefully lower the resistance of the water-based electrolyte mixture.
This did make a big difference.
I understand that corrosion is needed in order for this kind of battery to work but my hope is that the powdered charcoal in the mixture will lengthen the life of the iron and copper. Another factor is the evaporation of water which will take place.
However, I am pleased with the results I am getting.
The results are as follows:_
Wired in series: 23.6 volts AC / 11.2 volts DC and 0.8 MA
Wired in parallel: 12.4 volts AC / 6.04 volts DC and 1.6 MA
I have not applied a load to the battery yet as I am uncertain of its capabilities. (I also don't wish to damage any low current items I have in a test without enough knowledge!)
My limited understanding tells me that the amperage is very low but it is displaying a working battery.
I would deeply appreciate anyone's take on improvements and what this battery could possibly power and / or it's possible capabilities?
Thank you in advance.
Something to consider:::
Several of my electrolysis experiments that used Himalayan sea salts
produced a laser light in the spectrum of Zinc.
Indicating a presence of the metal in those salts. (White,pink, and blue salts were tested)