Water Level Sensor for HHO cell

[Draco Rylos]

I have been attempting to figure out what to use as a sensor for my HHO cell control circuit. I recently thought about using a sensor from a car to act as my fluid level sensor. I have to be able to figure what is the upper output level for when the electrolyte is touching the sensor and the lower output level is when the electrolyte is not touching the sensor. I know there are a LOT of different sensors on a car, but which one do you guys think will fit the role as my fluid level sensor for my cell. right now i have only a simple switch setup in the program for the microcontroller, but I will change it to fit when I get some more info on the sensor i need to utilize. Thanks a lot.

[mscoffman]

A float switch with an IR infrared photoptical sensor is probably best for clear liquids.
There is also a possibility of an acoustic reasonant column sensor - but it is
a lot more work to do.

:S:MarkSCoffman

[MW383]

Regarding your inquiry.....

I have experience in both conductivity based liquid level sensors and also mechanical. I would strongly recommend a mechanical based float switch. Such unit should employ internal magnetic reed switch design. I would further recommend an overall switch that had 2 stages (2 individal magnetic reed floats at heights you determine). Here is the reasoning, a single switch will end up fluttering on and off in an attempt to retain a precise water level. I am presuming you are using a water solenoid in this system so this would also flutter on and off. Not good for life expectancy of the presumed water solenoid.

By using a 2 stage approach, solenoid opens when lower float switch activated , solenoid closes when upper float switch activated, thus reducing number of cycles on solenoid over time.

http://www.fluidswitch.com/pages/fh0708.htm

I have personal experience with this very switch and highly recommend it. They are reliable and inexpensive. More importantly I believe they will do what you want them to do.

Cheers!

, MW383

[mscoffman]

I have personal experience with this very switch and highly recommend it. They are reliable and inexpensive. More importantly I believe they will do what you want them to do.

Cheers!

, MW383

Agreed! The float portion can be inexpensively filled with unsinkable plastic foam rather
than leakable gas. You may need to consider fluid baffles if in a large free standing tank
subject to physical motion.

:S:MarkSCoffman

[Draco Rylos]

Float type switches probably wouldn't work as well in the tightly cramped space of a HHO cell. I should have made it clear when I first posted. I only want just a little section of the sensor to actually be within the cell. I know modifications will have to be made to the sensor for it to work like I want it.