Rennie A. Ambay, Mark Anthony S. Caga-anan, John Vincent L. Omo (March 2001)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of banana trunk extracts as good dry cell chargers. Specifically, it aimed to recharge used dry cells, and compare the power production periods of the recharged used dry cells and new commercial dry cells, and to determine the differences in the power production periods of used dry cells treated with banana trunk extracts for (a) three hours, (b) six hours, and (c) twelve hours. It was hypothesized that there are no differences in the power production periods of the recharged used dry cells and the new commercial dry cells, and of the recharged used used dry cells treated with banana sap in different curing periods. The independent variables are the used dry cells cured with the banana sap treatment in different curing periods, while the dependent variables are the power production periods of the cured dry cells. There was two sets of devices used to determine the power production period of the dry cells, a common electric motor (dynamo), and a flashlight. The dry cells were the installed and, the devices were switched on to full use until the dry cells were out of power. The length of power production of each dry cell in each electronic device were observed and recorded.
The results of the study showed that banana trunk extract treatment can recharge used dry cells. Even though the power production period of a recharged dry cell is lower than the power production period of a new commercial dry cell, they still sustained electrical energy up to 6 hrs and 10 min depending on the length of curing period. It also showed that the power production period of a recharged dry cell treated with banana trunk extract is dependent upon the length of curing period. The longer the curing period, the higher is the power production period obtained by the recharged dry cell.