CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

We are surrounded by important innovations humankind has created such as

gadgets and importantly, power banks. These technological innovations has now become

a part of our daily life and almost everybody in this world owns these devices. It is now

an important part of homes & industries. Most of these devices are powered by electrical

energy stored from battery which can be charged from outlets and from power banks.

Power banks usually stores electrical energy and transfer it to a devices’ battery

especially to mobile phones.

According to EIA, the electricity that we use to charge is a secondary energy

source because it is produced by converting primary sources of energy such as coal,

natural gas, nuclear energy, solar energy, and wind energy, into electrical power.

(EIA,2019) Instead of converting from these primary sources of energy, researchers are

curious to find a newer source of energy which is chemical energy to be stored to power

banks.

Carambola, or starfruit (Averrhoa carambola), a species native to Indonesia, the

Philippines, and throughout Malaysia. The carambola fruit is known for its unique star

shape and rich golden color. The fruit is commonly consumed throughout Southeast Asia,

the South Pacific, Micronesia, and parts of East Asia. This tree is cultivated throughout

tropical areas. It is used to clean rusty or tarnished metal as well as bleach rust stains from

cloth. They may also be used as a mordant in dyeing. (Ali,2012) This fruit’s abundance

1
can be seen throughout our locality especially in this tropical country. Because of its high

acidity level and its abundance, instead of throwing these fruits away, researchers were

curious to find out if they can create a power bank powered by starfruit juice.

The fruit varies widely in its composition during maturation. However, no single

study has been performed to monitor the changes in physical and chemical characteristics

of the fruit at different stages of maturity. The weight of the green mature fruits was

significantly different than those of half-ripe and ripe fruits. The pH of the fruit increased

with the advance in maturity. Overripe fruits were significantly less acidic (pH 3.44) than

green mature (pH 2.40). The titratable acidity, reducing sugars and tannin contents of the

fruits were significantly different in fruits among all stages of maturity. (Narain et al,

2014)

Researchers wants to find out if they can create a power bank powered by starfruit

juice, determine if there is a significant relationship between the acidity or pH level of the

fruit and the electrical energy transferred, find out if charging speed rate will be affected

by pH level, and compare in which stage of maturity will there be greater changes in the

phone’s battery.

2
Objectives of the Study

 To prove if it’s possible to create portable power banks powered by starfruit juice.

 To find out the significant relationship between pH level and the electrical energy

transferred to the battery.

 To find out if pH level will affect the rate of the charging speed of the phone.

 To compare in which stage of maturity will there be greater changes in the

phone’s battery.

Statement of the problem

Researchers wants to prove the efficiency of starfruit juice powered portable

power bank system in charging a phone. And answer the following questions:

 Is it possible to create portable power banks powered by starfruit juice?

 Is there a significant relationship between pH level and the electrical energy

transferred to the battery?

 Will the charging speed rate of the phone depend on pH level of the fruit?

 In which stage of maturity will there be greater changes in the phone’s battery?

3
 Framework of the Study

Starfruit Extract

Creating The Starfruit

Measuring the pH level Measuring the Electric Powered Power Bank
Current and Voltage Setups

Juice Powered Portable

Power Bank

Testing the Efficiency

(Charging the Phone)

4
Significance of the Study

This study conducted is to determine the effectiveness of starfruit juice powered

portable power bank in charging phone’s battery. But it’s effectiveness does not only

limit to phones, batteries from other electrical devices can also be tested and charged.

This kind of power bank is very useful especially after natural disasters. Electrical

blackout may happen and long time repairment is needed for destroyed electrical posts,

and gasoline’s demand will increase along with the price. Many starfruit or other fruits is

wasted everywhere so instead of throwing it away, why not converting it to electrical

energy for charging. And importantly, this study also gives new contribution to the body

of knowledge.

Hypothesis

Alternative Hypothesis:

 Its impossible to create a starfruit juice powered portable power

bank.

 The lesser the acidity of the fruit, the greater the electrical energy

transferred to the battery.

 Charging speed rate will depend on higher pH level of the

starfruit.

 The phone’s battery will have significant changes in ripe starfruits

because its significantly less acidic.

5
Null Hypothesis:

 It is possible to create a starfruit juice powered portable power

bank.

 The higher the acidity of the fruit, the greater the electrical energy

transferred to the battery.

 Charging speed rate will depend on lower pH level of the starfruit.

 The phone’s battery will have significant changes in green mature

starfruits because its more acidic.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This Science Investigatory Project is limited only to the effects of the starfruit

juice powered portable power bank system to the phone’s battery. The researchers use an

unused working phone in testing the setups and charging is limited to five minutes. This

study is conducted in Almeria National High School in Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran, this

study started at the 9th of October. This is for the purpose to know the effectiveness of

starfruit juice powered portable power bank in charging electrical devices such as phones.

6
Definition of Terms

Current – is the rate at which electric flows past point in a circuit. The rate of flow of

electric charge.

Electrode – a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance,

or region.

Maturation – the ripening of the fruit, having completed natural growth and

development or stage which ensure proper completion of the ripening process.

pH Level – stands for potential of Hydrogen, is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of

water soluble substances.

Power Bank – defined as portable batteries that use circuitry to control any power in and

power out. They can be charged up using a USB charger when power is available, and

then used to charge battery powered items like mobile phones.

Starfruit – also known as balimbing in our language and is used in this study as a fuel of

the portable power bank system. This fruit is known for its star shape and golden color,

and is very acidic

Voltage – also called electromotive force is what makes electric charges move. It is an

electrical potential difference, the difference in electric potential between two places.

7
Review of Related Literature

According to Chris Deziel, an orange, lemon or lime can act as a battery, and

while a single one might not generate enough voltage to illuminate an LED bulb, several

wired in series will. Citrus fruits can do this because they contain citric acid, an

electrolyte that allows electricity to flow. The power actually comes from the electron

exchange between a pair of electrodes that you insert in the fruit pulp. For the exchange

to be powerful enough to do anything useful, you need a strong conducting medium, and

citrus fruits – especially lemons. (Deziel, 2018)

According to N. Narain, the carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) fruit is known

for its unique star shape and rich golden color. The fruit varies widely in its composition

during maturation. These fruits are very acidic and can almost equal lemons. However,

no single study has been performed to monitor the changes in physical and chemical

characteristics of the fruit at different stages of maturity. Their objective of the present

study was to analyze the composition of the fruit during maturation. The fruit was found

to be oblong in shape, being on an average, 7.92 cm long and 5.24 cm in width. The

weight of the green mature fruits was significantly different than those of half-ripe and

ripe fruits. The researcher concluded that pH of the fruit increased with the advance in

maturity. The titratable acidity, reducing sugars and tannin contents of the fruits were

significantly different in fruits among all stages of maturity. The calcium content of the

fruits was higher in the ripe stage and it was significantly different than the fruits at green

mature or half-ripe stages. (N. Narain et al. 2014)

8
 According to Alay, Iba (Averrhoa bilimbi) can conduct electrical energy. One cup

of it’s juice contains 5 volts and can power up a light bulb. His research concluded that

electrical  energy  is created because  iba  has  a high  acidity  level  to  be able

to conduct ions and electrons are there on a piece of copper and zinc. Thus, create an

electric current. (Alay, 2014)

A research article of Borel, et al. stated that Carambola fruit juice contain active

constituents such as vitamins, amino acids, ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, citric

acid, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The high concentration of oxalic acid in

this fruit is responsible for its toxicity. Their research also concluded that citric acid is a

chemical component that make starfruit an electrical conductor. (Borel et al. 2014)

A research by Science Buddies concluded that lemon can be made into batteries

or so-called power banks. The battery they made has a copper and an aluminum electrode

separated by electrolyte lemon juice. It will generate electricity as soon as the electricity

has a path to flow from one electrode to the other. They created this path using strips of

aluminum, a material that conducts electricity well. (Science Buddies, 2015)

9
 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods used in the conduct of the study, it

describes and tackled the research design and data gathering procedure.

Research Design

This research project employed experimental design ---- a design which is

a blueprint of the procedure. Using this research design, it would enable the

researchers to test the hypothesis by reaching valid conclusions and relationships

between independent and dependent variables.

Researchers used an experimental research design in making this research.

Variables and materials undergo experimentation and is quantitatively measured.

Experimenting setups and comparing them. Two setups which are created for three

trials. Data were also analyzed and showed to determine the significant relationship

between the two variables.

10
Materials and Equipment

Measuring the pH Level Measuring The Electric Current and Voltage

 dark violet eggplant  5 green mature starfruits

 peeler  5 ripe starfruits

 2 cups of water  Blender

 5 pinch of alum powder  Multimeter

 pot  Nail

 stove  Centavo coin

 dropper
 5 green mature starfruits
 5 ripe starfruits
 blender

Creating The Starfruit Powered Charging The Phone

Power Bank Setups

 30 starfruits  Unused working phone

 blender  USB cord
 1 plastic tupperware
 10 plastic cards
 loam soil
 500 mL of Water
 copper plate (the positive electrode)
 zinc plate (as a negative electrode)
 cables.
 USB port

11
Data Gathering Procedures

Measuring The pH Level:

In measuring the pH level, researchers compare the pH level through their

color by putting drops of plant indicator to the starfruit juice. Researchers made

starfruit juice out of 5 green mature starfruits and 5 ripe starfruits. Then cut the

mayana leaves and mixed it with 2 cups of water in the pot. Then heat it in the stove

for 15 minutes before adding 5 pinch of alum powder. After it becomes purple or dark

blue, immediately place it in a closed container.

Now for determining the pH level of each water, researchers put drops of

the plant indicator to the samples and record their observations.

Measuring The Electric Current and Voltage:

Researchers prepare a starfruit juice from 5 starfruits and connect it to a

negative and positive electrodes such as nails and centavo coins. And then measure

the electric currents and voltage using a multimeter and recorded it.

Creating The Starfruit Powered Power Bank Setups:

The researchers blend the starfruit to obtain a water-like fluid (without

the fiber / pulp). Prepare the plastic tupperware and filled with loam soil (not sand or

soil containing waste). Divide 8 sections of soil inside the tupperware using the

plastic cards. Put starfruit juice into plastic tupperware in each section that are filled

with soil. Create a series of electrodes to connect between the plates of copper and

12
 zinc plates using a cable (with cable approximately 15 cm each). Develop a series of

electrodes into the 8 sections of soil that have been prepared in advance, with the

copper plate-plate arrangement of zinc-copper plates and so on, so it contain a

composition of a copper plate and a zinc plate electrode of different circuits. Prepare

two sets of electrodes with longer cable and just use only one plate, one copper and

one zinc. For the outer parts (first and last section in the plastic tupperware that has

only one plate: the first section; plate of copper and last section; zinc plate) connected

with a series of new electrode. The first part with a series of zinc, last part connected

with the copper circuit. End of this last series of two cables that is connected to a

USB port.

Charging The Phone:

Using a USB cord, researchers connect an unused working phone and

the USB port from the frst setup, then to the second setup in three trials in a

controlled environment. Then they recorded the changes in the phone’s battery

percentage in five minutes.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The statistical treatments are percentage and mean, and following formulas were

used to get the percent of the battery, average of the accumulated battery percentage, and

the mean of the electric current:

Accumulated battery percentage

Battery Percentage = X 100
100 battery percentage

Accumulated battery
Average Battery Percentage = percentage Trial 1 + Trial
3
213
+ Trial 3
 Measured Electric Current
Average Electric Current = Trial 1 + Trial 2 + Trial 3
3
CHAPTER III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the data and observations obtained from the

experimentation. Results from measuring and testing the designed power bank system in

three trials which are presented in tabular forms. Furthermore, it shows the discussions

that support the underlying problems under investigation.

Table 1. Battery Percentage Gained (Testing the Efficiency)

Battery Percentage gained after 5
minutes
Average Battery
Setups Percentage gained
after 5 minutes
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Green Mature Starfruit 3% 4% 4% 3.67 %

Setup (Setup A)

Ripe Starfruit Setup 3% 2% 3% 2.67 %

(Setup B)

The table above shows the battery percentage and average baterry

percentage gained after 5 minutes in 3 trials using different maturity of starfruit in two

setups. As observed, green mature starfruit setup (Setup A) has greater average battery

percentage gained than ripe starfruit setup (Setup B) with 1% difference. The results

14
mean that in three trials of both setups, Setup A was more effective than Setup B in

charging the phone’s battery percentage.

Electric Current Average

Maturity of
Electric
Starfruit
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Current

12. 25
Green Mature 12. 29 amperes 12. 21 amperes 12.26 amperes
amperes

Ripe 12.17 amperes 12.02 amperes 11.94 amperes 12 amperes

Table 2. Measured Electric Current

The table above states that between the green mature starfruits and ripe starfruits,

green mature ones conducts greater electric current from three trials to its mean. And

means that between two maturities electric current flows more in the green mature one.

Table 3. Measured Voltage

Maturity of Starfruit Voltage

Green Mature 2.5 V

Ripe 2.5 V

15
 The table shows the same measured voltages from different maturities for all
measurement that was made in the experimentation. It means that for both maturities,
they have the same electric potential or force to move electric currents.

Table 4. Measured pH Level through Color Testing

Maturity of Starfruit pH Level Color

Green Mature Red

Ripe Pale Red

The data table above shows the difference in pH level between two maturities of

starfruit based on color testing using a plant indicator. The data collected stated and

concluded that green mature starfruits are more acidic than ripe starfruits because of

darker red shade resulted from drops of plant indicator.

16
 The tests for the efficiency of starfruit juice powered portable power bank system

in charging a phone conducted on December 1, 2019. As you can see in the data tables, in

setup A, battery percentage gained was 3%, 4%, 4% with mean of 3.67% while setup B,

battery percentage gained was 3%, 2%, 3% with mean of 2.67%. Having a 1% difference

between the percentages transferred to the battery. Some data also states greater electric

current and higher acidity of green mature starfruits than ripe ones even though voltages

of both maturities are the same. Which states that the significant relationship between ph

level and electrical energy transferred is inversely proportional.

We, the researchers can say that the results supported the efficiency of this power

bank system in charging a phone.

CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

The study focused on measuring the battery percentage of the phone’s battery

using the designed power bank system. Moreover, it also aimed to find out thee

significant relationships of the battery and maturity of fruit, also with the acidity or pH

level in charging. So researchers were deemed to answer the queries of their research,

importantly, if it’s possible to create these devices.

In the experimentation, two setups were tested in three trials comparing two

different maturities of starfruit, green mature and ripe, with some additional

investigations like measuring of pH level, voltage, and electric current. Results were

17
recorded and compared. The findings stated that green mature ones are more acidic

because of darker red shade, it has greater average electric current, and the same voltage

with all that of ripe starfruits, and using it transfer average battery percentage of 3.67%

while in ripe ones with mean of 2.67%. And so conclusions were drawn.

Conclusions

Based on the arrived results and findings, we concluded that the designed starfruit

powered portable power bank system is effective in charging. Derived from the

investigation, researchers inferred that it’s possible to create portable power bank system

powered by starfruit juice, higher acidity means greater electrical energy transfer to

battery, charging speed rate depend on lower pH level of the starfruit, and significant

changes in the battery can be observed in green mature ones because it’s more acidic.

Recommendations

For future researchers who will be trying this experiment, the researchers should

have the proper equipment in doing the experimentation and highly recommend to use

unused working phone in testing the efficiency for it may damage the phone’s battery

because no further investigations were made to record the battery’s charging activity

level. And for future researches to be made, instead of using starfruit as main variable,

investigators can use other variables with high acidity to power up this power bank

system.

18
 LITERATURE CITED

Alay (2014), How make electrical energy from starfruit (Avverhoa bilimbi)?
http://energyonearth.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-make-electrical-energy-
from.html

Borel et al. (2014) Averrhoa carambola: A Renewable Source of Oxalic Acid for
the Facile and Green Synthesis of Divalent Metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cu)
Oxalates and Oxide Nanoparticles,
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jac/2014/767695/

Deziel, Chris (2018) Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, Why Do Citrus Fruits
Produce Electricity? https://sciencing.com/do-citrus-fruits-produce-electricity-
5167602.html

19
 Kaupenjohann, M. et al. (2016) Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1989, How to
create electricity from lemon,
https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/lemon-power/

Narain, N. et al. (2014) Physical and chemical composition of Carambola fruit

(Averrhoa carambola L.) at Three Stages of Maturity, Ciencia y Tecnologia
Alimentaria, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 144-148,
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/11358120109487721

Science Buddies (2015) SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, A DIVISION OF

SPRINGER NATURE AMERICA, INC., Generate Electricity with a Lemon
Battery, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/generate-electricity-with-a-
lemon-battery/

U.S. Energy Information Administration, EIA (2019) Electricity Explained

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/

CURRICULUM VITAE

HANS IVERSON A. ELORDE

Brgy. Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines
Mobile Phone #: 0905-416-2188
E-mail: hanselorde@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : September 3, 2004

20
 Birthplace : Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran
Sex : Male
Height : 178 cm.
Weight : 59 kg.
Religion : Iglesia Filipina Indepiendente
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Agapito D. Elorde Jr.
Mother’s Name : Alma A. Elorde

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Secondary : Almeria National Highschool 2017-2021
( Special Science Class)
Almeria, Biliran Province
Academic Honors Received: With High Honor

Elementary : Almeria Central School 2010-2017

Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran
Academic Honors Received: Valedictorian

CURRICULUM VITAE

PRINCESS MAE A. CONGCONG

Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines
Mobile Phone #: 0967-685-1957
E-mail: congcongprincess45@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : October 08, 2005

21
 Birthplace : Ternate, Cavite
Sex : Female
Height : 164 cm.
Weight : 40 kg.
Religion : Roman Catholic
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Paulito M. Congcong
Mother’s Name : Maritess A. Congcong

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Secondary : Almeria National Highschool 2017-2021
( Special Science Class)
Almeria, Biliran Province
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

Elementary : Caucab Elementary School 2010-2017

Caucab, Almeria, Biliran
Academic Honors Received: Salutatorian

CURRICULUM VITAE

MARWIN B. BAQUERO
Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines
Mobile Phone #: 0955-342-3146
E-mail: baqueromarwinbuenaobra@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : August 27, 2004

22
 Birthplace : Tagapo. Santa Rosa Laguna
Sex : Male
Height : 163 cm.
Weight : 59 kg.
Religion : Roman Catholic
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Warly P. Baquero
Mother’s Name : Mylene M. Buenaobra

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Secondary : Almeria National Highschool 2017-2021
( Special Science Class)
Almeria, Biliran Province
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

Elementary : Cucab Elementary School 2010-2017

Caucab, Almeria, Biliran
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

CURRICULUM VITAE

MORNIE FULLETAN
Brgy. Upper Lo-ok, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines
Mobile Phone #: 0967-548-5972
E-mail: fulletanmornie@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : September 30, 2003

23
 Birthplace : Cortes, Bohol
Sex : Female
Height : 153 cm.
Weight : 46 kg.
Religion : Born Again Christian Church
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Anthonio Lumayag
Mother’s Name : Fercila Fulletan

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Secondary : Almeria National Highschool 2017-2021
( Special Science Class)
Almeria, Biliran Province
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

Elementary : Almeria Central School 2013-2017

Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

CURRICULUM VITAE

VEARN LORRIE C. OMERES

Brgy. Upper Lo-ok, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines
Mobile Phone #: 0926-071-9004
E-mail: omeresvearnlorrie@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : December 21, 2004

24
 Birthplace : Biliran Provincial Hospital
Sex : Female
Height : 157 cm.
Weight : 38 kg.
Religion : Born Again Christian Church
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Anthony C. Omeres
Mother’s Name : Virgilia C. Omeres

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Secondary : Almeria National Highschool 2017-2021
( Special Science Class)
Almeria, Biliran Province
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

Elementary : Lo-ok Elementaty School 2010-2017

Lo-ok, Almeria, Biliran
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

CURRICULUM VITAE

RENALYN SABONDO
Sitio Alang-alang, Salangi, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines
Mobile Phone #: 0905-029-9292
E-mail: renalynsabondo@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : October 07, 2004

25
 Birthplace : Salangi Health Center Almeria, Biliran
Sex : Female
Height : 151 cm.
Weight : 42 kg.
Religion : Assembly of Yahshua
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name :Reynaldo Labina
Mother’s Name : Susan Sabondo

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Secondary : Almeria National Highschool 2017-2021
(Special Science Class)
Almeria, Biliran Province

Elementary : Barubuhan Elementary School 2010-2017

Salangi, Almeria, Biliran
Academic Honors Received: With Honor

26