Fuel Cell Car Science Kit Product
code: 0107000016
PEM Reverisble Fuel Cell
This fuel cell will produce about 0.85 volts at 350mA. When the fuel cell receives current from the power source, it works as an electrolyser producing hydrogen and oxygen. When a load like the car chassis is pulled from the fuel cell, the fuel cell provides electrical energy. The fuel cell can be used as a separate item without any of the car lab components.
Intelligent Car Chassis
The car chassis includes tight-fitting reservoirs for the gas storage cylinders and the fuel cell. The wheels easily snap into place. The connector wires make attaching the motor to the fuel cell convenient.
Gas Storage Cylinders
The hydrogen and oxygen storage cylinders have inner chambers which safely hold the gas and outer chambers for the water displacement as gas is produced. The cylinders are calibrated and hold 30ml of gas.
Battery Pack Power Supply
The current supplied to the reversible fuel cell should be 1.8 volts and cannot exceed 2 volts without risking damage to the membrane. This battery pack adapts two AA batteries to provide the correct current.
Classroom Use
The manual accompanying this fuel cell kit includes a comprehensive study of fuel cell technology including a time line and a detailed description of how fuel cells work. The removable gas storage cylinders make measurement easy.
Additional Materials Required
You will need 80 ml of water Distilled or Deionised Water. (Most grocery stores carry distilled water. Some health food stores have deionised water.)
Power Source
The kit includes a battery pack. You may want to purchase the optional solar panel to further explore renewable energy.
Multi-meter
Most of the experiments require some sort of current measurement. You can purchase inexpensive voltmeters and ammeters from Fuel Cell Hub or you can purchase a multi-meter at any store that carries electrical supplies - Radio Shack, Target etc.
Lesson Plan Development
This kit is appropriate for use in classrooms from upper secondary school through junior college. The lab manuals provide classroom ready exercises and experiments for students and teachers.
Set-Up
Cables easily connect the power supply to the electrolyser and the fuel cell to the motor. Silicon tubes need to be connected to carry the hydrogen and oxygen from storage cylinders to the fuel cell. All wires are included. Set-up time is about 3 minutes. If you want to have hydrogen already produced before students come into the classroom - allow 20 minutes if you are using a solar panel and about 10 minutes if you are using the battery pack. Hint: You might want to have 1/2 of the container filled with hydrogen using a power source before students arrive to save time during the lesson.
Suggestions and Comments
The modular aspect of this fuel cell car along with the low price makes it a perfect choice for a school fuel cell lab. Additional fuel cells, gas storage, chassis, and optional solar panel, motors etc. can be purchased to complete a lab that meets the specific needs of any teacher.
