How does a fuel cell work? How can you use it to generate hydrogen? The H2 Fuel Cell Car teaches students about this exciting topic. They can use the fuel cell and vehicle to investigate the properties of hydrogen. They can also build interesting additional models in conjunction with the Green Energy building set.
Twice as much hydrogen is produced as oxygen.
Why is that?
Water (H2O) consists of compounds of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). These compounds are called water molecules. A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. When the molecule is split during electrolysis, this produces twice as many hydrogen molecules as oxygen molecules.
Once there is hydrogen and oxygen in the storage cylinders, they will react with one another and generate electrical voltage on the connectors between 0.5 and 0.9 V. The fuel cell delivers a current of 600 mA, and has a rated output of 300 mW.
Connect the included motor to the fuel cell connectors.
What do you observe?
The motor begins to turn. It is being driven by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell.
- Now hold down the built-in button.
What do you observe now?
The motor is supplied with current by the fuel cell and begins to turn. This means that the oxygen and hydrogen produced are being used to produce current in the fuel cell.
Fault |
Possible cause |
Fault correction |
Unusually high voltage when a load is connected to the fuel cell |
Layer on the surface of the catalyst |
The layer on the surface of the catalyst that increases the initial output voltage of the fuel cell will disappear after just a few seconds |
No or very slow hydrogen production |
Incorrect connection between the power supply and fuel cell |
Check the connections and correct as needed |
Fuel cell membrane is too dry |
Allow the fuel cell to stand for 30 minutes filled with distilled water |
|
Low fuel cell performance |
Fuel cell membrane is too wet |
Pour water out of the fuel cell and allow the fuel cell to stand open for a day |
Model (motor) does not move or only moves slowly |
Components do not move smoothly. |
Check to make sure the movable components can move easily. Compare the model setup with the building instructions.
|
Vehicle does not move, or drives backwards. |
Motor not connected, or connected incorrectly to the fuel cell |
Check the motor connection, see the wiring diagram. |
General information |
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Operation as an electrolyzer |
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Operation as a fuel cell |
|
Operating temperature |
10 – 40 °C |
Operating voltage |
2 – 3 V |
Operating voltage |
0.5 – 0.9 V |
Storage temperature |
5 – 40 °C |
Operating current |
400 – 1500 mA |
Operating current |
600 mA |
Hydrogen storage capacity |
20 ml |
Maximum hydrogen production rate |
8 ml / min |
Rated power |
300 mW |
For use by children over the age of 10 only. To be used only under the close supervision of adults, who have taken the necessary precautions described in the experiments kit. Read the instructions before use, follow them and keep them ready to hand.
They contain instructions for parents and these must be followed. Keep the packaging and instructions, as they contain important information. Hydrogen is produced during the experiment. Hydrogen can form an explosive mixture with atmospheric oxygen. Therefore, all ignition sources must be removed before carrying out the experiment.
The Fuel Cell kit's fuel cell may only be used to operate fischertechnik models.