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15
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
The H-TEC Education PEMFC Kit is maintenance-free.
The most frequent causes of faults during operation of fuel cells are:
Insufficient gas supply
Insufficient gas supply
A fuel cell requires hydrogen and oxygen (or air). Only when both gases are present can electric
power be generated.
Insufficient moistening
Insufficient moistening
The membrane of the cell must be moist for operation. Should the relative atmospheric humidity
drop below 70%, a risk exists of it drying out. In order to prevent the membrane from drying
out too quickly, we recommend that the fittings be closed during storage. This can be achieved
by connecting a hose between the inlet and the outlet. Should the membrane dry out, it will not
damage the cell; it will simply result in poorer initial performance. The quickest and simplest way
to re-moisten the membrane is to connect the two sides of the cell together by means of a hose,
and to blow through them physically several times.
Damage to the catalyzer
Damage to the catalyzer
Never connect an external voltage to the fuel cell, as this will instantly destroy the catalyzer.
Negative Voltage
Negative Voltage
Never connect an external voltage to the fuel cell, as this will instantly destroy the catalyzer.
Disposal
Do not dispose of fuel cells and electrolyzers as general household waste.
According to European regulations, used electric and electronic devices may no longer be
disposed of as unsorted household waste. The symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin indicates
the requirement for separate disposal.
Your local waste management company can provide you with additional information about
disposal options.
