8. If the solar panel is placed in sufficiently strong sunlight, or battery pack is switched to the “On” position the system will now
start to produce oxygen and hydrogen in the respective cylinders. When bubbles begin to surface in the hydrogen cylinder the
cycle is complete. Disconnect the solar panel or battery pack from the electrolyzer.
Procedure for repeated gas production: Disconnect the small plugs from the tubes connected to the nozzles on the reversible
fuel cell. This will allow water into the inner cylinders to replace the gasses and reset water levels to “0” line. Re-insert the plugs
into the tubes and repeat electrolysis again.
* The attached gold leads included with the PEM Electrolyzer and PEM fuel cells may be inserted into red/black terminals of the
fuel cells if attaching other devices such as solar panels and small wind turbines using crocodile clip type leads/ cables. These
may be also used to attach various loads to PEM fuel cells. We alternately provide 1 set of red/black 2mm banana plug
leads/cables with each PEM electrolyzer and fuel cell that are designed to connect to Horizon solar panels and educational wind
turbines.
Fuel Cell Function:
When applying a load, the reversible fuel cell is able to generate electricity from the hydrogen and oxygen gasses.
- Output Voltage (Parallel/Series): 0.6V(D.C)
- Output Current (Parallel/Series):360mA
- Power: 210mW
Before applying a load you must perform electrolysis and capture sufficient hydrogen and oxygen gasses as in the previous steps.
Note:
In order to obtain pure hydrogen in the containers, you should unplug the black pin on the hydrogen side of the fuel cell to
release the hydrogen from the inner container of balloon/syringe. Re insert the black pin into the tube and repeat electrolysis
process. This should be done the first time so as to purge impure gasses remaining in the containers that could negatively impact
the performance of the fuel cell.
BUILDING AN APPLICATION FOR THE PEM FUEL CELL
Several different types of devices can be commonly powered by the fuel cell such as small motors, LED lights, small water pumps,
and other small electric devices requiring small amounts of power. Use your imagination in engineering new devices and
applications using the fuel cell as its power system.
USING FUEL CELLS TO CONVERT HYDROGEN TO ELECTRICITY
Preparation of the Fuel Cell System
Using a PEM Reversible Fuel Cell to Power a Load
1. Place the reversible fuel cell in a secure positionor onto a flat surface.
2. Connect the PEM reversible fuel cell to the motor or load you wish to power using the red and black connecting leads. Make
sure to connect the black wire with the black terminals and red wirewith the red terminals.
3. You should see the load begin to operate and use the electricity produced by the fuel cell. The load should begin to consume
the hydrogen/oxygen fuels stored in the cylinders if there are sufficient levels of gasses available. If not, try gently squeezing the
tubing to allow some of the gas to move into the fuel cell from the hydrogen storage container. As the load uses electricity the
fuel cell will consume hydrogen from the cylinder and you will see the water level reflect the changes in amount of gases
consumed.
Important:
• It is highly recommended to place the PEM Reversible Fuel Cell inside an air-tight plastic bag, such as a “Ziploc Bag.” This will
protect it when you are not using the kit.
• The positive and negative poles of the PEM Reversible Fuel Cell must be correctly connected to the power supply or damage
may result.
• The membranes in the PEM Reversible Fuel Cell are to be used only when they are hydrated. Inject water only into the positive
(oxygen) sideof fuel cell and allow to soak for 3 minutes. The membranes will be damaged if connected to a solar panel or power
supply when dry.
• It is highly recommended to use 3 W solar panel with 1A current or 2 new AA alkaline batteries with 1.5V as a power supply.
Note:
You can purchase the components used in the operation online
at:http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/store.htm
