The Dr FuelCell® Professional provides support in the form of pre-configured demonstration experiments for presentation to the class. Based on solar hydrogen technology, the single modules reproduce a complete energy cycle.
Hands-on Teaching of Fuel Cell Technology
Dr FuelCell® Professional provides support in the hands-on teaching of solar hydrogen technology. Various modules reproduce a complete energy cycle. Single technologies, such as solar and fuel cell technology, can therefore be examined in detail and portrayed within the context of the overall concept.
The large components and easy-to-read displays are ideal for group presentations and demonstrations of experiments. Due to the user-friendly design, the Professional can also be operated by students.
Diverse Applications
The solar panel included in the package supplies the energy for hydrogen production in the electrolyzer. It is stored intermediately in measuring cylinders and converted to electric power in the fuel cell. The load module and the optional measuring unit enable specific loads to the fuel cell and visualization of the measuring results. The various modules are mounted in a stable rack.
Instructors can use Dr FuelCell® Professional and the detailed learning and teacher's guides for the hands-on teaching of content from the subjects of physics, chemistry and technology:
» Molecules and chemical reactions
» Reaction speeds
» Thermodynamics
» Electrochemistry
» Energy conversion and efficiency
» Measuring and interpreting characteristic curves
Components
Dr FuelCell® Professional
The simple design of the Professional ensures transparency when demonstrating experiments. Discover the features of the components.
Solar Panel The 4-cell solar panel is used for experiments in photovoltaics and for generating electric energy for the electrolyzer. It can be turned in the frame for easier alignment to the light source
Electrolyzer The electrolyzer separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. Due to PEM technology, it is operated with distilled water and requires no caustic solutions or acids. The integrated graduated gas storage canisters visualize the classic water separation experiment, as with the Hoffmann apparatus.
Fuel Cell The powerful double fuel cell is used to generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen. The two fuel cells can be connected parallel and in series. It is based on PEM technology, which is the most widespread technology used in the development of fuel cell applications, e.g. for motor vehicles or stationary power supply systems.
Load Module The load module is used for the specific loads to the fuel cell and solar panel by a motor, a lamp or 10 selectable resistors. The resistors are optimized for measuring the characteristic curve of the solar panel and fuel cell.
Measuring Unit The measuring unit has two measuring ranges for current and voltage. The measured values are clearly readable on large LED displays. In addition, analog data output enables further processing of the measured data.
Supplementary Material
The instruction material for Dr FuelCell® Professional includes a collection of pre-configured demonstration experiments and four textbooks for the lower and upper secondary level.
Three textbooks contain teacher's guides for more than 20 experiments in physics, chemistry and technology, worksheets with short articles and written assignments, detailed instructions with information on the experiments and possibilities for the analysis and interpretation of measured data.
The fourth book, "Principles and Applications", includes articles with background information that can be used independently in classes.
The accompanying CD-ROM includes two videos and two PowerPoint presentations on the principles and applications of fuel cell technology.
Examples of experiments:
» Current/voltage characteristic curves of solar panel and fuel cell
» Faraday's first law » Electrolysis
» Faraday and energy efficiency of an electrolyzer and of a fuel cell
» Thermodynamics: electrochemical processes
» Series and parallel connection of fuel cells
» Water = 2 parts hydrogen + 1 part oxygen
