Features
● Demonstrates a High Watt Density PEM Fuel Cell, GeneratingElectrical Power Directly from Hydrogen.
● Brings the class room as close as possible to the contemporaryadvances in Fuel Cell technology.
● lntegral variable Load for Performance Investigation
● Power Output of up to 0.75kW
● lntegral Computer Control,Safety System and Computer Interface.Software supplied.
● Minimal Operating Costs.-
● Safe for Student Operation.
Description
The fuel cell module incorporates a unique plate stack assembly with ahighly intricate optimized internal fuel path geometry and specializedmembrane and is mounted in a reinforced plastic panel witn a transparent window that clearly shows the main components.Theeducational unit is designed to allow the estimation of the exothermicheat generated in the stack as power is generated and water formed,and in addition to this, the instrumentation allows the key energy performance indicators e.g. power output, fuel consumption, efficiency,oxidant excess (air) etc. to be determined for the unit.The hydrogensupply is internally pressure regulated, metered and controlled via anelectronic valve.The heat generated during stack operation is ejectedinto the residual air in the coolant/oxidant stream which cools the cell.One particular advantageous feature of a single coolantoxidant streamis that the system is thermally self regulating and thus intrinsically safe.The system has also been designed to ensure continual purging of theFuel Cell and thus ensure optimal power output during use.The software, supplied as standard, is used for the smooth starting andstopping of the unit, changing between the internal load settings andprovides full computerized data acquisition.A software controlledmicroprocessor allows the automated start-up and shut down of thesystem and also monitors for unsafe operating conditions.A hydrogenleak detector monitors the unit and automatically shuts down the unit,well below the lower ignition limit for hydrogen.The on board microprocessor regulates the airflow through the stack to match theloading conditions.A 15A (maximum) auxiliary socket is provided on thefront of the panel to allow practically sized external load to be applied tothe unit to investigate cell performance under varying load.
Related LawslApplications
Engineering —all disciplines
Technology — all disciplines
Electronics
Physical Sciences
Environmental Conservation
Learning capabilities
Measurement of the current density and voltage-currentcharacteristics of a fuel cell.
Measurement of power density from a fuel cell capable of up to75OW(1 HP) electrical output.
Measurement and investigation of fuel cell efficiency with referenceto fuel and air consumption,power output and heat losses.
Measurement and display of key temperatures and fluid throughputsfuel stoichiometric and cooling circuits.
Measurement and investigation of reactant utilization and transportphenomena.
