FAQ

Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions regarding the DOE National Science Bowl Fuel Cell Car Kits. If you cannot find the answer to your question below please contact us for further support.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model Car FAQ

  1. What kind of water should be used in the electrolyzer?
  2. How much electricty is needed to power the electrolyzer?
  3. How should I store my fuel cell and electrolyzer?
  4. Why do I need to short circuit my fuel cell? How do I short circuit my fuel cell?
  5. Why is my electrolyzer not producing hydrogen?
  6. What should I do if my car does not run or moves very slowly?
  7. What are the specifications of the motor?
  8. My Motor Leads broke off what should I do?

Question: What kind of water should be used in the electrolyzer?

Answer:

Use only Distilled or Deionized water with the electrolyzer. This type of water can be found at your local super market or convenience store.

Purified bottled water is not the same type of water! Use of tap water or purified water can damage your electrolyzer and void your warranty!

Question: How much electricty is needed to power the electrolyzer?

Answer:

You will not need more than 2 AA batteries to power the electrolyzer and produce hydrogen. The use of more than 2 AA batteries can damage the electrolyzer.

Please use the AA battery holder provided and 2 Alkaline AA batteries to power your electrolyzer.

Question: How should I store my fuel cell and electrolyzer?

Answer:

The fuel cell and electrolyzer should be stored in an air tight container between uses. Zip lock bags are an ideal storage method.

Storing the fuel cells and electrolyzers in air tight containers prevents the membranes from drying out between uses. If the fuel cell or electrolyzer dries out it will need to be rehydrated before it will perform to its peak ability.

Question: Why do I need to short circuit my fuel cell? How do I short circuit my fuel cell?

Answer:

Short circuiting the fuel cell speeds up the process of breaking in the fuel cell membrane. This will optimize the performance of your fuel cell to achieve the highest electrical output.

To short circuit your fuel cell, first fill your hydrogen storage container with hydrogen and connect it to the fuel cell. Next use an alligator clip to pinch together the red and black connectors on the fuel cell to complete a circuit. Leave the connectors attached until all the hydrogen has been used. Your fuel cell will now be ready for use.

Question: Why is my electrolyzer not producing hydrogen?

Answer:

Have you followed the instructions for adding water to the electrolyzer prior to operation?

If yes, replace the batteries in your battery pack with fresh batteries

Also make sure that your tubing is connected tightly between the electrolyzer and you hydrogen storage tank to eliminate any leaks.

Question: What should I do if my car does not run or moves very slowly?

Answer:

One of the most common problems can be the wheels and axles of your car. Check to make sure that they are rolling freely and that there is very little resistance when turning. Small amounts of friction can make a large difference in the speed of your car.

If your wheels are turning well lets check on the fuel cell.

First purge all of the hydrogen out of your storage tank. Use your electrolyzer to fill your hydrogen tank. If you have not already short circuited your fuel cell, please do this now.

Refill your hydrogen tank and purge all the gas one more time. Refill the tank again and connect your motor to run your car. The car should be moving now.

Question: What are the specifications of the motor?

Answer:

RPM is about 8000

Current is about 0.33A

Stalling torque is about 60g.cm

Length: 35 mm

Diameter: 20 mm

Shaft Dia: 2 mm

Question: My Motor Leads broke off what should I do?

Answer:

Please contact us for replacement motors in the case of damage to the motor leads. The leads should not be bent out of place or they can break off.

FAQ engine from DiamondSteel

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