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H-60 PEM Fuel Cell - 60W

High School University

When looking to procure fuel cell stacks for new product development, testing or system integration, you are likely to find the best possible value at Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. We offer the widest range of standard "off-the-shelf" PEM fuel cell systems today from 60W to 5kW (deliverable within 1 to 4 weeks), as well as customized fuel cell system configurations up to 30kW. Our standard systems are simple, efficient, and feature some of the highest power densities available in the world opening new possibilities for integration and commercialization.

Our standard systems are modular, simple, efficient, and feature some of the highest power densities available in the world opening new possibilities for integration & commercialization. Make contact with our team to explore accessories, new D/DC power conversion devices, and other system components you may need.

  • Connections/Tubing 
  • Electronic valves
  • Electronic control box
  • 60W stack with blower
  • Fuel Cell ON/OFF switch 
  • SCU ON/OFF switch

Make contact with our team to explore accessories, new D/DC power conversion devices, H2 Sensor, Ultracapacitor and other system components you may need. 

FCS-C100 H-100 PEM Fuel Cell 100W

Fuel Cell Stack 60W

Additional Information

Power an electrical circuit by solar panel or a wind turbine with profiled blades based on NASA aeronautics. Generate hydrogen through water electrolysis and convert it into electricity using a PEM fuel cell. Whichever combination of technologies you want to explore, this science kit is a comprehensive introduction to the principles behind renewable microgrids.

 

Fuel Cell and Hydrogen

Safety Requirements

Do not connect or disconnect power cables when the fuel cell stack is engaged. Warranty is void if the fuel cell stack is disassembled or otherwise altered. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and flammable substance.  Always operate and store the fuel cell stacks and hydrogen storage canisters in an area with ample ventilation. Fuel cell systems should always be equipped with a highly accurate hydrogen sensor to detect any leaking hydrogen within the system or from the hydrogen storage canister. Please refer to the H-60 User Manual to see a complete list of the safety requirements for the product.

Hydrogen Storage Tip

The H-60 is the highest wattage fuel cell stack that can benefit from using hydrogen stored in our Hydrostiks in order to operate, and our Hydrostiks can be filled and refilled many times using our Hydrofill Pro.  The Hydrofill Pro is great at turning a small amount of distilled or deionized water into a copious amount of hydrogen!

Fuel Cell Stack 60W Quick Product Facts

Number of cells  icon

Number of Cells

This fuel cell stack is composed of 20 fuel cells.

 

Pressure icon

Hydrogen Pressure

Hydrogen must be fed into the fuel cell stack at a pressure of 0.45-0.55 Bar.

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Ambient Temperature

The fuel cell stack operates best in a temperature ranging from 41 to 86° F / 5-30° C.

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Humidification

This fuel cell stack uses self-humidification.

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FC Stack Weight

The stack (including fan and casing) weighs 2lbs / 0.9kg.

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Controller Weight

The weight of the controller is 0.9lbs / 0.4kg.

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System Efficiency

At 12 volts the efficiency of the system is 40%.

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External Power Supply

Proper operation of the stack requires an external power supply of 13 volts at 5 amperes.

 

Tell Us About Your Hydrogen Project

We can never get enough e-mails about how our hydrogen fuel cells are being used in the classroom to inspire and teach young minds!  If you have a hydrogen success story you would like to share, then please send an e-mail to our team, [obfuscate_1_|97|111|110|109|96|97|116|64|97|110|112|105|122|104|109|99|100|117|92|96|114|105|111|103|96|106|46|99|104|108]  We will reach out to you to get some additional details, and then we will publish your success story to our public blog!  Learning how zero emission fuel cell technology excites young minds is something we never get enough of!

List of H-60 components:

1 x 60W fuel cell stack (includes supply valve, purge valve, blower)
1 x controller (includes short circuit unit)
1 x silicon tube (OD 4 x ID 2mm), 50cm long
1 x silicon tube (OD 6 x ID 3mm), 50cm long
1 x filter
3 x screw M6

3 x nut M6
6 x washer
2 x outlet gas fitting (M5-4)
2 x inlet gas fitting (M5-6)
1 x LCD Display

 

Fuel Cell Stack

The stack generates up to 20 VDC (open circuit voltage). This voltage decreases as current is drawn from the stack. The stack produces 12V at maximum power. This voltage is exposed at the output power connections. These low voltages may constitute a shock hazard and can damage electronic components if shorted. Therefore, do not touch individual fuel cells, cell voltage monitoring equipment or electrical components.

The fuel cell stack is designed to operate at 65 C. At this operating temperature, the air exhaust stream temperature can reach 55 C and the cooling air stream can reach 17 C above ambient conditions. These temperatures are sufficient to cause burns or severe discomfort. Accordingly, avoid contact with the fuel cellstack, or components that convey process or cooling air

The stack is made up of plate-like cells with air channels to allow the flow of air across the membrane. The membrane facilitates the flow of Hydrogen creating the release of electrons. Electrically conductive separator plates between each pair of cells enable the flow of electrons.

The stack aspect is that they are all placed on top of each other and held together by epoxy endplates.

 

General Information

For this unit to generate electrical power, a supply of hydrogen fuel is necessary. It is important for any operator to be aware of, understand, and follow all local safety requirements related to the handling of hydrogen and compressed gases. Ensure that your facility conforms to all local regulatory requirements, including building codes and recommendations.

The fuel cell system has built-in safeguards and is designed to shut down automatically if any outof- range operating condition occurs. Possible situations include low cell voltage, high current, high temperature, low fuel pressure.

• Do not operate the stack on a grade of more than 65℃.

• Do not connect or disconnect power cables when the fuel cell stack is energised.

• Do not dismantle the system. Contact Horizon if you have any concerns about operation.

 

Using hydrogen

This unit uses hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless and flammable substance. It is highly combustible in the presence of oxygen and burns with a colourless flame.

Leaking gas may be hot and pose a burn danger. Stop the flow of gas – if you are not in danger – and use water to cool the area. If fire occurs, do not attempt to extinguish flames, allow the fire to burn out.

Prevent overexposure to hydrogen. Hydrogen is non-toxic but can act as a simple asphyxiant by displacing the oxygen in the air. There are no warnings before unconsciousness results. When operating the stack in an enclosure:

• Ensure ventilation slots are clear and unobstructed at all times during operation.

• Operate within the temperatures limits stated in the manual.

• Never operate if an alarm condition exists.

Note: We highly recommend customer use a hydrogen sensor(not provided) to detect the hydrogen leakage.

 

Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders

• Use a pressure regulator to control the fuel inlet pressure to the system.

• Do not alter the fitting on a regulator. Ask experienced personnel for help.

• Do not attempt to force gas cylinder threads.

• Never transport a gas cylinder with regulators attached. Ensure cylinder caps are in place. Always use a cylinder cart with a safety strap or chain.

• Secure a high-pressure cylinder to a bench, post, or fixed object to avoid accidental contact.

• Avoid unnecessary contact with On/Off valves. They can easily move to “On” by accident.

 

Hydrogen Leakage

Hydrogen is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Hydrogen is non-toxic but can act as a simple asphyxiant by displacing the oxygen in the air. There are no warning symptoms before unconsciousness results.

 

WARNING

Inhaling hydrogen can lead to unconsciousness and asphyxiation. Hydrogen molecules are smaller than any other gas, making hydrogen more difficult to contain. It can diffuse through many materials considered airtight. Fuel lines, non-welded connections, and non-metal seals such as gaskets, O-rings, pipe thread compounds and packings present potential leakage or permeation sites. Furthermore, hydrogen’s small molecule size results in high buoyancy and diffusivity, so leaked hydrogen will rise and become diluted quickly.

Constant exposure to hydrogen causes hydrogen embrittlement in many materials. The mechanisms that cause hydrogen embrittlement effects are not well defined. Factors known to influence the rate and severity of hydrogen embrittlement include hydrogen concentration, hydrogen pressure, temperature, hydrogen purity, type of impurity, stress level, stress rate, metal composition, metal tensile strength, grain size, microstructure and heat treatment history. Moisture content in the hydrogen gas may lead to metal embrittlement through the acceleration of the formation of fatigue cracks. Hydrogen embrittlement can lead to leakage or catastrophic failures in metal and non-metallic components.

As a preventative measure, the stack must  operated in a well-ventilated area in order to inhibit potential hydrogen accumulation.

 

Flammability and volatility

Hydrogen is flammable over concentrations of 4 – 75% by volume in air, and is explosive over concentrations of 15 – 59%. As a result, even small leaks of hydrogen have the potential to burn or explode. Leaked hydrogen can concentrate in an enclosed environment, thereby increasing the risk of combustion and explosion.

Hydrogen flames are pale blue and are almost invisible in daylight due to the absence of soot. Due to its high buoyancy and diffusivity, burning hydrogen rises unlike gasoline, which spreads laterally.

A flammable or explosive hydrogen mixture is easily ignited by a spark or even a hot surface. The autoignition temperature of hydrogen is 500  C (932  F). The energy of a hydrogen gas explosion is 2.4 times that of gasoline or methane for an equal volume. Hydrogen gas explosions are therefore more destructive and carry further.

 

Oxygen Depletion

Oxygen is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic and tasteless gas. Oxygen is essential for life in appropriate concentrations.

Ambient air contains up to 21% oxygen. Oxygen levels below 19.5% are biologically inactive and may act as simple asphyxiants. Effects of oxygen deficiency may include: rapid breathing, diminished mental alertness, impaired muscular coordination, faulty judgement, depression of all sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness may result, eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death. At concentrations below 12%, immediate unconsciousness may occur with no prior warning symptoms.

Downloads

Datasheet

pdf [880.45 kB]

User Manual

pdf [3.7 MB]
pdf [3.46 MB]

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Trouble Shooting & system checks

Check the external power supply

The battery might not be operating correctly or in the case of a battery may not have any charge left.

1.    Disconnect the external power source.
2.    Using a multimeter take a reading of the positive and negative connection points on the external power connectors to the controller.
3.    If the power is <12V> 4.    Change or recharge your power supply and check the voltage that it meets the fuel cell voltage before connecting it up to the controller.

What is the SCU?

This is the Short Circuit Unit, it helps to condition the fuel cell for long term good performance

Check the SCU

1.    During operation with the SCU on, the voltage of the fuel cell will drop for 100ms every 10 secs.
2.    If the fuel cell voltage is not dropping then contact [obfuscate_1_|113|117|112|105|110|112|116|64|97|110|112|105|122|104|109|99|100|117|92|96|114|105|111|103|96|106|46|99|104|108] with the diagnostic “SCU not operational” with the controller number.

What is the Hydrogen pressure supplied to the fuel cell stack?

The pressure is required to be 0.45-0.55Bar.

If the stack is un-used for a long period of time (more than 4 weeks and performance goes down 50% to the rated power at 12V after 30 minutes operation):

Rejuvenate by injecting water into the stack before use:

1.    Connect a short section of hosing to the gas port marked “H2 in”.
2.    Fill a syringe with water (distilled or purified). Make sure there is no air in the syringe. And then connect it to the hose attached to the “H2 in” port.
3.    Inject distilled or purified water into the stack until you see water coming out of the “H2 out” port. Keep the water inside the stack for about 2 minutes. Now disconnect the syringe with the tube,  and leave the water in the stack.
4.    Purged the water out of the stack.
Connect a short tube to the "H2 out" port. And  connect the H2 supply (0.45-0.55Bar) to the stack without a load attached, to purge the stack as much as possible (i.e. letting hydrogen flow through the stack to remove water and other contaminants). Using the fuel cell stack with too much water inside can irreparably damage it! Make sure the hydrogen supply pressure is 0.45-0.55Bar. Please see Storage and Re-use.

Automatic Shutdown Bleeping interpretation during starting procedure

If the system shuts down before finishing the start up procedure then please refer to the following bleeping interpretation:
If the system stops during the starting:
Bleeps Interpretation Actions

1.    Low fuel cell open voltage protection i.e. the average cell voltage is <0> 2.    High ambient temperature protection, the ambient temperature around the system is >45˚C.
3.    Low external power voltage protection i.e. external power is <12V>

Automatic Shutdown Bleeping interpretation during running procedure

If the system shuts down during operation within the product parameters then please refer to the following bleeping interpretation:
Bleeps Interpretation Action

1.    High current protection i.e. current is too high
-    For H-100 - H-300 is > 12A set by the controller.
-    For H-500 - H-1000 is > 30A set by the controller.
2.    High temperature fuel cell protection i.e. fuel cell is running >65˚C.
3.    Low voltage fuel cell protection i.e. the average voltage per cell is <0> Note: If one of the above situations occurs, the stack will disconnect the load and make an alarm. Reduce the demand of the load on the fuel cell. The system will re-connect the load every 10 seconds. If the situation causes the initial disconnection is the same, the system will again disconnect the load.

What is the maintenance of the stacks?

1.    When the stack finishes operation, disconnect the hydrogen input and output tube from the stack and also disconnect the power output. Use a tube to connect the hydrogen input to the hydrogen output of the stack.
2.    Store the stack in ambient temperature and in a closed space. Keep it away from toxic gas, such as So2, H2S, Co.
3.    Operate the stack for 2-3 hours every 2 weeks or at least one month in order to maintain the stability of the stack performance.
4.    If the stack has not been used for more than 2 months, the stack power maybe get a little bit down when you use it again. We suggest at the beginning not to have full load to the stack, try
to have half power for the starting. And then step by step increase to full load, try to increase 5%every 10 minutes. After this activation process, the stack can reach the rated power within 1-2 hours.
5.    If the stack has not been used for more than 2 months and your load could be set to constant voltage, try to operate the stack under 0.6V/cell. Under this operation mode, the stack can reach the rated performance within 1-2 hours.

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