Solar Powered
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Research Project #2
ECET 521
Ahmad Alazmi, Paul Lapsansky, Roberto Mejia
Fuel cells are devices for generating electric power.
They share many of the characteristics of a battery:
silent operation, no moving parts and a
electrochemical reaction to generate power.
 Produce electricity by combining hydrogen and
oxygen over a catalyst such as platinum.
 There are several different types of fuel cells but the
most researched type is the proton exchange
membrane (PEM) fuel cell which contains platinum for
its catalyst.
 PEM fuel cells are capable of replacing batteries or
generators in portable equipment and vehicles.
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What is a fuel cell?
Different types of fuel cells
Solar Powered Hydrogen Fuel Cell
PEM Fuel Cell
Our Hydrogen Fuel Cell
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One foot of platinum coated nickel wire
(catalyst)…$15
A popsicle stick or similar small piece of
wood or plastic.
9V solar panel…$20
A glass of water (electrolyte).
A volt meter.
Parts List
 Electrolysis
of water into hydrogen
and oxygen gasses via electricity
from the solar panel.
 Recombining
of the hydrogen and
oxygen to produce electricity.
How does it work?
Negative Node
Electrolysis
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The electrode
connected to the
negative side of the
solar panel has
electrons that are being
pushed by the solar
panel.
Electrons in the
electrode combine with
water molecules.
The water molecules
each give up a
hydrogen atom, to form
molecules of hydrogen
(H₂), leaving negatively
charged ions of OH-.
Positive Electrode
Electrolysis
•
•
•
Positive side of the
solar panel pulls
electrons from the
water molecules.
The water molecules
split into positively
charged hydrogen
atoms (single protons),
and oxygen molecules
(O₂).
The oxygen molecules
form bubbles at the
electrode, and the
protons migrate away
from the positively
charged electrode.
When we remove the solar panel, the
catalytic action of the platinum causes the
hydrogen (H₂) molecules to break up,
forming positively charged hydrogen ions
(H+, or protons), and electrons.
At that other electrode, the oxygen molecules
in bubbles on the platinum surface draw
electrons from the metal, and then combine
with the hydrogen ions (from the reaction at
the other electrode) to form water.
Fuel Cell
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The oxygen electrode has lost two electrons
to each oxygen molecule.
The hydrogen electrode has gained two
electrons from each hydrogen molecule.
The electrons at the hydrogen electrode are
attracted to the positively charged oxygen
electrode.
Electrons travel more easily in metal than in
water, so the current flows in the wire,
instead of the water.
In the wire, the current can do work, such as
moving a meter.
Electricity Produced
Practical Applications of Solar
Powered Hydrogen Fuel Cells
EPA estimated mileage: 60 MPK
 Estimated range: 240 miles
 Limited release $600/month lease
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Honda FCX Clarity
Honda has begun work on a domestic solar-powered hydrogen
refueling station that is smaller and intended to fit within the
home's garage. Designed to work in conjunction with Honda's FCX
Clarity vehicle, the charging station is also compatible with a "Smart
Grid" energy system.
Honda Personal Refueling Station
Solar-Powered Public EV and FCX Charging Station
Solar powered hydrogen fuel cell bus
Simple and inexpensive to build.
 Safe to use (only uses ordinary tap water).
 Requires platinum (which is expensive) for the
catalyst.
 Clean source of energy (only by-product is
water).
 PEM fuel cell is the most widely used and
researched.
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Conclusion