Hydrocar is a tool for teaching students about the hybrid technology that is fueling today’s automotive revolution!
How it Works
The Hydrocar demonstrates a revolutionary approach to clean energy, utilizing the power of the sun to produce hydrogen fuel. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen through a process known as electrolysis. This stored hydrogen can be used to power a fuel cell, generating electricity to propel the vehicle. The Hydrocar also utilizes an advanced autonomous navigation system, which helps it to detect and avoid obstacles with high precision!
What's Included
This entry-level Hydrocar fuel cell kit provides all the essentials to explore into the world of renewable energy. The kit contents include: a chassis with an LED light and motor, a reversible (PEM) fuel cell, 0.75 watt solar cell, 2 x 2mm connecting leads, a battery pack with connecting leads, a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, inner gas containers, plastic plug pins for fuel cell, transparent silicon tubing, a syringe, assembly instructions, and a CD that includes all of the renewable energy curriculum manuals.
Experiments & Activities
- Assembly and operation of the hydrocar
- The effect of heat on solar panels
- The effect of shade on solar panels
- The effect of tilt angle on solar panels
- Finding the solar panel’s maximum power point
(requires variable resistor module-sold separately) - Electrolysis mode generating hydrogen and oxygen from water
- Fuel cell mode generating electricity from hydrogen and oxygen
- Determining the minimum voltage for water decomposition
- Polarization states for hydrogen fuel cells
Preparing to Teach
Educators can seamlessly incorporate these fuel cell kits into the classroom by starting with basic concepts. Simply initiate a classroom conversation about the increasing significance of renewable energy and the contribution of hydrogen fuel cells to a sustainable future. Next, have students follow the step-by-step instructions in order to construct their fuel cells. By building their own fuel cells, students will gain hands-on experience with renewable energy technology. Powering these small devices will demonstrate the practical applications of hydrogen fuel cells and their role in sustainable energy solutions.
Additional Online Resources
For those seeking to deepen their comprehension and broaden their experience in the dynamic field of clean, renewable energy, here is a collection of helpful resources. These materials are designed to enrich your educational journey, providing invaluable insights for clean energy that has significant environmental benefits.