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Hydrogen Cars

A model car that uses hydrogen electrolysis. On the base there is a small motor, 2 small clear plastic beakers with measurement lines with tubes connecting to the top and bottom of the hydrolysis chamber. A syringe adds fluid to the chamber.
Learning Goals

Learning Goals:

  1. Relate that electric current can breakdown water into its constituents under certain conditions.
  2. Describe how typical PEM Hydrogen Generators work.
  3. Investigate ways to change the volumetric production of hydrogen gas.
  4. List several ways to enhance the safety of on-board hydrogen generators.
Materials List

Handouts

Group Supplies (2-3 per group)

  • Horizon Hydrogen DIY HOME PEM car kit.
  • Distilled water

Important Links

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

3-5 Engineering Design

  • 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified crietria for success and constraints on materials, time, or costs.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
  • 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

M.S. Engineering Design

  • MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
  • MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
  • MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

H.S. Engineering Design

  • HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
  • HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
  • HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Lesson 4 of 7 / Time: 3-4 hours

Students will discover some properties of Hydrogen and how a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) operates. They will work to create their own hydrogen kit car and experiment by measuring its gas production, power output if the fuel cell, and the power requirements for operating the vehicle for one minute.

The first fuel cell was invented by Sir William Grove in 1839 and was originally called a “Gas Battery”. A fuel Cell is a lot like a battery, except it doesn’t discharge or need to be recharged. It simply recharges itself continuously by generating its own power from the internal chemical reactions between Hydrogen gas and Oxygen that are taking place. These reactions produce a tremendous amount of electricity relative to the size of the fuel cell and its only emissions are heat and water. There is no combustion within a fuel cell and it will continue to produce electricity as long as it has a continuous supply of fuel. Just like a battery, a fuel cell can have multiple cells that are combined together in a stack to reach higher power output.

A Study of Alternative Fuels

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