The fuel cell module incorporates a unique plate stack assembly with a highly intricate optimized internal fuel path geometry and specialized membrane and is mounted in a reinforced plastic panel with a transparent window that clearly shows the main components.
The educational unit is designed to allow the estimation of the exothermic heat generated in the stack as power is generated and water formed, and in addition to this, the instrumentation allows the key energy performance indicators e.g. power output, fuel consumption, efficiency, oxidant excess (air) etc. to be determined for the unit.
The hydrogen supply is internally pressure regulated, metered and controlled via an electronic valve. The heat generated during stack operation is ejected into the residual air in the coolant/oxidant stream which cools the cell. One particular advantageous feature of a single coolant/oxidant stream is that the system is thermally self regulating and thus intrinsically safe. The system has also been designed to ensure continual purging of the Fuel Cell and thus ensure optimal power output during use.
The software, supplied as standard, is used for the smooth starting and stopping of the unit, changing between the internal load settings and provides full computerized data acquisition. A software controlled microprocessor allows the automated start-up and shut down of the system and also monitors for unsafe operating conditions.
A hydrogen leak detector monitors the unit and automatically shuts down the unit, well below the lower ignition limit for hydrogen.
The on board microprocessor regulates the airflow through the stack to match the loading conditions.
A 15A (maximum) auxiliary socket is provided on the front of the panel to allow practically sized external load to be applied to the unit to investigate cell performance under varying load.
