This activity is being updated regularly. If not complete please check back. I am working on it presently.
Introduction
Welcome, high school innovators! Ever wondered about the untapped potential of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe? Well, on this special day, we’re diving into the world of solar power and hydrogen batteries to fuel the excitement of building your very own VEX components car.
You see, hydrogen, usually bound to other elements on Earth, holds a unique power when in its pure form, H2. It’s a gas brimming with untapped energy, and in this activity, you’ll explore its capabilities. We’ll show you how hydrogen gas, when burned in oxygen, can generate heat and, more importantly, electricity in a controlled manner through a fuel cell.
Fuel cells, featuring a platinum catalyst akin to those found in car catalytic converters, are currently on the cutting edge. Engineers and scientists are on a quest to make them more cost-effective by experimenting with alternative materials. The goal? To harness hydrogen’s potential as an energy storage solution, paving the way for a future where our electricity and transportation needs rely on sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
Now, here’s where you come in. Your team will embark on an electrifying adventure, powering a small vehicle using not one, but two fascinating power sources: a solar panel and a hydrogen cell battery. Dive into the solar module’s electricity to separate hydrogen from oxygen, capture that hydrogen, and then use it as the fuel that propels your VEX components car forward.
Get ready to shine a light on the future of sustainable energy and propel your creativity into a hydrogen-powered journey!
1. Materials Needed
The one I used is from VEX Components. I received it on our PLTW Kits. You may be able to find some on Amazon
Hydrogen fuel cell
Solar module
Distilled water
Wires
Multimeter or other probes for measuring voltage and current
Light, with a 120-watt incandescent bulb, or as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Brainstorming
Create a brainstorm of your ideas for this project. Your brainstorm should be a scaled, labeled and detailed drawing. The importance of this brainstorming session is evident as it lays the foundation for a well-informed and cohesive project plan. It served as a roadmap for the students, guiding them through the complexities of building a sustainable and efficient solar hydrogen-powered automobile. When the time came to bring their vision to life, the initial brainstorming session became an invaluable reference, ensuring that every nut, bolt, and circuit was a deliberate manifestation of their collective ingenuity.
Create Your Brainstorm On Tinkercad
A quick note, Tinkercad will not have a hydrogen cell battery, so use a power supply or 9 volt batter instead.
