Horizon FCJJ-16 User Manual
7. What is electrolysis and how do electrolyzers work?
Electrolysis is the use of electrical energy to produce a chemical change. In the renewable hydro-
gen cycle, electrical energy (from renewable resources) is used to break the bonds between the
hydrogen and oxygen in the water, releasing them as elemental gases. Hydrogen is “stored”
renewable energy.
gen cycle, electrical energy (from renewable resources) is used to break the bonds between the
hydrogen and oxygen in the water, releasing them as elemental gases. Hydrogen is “stored”
renewable energy.
An electrolyzer is a device that facilitates the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen gas. Elec-
trolyzers most commonly used today generate hydrogen at relatively low pressures (from nearly
atmospheric pressure up to 200 pounds per square inch) and use a liquid alkaline electrolyte
(KOH or NaOH). At these pressures, storage of large quantities of hydrogen requires extremely
large storage vessels. One solution to this problem is to use a compressor to increase the hydro-
gen pressure. However, the energy investment required to pressurize hydrogen, as well as the
maintenance of hydrogen compressors, makes this option infeasible for large-scale application of
this technology. Furthermore, the operation of alkaline electrolyzers requires frequent mainte-
nance that includes disposal and replacement of the highly caustic electrolyte. New approaches
to water electrolysis include proton exchange membrane electrolyzers one of which is included in
this kit (electrolyzer module (A). A proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer can be
designed to electrochemically generate hydrogen at pressures of 2000 psi or greater, thus elimi-
nating the need for mechanical compression. The PEM electrolyzer uses a solid electrolyte mem-
brane that can be expected to last the lifetime of the electrolyzer. No caustic alkaline or acidic fluid
electrolyte is required. Additional advantages of PEM electrolysis over alkaline electrolysis
include lower parasitic energy losses and higher purity hydrogen output. PEM electrolysis is
potentially a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective technology for generating, compressing, and
storing hydrogen.
trolyzers most commonly used today generate hydrogen at relatively low pressures (from nearly
atmospheric pressure up to 200 pounds per square inch) and use a liquid alkaline electrolyte
(KOH or NaOH). At these pressures, storage of large quantities of hydrogen requires extremely
large storage vessels. One solution to this problem is to use a compressor to increase the hydro-
gen pressure. However, the energy investment required to pressurize hydrogen, as well as the
maintenance of hydrogen compressors, makes this option infeasible for large-scale application of
this technology. Furthermore, the operation of alkaline electrolyzers requires frequent mainte-
nance that includes disposal and replacement of the highly caustic electrolyte. New approaches
to water electrolysis include proton exchange membrane electrolyzers one of which is included in
this kit (electrolyzer module (A). A proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer can be
designed to electrochemically generate hydrogen at pressures of 2000 psi or greater, thus elimi-
nating the need for mechanical compression. The PEM electrolyzer uses a solid electrolyte mem-
brane that can be expected to last the lifetime of the electrolyzer. No caustic alkaline or acidic fluid
electrolyte is required. Additional advantages of PEM electrolysis over alkaline electrolysis
include lower parasitic energy losses and higher purity hydrogen output. PEM electrolysis is
potentially a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective technology for generating, compressing, and
storing hydrogen.
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Once the reversible fuel cell (C) has produced enough Hydrogen to fill the gas container (F) there
is now a stored energy source available to power applications using the reversible fuel cell (C).
The reversible fuel cell (C) is now ready to act as a H2/02 fuel cell to power any small
applications.
is now a stored energy source available to power applications using the reversible fuel cell (C).
The reversible fuel cell (C) is now ready to act as a H2/02 fuel cell to power any small
applications.
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1.
Attach the reversible fuel cell to an application (e.g. fan, LED lights, etc…) using the banana
plug sockets.
2.
The hydrogen and oxygen gases are able to be stored for a long period of time, under the
water as the fuel cell only uses the hydrogen stored when there is a demand for electricity.
3.
As the electricity is demanded the quantity of stored gas reduces so that the distilled water
will start to fill the gas containers again and the water level in the Hydrogen tank (D) and
Oxygen tank (E) will drop.
Oxygen tank (E) will drop.
4.
Once there is no more Hydrogen gas left in the gas containers, no more electricity can be
produced.
produced.
To create Hydrogen start from step 11 and repeat all the actions stated.