Horizon FCJJ-20 User Manual
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4.
You will have maximum performance when the entire electrolysis process is repeated three to four
times. This is due to the increased hydration of the PEM membrane in the fuel cell after repeated
use. Optimal temperature: 20°C - 30°C. Make sure the reservoir is filled with distilled water to the
zero mark on the outer cylinders before proceeding with electrolysis.
use. Optimal temperature: 20°C - 30°C. Make sure the reservoir is filled with distilled water to the
zero mark on the outer cylinders before proceeding with electrolysis.
5.
Ensure that the small outlets on the inner cylinders are not blocked by the plastic rim on the
bottom of the outer cylinder. Hydrogen and oxygen are lighter than water so they flow to the top of
the inner tube, displacing the water. If these small holes are blocked, too much pressure will build
up inside the fuel cell and this will cause damage.
bottom of the outer cylinder. Hydrogen and oxygen are lighter than water so they flow to the top of
the inner tube, displacing the water. If these small holes are blocked, too much pressure will build
up inside the fuel cell and this will cause damage.
6.
When you run the fuel cell multiple times, water in the upper part of the outer cylinder might not
descend to the inner cylinder. This is because a vacuum has been created in the tubing.
Disconnect the tubing from the upper nozzle of the fuel cell and the water will descend into the
inner cylinder appropriately.
Disconnect the tubing from the upper nozzle of the fuel cell and the water will descend into the
inner cylinder appropriately.
7. Advice for Optimal Operation
1.
Make sure you use distilled water only. Any other water will contain substances and minerals that
can contaminate and destroy the fuel cell. If you notice the fuel cell rusting – it means the
appropriate water (distilled water) was not used for your experiments.
appropriate water (distilled water) was not used for your experiments.
2.
Only use the power pack provided and purchase 2 AA batteries, preferably alkaline batteries.
3. Make sure the fuel cell is well hydrated before any electrolysis operation by filling it with water
using the syringe.
8.
9.
10.
Make sure the fuel cell has been hydrated by injecting water using the syringe before
proceeding to electrolysis. Leave the water inside the fuel cell for 5 to 10 minutes to fully
hydrate the fuel cell.
proceeding to electrolysis. Leave the water inside the fuel cell for 5 to 10 minutes to fully
hydrate the fuel cell.
The fuel cell could be completely destroyed if the red wire of the battery pack is connected to
the black jack of the fuel cell.
the black jack of the fuel cell.
When using a solar panel, the current output of the solar panel should be no more than 0.7 A,
and normal voltage no higher than 2V. A solar panel creating higher output and voltage may
damage the fuel cell.
and normal voltage no higher than 2V. A solar panel creating higher output and voltage may
damage the fuel cell.
7. The fuel cell left in the open air is very sensitive to volatile organic compounds, which will
affect the performance of the fuel cell. So when you are finished using the kit, it is highly
recommended to place the fuel cell inside an air-sealed plastic bag, such as a ziploc bag. This
will protect the fuel cell while you are not using your kit.
recommended to place the fuel cell inside an air-sealed plastic bag, such as a ziploc bag. This
will protect the fuel cell while you are not using your kit.
8. Troubleshooting
1. The water levels do not drop when the gas outlet tubes on both sides of the fuel
cell are unplugged.
Solution: Check whether the holes on the wall of the inner cylinder are blocked. If so, turn the
inner cylinder until water enters the holes and fills up the inner cylinder.
inner cylinder until water enters the holes and fills up the inner cylinder.
2. The electrolyzer does not produce hydrogen and/or oxygen.
Solution: a. Check whether the wires are appropriately connected, and whether there are any
loose connections. The fuel cell could be completely destroyed if the red wire of the battery
pack is connected to the black jack of the fuel cell.
loose connections. The fuel cell could be completely destroyed if the red wire of the battery
pack is connected to the black jack of the fuel cell.
b. Check whether the switch of the battery pack is in the “on” position.
3. The water electrolysis process slows down.
Solution: a. Add water to the oxygen side of the fuel cell and wait for about 5 minutes.
b. Replace old AA batteries with new AA batteries inside the battery pack.
4. The kit stops moving while there is still hydrogen left inside the tanks.
Solution: a. Purge the gases and perform water electrolysis for 4-5 minutes. Unplug the
hydrogen gas outlet tube and oxygen gas tubes to purge the gases. Perform water electrolysis
again until the hydrogen tank is filled, and connect the motor to the fuel cell. If the problem
persists, go to the next step.
hydrogen gas outlet tube and oxygen gas tubes to purge the gases. Perform water electrolysis
again until the hydrogen tank is filled, and connect the motor to the fuel cell. If the problem
persists, go to the next step.
b. Let the water electrolysis process last about 10 minutes to consume the residual water. To
push water out of the fuel cell, purge the gases. Perform water electrolysis once more until the
hydrogen tank is filled, then connect the motor to the fuel cell.
push water out of the fuel cell, purge the gases. Perform water electrolysis once more until the
hydrogen tank is filled, then connect the motor to the fuel cell.
welcome to the Hydrogen Age!