Horizon FCJJ-16 Manual Do Utilizador
9. Troubleshooting
1. The water levels do not drop when the gas outlet tubes on both sides of the fuel cell
are unplugged.
Solution:
a. 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.
2. The electrolyser 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.
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.
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8. 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 starts rusting – it means
the appropriate water (distilled water) was not used for your experiments.
the appropriate water (distilled water) was not used for your experiments.
2.
Make sure the fuel cell is well hydrated before any electrolysis operation by filling it with water
using the syringe.
3.
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
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.
4.
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 fuel cell and this will cause damage.
of the inner tube, displacing the water. If these small holes are blocked, too much pressure will
build up inside fuel cell and this will cause damage.
5.
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.
6.
The fuel cell in the open air is very sensitive to volatile organic compounds, which will affect the
performance of it. 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.
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.
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