Solar Hydrogen System
Hydrogen Cells
Hydrogen is the simplest element and the most plentiful element found in the universe. However, hydrogen does not occur naturally and is always found combined with other elements. Hydrogen contains energy that scientists have been able to extract and use to power many items. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and water to produce electricity, heat and even water. Each fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte layer. Hydrogen enters the cell the anode where they are striped of their electrons which then travel through a current and is collected for use. Oxygen enters through the cathode where it then combines with the positively charge hydrogen that traveled through the electrolyte layer and electrons that have traveled through the electrical circuit. They combined elements then create water which is
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Solar Panels
Solar panels are composed of many small units called photovoltaic cells (PV cells), which convert sunlight to energy. The cells generate electricity by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, which then creates a flow of electricity. Photovoltaic cells are made by using many layers of semiconductors, such as silicon. When light strikes the semiconductors a certain amount of energy is absorbed by the semiconductors and the energy then knocks away electrons to create an electrical current. PV cells also contain one or more electric fields that force the freed electrons to flow in a certain direction.
Series and Parallel Circuits
A series circuit is a connection between the components where there is only one way for current to flow. A parallel circuit is a connection between components where there is more than one way for current to flow. In a series circuit the current is the same throughout each of the components and the voltage within the circuit is equal to the sum of the voltages across each component. However in a parallel circuit the voltage is the same throughout each of the components and the current within the circuit is equal to the sum of the currents across each component.
Circuit used for Car
Reflection
Overall I enjoyed working on this Solar Hydrogen System lab and I enjoyed learning about solar hydrogen systems throughout the lab. I enjoyed building the car and making sure it could operate and be able to carry everything needed to power it. My group and I ran into some problems while building the car and testing the car but overall I thought we worked well together on the project. We all had different assigned jobs that each of us completed which made the project run smoothly. We also worked nicely together when we did have to solve the few problems we ran into while building and testing but we were able to overcome them which shows how well we were able to work together. Although I car didn't go as fast as some of the other group's cars I was still proud of our car and my team for completing this project and doing what we had to do to get it done.
Activity 1.3.1
1. Read the Fuel Cell User Guide.
2. Follow the directions in the Fuel Cell User Guide under the section Preparing the Fuel Cell for Use.
3. Shine a bright light source on the solar panel, always keeping at least 8 inches of separation between the two to avoid melting the solar module plastic.
Set your multimeter to measure voltage and connect the multimeter test leads to the solar panel terminals. Move the solar panel or light source to determine the location that produces the highest voltage value. You may want to mark the positions with some tape. Record the open-circuit voltage. Note the current is zero, since a voltmeter has nearly infinite resistance.
VOC = Open-Circuit Voltage __1.35V________ Power = VOC x 0 A = 0 W
4. With the test leads disconnected, set your multimeter to measure current. Return the solar module to the same exact position that produced the highest voltage value and measure the current. Record this short-circuit current. Note that the voltage is zero, since an ammeter has nearly zero resistance.
ISC = Short-Circuit Current _____115mA_____ Power = 0 V x ISC = 0 W
5. Calculate the amount of power that would be produced by the solar module if it could simultaneously produce the voltage and current you measured in the previous two steps.
For this illumination level, the solar module will deliver, at most, about 70% of this theoretical maximum, and will do so at a resistance between zero and infinite resistance.
Maximum Theoretical Power = VOC x ISC = __.01725W_____
6. Attach the solar panel to the solar hydrogen automobile. Using a standoff or another suitable method, prop up one end of the chassis so that the motor-driven wheel is not in contact with the ground. Connect the motor leads to the solar module using the breadboard to make the connections. Position the light source to produce maximum voltage leaving a minimum distance of 8 inches between solar module and the lamp. Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes. There is enough power to turn the wheels when they're on the ground _______
7. Set your multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the solar module terminals. Record the load voltage value.(Drive gear should be engaged)
V = Load Voltage ____8V______
8. Disconnect the test leads and set your multimeter to measure current. Connect the multimeter in series with the solar module. Record the load current.
I = Load Current = ____125mA______
9. Calculate the power delivered by the solar module when it is loaded by the motor with the wheels off the ground.
P = Load Power = I V = ____.01W______ for solar module.
10. Energize the fuel cell by using one of the power sources according to the directions in the Fuel Cell User Guide under the section Powering the Fuel Cell (Electrolysis).
Fuel cells can be damaged by high current. If using a DC power supply with the Heliocentris fuel cell, do not use more than 500 mA. Do not use a battery to energize the fuel cell.
11. After the fuel cell is energized, attach the fuel cell to the motor using the breadboard to make the connections. Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes, Yes____
12. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the fuel cell terminals. Record the voltage value.
V = Load Voltage ___0.75V_______
13. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure 10 A current, using the 10 A meter receptacle. Connect the test leads in series with the fuel cell.
Caution! Never measure current from the fuel cell without a resistor, motor, or other load in series with the ammeter. Doing so can permanently damage the fuel cell.
Record the current value. Load Current = ___101mA_______
14. Calculate the power delivered by the fuel cell. P = Load Power = I V = ___.007575W_______ for fuel cell.
15. Remove the fuel cell and solar module and attach the two AAA battery holders to your vehicle using zip ties. Using the breadboard, connect the batteries in series with each other and with the motor. (See next step for wiring hints.) Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes,Yes____
16. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the motor terminals. Record the voltage value.
V = Load Voltage ___2.75V_______
17. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure 10 A current, using the 10 A meter receptacle. Connect the test leads in series with the motor terminals. Record the current value.
Load Current = ___1.75mA_______
18. Calculate the power delivered by the batteries in series. P = Load Power = I V = ___0.0481W_______ for batteries in series
19. Using the breadboard, connect the batteries in parallel with each other and with the motor. Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes, Yes ____
20. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the motor terminals. Record the voltage value.
V = Load Voltage ____2.75V______
21. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure 10 A current, using the 10 A meter receptacle. Connect the test leads in series with the motor terminals. Record the current value.
Load Current = __1.5mA________
22. Calculate the power delivered by the batteries in parallel.
P = Load Power = I V = __0.0412W________ for batteries in parallel
2. Follow the directions in the Fuel Cell User Guide under the section Preparing the Fuel Cell for Use.
3. Shine a bright light source on the solar panel, always keeping at least 8 inches of separation between the two to avoid melting the solar module plastic.
Set your multimeter to measure voltage and connect the multimeter test leads to the solar panel terminals. Move the solar panel or light source to determine the location that produces the highest voltage value. You may want to mark the positions with some tape. Record the open-circuit voltage. Note the current is zero, since a voltmeter has nearly infinite resistance.
VOC = Open-Circuit Voltage __1.35V________ Power = VOC x 0 A = 0 W
4. With the test leads disconnected, set your multimeter to measure current. Return the solar module to the same exact position that produced the highest voltage value and measure the current. Record this short-circuit current. Note that the voltage is zero, since an ammeter has nearly zero resistance.
ISC = Short-Circuit Current _____115mA_____ Power = 0 V x ISC = 0 W
5. Calculate the amount of power that would be produced by the solar module if it could simultaneously produce the voltage and current you measured in the previous two steps.
For this illumination level, the solar module will deliver, at most, about 70% of this theoretical maximum, and will do so at a resistance between zero and infinite resistance.
Maximum Theoretical Power = VOC x ISC = __.01725W_____
6. Attach the solar panel to the solar hydrogen automobile. Using a standoff or another suitable method, prop up one end of the chassis so that the motor-driven wheel is not in contact with the ground. Connect the motor leads to the solar module using the breadboard to make the connections. Position the light source to produce maximum voltage leaving a minimum distance of 8 inches between solar module and the lamp. Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes. There is enough power to turn the wheels when they're on the ground _______
7. Set your multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the solar module terminals. Record the load voltage value.(Drive gear should be engaged)
V = Load Voltage ____8V______
8. Disconnect the test leads and set your multimeter to measure current. Connect the multimeter in series with the solar module. Record the load current.
I = Load Current = ____125mA______
9. Calculate the power delivered by the solar module when it is loaded by the motor with the wheels off the ground.
P = Load Power = I V = ____.01W______ for solar module.
10. Energize the fuel cell by using one of the power sources according to the directions in the Fuel Cell User Guide under the section Powering the Fuel Cell (Electrolysis).
Fuel cells can be damaged by high current. If using a DC power supply with the Heliocentris fuel cell, do not use more than 500 mA. Do not use a battery to energize the fuel cell.
11. After the fuel cell is energized, attach the fuel cell to the motor using the breadboard to make the connections. Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes, Yes____
12. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the fuel cell terminals. Record the voltage value.
V = Load Voltage ___0.75V_______
13. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure 10 A current, using the 10 A meter receptacle. Connect the test leads in series with the fuel cell.
Caution! Never measure current from the fuel cell without a resistor, motor, or other load in series with the ammeter. Doing so can permanently damage the fuel cell.
Record the current value. Load Current = ___101mA_______
14. Calculate the power delivered by the fuel cell. P = Load Power = I V = ___.007575W_______ for fuel cell.
15. Remove the fuel cell and solar module and attach the two AAA battery holders to your vehicle using zip ties. Using the breadboard, connect the batteries in series with each other and with the motor. (See next step for wiring hints.) Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes,Yes____
16. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the motor terminals. Record the voltage value.
V = Load Voltage ___2.75V_______
17. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure 10 A current, using the 10 A meter receptacle. Connect the test leads in series with the motor terminals. Record the current value.
Load Current = ___1.75mA_______
18. Calculate the power delivered by the batteries in series. P = Load Power = I V = ___0.0481W_______ for batteries in series
19. Using the breadboard, connect the batteries in parallel with each other and with the motor. Is there enough power to turn the motor? If so, is there enough power to turn the motor with the wheels on the ground? __Yes, Yes ____
20. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter test leads to the motor terminals. Record the voltage value.
V = Load Voltage ____2.75V______
21. With the test leads disconnected, set the multimeter to measure 10 A current, using the 10 A meter receptacle. Connect the test leads in series with the motor terminals. Record the current value.
Load Current = __1.5mA________
22. Calculate the power delivered by the batteries in parallel.
P = Load Power = I V = __0.0412W________ for batteries in parallel
Conclusion Questions
Using the measurements you made, compare and relate the four options you explored. Was the car best powered by a single fuel cell, a single solar module, two AAA batteries in a series, or two AAA batteries in a parallel?
The car was best powered by the two AAA batteries in a series circuit. I know this because the power output (in watts) for the two AAA in a series circuit is greater (.0481W) then then power output of the single fuel cell (.007575W) , a single solar module (.01W) and the two AAA batteries in a parallel (.0412W).
Did voltage, current or power best describe the suitability of a power source?
Power best describes the suitability of a power source because power measures current compared to the voltage. Therefore a higher number would mean electricity is flowing better, creating more power.
If you had many solar modules, how many of them would be needed to get the same performance from the car as the performance observed with two AAA batteries? Describe or sketch how would you connect the solar modules in terms of parallel and series circuits.
It would take 5 solar modules to get the same performance as the two AAA batteries did. To create a parallel circuit I would just connect all the solar modules together with wires and have separate wires coming from the breadboard connecting to each solar module individually. To create a series circuit I would just have the solar modules connected to the breadboard with wires so only 2 wires were connected.
If you had many fuel cells, how many of them would be needed to get the same performance from the car as the performance observed with two AAA batteries? Describe or sketch how would you connect the fuel cells in terms of parallel and series circuits.
It would take between 64 fuel cells to get the same performance as two AAA batteries in a series circuit. To create a parallel circuit I would connect the fuel cells the same way I would connect the solar modules in a parallel and to create a series circuit I would attach the fuel cells the same way I would connect the solar modules in a series.
Describe and defend a system that you believe would best utilize solar hydrogen system to meet the needs of an average driver.
To be able for an average driver to use a solar hydrogen car would need a big battery and a large solar panel able to collect a lot of sunlight. The car would be needing to produce a lot of energy to power to the car so the solar panel should be able to collect a lot of that energy. Also the battery could be used to power the car so during days when the solar panel can not collect a lot of sunlight the battery could power the car.
How does a photovoltaic cell work? Record the source of your information.
When enough photons are absorbed by the negative layer of semiconductors inside the cell, electrons are freed from the layer and flow towards the positive layer which creates electricity.
http://solarenergy.net/solar-power-resources/how-photovoltaic-cells-work/
Detail how electrolysis separates hydrogen and oxygen. How is electricity produced as the fuel cell allows the hydrogen to reunite in a bond with oxygen? Record the source of your information.
To separate hydrogen and oxygen, electricity is run through water which splits the hydrogen and oxygen molecules apart from each other. However when creating electricity, hydrogen molecules get their electrons taken away from them which creates the electricity. They then along with the positively charged hydrogen molecule and the oxygen combine which also creates some electricity and is disposed as water.
http://socratic.org/questions/how-dpes-electrolysis-separate-hydrogen-and-oxygen
http://sepuplhs.org/high/hydrogen/hydrogen.html
The car was best powered by the two AAA batteries in a series circuit. I know this because the power output (in watts) for the two AAA in a series circuit is greater (.0481W) then then power output of the single fuel cell (.007575W) , a single solar module (.01W) and the two AAA batteries in a parallel (.0412W).
Did voltage, current or power best describe the suitability of a power source?
Power best describes the suitability of a power source because power measures current compared to the voltage. Therefore a higher number would mean electricity is flowing better, creating more power.
If you had many solar modules, how many of them would be needed to get the same performance from the car as the performance observed with two AAA batteries? Describe or sketch how would you connect the solar modules in terms of parallel and series circuits.
It would take 5 solar modules to get the same performance as the two AAA batteries did. To create a parallel circuit I would just connect all the solar modules together with wires and have separate wires coming from the breadboard connecting to each solar module individually. To create a series circuit I would just have the solar modules connected to the breadboard with wires so only 2 wires were connected.
If you had many fuel cells, how many of them would be needed to get the same performance from the car as the performance observed with two AAA batteries? Describe or sketch how would you connect the fuel cells in terms of parallel and series circuits.
It would take between 64 fuel cells to get the same performance as two AAA batteries in a series circuit. To create a parallel circuit I would connect the fuel cells the same way I would connect the solar modules in a parallel and to create a series circuit I would attach the fuel cells the same way I would connect the solar modules in a series.
Describe and defend a system that you believe would best utilize solar hydrogen system to meet the needs of an average driver.
To be able for an average driver to use a solar hydrogen car would need a big battery and a large solar panel able to collect a lot of sunlight. The car would be needing to produce a lot of energy to power to the car so the solar panel should be able to collect a lot of that energy. Also the battery could be used to power the car so during days when the solar panel can not collect a lot of sunlight the battery could power the car.
How does a photovoltaic cell work? Record the source of your information.
When enough photons are absorbed by the negative layer of semiconductors inside the cell, electrons are freed from the layer and flow towards the positive layer which creates electricity.
http://solarenergy.net/solar-power-resources/how-photovoltaic-cells-work/
Detail how electrolysis separates hydrogen and oxygen. How is electricity produced as the fuel cell allows the hydrogen to reunite in a bond with oxygen? Record the source of your information.
To separate hydrogen and oxygen, electricity is run through water which splits the hydrogen and oxygen molecules apart from each other. However when creating electricity, hydrogen molecules get their electrons taken away from them which creates the electricity. They then along with the positively charged hydrogen molecule and the oxygen combine which also creates some electricity and is disposed as water.
http://socratic.org/questions/how-dpes-electrolysis-separate-hydrogen-and-oxygen
http://sepuplhs.org/high/hydrogen/hydrogen.html