Ethanol Fuel Cell Science Kit

Science kit for kids

The Ethanol Fuel Cell Science Kit shows the workings of a direct ethanol fuel cell and the principles behind the conversion of ethanol into electrical energy through oxidization. Begin the process in the ethanol/water mix container then transfer this solution into the fuel cell via  silicon tubing where it will be converted into electrical energy to power a mini turbine. A demonstration of the future of fuel cell technology before your eyes.

• Investigate chemistry concepts such as pH and oxidation while running an ethanol fuel cell.
• Determine how to change the products of a combustion reaction involving ethanol.

Ethanol Fuel Cell Experiments

Experiment 1: Create electricity from ethanol and water

Experiment 2: Exploring polarity

Experiment 3: Exploring the effect of varying fuel concentrations

Experiment 4: Create electricity from wine or beer

Experiment 5: Exploring the effects of temperature.

Curriculum

What is included in the horizon energy curriculum? The lab equipment is just the beginning. We’ve built the horizon energy curriculum to provide teachers with multiple resources for engaging their students.

• Hands-on Lab Activities
• Teacher's Guides
• Student's Guides

Chemistry Concepts
Biofuels, Energy, Ethanol Reactions, Organic Chemistry, pH, Reaction Rates, Reactions, Stoichiometry

Earth Science Concepts

Renewable Energy

Datasheet

• FCJJ 42 Datasheet

User Manual

• FCJJ-42 User Manual French
• FCJJ-42 User Manual

Teacher's Guide

• FCJJ-42 Teacher's Guide - Chemistry - Ethanol Combustion

Curriculum

• FCJJ-42 Student's Guide - Chemistry - Ethanol Combustion

Ethanol Fuel Cell Science Kit - FAQ
 

The fan begins to run slower or stops running completely

a. Disconnect the fuel celll module from any load. Place the outlet tube above a container or suitable receptacle. Open the clamp to let a few drops of acetic acid flow out, allowing the mixture of the fresh ethanol solution to re-enter the fuel cell.

b. If the solution level is too low in the fuel tank and it can not flow into the fuel cell chamber, mix new solution and pour it into the tank to reach proper level. Or you can lift the fuel tank up to make the solution level in the tank higher than the inlet nozzle on the fuel cell.

c. Wait for 5-10 minutes before reconnecting the loads to the fuel cell. Once reconnected, watch the fan start rotating again at constant speed. The fuel cell is able to start the reaction once more (and more hydrogen protons can permeate through the membrane).

After all the wires and tubes have been connected, the fan still cannot run.

a. Make sure that the red and black wires are connected correctly.

b. Make sure that the tube from the fuel tank is well connected to the fuel cell inlet.

c. Make sure there is enough ethanol solution to circulate into the fuel cell and that the tubing is not blocked.

I opened the clamp, but no soluiton flows out of the tube.

a. Add fresh fuel solution to the fuel tank.

b. Lift the fuel tank up to make the solution level in the tank higher than the inlet nozzle on the fuel cell.