Hydrogen Fuel Cell

[kraegar]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/h...s-now-shippin/

Now shipping? Who's going to be the first here to test it out and give us a report?

The system spec

[zeropointbug]

890g for energy system for 45Wh

Lipo pack = ~700g for 90Wh or 72Wh everyday usuable, ~80% charging/discharging efficiency, looks good.

electrolysis efficiency lets say 15% max. Fuel cell efficiency ~50% efficiency rule of thumb. Charging the battery is probably between 80 and 90% efficiency depending on the battery used............

Probably putting in 380Wh of energy to get out a puny 24Wh of energy, plus extra weight, plus puny power... great stuff!

[zeropointbug]

No one else has an opinion on this? Or did I speak for everyone?

[kraegar]

While I realize the efficiency isn't there, I think it's cool to see some of the new fuel technologies coming to RC. And the efficiency may get there in time, who knows?

[BrianG]

While it is kinda neat, I think I will wait a while before I even think about trying it. It's kinda hefty for the power you get. I would rather just use a lipo sized for what I need; would be cheaper, lighter, and simpler.

[zeropointbug]

kraegar, might look neat at first sight, but fuel cells make no sense what so ever. Hydrogen production is a loss through and through, the fuel cells are heavy and the more power you want to extract from them, the less efficiency they are, hydrogen storage is very problematic, the atoms literally go straight through the storage medium. There is more hydrogen in a mass of gasoline than liquid hydrogen, it is safer, and is more economical, both cost and environmentally.

I can see hydrogen being a big plus if we had a more efficient electrolysis method (although there are many scientists that claim order of magnitude more efficient process, high frequencies, high voltages, that's another story), couple that to a mini bloom box, which are small already, find a good storage material to prevent leaking, then throw in a small 50+C lipo power pack.

[PBO]

Gimmick!

Like running water cooling through a radiator in your RC, sure it can be done, sure it's on the market...but why?

[suicideneil]

Because it works ( just about ) and looks cool

But yeah, thats a really feeble system and no good for anything more demanding than a tyco...

[reno911]

They are stuck on promoting it as the future of rc yet they use outdated plugs.

Anyone remember the nitro supercharger?

[zeropointbug]

Wasn't it a nitro turbo-charger? Or is it a belt driven turbo? (Centrifugal Super Charger I guess)

Do they work?

[BrianG]

I believe it was an actual turbo (turbine powered by exhaust flow). From the noobs at Trx, it works somewhat, but leans out the motor quite a bit. For the cost/complexity, just get a bigger motor that has the power needed without tricks.

Edit: Oops, I guess I was mistaken; it appears it is a supercharger (belt driven): http://www.rbinnovations.com/category_s/3.htm

[Finnster]

Eh, nice trick, but power output sucks and its huge.

ZPB, I think you meant to say there is more H per volume of gasoline than there is per volume of compressed hydrogen. There will always be more H per mass of H2 than there is of C8H18 (octane.) About 87% of the mass of octane is carbon.

[zeropointbug]

Yes, volume is what I meant actually, thanks. I knew that didn't sound right.

And the problem with that, is the Hydrogen is so bulky for what you get.

[reno911]

So this system creates a DC power source correct? Why the hell not just use a battery where a DC source is already available.

Don't get me wrong it is kind of cool, I just don't think it would have any sales potential. It is more of a science project in my eyes.

Kind of like those who stick turbine motors into rc's, applicable maybe, worth selling no, badass yes.