H-Tec DEMO House User manual
Operating Instructions
D111 DEMO House
Introduction
The realistic model of a residential building “DEMO House” shows the domestic energy
supply of the future. It contains a 5-cell PEM fuel cell stack combined with a PEM electrolyzer
and an implied hydrogen storage tank. The electrolyzer produces hydrogen which is supplied to
the fuel cell. In combination with the oxygen of the ambient air, the fuel cell converts the
hydrogen into heat and into electricity for the LEDs which illuminate the graphic in the upper
part of the model.
We hope you gain interesting insights into hydrogen technology.
H-TEC EDUCATION
About these instructions
These operating instructions are intended for the supervisor in charge.
n These operating instructions must be read and observed before use.
n These operating instructions must be available for reference and must be stored in a safe place.
n All safety instructions must be observed.
n This product may only be put into operation and operated under the direction of the supervisor
in charge.
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Safety instructions
Read and observe the general safety instructions included separately with this product and keep
them in a safe place together with the operating instructions!
Product-specific safety instructions
The product may only be used:
n According to its intended use
n In compliance with all safety instructions
n In perfect working order
The components of this product feature freely accessible, live electric contact surfaces. Connecting
to an impermissible operating voltage may result in a fire hazard, a risk of electric shock and
damage to the components.
The product may only be operated under the constant supervision of an adult trained in the
handling of this product.
The product may only be operated in a display cabinet or similar if adequate ventilation with an
air velocity of 0.5 m/s at the product is ensured. The operator must provide proof of this through
appropriate measurements.
The water bottle included with the product is to be filled with distilled water (σ< 2 µS/cm) only.
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Product contents
Electrolyzer with water reservoirs,
mounted on base plate
Graphic, front side (pre-installed)
Demonstration model "DEMO House"
Graphic, rear side (pre-installed)
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Implied solar module
Fuel cell stack, mounted on base plate
Overflow (pre-installed)
Solar module
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Water bottle
250 ml
with separate tube attachment
Allen key
2.0 mm
Supporting feet (possibly pre-installed)
Set of cables
consisting of:
Connecting cable, 2 mm, length 50 cm, red
Connecting cable, 2 mm, length 50 cm, black
Adapter, 4 mm multilam plug
to 2 mm female connector, red
Adapter, 4 mm multilam plug
to 2 mm female connector, black
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Companion book
Case with insert (optional)
Operating instructions
General safety instructions
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Overview
The "DEMO House"demonstration model at a glance
The “DEMO House” demonstration model consists of an electrolyzer, two water reservoirs, a
5-cell fuel cell stack and an illuminated graphic. When the electrolyzer is supplied with electrical
energy, it produces hydrogen and oxygen from distilled water. The hydrogen, combined with the
atmospheric oxygen, is converted into electrical energy in the fuel cell stack, creating water and
heat. The electrical energy is fed to the LEDs for illuminating the graphic. The demonstration
model is equipped with two 2 mm female connectors for connecting banana plugs. The individual
components are shown in the following figure.
Fig. 1: The "DEMO House" demonstration model at a glance
Graphic, front side
Overflow
Implied solar
module
Electrolyzer
Water reservoir
Supporting foot
Graphic, rear
side (concealed)
Cables for load
Indication of hydrogen
storage tank
Fuel cell stack
Supporting foot
Fuel cell stack
connection jacks for 2
mm banana plugs
Electrolyzer connection
jacks for 2 mm banana
plugs
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WARNING Magnets may affect the function of cardiac pacemakers and
debrillators
A cardiac pacemaker may be switched into test mode and may
cause uneasiness.
A defibrillator may stop working.
Bearers or users of such devices must maintain a minimum distance
of 10 cm to magnets.
Bearers or users of such devices must be warned against approaching
magnets.
CAUTION Bruising
Careless handling may lead to fingers or skin being caught between
two magnets. This can lead to bruises and haematoma.
The components with must be handled with caution.
CAUTION Effect of magnets on objects
The strong magnetic field may damage TVs, laptop computers,
computer hard drives, credit or debit cards, storage media, mechanical
watches, hearing aids, speakers, etc.
Magnets must be kept away from all devices and objects which may
be damaged by strong magnetic fields.
Starting up
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Fig. 2: Installation 1
n 1. Place the demonstration model on a firm and clean base. Bring the supporting feet in position.
The supporting feet must be centred in the recesses of the demonstration model.
n 2. Screw in the Allen screws of the supporting feet until they come in contact with the surface
of the demonstration model. Then fix the supporting feet on the demonstration model with
another half turn of the Allen screws.
NOTICE Tightening the screws
Excessive tightening of the screws may cause damage to the
product.
Installation of supporting feet
The following process steps are not required for demonstration models with the aluminium case
with insert. In this case, the supporting feet are already pre-installed.
1
2
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Fig. 3: Filling 1
n Fill both water reservoirs with distilled water (σ< 2 µS/cm) up to the lower mark.
Fig. 4: Filling 2
n Attach the overflow to the hydrogen storage tank using a clockwise motion.
Filling
Dist. H2O
σ < 2 μS/cm
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Fig. 5: Installation 2
n 1. Put on the implied solar module. It is fixed by magnets.
n 2. Attach the lower connecting tube of the implied gas storage tank on the connecting pipe of
the electrolyzer. Ensure that the connecting tube is not kinked.
n
3. Put the electrolyzer into the demonstration model. It is fixed by magnets.The connection jacks
must be located in the front (see fig. 6).
n 4. Attach the upper connecting tube of the implied gas storage tank on the connecting pipe
of the fuel cell stack.
Assembly
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24
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Fig. 6: Installation 3
n 5. Put the fuel cell stack into the demonstration model. It is fixed by magnets. The connection
jacks must be located in the front (see fig. 6). Ensure that the connecting tube is not kinked.
n 6. Connect the cables of the graphic to the respective connections of the fuel cell stack.
While ensuring correct polarity (red = “+”, black = “-”).
Do not yet connect the power source to the electrolyzer.
6
5
3
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Fig. 7: Replacing the graphics
n 1. Remove the implied solar module.
n 2. Loosen the upper screw at the gable end of the demonstration model and remove it. Screw,
nut and washers must be stored safely.
n
3. Carefully pull the graphic front side and the graphic rear side out from above one after another.
n 4. Carefully insert the new graphics and make sure not to damage the surfaces.
n 5. Insert the screw with a washer again and fix it with a second washer and the nut.
NOTICE Tightening the screws
Excessive tightening of the screws may cause damage to the
product.
n 6. Put on the implied solar module again.
Replacing the graphics
The graphics of the demonstration model “DEMO House” are available in different language versions
and can also be designed individually. This is why they are replaceable.
The graphics are replaced as follows.
2
5
3
4
6
1
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Operation
CAUTION Risk of injury from hydrogen ignition
During operation, small amounts of hydrogen are continuously
released into the atmosphere. Escaping hydrogen may ignite when
in proximity to an ignition source.
Keep product away from ignition sources. Ensure ventilation in
accordance with the general safety instructions.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hydrogen ignition
Damaged tubes or leaking connections may cause hydrogen to
escape. Hydrogen and hydrogen-air mixtures may ignite when in
proximity to an ignition source.
Check tubes and connections for damage before each setup and
before each use.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hot surfaces
The protection diode on the electrolyzer becomes very hot in case of
incorrect polarity. Touching the protection diode may cause injuries.
Before starting up, ensure correct polarity of the connecting cables and
the electrical connections (red = “+”, black = “-”).
Do not touch the protection diode.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hot surfaces
The surface of solar modules may become very hot during operation.
Touching the surface of solar modules may cause injuries.
Do not touch the surface of solar modules during operation.
Do not touch the surface of solar modules even after operation until they
have cooled down to below 60 °C.
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CAUTION Risk of re due to electrical overload
Any operation beyond the electrical specifications will lead to
excessive overheating of the electrolyzer. This may cause a fire.
Never operate the electrolyzer beyond the electrical specifications
stated in the technical data.
CAUTION Risk of damage due to electrical overload
Any operation beyond the electrical specifications will lead to
irreparable damage to the electrolyzer.
Never operate the electrolyzer beyond the electrical specifications
stated in the technical data.
CAUTION Risk of damage due to voltage
Applying voltage to a fuel cell or a solar module leads to irreparable
damage to the components.
Do not apply voltage to fuel cells and solar modules.
CAUTION Risk of damage due to insufcient distance to lamps
The solar module may become excessively hot or sustain irreparable
damage if it is too close to the lamp.
Observe the minimum distance defined by the manufacturer when
operating solar modules with lamps.
CAUTION Risk of damage due to improper handling
Operating the electrolyzer using water with an electrical conductivity
of σ≥2 µS/cm will cause irreparable damage to the electrolyzer.
Only fill the electrolyzer using distilled water with an electrical
conductivity of σ< 2 µS/cm.
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NOTICE Water in the fuel cell
Ensure that no water enters the fuel cell. A film of water on the
electrode surface may suppress the reaction of hydrogen and
oxygen in the fuel cell. In such cases, the output of the fuel cell will
be inadequate.
Fig. 8: Operation „DEMO House“
n Read and observe the general safety instructions.
n
Connect the connections of the solar module (I.) to the connections of the electrolyzer (II.)
(see fig. 8) using connecting cables and adapter
n While ensuring correct polarity (red = “+”, black = “-”).
n If using an alternative power source, make sure to comply with the electrical specifications as
defined in the technical data.
I.
II.
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n Provide the solar module with adequate direct sunlight or with light from a powerful, concentrated
electrical light source. The shadow of an individual module created by the light must not be projected onto
another module. The water is split into hydrogen and oxygen at a ratio of 2:1. Oxygen escapes into the
room via the water reservoir. Gas production can be recognized by gas bubbles rising inside the water
reservoirs.
n The “DEMO House” is now in operation. The graphic lights up as soon as the hydrogen reaches the fuel
cell stack. Warm-up takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. If the model is operated by solar module, and if
lighting conditions are extremely poor, warm-up may take longer.
n
Hydrogen production has to be stopped if the graphic does not light up after maximum 20 minutes.
n During operation, small amounts of water pass through the electrolyser’s polymer electrolyte
membrane (PEM) from the oxygen side to the hydrogen side. This may cause the water level
to rise on the hydrogen side and fall on the oxygen side. In addition, distilled water is being
consumed during operation. Therefore, the water levels in the water reservoirs must be
checked during operation and, if necessary, adjusted.
If the water level needs to be adjusted, gas production must be stopped. For this purpose,
remove the connecting cables on the power source from the respective connections on the
electrolyzer.
The water levels in the water reservoirs must always be kept between the marks or at the fill
level mark (see chapter “Starting up/Filling”).
Before adjusting the water level, any hydrogen present has to be consumed.
To remove water, suck a little water from the respective water reservoir using the water bottle
with installed tube attachment. To this end, the overflow on the hydrogen side must be
unscrewed from the water reservoir in counter-clockwise direction.
Distilled water (σ < 2 µS/cm) can be added with the overflow in place.
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Technical data
Item name: .............................................. DEMO House
Item no: ................................................... D111
Solar module:
H x W x D: ................................................ 70 mm x 150 mm x 280 mm
Weight: .................................................... approx. 500 g
Number of individual modules: ................. 3
Active solar area: ..................................... approx. 180 cm²
Open-circuit voltage: ................................ approx. 2000 mV DC
Operating current: .................................... approx. 1050 mA*
DEMO House
H x W x D: ................................................ 525 mm x 500 mm x 175 mm
Weight: .................................................... approx. 7000 g
Permissible operating pressure: ............... 0 - 20 mbar
Electrolyzer:
Number of cells: ...................................... 1
Active surface per cell: ............................. 40 mm x 40 mm
Operating medium: ................................. distilled water (σ< 2 µS/cm)
Permissible operating voltage: ................. 0 - 2000 mV DC
Permissible operating current: ................. 0 - 3000 mA
Rated power consumption: ...................... approx. 2000 mW
Gas production H2at rated power output:...approx. 9 ml/min
Gas production O2at rated power output:...approx. 4.5 ml/min
Gas storage tank and water reserve:
Fill volume H2O, H2-side: ......................... approx. 60 ml
Fill volume H2O, O2-side: ......................... approx. 110 ml
Gas storage volume H2: ........................... -
Gas storage volume O2:............................ -
Fuel cell:
Number of cells: ...................................... 5
Active surface per cell: ............................. 15 mm x 15 mm
Operating media: ..................................... H2 and atmospheric O2
Open-circuit voltage: ................................ approx. 5000 mV DC
Short-circuit current: ................................ approx. 1500 mA
Rated power output: ................................ approx. 1000 mW
H2consumption : ...................................... approx. 26 ml/min
O2consumption : ...................................... approx. 13 ml/min**
Load:
Type: ........................................................ Lighting
This manual suits for next models
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