Fuel Cell Trainer

Name: Fuel Cell Trainer
Brand: Heliocentris
SKU: FCT-693

Reference : FCT-693

The Fuel Cell Trainer is a comprehensive educational system designed to teach the fundamental engineering principles of PEM fuel cell technology. With extensive experimental capabilities and thoroughly revised instructional materials, including predefined experiments, it provides a complete and structured learning solution.

All components of the fuel cell system are individually displayed, ensuring maximum transparency and clarity during instruction. Integrated parameter displays allow real-time monitoring of operating conditions, enhancing both theoretical understanding and practical insight.

Thanks to its modular design, the Fuel Cell Trainer can be easily adapted to different educational levels, from introductory courses to advanced engineering programs. The system is suitable for users with limited prior experience. The included software supports computer-assisted measurement, data acquisition, and experimentation, enabling precise analysis and documentation of results.

Key Features

Redesigned system architecture for enhanced engineering education
USB interface for simple plug-and-play installation
Improved instructional materials for both instructors and students
Advanced experimentation software with integrated data acquisition
Quick-start guides for fast setup and efficient operation

Learning Objectives

Understanding the structure and operating principles of PEM fuel cell systems
Application of thermodynamic fundamentals
Analysis of characteristic curves and efficiency performance
Fundamentals of system integration and power electronics

Areas of Application

Suitable for lectures and practical training in:

Electrical Engineering
Energy Engineering
Process Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Automotive Engineering

Components

Heliocentris - Fuel cell Trainer modules

Fuel Cell Module

The Fuel Cell Module features a 50 W fuel cell stack equipped with an integrated fuel cell controller, hydrogen flow meter, and air supply system. Five LED displays provide clear visualization of all essential operating parameters, including current, voltage, temperature, hydrogen flow, and air supply, ensuring full system transparency during operation.

Electronic Load Module

The Electronic Load Module enables both manual and computer-assisted adjustment of constant current loads for recording fuel cell characteristic curves. An integrated LED display indicates the power output, supporting accurate performance analysis.

DC/DC Converter Module

Heliocentris - Fuel cell Trainer dc/dc converter

This module converts the unregulated output voltage of the fuel cell into a stable 12 V DC output. It enables autonomous operation of standard 12 V consumers. Integrated LCD displays show both the useful output power and the internal power consumption of the fuel cell system.

Traffic Light Module

The LED Traffic Light Module serves as a realistic 12 V demonstration load connected to the output of the DC/DC converter, providing a practical example of a typical end-use application.

H₂ Storage Module

The H₂ Storage Module consists of a metal hydride canister with an integrated pressure regulation system. It ensures a safe and convenient hydrogen supply for a full day of laboratory operation—without the need for compressed gas cylinders or an external hydrogen generator.

Software

Heliocentris - Acquisition data

The included software provides comprehensive support for the experiments described in the instructional manual. It enables data recording, visualization, and export for further analysis.

The real-time visualization of virtual measuring instruments facilitates use in larger groups or lecture environments, particularly when connected to a projector.

Software Features

Real-time visualization of measuring instruments
Chronological recording and graphical display of measured data
Computer-assisted execution of experiments
Fully automated experimental procedures

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation is provided to support both instructors and students throughout the experiments. The materials are structured to facilitate guided experimentation, data analysis, and conceptual understanding, ensuring efficient integration into lectures and laboratory sessions.

Optional Accessories

H₂ Connection Kit

The H₂ Connection Kit includes a pressure regulator for standard 200 bar compressed gas cylinders, along with connection tubing and adapters. It is available in two variants: for direct supply to the fuel cell or for filling the metal hydride canister.

Hydrogen Generator HG30

The HG30 PEM electrolyzer enables on-demand hydrogen production in a safe and convenient manner. It replaces conventional compressed gas cylinders for filling the metal hydride canisters. The system includes an integrated safety shut-off with leak detection, ensuring reliable and secure operation.