DIY Fuel Cell Car Assembly Guide
Overview
- Steps to construct a DIY fuel cell car including parts setup, assembly of components, and operation.
- Focus on assembling the chassis, motor, and fuel cell.
Parts and Initial Setup
- Separate Parts: Lay out DIY fuel cell car parts and chassis parts separately.
Front Axle and Wheel Assembly
- Front Axle: Insert into front wheel supporter.
- Bumping Post and Washer: Add to each end of the axle.
- Wheels Installation: Attach wheels to each side of the axle (front and rear wheels are identical).
- Secure Axle:
- Insert a small screw through the front wheel supporter and chassis.
- Add a metal profiled washer and small nut, tighten with screwdriver and nut driver.
Motor Installation
- Wheel Attachment: Install wheels on each side of the motor axle.
- Motor Mounting:
- Use two long screws to secure the motor onto the chassis.
- Secure with a small nut, tighten snugly.
Fuel Cell Installation
- Inspect Fuel Cell: Ensure two large screws are at the bottom; install if missing.
- Install Holder: Attach the fuel cell holder to the fuel cell bottom using a big nut.
- Attach to Chassis: Use any of the nine center holes with small screws, flat metal washers, and nuts. Tighten slightly.
Tubing and Water Preparation
- Syringe Choice: Select between 5ml or 20ml syringe.
- Cut Tubing:
- 2 pieces at 3 cm each.
- 2 pieces at 12 cm each.
- Connect Tubing:
- 12 cm pieces to syringe.
- 3 cm pieces to pressure relief valve.
Filling and Connecting the Fuel Cell
- Water Filling:
- Fill syringe one third with distilled water.
- Install filled syringe to lower oxygen side of fuel cell.
- Nozzle Covers: Remove from fuel cell.
- Pressure Relief Valve: Install on bottom of both nozzles.
- Attach Syringes: Connect both syringes to top valves, ensure they are closed.
Electrical Setup
- Wire Connections:
- Connect red and black wire sets to the fuel cell.
- Install two AA batteries into battery pack (batteries not included).
- Clamp battery wires to wire sets and turn on battery pack to begin electrolysis.
Final Adjustments and Operation
- Syringe Operation: Assist syringes to start, pull slightly if needed.
- Battery Pack: Turn off when hydrogen syringe is full, set aside.
- Motor Connection: Attach wire set from fuel cell to motor; reverse connections if car is in reverse.
- Alternative Controls:
- Use pins and clamps as alternative switches or pressure valves.
Conclusion
- Car is ready for racing once assembly and connections are complete.
Note: Ensure all connections are secure and components are properly aligned for optimal performance.