Bio-energy Science Kit
The Bio-energy Science Kit is a great way to find out how a direct ethanol fuel cell works. Unlike most fuel cells which use either hydrogen or methanol as a fuel source, the Bio-Energy Kit is a working demonstration of the conversion of ethanol to electrical energy.
Bio-energy Science Kit - product overview
The Bio-energy Science Kit is a great way to find out how a direct ethanol fuel cell works. Unlike most fuel cells which use either hydrogen or methanol as a fuel source, the Bio-Energy Kit is a working demonstration of the conversion of ethanol to electrical energy. The process is silent, requiring no combustion, and can run for hours. Explore the next generation of fuel cell technology.
- Understand the principles behind ethanol fuel cell technology
- Hands on experimentation with novel technology
- Includes pH paper to shows the change in the physical properties of the of the consumed ethanol fuel
- Includes experiment guide on CD as well as a complete manual
- The fuel solution can be made with household items
Bio-energy Science Kit Experiments
Experiment 1: Create electricity from ethanol and water
Experiment 2: Exploring polarity
Experiment 3: Ethanol fuel consumption
Experiment 4: Exploring the effect of varying fuel concentrations
Experiment 5: Create electricity from wine or beer
Experiment 6: Exploring the effects of temperature.
Curriculum
Chemistry Concepts
Biofuels, Energy, Ethanol Reactions, Organic Chemistry, pH, Reaction Rates, Reactions, Stoichiometry
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.
Materials provided
- Hands-on Lab Activities
- Teacher's Guide
- Student's Guide
Includes Full STEM Activity Materials for:
- Effect of concentration on reaction rate
- Effect of temperature on reaction rate
- Renewable energy
- Biofuel applications
Bio-energy Science Kit - FAQ
The fan begins to run slower or stops running completely
a. Disconnect the motor connector wires from the fuel celll. Place the purge tube (exhaust tube) over a container and empty the contents of the acetic acid solution. Open the valve to let a few drops of acetic acid flow out, allowing the mixture of the fresh ethanol solution to re-enter the fuel cell. Wait for 5-10 minutes. Then connect the motor connector wires to the fuel cell. Tap the fan’s blade to get it started and watch it go at constant speed.
b. If the solution level is too low in the container and it can not flow into the fuel cell chamber, mix new solution and pour it into the container to reach the proper level.
c. You can also try the following steps:
Step 1: Disconnect the wires from the fuel cell.
Step 2: Place the exhaust tube (connected to the purging valve) over a container or suitable receptacle.
Step 3: Open the purging valve by sliding the switch to the right side, purging out the used solution in the fuel cell chamber and allowing a new volume of ethanol solution to re-enter the fuel cell chamber, then close the valve.
Step 4: Wait for 5-10 minutes before reconnecting the motor wires 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 clips are connected on the two terminals located on the fuel cell.
b. Make sure that the tube from the solution container is well connected to the nozzle of the fuel cell.
c. Make sure the ethanol solution is able to circulate into the fuel cell and that the tubing is not blocked.
Kit Content
✔Plastic base with ethanol storage
✔Rubber tubing
✔ Purging valve
✔ Electric motor
✔ Wire leads with clips
✔ Fan blade
✔ Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell
✔ Container for mixing ethanol solution
✔ pH paper measuring strips
✔ Lid for ethanol storage
✔ Renewable Energy Curriculum CD
