Hydrogen Fuel Cell for R/C cars.

[Dino Scuderia]

Quite amazing, expensive, but to have this application basically mainstream now is surprising.

April 13, 2007 Horizon Fuel Cell, creator of the H-racer, has unveiled an exciting new application for Radio Controlled, 1/10th scale model car enthusiasts. Named the “H-cell,” Horizon’s integration kit upgrades battery-electric R/C cars to next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The H-cell kit is designed as a “drop in” system for the widely available TT-01 type chassis from Tamiya. The advanced H-cell kit is now being shipped, and a US$1500 refuelling system that uses industrial hydrogen gas is also available.

It comes complete with a hydrogen fuel cell power unit and an adaptable, futuristic body shell. The heart of the kit combines an ultra-compact air-cooled, light emitting PEM fuel cell system, and a scaled down fuel storage system that can safely carry up to 30 liters of solid state hydrogen. With the H-cell, passionate hobbyists can transform their cars into futuristic looking, zero emission fuel cell power concept cars reaching speeds of 22 mph (35km/h), ultra-capacitor induced acceleration, and 4 times more power autonomy (60-70 minutes) over conventional rechargeable battery solutions.

“The H-cell offers passionate hobbyists and professionals the opportunity to discover zero emission fuel cell vehicle mechanics on a 1/10th scale. It’s a very sophisticated and technologically advanced product. With the H-cell, we can envision the start of a new category of R/C hobby ‘concept cars’ that have a very different proposition to Nitro-gasoline powered trucks or buggies”, said Taras Wankewycz, Horizon’s Vice President.

Horizon is the first company to introduce consumer fuel cell products on a global and commercial scale, and is now focused on enhancing the power output and functionality of its applications.

“The new power system for R/C cars uses a scaled down system configuration applicable to portable power solutions, or real-size vehicles,” Wankewycz explained. “The H-cell will encourage innovation in refueling concepts and develop a practical network of small-scale hydrogen distribution, an essential step for many applications to be powered by fuel cells. Horizon is already working on making such solutions viable and economical.”

http://www.gizmag.com/go/7122/

[kigango123]

how does it compare to its cousins the chemical and the batteries powering units for rc's

[Sweeney921]

how does it compare to its cousins the chemical and the batteries powering units for rc's

one crazy number is that it'll run for 60-70 minutes, battery powered ones never last for more than 15 minutes.

[70cuda88]

though im older now, i still like to sit around ad mess with them every once in a while... not really enough to pay 1500 though. but i do think it would be nice to not have to charge back-up batteries, and refuel

[bmwpower]

Want another crazy number..the refueling station costs $1500..another retarded let's all ride global warming to make new businesses. In the 80's people truely believed that the earth was about to enter into a second ice age..I compare global warming to that..

Edit: ahh couda beat me to it..

[kigango123]

one crazy number is that it'll run for 60-70 minutes, battery powered ones never last for more than 15 minutes.

sweet, i want to buy a cell now

[NSXType-R]

Wow, that's insane. Too bad the price is too steep for mortals like us.