OT: need some help with fuel cells

[Robert Holtzman]

On Wed, 23 Apr 2008, Technomage-hawke wrote:

> ok,
> I know some of you are engineering types.
>
> I am starting to look at the idea of home building a fuel cell here that can
> power my machines "off the grid" if need be. I am not worried about the fuel
> source itself (hydrogen can be easily got with some solar cells, graphic
> electrodes and starage media). What I am worried about is this:
>
> 1. Building one cheaply
> 2. available materials (preferably from lowe's or home depot) with the
> exception of the electrolytic material and possibly the catalyst materials)
> 3. a method of containment (A good quality housing that will keep the 2 parts
> of the fuel seperate until introduced into the catalyzing chamber)

Hydrogen is hard to store in the gaseous state. The extremely small 
molecular size makes it possible for leaks to occur thru openings too 
small to pass molecules of other gases. Any such leaks are tough to detect 
until too late (i.e. kaboom!). Think exploding car batteries due to too 
rapid charging causing hydrogen buildup.

I'm not trying to discourage you but be VEEEERRRRYYYY careful and do a lot 
of research on handling and storing hydrogen.

Last.....put me in your will.

-- 
Bob Holtzman
  "The best argument against democracy is a five
minute conversation with the average voter."
                               Winston Churchill