Horizon debuts H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell system for R/C cars
By Donald Melanson 
posted Feb 3rd 2010 6:42PM
posted Feb 3rd 2010 6:42PM
We just checked out Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies' personal MiniPak fuel cell charger at CES last month, but the company's already back with another product that promises to take fuel cells where you might not expect them: hobbyist R/C cars. That comes courtesy of the company's new H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell system, which is an add-on kit that's designed to replicate the full-scale hydrogen systems now being used on actual cars. In fact, it can even be refueled using a model-scale hydrogen refueling station, which itself can be outfitted with solar panels or wind turbines for a completely carbon-free experience. No word on pricing just yet, but the kit will apparently be available on March 15th -- head on past the break for a quick video demonstration.
As an owner of an R/C car I wonder why this is a benefit. Blends aren't that expensive. Is it cleaner? Is it cheaper?
@HektikLyfe It's electric, for one....
I dropped out of R/C when it became primarily gas. I really prefer electric R/Cs. I hope this'll take off.
@HektikLyfe nitro-methane is around $30/gallon. . . this is noise-compliant, fast, high power density (although I wonder how it compares to Li-Poly) . . . this could be very sweet!
@mikebola I only run it recreationally. I don't race. But I love the sound and smell. Electric cars are cool but I really loathe that charge time.
@mmalsed True but that stuff lasts me forever. I like the noise. It makes it feel like a real car and a little exciting.
I agree it could be great. I'm all for electric R/C's. If this could get rid of that annoying charging I may switch. For the right price...
@mmalsed The video says it can sustain speeds of ~50mph for 45-60 minutes. Can lipo match that? (Honest question, I've been away from the hobby for a bit). The system looks bigger than regular battery packs, so lipo may be equivalent.
@HektikLyfe
I'm not R/C fan, so I'm not sure about my statements, but besides a faster charging time (as you were asking for), there also may be a better weight distribution while making it overall lighter. Going out on a limb, but we'll never know until the specs come out.
@HektikLyfe
That's the idea though. You have an instantaneous charging time due to the fact that only a small portion of the produced hydrogen gets pumped into the car's tank, and the rest goes into a storage tank. It's longer lasting than LiPo, and doesn't have the fall-off curve that rechargable batteries inherit.
This is gonna be awesome! And the production of personal hydrogen for the car is free!
RC planes please!!!
I can't wait for this to come out! :)
I like this for the geek/green factor. I think it'd be a fun project to set up the refueling station just to get familiar with how these systems work. I'd love to make a larger scale system for home/personal use :)
Plus, R/C anythings are just a ton of fun, no matter the fuel.
It's really cool stuff. There's soo many applications for this, but I'm finding it hard to get spec sheets for their products :(
@Jake88 online that is.
I remember seeing a teaser of this awhile ago. Hydrogen hovercraft would be awesome.
My friend was trying to convince me to get into RC Cars (Gas powered ones that is), though because of the fuel it put me off, due to me hating consumables. Depending on the entry price for this, I may actually be able to take him up on that offer :)
Must...have...one~!!!