Horizon's H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell for R/C cars now shipping (video)
By Tim Stevens 
posted May 25th 2010 9:42AM
posted May 25th 2010 9:42AM
Horizon's Hydrogen Fuel Cells Enter Model RC Hobby Market
SINGAPORE – May 25, 2010. Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies begin shipments of the world's first miniaturized hydrogen fuel cells and refueling stations for use in model hobby radio controlled vehicles. Named "H-Cell 2.0", the unique hobby-scale fuel cell power kit replicates the function of real-scale zero emission hydrogen powertrains being developed by the world's leading automotive manufacturers. The hybrid power kit is also adaptable to other electric vehicles, including robots and boats, greatly extending their normal runtimes.
Radio controlled vehicles are a global multi-billion dollar phenomenon involving specialized clubs, racing events, magazines, and a great variety of models and spare parts that can be purchased at model hobby stores. Built to look like real cars, boats or planes, these fast and technically sophisticated machines are no toys. They are built from the ground up by engineering enthusiasts of all ages, and are typically powered by high performance batteries, miniature combustion engines, miniaturized jet engines, and now - hydrogen fuel cells!
While the scientists and engineers at Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies continue to develop real-scale applications of the technology into the future, commercialization has already begun in smaller-scale applications, including toys, hand held electronics, portable generators, and recreational power devices.
The new H-cell 2.0 fuel cell power kit for model scale RC vehicles is being introduced to global hobby enthusiasts this year, starting in Europe with the upcoming June 17 "Mondial du Modelisme" in Paris. (Hall 3 / Booth E5).
About Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte. Ltd.
Thinking big, yet starting small, Horizon pioneered the sales of next-generation fuel cell power products in small consumer products, while developing larger-scale clean power solutions for practical applications in portable remote power, light-duty transportation and aerospace-defense. With comprehensive technological developments focused on enabling the commercialization of fuel cells Horizon is the first company to bring advanced fuel cell technology out of the laboratories and into the mainstream market. For more information, visit http://www.horizonfuelcell.com
omg this is so NICE! :P
Ohhhhhhhhhh Man its time to replace my Traxx RC!
60 Minute run time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want.
I wonder if I'd be able to import that to my country.. or if customs will deem it to be too explosive in nature. GG
Oh and would that work in a plane??
I have a Traxxas Revo with a Picco big block, they will need to seriously bump the power on these things before I replace my 60mph engine :)
This is definitely cool technology.. But me being an avid RC enthusiast, I fail to see the point.. My Associated B4 Factory Team with a 10.5t LRP Brushless motor and a 2s 5200mAh LiPo gets 30 - 45 minutes of run time on the battery alone, And its runs well over 45 mph.. Minus the added weight and complexity of the fuel cell bits.. i don't think this is going to really catch on in the RC car world
@TailsNeon556
I'm an RC freak as well. I had a 1500w Neu 1515 motor the size of a "c" battery and I've hit 88mph on a mini-revo. The weight of this fuel cell system weighs as much as my NeuCastle motor which puts out 2500w and can power my 11lb E-Revo over 80mph. This is more of a gimmick if anything. You can get a lot more power with a good brushless setup with some decent lipos for a fraction of the cost.
Lol I have the same radio in the picture, Futaba 2PL
This may not be worth it though, the added weight:performance ratio is not really good. It would be better to just get a couple extra batteries if you want longer runtimes.
The Nitro RC's is where its at anyway.
Sorry guys, it's fucking EXPENSIVE:
H-cell 2.0 hybrid hydrogen fuel cell power kit : USD $899
HYDROFILL hydrogen station (AC power): USD $500
Solar Panel (Optional): USD $650
Wow that thing is slow. My 12 year old tamiya nissan nsx with the cheap stock 540 motor accelerates better than this! Now imagine a proper LiPo powered model...
cool i guess, few problems though, R/C cars are already HELLA expensive, most Base low end RTR kits start at over $200 bucks, and dont even think about Li-PO batteries, those are pretty expensive, now hydrogen cells? cool, but just gonna be really, really expensive.
also where the heck do go to buy hydrogen? i know you could make it, be realistically, theres not a hydrogen gas station.
with RC cars, speed is everything... so, apart from the novelty, this thing is fairly useless out in the mean (RC) streets.
/shrug
So if I buy 10 of these engines can I run a real car?
Dear RUBEN,
Good news - The “H-CELL 2.0” hybrid hydrogen kit is now completed (see attached presentation for a quick overview) and starting to ship to clients around the world.
Even better news: our team was able to greatly reduce the cost of the special components and parts over the past few weeks.
Starting immediately, we can offer the exceptionally high-tech “H-Cell 2.0” model scale hydrogen fuel cell power system at a retail price of $499.
To order the products, please fill out the attached order forms and fax back to (+86) 21 5270 5064 or scan and email the filled out/signed form back to me.
Once we receive your order form, we will inform you of the precise shipment dates along with the pro-forma invoice for the items, as well as payment information.
Also, for all orders of the complete set received (H-CELL 2.0 + HYDROFILL + SOLAR MODULE) we will offer our very new MINIPAK handheld fuel cell charger FREE OF CHARGE! (click here for brochure).
The MINIPAK uses the same hydrogen cartridges and can be refueled using the HYDROFILL refueling station.
Once more, thank you for your interest in Horizon’s innovations, we hope you will enjoy them!
Warm regards,
Aki Zhang
Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies
Tel: +86 (0) 21 5270 9082 * 845
Fax: +86 (0) 21 5270 5064
Skype ID: akizzj
Email: aki.zhang@horizonfuelcell..com
www.horizonfuelcell.com
FYI for those of you interested, I requested pricing on this gadget and the prices came back as follows:
H-cell 2.0 = $499
HydroFILL = $500
Solar Panel (Optional) = $650
HydroSTIK = $30
The H-cell does not come with the HydroFILL accessory which is required to recharge the hydroSTIKs, however, it does come with 4 HydroSTIKs. It is also unclear if the solar panel costs $150 or $650.
I don't know abot "[mounting] it on a little plane"; at 490 grams, I'm not sure it could be practically mounted on an RC aircraft of any kind, let alone a tiny one. Perhaps it could go in a 550-700 size electric helicopter, they are certainly powerful enough to fly with that weight, but then the cell can't stick out the level of juice needed by such a beast. This looks like a power source that will remain firmly in land/water territory for now, as far as RC goes.
That said, it's still an intriguing little piece of technology, and I'm keen to see what arises from it.