7 Fuel Cell Module FC50 A.

Error Description State: reason Response

code
Er 01 Hydrogen is Starting: after three seconds of • See if hydrogen supply is empty,
missing purging the cell, the voltage of the or improperly connected.
last cell of the stack is still below
0.6 V
Er 02 Voltage of the Starting: < 7.5 V • Reduce load on the fuel cell
fuel cell stack too Operation: <4V system
low • Set fan power knob to "AUTO”
• Excessive load
• Fan power set too low
Er 03 Temperature of Starting: > 45 °C • Ensure cooling fans are working
the fuel cell stack Operation: > 50 °C • Set fan power higher or to
too high "AUTO”
• Fan power set too low
• Ensure the ambient temperature
is within range
Er 04 Load current too Current > 10.5 A • Ensure no short-circuit is present
high • In self-powered mode, • Reduce the load
activating the purge valve briefly
increases the load
Er 05 Leaking in the Starting: Hydrogen flow > 60 If this error occurs several times, the
system ml/min with no current system has a hydrogen leak.
Operation: Hydrogen flow > 40 • Return FC50 to the manufacturer
ml/min over expected value for examination.
Er 06 No voltage In self-powered mode: • Ensure stack power output is
supply to FC50 • Fuel cell stack power output not connected to the input of VC100
connected to VC100 input
Er 07 Communication Computer-assisted operation: • Ensure RS232 cable attached
with computer • RS232-cable not connected • Start control software
interrupted
• Control program not running • Ensure your computer meets
• Computer too slow to respond requirements

Er 08 EL200 problem Temperature in Electronic Load too • Turn off the EL200
high • Ensure cooling fans at the rear of
Voltage at the input of Electronic the EL200 are working
Load > 20 V
Er 10 Cooling fan Starting: Cooling fan power not set • Set fan power knob to "AUTO”
control to "AUTO"
Er 11 No internal In self-powered mode: • Ensure cells are properly installed
power in VC100 • Starting battery dead or in the VC100.
improperly installed • Renew cells if necessary.

© Heliocentris – Energizing education

A.3 Fuel Cell Module FC50 8

9 Improper modes of operation

The fuel cells must be sufficiently supplied with hydrogen at all times. Starving the
stack of hydrogen while current is being drawn can lead to the destruction of the
membranes or catalysts.

Never connect the fuel cell to an external power source (e.g. laboratory power
supply or solar module). A current flow forced from outside can immediately
destroy the fuel cell.

10 Technical data

Fuel cell stack

Rated power output 40 W
Maximum power output Approx. 50 W
Open circuit voltage Approx. 9 V
Current at rated power 8A
Voltage at rated power 5V
Maximum Current 10 A
Hydrogen consumption during rated Approx. 580 NmL/min
output
Hydrogen nominal pressure 0.6 ± 0.1 bar gauge
Max. permissible hydrogen pressure 0.4…0.8 bar gauge
Max. permissible cell temperature Operation: 50 °C
Starting: 45 °C

Module FC50
Supply voltage 12V DC
Power consumption no-load operation: 5.2 W
at 10A load current: 6.4 W
Hydrogen connection Swagelok® quick-coupler type QM2-S
Ambient operating temperature +5 …+35 °C
Dimensions 400 x 297 x 200 mm (WxHxD)
Weight 3.5 kg
Noise emissions < 70 dB(A)
Transport and storage conditions Protect against reactive chemicals and frost

© Heliocentris – Energizing education