Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has begun 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!
The H-CELL 2.0 is a hobby-scale replica of the zero emission hydrogen cars being developed by the world’s leading car manufacturers. Using an electronic control box (provided in the H‐CELL 2.0 kit) the fuel cell power kit is hybridized with a typical hobby‐grade battery in order to optimize power and energy. The battery provides the acceleration power, while the fuel cell provides cruise power as well as extra energy for the battery. This decreases the amount of batteries needed, eliminates the need to charge batteries, and provides much longer run times for the vehicle (by a factor of 3 to 4!).
Unveiled in February, the H-CELL 2.0 is now a completed, packaged product shipping to clients worldwide.
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) and debuting in America
About Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies:
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.
