Hydrogen & fuel cell science / technology education Clusters : australia :

[Is Australia's first & started from pilot stage in June 2004]

Welcome to Australia's first and original Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Science/Technologies education program. The Australian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Science/Technologies Education Program began from pilot stage in June 2004.The pilot program received a shortlisted finalist position in year 2004 NSW DEUS Green Globe Awards. The program has been receipted at Ministerial levels from across Australia since year 2004 and is internationally recognised. The program provides valuable resources to curriculum leaders and primary and secondary teachers of science / technologies and environmental education; education modules for primary and secondary schools are being developed.

SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

NEW SOUTH WALES: [ NSW CURRICULUM RESOURCE DIVISION, FAIRVALE HIGH SCHOOL , BOSSLEY PARK HIGH SCHOOL , PRAIRIEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL , FAIRFIELD HIGH SCHOOL , CANLEY VALE HIGH SCHOOL , ST JOHNS PARK HIGH SCHOOL , BONNYRIGG HIGH SCHOOL ,MACQUARIE FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL , INGLEBURN HIGH SCHOOL, CECIL PARK HIGH SCHOOL, MILLER TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL, CASULA HIGH SCHOOL, HOXTON PARK HIGH SCHOOL, LIVERPOOL BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, HURLSTONE PARK AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL, THOMAS REDDALL HIGH SCHOOL, EAGLE VALE HIGH SCHOOL, ROBERT TOWNSON HIGH SCHOOL, ELIZABETH MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN SYDNEY (Kingswood Campus), CABRAMATTA HIGH SCHOOL, MT DRUITT COLLEGE OF TAFE (NSW)], MACINTYRE HIGH SCHOOL, BERALA PUBLIC "SOLAR" SCHOOL, BRINGELLY PUBLIC "SOLAR" SCHOOL, MAWARRA PUBLIC "SOLAR" SCHOOL, BOURKE STREET PUBLIC "SOLAR" SCHOOL, CAMDEN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE, BANKSTOWN REGION [GEORGES RIVER COLLEGE PEAKHURST CAMPUS, CONDELL PARK HIGH SCHOOL, BANKSTOWN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, SIR JOSEPH BANKS HIGH SCHOOL, EAST HILLS BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, EAST HILLS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, PICNIC POINT HIGH SCHOOL, MARRICKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, GEORGES RIVER COLLEGE HURSTVILLE BOYS CAMPUS, WILEY PARK GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL], KINGSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL:Some associated high schools via fuel cell product purchases by the school or student/s: * THE KING'S SCHOOL, BARKER COLLEGE, SYDNEY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, TELOPEA PARK SCHOOL -ACT, CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL -ACT, UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE, UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, CANOBOLAS RURAL TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL, MEREWETHER HIGH SCHOOL.*QUEENSLAND: [ QLD CURRICULUM RESOURCE DIVISION, ALDRIDGE STATE HIGH SCHOOL, BUNDABERG STATE HIGH SCHOOL, CAVENDISH ROAD STATE HIGH SCHOOL, CENTENARY HEIGHTS STATE HIGH SCHOOL, CLERMONT STATE HIGH SCHOOL, COOMBAHABA STATE HIGH SCHOOL, FAITH LUTHERAN COLLEGE, GORDONVALE STATE HIGH SCHOOL, HEATLEY SENIOR SECONDARY COLLEGE, MAROOCHYDORE STATE HIGH SCHOOL, MOUNT MORGAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL, GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, NYANDA STATE HIGH SCHOOL, NANANGO STATE HIGH SCHOOL, INNISFAIL STATE HIGH SCHOOL, FERNY GROVE STATE HIGH SCHOOL, SUNSHINE BEACH STATE HIGH SCHOOL.Central Queensland Cluster April 2007 [1.Banana State School, 2.Baralaba State School, 3.Biloela State School, 4.Biloela State High School, (Prospect Creek State School, Biloela), 5.Redeemer Lutheran School, Biloela, 6.St Joseph’s School, Biloela, 7.Goovigen State School, 8.Jambin State School, 9.Emu Park State School, 10.Eidsvold Secondary School, 11.Star of the Sea School, Gladstone, 12.Toolooa State High School, Gladstone, 13.Gladstone State High School, 14.Chanel College, Gladstone, 15.Monto State High School, (Monto State School), 16.St Teresa’s School, Monto, 17. Mount Murchison State School, 18.Moura State High School, (Moura State School), 19.Mulgildie State School, 20.Sandy Strait State School, 21.Taroom Secondary School, 22.Thangool State School, 23.Theodore Secondary School, 24.Wandoan Secondary School, 25.Wowan State School ] SOUTH AUSTRALIA: [SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM RESOURCE DIVISION, SCOTCH COLLEGE, SCOTCH COLLEGE-[SECOND ORDER]. [VICTORIA: REGIONAL EDUCATION OFFICERS FOR GEELONG REGION, WESTERN REGION, HUME REGION, BARWON SOUTH WESTERN REGION, RINGWOOD SECONDARY COLLEGE, VICTORIA UNIVERSITY, WODONGA SENIOR SECONDARY COLLEGE, NORWOOD SECONDARY COLLEGE. TASMANIA:[ TASMANIAN CURRICULUM RESOURCE DIVISION, DEVONPORT HIGH SCHOOL, REECE HIGH SCHOOL. WESTERN AUSTRALIA:[ CURRICULUM RESOURCE DIVISION, CURTAIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, BADGINGARRA PRIMARY SCHOOL.

Our program has World Impact - Thank you:

I would like to thank all participating schools, teachers and students for their support of this unique and historic educational program. No grant has been gained for year 2007 yet other programs through racing and sponsors hopefully will compensate. Apart from the environmental and educational benefits gained, the program was responsible for co-producing and or assisting in the creation of new fuel cell educational products at a much more affordable price. This has impacted on Australian educational institutions but as well cheaper fuel cell educational products have been made available all over the world.

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

Science
NSW science / technology syllabuses
Projects , Model fuel cell car science kit
Suggested outcomes for the high schools in NSW and Australia.
Future projects
Sustainable Schools
Building model RC H₂FC powered cars(Hobby & Racing). Yr 2007
Fuel Cell Electric Car
World Fuel Cell Challenge[WFCC]

FREE PUBLICATIONS : http://www.fuelcells.org/info/pubs.html#FreePubs

FUEL CELL DEVELOPERS - WORLD WIDE - http://www.fuelcells.org/info/fcdev.html

FEEDBACK: Education researchers please make contact.

BACKGROUND: Momentum was generated when I built in year 2005 twenty(20) model hydrogen fuel cell powered cars, for the same number of high schools in Western Sydney. Mount Druitt Tafe and UWS Penrith Campus received a unit as well. Much press followed and in year 2006 a grant was obtained from the NSW Environmental Trust.The FCIA worked continuously with Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies of Singapore,in developing commercial educational units. The FCIA continues to develop systems with Horizon today.

Yr 2006-NSW Environmental Trust Grant[~A$12k]:

^*Environmental / Industrial Arts / Science / Technology ^:

All HOD Industrial Arts teachers in NSW state high schools have been issued a CD resource and attached paperwork-As at 18/09/06.

Resources supplied via The NSW Environmental Trust:

All the high schools in the cluster[20] listed above have received a model fuel cell powered car and basic instructions, as provided by Stephen Zorbas before December 2005.All high schools as well received a book called "Australian Hydrogen Activities-May 2005";The book was produced by the federal department of The DITR. It has been suggested that hydrogen and fuel cell science/technologies be encouraged to be inserted by teachers into the existing science/technology syllabuses from years 7-12 during year 2006;Guidance is provided here http://www.fuelcells.org.au/Fuel-Cell-Education-NSW-Australia.htm

All high schools (HOD-Science) in the cluster[20] have received a text book as above between May 1 - 4 2006,to help assist them in classroom instruction regarding fuel cell technologies. The pile as above is ready to be posted 28.04.06,to all members of the cluster. Some other texts are above as well. The FCIA has made this contribution as it is not budgeted for in the approved grant(A$600).All high schools(25) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) [science HODs] will receive complimentary E-textbooks on CD by the end of June 2006.The main book called "Fuel Cell Technology for classroom instruction".

All high schools in the cluster [20] have received three(3) model fuel cell car kits each as above, during May 2006(posted 10/11.05.06).Mr Zorbas will visit as many high schools as possible to assist, and as well display the world's first micro-hydrogen fuel cell.

The NSW Environmental Trust grant gained facilitated fifty(50) model fuel cell car kits for the twenty(20) high school cluster. The FCIA has tried to double that number to one hundred(100), but cannot sustain such and will have to follow the budget of (50kits), but has managed to issue sixty kits(20x3),the extra ten(10) kits supplied by the FCIA(A$1,000). HOW TO ASSEMBLE HERE

Environmental Education Centres (EEC) as above received the information below in may 2006(All [23] NSW centres). Technology high schools in NSW as above received the same material as below in May 2006(~13 Technology High schools)."Solar" Schools in NSW(5) received the same material as below in May 2006.

THE SCHOOL PROJECTS:

All high schools in the cluster [20] have received the above reversible fuel cell kit which will require the self building of the gas equipment and power supply by students for car and or other projects. A suggestion is that a year ten(10) class be selected to do a class project. The class can plan the project and a small number of students can volunteer and locate materials to bring to their school to build the model project. A small amount of time per week or fortnight could be dedicated to the project, where all students participate.The class may decide to just build a car using the tubing and clamps provided to capture the gases. The topics of Industrial Technology, Design & Technology, and New Science can as well be revised. These class fuel cell project kits are supplied by the FCIA, as they were not budgeted for in the approved grant(A$1,500).

Yr 2007: All NSW state high schools [HT Science] in the Bankstown Region have received freely, a model fuel cell science car lab kit each as at 12/03/2007.All kits supplied were supplied freely by the Fuel Cell Institute of Australia Pty Limited aiding science/technology education through educational hydrogen fuel cells. NSW in March 2007 has ~40 state high schools, 5 primary schools, and 5 universities/colleges that all have model fuel cell educational kits[~50 total].GEORGES RIVER COLLEGE PEAKHURST CAMPUS, CONDELL PARK HIGH SCHOOL, BANKSTOWN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, SIR JOSEPH BANKS HIGH SCHOOL, EAST HILLS BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, EAST HILLS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, PICNIC POINT HIGH SCHOOL, MARRICKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, GEORGES RIVER COLLEGE HURSTVILLE BOYS CAMPUS, WILEY PARK GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL.

SEE Central Queensland Cluster-Starting April 2007: By Dr John E.W. Lambert - Smith DSc, MRACI, Chartered Chemist (Aust).

NEW Australian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Racing Competition: Schools Place your Expression of Interest NOW !

HOW to build Model RC Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered cars: HOW TO USE Model fuel cell car science kit

Zero Emission Racing: This involves using model radio controlled [RC] combustion engine powered cars and combustion engine powered go-karts, using alternate fuels like ethanol, blended ethanol, diesel, blended diesel, natural gas and even hydrogen subject to engine design. The next step is to progress this and change over and or add electric fuel cell hybrid power to both go-kart and model RC cars. Racing then follows with teams racing their respective type and alternative fuel selection. Pictures by Koori Communications and Training Pty Ltd-[Director Peter Cooley]

World Fuel Cell Challenge [WFCC] has been created and deals with three[3] types of hydrogen fuel cell car racing.The first type deals with the most obvious being model fuel cell car racing. This will involve primary and secondary schools competing towards the end of year 2007.The Australian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge will be conducted by the same organisation responsible for the International Solar Boat Challenge held at Penrith Lakes in November 2006, which was highly successful involving the racing of solar powered boats. This year there will be a hydrogen fuel cell powered class of model boat racing when the solar challenge is conducted separately in year 2007.The [WFCC] model hydrogen fuel cell racing competition will deal with different classes of model hydrogen fuel cell races to be designed. Like the International Solar Boat Challenge which will be bringing in international competitors during year 2007 onward, [WFCC] model hydrogen fuel cell car racing will do the same in time.Notice the significant power range of PEM fuel cells above and as well notice the micro-regulator [third picture from right]. I had strongly indicated to teachers during year 2006 that the regulator on the prototype [first picture left side] would be miniaturised so weight would be reduced significantly.Also note the power increase in the new radio controlled PEMFC hobby car[2nd/3rd pictures from left], now at 30watt from 12watt in the prototype.

The second type of hydrogen fuel cell car racing under the [WFCC], involves Go-Kart size class. Go-Kart racing bodies have been notified by letter and e-mail along with most universities and colleges, in the need for development within their engineering faculties.T hey all have been made aware of the potential here and I will be visiting colleges and universities during 2007 highlighting both the educational and racing perspectives. kW class PEM fuel cells should become available during year 2007, so whilst waiting Go-Karts will be sought to fit out with battery electric drive systems in anticipation. Fuel cell/battery/capacitor hybrid drive for Go-Karts will lead to a new exciting zero emission class of racing, which then over time supplies the technological developments towards light-medium hybrid vehicles been manufactured zero emission. By example the above China based company I have been associated with now for some time, will probably develop multi-kW class PEM fuels[30kW] by say year 2010 the way they are progressing [world leader].This will then allow for such 30kW-40kW PEM fuel cells to be implanted with lithium ion and or capacitors in hybrid power plants for small lightweight cars. The fuel [hydrogen] required in lightweight cars should be around 2-3 kilos only to do 400kls.[mission completed].Our universities ,colleges and students are thus guaranteed to be educated by these programs so there will be no privy to educational material on these cars [we will already be expert by 2010 onward]. The first race of this type is probably due by year 2008/9,and until then exhibition only of prototypes.

The third type is a distance race across Australia[~4,000kls by car]. Teams from universities, colleges, groups will design and build their innovative hydrogen fuel cell [hybrid] cars but, teams will be required to supply their own hydrogen using wind and or solar energies. This guarantees that innovative designs by competitors from all around the world will achieve victory by using renewable energy producing a renewable fuel so highlighted. First race of this type is anticipated by year 2009.

Years 2008/2009:

Integrated Environmental Education:

"A technology led approach towards future sustainability should be complemented by the "push" of carbon trading administrative systems."©sz

Environmental educators in NSW will invariably display renewable energy sources like wind, solar, tidal, hydro, geothermal, and now hot rocks. These renewable energy sources are today used to generate renewable based electricity, thus generating no air pollution. In NSW certain schools have solar electric panels installed on their respective rooftops, and such schools can clearly demonstrate to students solar energy generating electricity for the school to use, and the associated benefits to the air environment.

Integrated environmental education is now called for to educate students that such renewable energy sources as above can do more than just generate renewable pollution free electricity. The above renewable energy sources can now generate hydrogen using the renewable electricity via electrolysis (Breaking water up), and such hydrogen can be stored as used in a fuel cell to generate electricity. Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources can be called “Green” hydrogen, as apposed to “Black” hydrogen. Hydrogen produced by reforming natural gas causes pollution to be released into the atmosphere. Even if “Black hydrogen” is produced for fuel cell vehicles from natural gas, the overall pollution levels relative to using petrol would be less. We of course always seek and prefer “Green” hydrogen production.

The fuel cell can use such stored “Green” hydrogen at nighttime to generate electricity for a house or large industrial estate, or can be used to propel a car forward as with fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). This is already being done in Perth WA with three (3) hydrogen fuel cell powered buses in operation, and the planned commercial release of the fuel cell car from year 2009, by Honda (Japan) and GM (US). This has never before happened where a commercially manufactured car will emit no pollution.

Students as well need to know in an integrated environmental educational format, that there is now real technology developed to counter pollution, global warming and energy security. As well such new and real technology will be available within several years, and that such technology will be part of their positive futures. The attitude of students is thus the target here, for students are seeing an ever-increasing degree of the effects of global warming via television, the Internet and the print media. Hydrogen and fuel cell science/technologies can now be integrated as above, with varying degrees of difficulty subject to the year of education.

Projects: See Sustainable Schools

NOTE: When using a PEM electrolyser, distilled water can be put on the anode [oxygen] side only. Hydrogen will be produced at the cathode for normal operations without the need for distilled water at the cathode. Distilled water is typically placed at the cathode so a visual can be made on activity; A good test for students as the PEM membrane is the solid electrolyte and once protons go through it to the cathode they just need to await electrons from circuit before becoming hydrogen molecules.

HOD SCIENCE / INDUSTRIAL ARTS / SOCIAL SCIENCES: The FCIA needs feedback information as relating to this program. A simple survey will be issued to all cluster high schools in early June 2006,C/O their respective HOD Science.The FCIA would as well appreciate any feedback from other departments relating to any perceived interconnectedness.

AWARDS: