Abandon Ship! Is powered by a 20-cell proton
exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The fuel is
stored in two concentric rubber balloons. The
stopping mechanism consists of a magnesium
(Mg) strip connected in series to the power
circuit. In order to break the circuit in a given
time, and stop the car, the Mg strip is dipped
into a predetermined concentration of
hydrochloric acid (HCl). This step dissolves the
Mg and cuts the circuit. The chassis is made
from a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic.
Fuel Cell
Pressure
Gauge
Main H2 Gas
Pressure
Valve
A curved piece of magnesium (Mg)
ribbon is attached to the ends of two
copper (Cu) bars. The entire
assembly is then submerged in a
solution of HCl and H20. The Cu-Mg
device is wired in series to the motor.
When the magnesium strip in
contact with the HCl and water
mixture dissolves, the control circuit
“opens”, causing the car to stop.
Materials Safety for materials used and produced:
H2
H2O
HCl
60
50
Time (sec)
Time (sec)
Mg
• Two emergency hydrogen release
valves in case of excess pressure
build up.
• Hydrogen storage in balloon instead of metal tank
• Double containment for potentially hazardous acid
• Power switch with easy access on side of car.
• The pulleys and belt are covered with an aluminum guard.
• All edges of the chassis have been sanded/filed smooth.
70
40
Gas
Pressure
Valve
Liquid
Reaction
Container
80
50
H2 Gas Intake
Fan
80
60
H2 Gas Storage
Weighted
Load
Chemical Reaction:
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl(aq) + H2(g)
70
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
0.14
0.145
0.15
0.155
0.16
0.165
Concentration of HCl in H2O (mL)
0
0.14
Time (sec)
0.145
Predicted Time
Linear (Time (sec))
0.15
Linear (Predicted Time)
0.155
0.16
Concentration of HCl in H2O (mL)
Time (sec)
Predicted Time
Linear (Time (sec))
The TDM fuel cell is a “green” energy alternative: only
byproducts is water. H2 gas is fed into the anode of the
TekStak 20-Cell Air Breathing stack where the H2 splits
into positive-ions and electrons. The positive H2 ions
flow into the cathode to react with oxygen from the
surrounding atmosphere, producing water. The electrons
flow into the electric wires, producing electricity. The
maximum potential of the fuel cell stack is approximately
6 V.
Chemical Reaction:
Insulated
H2 + 0.5O2  H2O + ΔE
Wiring
Secondary
ΔE = Heat + Electricity
Linear (Predicted Time)
0.165
Abandon Ship is a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). The only byproducts of the chemically powered car are water vapor and
converted electricity. All parts of the Abandon Ship can be
dissembled and recycled, appropriately. The design process of the
stopping mechanism allows for easy disposal of the MgCl2(aq) and
HCl(aq) solution in the appropriate waste container.
MgCl2
Item
Cost ($)
Fuel Cell
HCl Solution
Mg
Polybutylene & Nickel-Plated Brass Tube Branch Tee for 1/4" Tube X 1032 UNF Male Thread
799.99
23.60
9.65
Polybutylene & Nickel-Plated Brass Tube Fitting, Adapter for 1/4" Tube
Odx 10-32 UNF Male Pipe Thread
Polybutylene & Brass Push-to-Connect Fitting, Tee for 1/4" Tube OD,
Gray
Acetal Pulley for XL-Series Timing-Belt, for 1/4" & 3/8" Belt Width, 1.50"
OD, 20 teeth
Acetal Pulley for XL-Series Timing-Belt, for 1/4" & 3/8" Belt Width, 1.00"
OD, 12 Teeth
Brass Flat Head Phillips Machine Screw, 4-40 Thread, 1/2" Length, Packs
of 100
Rigid HDPE Polyethylene, 1/4" Thick, 12" X 12"
5.23
3.77
4.16
7.48
7.99
5.4
7.17
Multipurpose Copper (Alloy 110), 1/4" Square, 1' Length
5
Autoclavable Semi-Clear Plastic Jar, 4 oz, 125 ml, 2-3/4" Base Diameter,
2-3/8" Height
2.14
Aluminum Unthreaded Spacer, 1/4" OD, 3/8" Length, #8 Screw Size
1.36
Total Cost
882.94