“A Hydrofill in every home;” that’s the dream and with each iteration of Horizon’s desktop metal hydride charger it gets that much closer. Hydrogen production requiring only access to mains electricity and distilled water? Hydrogen cartridges that can be used to power science kits that explore a range of renewable energy systems? Completely self-sustaining fuel-cell experiments with no need to invest in hydrogen canisters or pay for expensive refills? Hydrofill is the ideal addition to any science classroom.

At the heart of the technology is Horizon’s metal hydride innovation. We realized that compressed or liquid hydrogen just doesn’t have the versatility of solid-state hydrogen at the low levels required for science demonstrations (or for charging up portable electronics, for that matter.) Plus, it’s extremely safe— even approved by the IATA for airplane travel.

But that wasn’t enough. Hydrogen is hard to come by, and expensive to replace when it runs out. What’s the solution? Water. Or rather, a system that electrolyzes distilled water to generate hydrogen whenever you need it. So, the Hydrofill was born.

Once we had the concept the applications for education were obvious. The fuel cell kits would clearly be enormously enhanced and their longevity extended by the addition of on-demand hydrogen production. Then there are the kits that explore various types of alternative energy, with Hydrofill suddenly all that renewable energy can be stored in an equally renewable store of hydrogen. The enormous benefits of an integrated smart grid using alternative sources are so much easier to illustrate with a ready supply of the essential energy storage medium.

But most of all the advantage of Hydrofill is the autonomy it gives to teachers. A vital element of countless chemistry experiments is now so simple to generate, while also demonstrating a basic chemical principle in the process of water electrolysis.

Hydrofill Pro is the flagship of the Horizon education line, representing everything we see as important in delivering quality materials to students and educations: versatility, sustainability and power to teachers.