The Technology behind EFOY Fuel Cells
The principle behind EFOY fuel cells
The EFOY fuel cell transforms chemical energy directly into electrical energy. The transformation is highly efficient and involves no moving parts, making it a particularly effective source of power. A lot of patented innovation has gone into our units, making the EFOY fuel cell a marvel of miniaturization, a lightweight but high-powered, long-lasting performer. SFC’s home-grown technology has positioned EFOY fuel cells to lead the field in fuel-cell systems for mobile applications.
How does an EFOY fuel cell work?
At the heart of every EFOY fuel cell is the stack. The stack actually consists of several cells: an anode, a cathode and a membrane that acts as an electrolyte, separating the anode and the cathode from each other. Positively charged electrical particles (protons) can permeate the membrane. Methanol and water are introduced on the anode side while ambient oxygen enters the cathode side. H+ ions, free electrons and carbon dioxide arise on the anode side. The protons can permeate the membrane while the electrons have to travel an electrical circuit over to the cathode side, thereby producing electrical current. H+ ions and water vapor arise on the cathode side, making EFOY fuel cells an extremely environmentally friendly way to generate electricity.
EFOY fuel cells use liquid fuel
Every EFOY fuel cell employs DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) technology which transforms methanol directly into electrical current. That's a real advantage, especially for mobile applications, because liquid methanol is easy to transport anywhere in practical EFOY fuel cartridges.
EFOY fuel cells and the hybrid principle
SFC’s hybrid approach is the common denominator among all fuel-cell products, regardless of how they are employed.
EFOY fuel cells work in tandem with a battery in nearly every application. It’s the ideal combination of power generation and storage. The battery stores and dispenses energy as needed including start-up and peak loads, while the EFOY fuel cell continually recharges the battery.
The result is a fully-charged battery all the time.
Of course EFOY fuel cells operate in tandem with other power generators such as solar modules too. Here, the fuel cell only cuts in if the solar module can’t produce enough power due to poor weather conditions.
EFOY Fuel Cartridges
Power anytime and anywhere – EFOY fuel cartridges keep you mobile! The practical EFOY cartridges contain the fuel for EFOY fuel cells. EFOY fuel cartridges have been designed especially for safe, convenient operation of EFOY fuel cells.
Cartridges are available in 5-liter and 10-liter sizes. Additional sizes for industrial or portable applications are available upon request.
Why can I only use EFOY fuel cartridges with EFOY fuel cells?
EFOY fuel cartridges contain ultra-pure fuel that has been specially conceived for EFOY fuel cells. SFC has tested the fuel and it carries a molecular purity guarantee. Constant testing provides a safeguard for consistently high quality.
Only original EFOY fuel cartridges may be used on EFOY fuel cells in order to avoid irreversible damage to the unit by invisible chemical impurities such as sulfur, chlorine, sodium, etc. The warranty does not cover damage caused by the use of contaminated fuels!
Be sure to look for the "Ultra Pure" seal on every EFOY fuel cartridge!
Tested and proven Security!
Every SFC fuel cartridge carries the TUEV safety seal. SFC fuel cartridges have always been subject to the most stringent safety standards. The containers consist of highly impact-resistant plastic. Containers are subjected to numerous drop and shock tests and have continuously demonstrated a high level of security in these tests.
SFC fuel cartridges are equipped with a safety valve to prevent leakage. The valve will only open if the fuel cartridge is connected to an SFC fuel cell. If the fuel cartridge is removed, the safety valve will hermetically seal ensuring that the user never comes into contact with methanol. This method of fueling is far safer, cleaner and more convenient than gasoline-powered generators.
Want to know more about environmentally friendly methanol?
Ultra-pure methanol is used to power EFOY fuel cells. This has decisive advantages over hydrogen-powered fuel cells:
Hydrogen is normally stored in heavy metal hydride cartridges. Manufacturing and refilling these cartridges is a very costly process. The contents last only a few hours and strict regulations govern the transportation of hydrogen.
Methanol, on the other hand, is sold in safe, convenient fuel cartridges. The cartridges can be replaced during operation within seconds. Charging time, as in the case of rechargeable batteries, is a thing of the past thus guaranteeing continual operation.
You can learn more about the advantages of methanol-powered DMFC fuel cells over hydrogen-powered fuel cells in the publications ”Fuel cells for electrical appliances – methanol or hydrogen?“ and „Reality Checks to commonly heard Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Myths“ by Dr. Jens Müller.
Regarding the use of direct-methanol fuel cells on airplanes, please read the decision of the hazardous materials board of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) dated November 2005: "Micro methanol fuel cells get approval for airplane use", as well as the news on the U.S. DoT's decision to allow passengers to carry methanol fuel cell cartridges on board planes dated May 2008 "U.S. DoT allows passengers to carry methanol fuel cell cartridges on board planes".
