SFC Smart Fuel Cell Announces New Breathrough

SFC Smart Fuel Cell has released details on further breakthroughs in its ongoing technology and product development programs.

Enhanced, highly efficient EFOY fuel cell systems have repeatedly demonstrated an energy density of 1,580 Wh electric per kg of fuel. This record-high energy density was achieved by continued efficiency improvements of major system components.

The new technology will introduce decisive competitive advantages into SFC’s successful product range of mobile and portable fuel cells. Users benefits are additional weight savings, cost savings, and simplified logistics. Customers who operate safety-critical remote or defense applications will especially appreciate the significantly reduced detectability of such fuel cells due to even lower infrared (IR) and noise signatures. Another significant improvement is successful long-term operation of DMFC systems on undiluted (neat) methanol at ambient temperatures as high as 55° C / 131 °F. Until recently, state-of-the-art methanol fuel cell systems required dilution of the fuel with approx. 36 weight percent of water ("pre-mix fuel") for stable operation in desert climates. So-called reformed methanol fuel cells even require such pre-mix fuel at all temperatures. Mixing water with the fuel is undesirable because it increases volume, weight, and cost of the power source, and also makes the logistics more cumbersome. With SFC’s latest technology breakthrough, the maximum energy density of undilutedfuel can now be obtained even at extreme temperatures, including harsh desert climates.

This enhancement is a strong advantage for all customers who require reliable power sources under such conditions. This is the case especially in defense applications and remote industrial markets.

SFC will introduce the two new technology improvements into all SFC fuel products over the next twelve to eighteen months, including its EFOY family of fuel cell, its EFOY Pro series of fuel cells for remote industrial applications, its innovative portable fuel cell line for defense applications, and its 250 W and Emily vehicle based fuel cells.

Source: Fuel Cell Today