Fuel Cell Generator...

[BradKW]

So my first thought when I stumbled across this link: http://www.efoy-comfort.com/how-it-works

...was: "OMG!?! I must havvit!"  ...After further reading, I've downgraded that to "Wow, that's really cool and has some interesting possibilities."

I've been reading about fuel cells it seems like forever in Popular Science, but nothing ever actually comes of it as far as products I could buy.

This is a generator that operates off of a Methanol based fuel cell, and there's apparently little noise and can be operated safely in enclosed spaces. The website indicates that this can work either as a stand-alone, or as part of a solar-FC hybrid system for boats/RVs. Two models have a built in inverter, but I'm not really sure how much direct power is available, and how much its use is more tilted towards charging a battery bank.

The fuel cells themselves are disposable and come in what appears to be about a 2 gal container. Its hard to get a handle on how long one lasts with generic statements like "average customer uses 2-3 per year".

"Dealer Search" turns up like 6 results in the US. Maybe I'll fill out the Contact form and make inquiries. Seems obvious that shipping fuel cells would be necessary.

Anyway, looks like neat stuff...anyone seen one, or similar?

 

[sushidog]

Those models use about a quart of fuel per KWH of electricity produced. They have far too little output for their cost and energy produced.

Here's some US prices: http://usmarineproducts.com/osc/index.php?cPath=73&osCsid=bfb9ae4a502b4d0ef360392c1b22904a

Here's a chart: http://usmarineproducts.com/osc/product_info.php?cPath=73&products_id=544

Solar I cheaper to purchase per KWH plus the sun is free. True solar won't run at night, but that's why you have battery storage. Or spend $7,000 for a 105 watt (8.8 amp output at 12v) fuel cell and $200 for 7.4 gallons of fuel. A small compact quiet generator like a Honda EU2000 is much more practical, still reasonably quiet, and you can even run a small air conditioner with one, something you can't do with a fuel cell.

Chip

 

[LeeRevell]

I played with simple fuel cells back in high school in the early 70's.  Great idea on the Space Missions - Apollo carried them.  But for a van, not so much. 
I think a Brown's Gas Generator might be more promising.  Google it.  

 

[BradKW]

lol...I've been having fun chasing HHO links, and halfway through a thread in some electronic egghead forum I came across this:

"We all know there are a number of individuals who enjoy sending people on wild goose chases just for the hell of it

and the web seems a good place for them to operate."

...and I thought to myself, hmmm. I think I will go to the pool for a bit.  

 

[LeeRevell]

A coworker and I discussed HHO systems, mostly for powering cars and my motorcycle in a post-SHTF situation.  Never tried building one though.  Supposedly it has been done.