How does the EFOY Fuel Cell work?

Products:

The EFOY 2200

The EFOY 1600

The EFOY 1200

The EFOY 900

The EFOY 600

Fuel Cartridges

The principle behind EFOY fuel cells

All fuel cells work by converting chemical energy into electical energy. The process is very efficient, has no moving parts and produces just small amounts of water vapour and carbon dioxide as by products. EFOY fuel cells contain state-of-the-art, patented technology, their innovations have allowed the to produce highly efficient, compact devices that produce remarkable amounts of continuous quiet power. EFOY means Energy FOr You, and the products are made by SFC, leaders in the manufacture of fuel cell systems for leisure applications.

How does an EFOY fuel cell actually work?

The EFOY fuel cell is of a type called a DMFC - Direct Methanol Fuel Cell.

At the heart of the fuel cell is structure called the stack. The stack consists of a number of cells, each cell has an anode, a cathode and a membrane that acts as an electrolyte, separating the anode and the cathode.

At the anode side, the methanol and water are effectively split into Hydrogen ions, electrons and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen ions can pass through the membrane, leaving the electrons on the anode which produces the electrical current. On the cathode side, the electrons are recombined with the hydrogen ions to produce water vapour. All of this means a virtually silent process which produce very environmentally friendly electricity.

Methanol fuel

EFOY fuel cells use DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) technology, this uses methanol as a fuel source. This is a big advantage over alternate fuels such as hydrogen as it is easy to transport anywhere in practical EFOY fuel cartridges.

EFOY fuel cells and the hybrid principle

In every motorhome or caravan application the EFOY fuel cell works in tandem with a battery. This is a great combination with the battery handling peak demands and the fuel cell keeping the battery full. Think of it like a river feeding a reservoir.

You can of course operate your EFOY fuel cell in tandem with other power sources such as solar systems. In this case the fuel cell only cuts in when the solar system cannot produce enough power.

EFOY Fuel Cartridges

EFOY fuel cartridges have been designed specifically for safe, convenient operation of EFOY fuel cells. Cartridges are available in 5-litre and 10-litre capacities.

Why can I only use EFOY fuel cartridges with EFOY fuel cells?

EFOY fuel cartridges contain ultra-pure methanol fuel specially created for EFOY fuel cells. SFC tests the fuel and it carries a molecular purity guarantee.

Only original EFOY fuel cartridges may be used on EFOY fuel cells in order to avoid irreversible damage to the unit by chemical impurities. The warranty does not cover damage caused by the use of contaminated fuels!

Look for the "Ultra Pure" seal on every EFOY fuel cartridge!

Fuel Cartridge Safety

EFOY fuel cartridges carry the TÜV safety seal. EFOY fuel cartridges are subject to the most stringent safety standards. The containers are made from highly impact-resistant plastic. The containers are subjected to drop and shock tests and demonstrate a high level of security in these tests.

EFOY fuel cartridges are equipped with a safety valve to prevent leakage. The valve will only open if the fuel cartridge is connected to an EFOY 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 perol-powered generators.

Methanol fuel v.s. Hydogen fuel?

Ultra-pure methanol is used to power EFOY fuel cells. This has distinct advantages over hydrogen-powered fuel cells:

Storing Hydrogen normally needs heavy metal hydride cartridges. Making and refilling these cartridges is a very expensive process. The contents last only a few hours and there are strict regulations that govern the transportation of hydrogen.

Methanol, on the other hand, is sold in safe, convenient fuel cartridges, and is easy to transport.

Transporting Methanol

Transportation of Methanol is covered by the European Agreement Concerning The International Carriage of Dangerous Goods By Road (ADR). However, providing there is no more than 60 litres per receptacle and 240 L in total per transport unit then ADR is not applicable.

However, you should inform your insurer that you are using a fuel cell, but to the best of our knowledge (in the UK) this should not affect your policy or premium. We would like to hear from you on this subject. Please share your experiences by emailing .