Sandpiper Technologies Inc. (STI, Manteca, CA), which began offering fuel cells two years ago, has initiated a program enabling customers to rent its Sentinel methanol-powered fuel cells for evaluation. The program, called the Fuel Cell Power Rent-to-Own program, allows the first-time user to try the fuel cell for at least two weeks with a 100-percent rental credit towards a purchase. STI's standard rental credit of 50 percent applies towards later purchases. Weekly rentals are calculated from $99 to $149, depending on the total number of contracted weeks, plus power used.
The Sentinel Fuel Cell Remote Power System is suitable for powering video equipment, global positioning system equipment, laptop computers, and other research tools. The self-contained, portable, 50 W/12 V methanol-fueled power system is rugged, reliable, quiet, and easy to deploy. The system may be used as a fully automatic battery charger. The system is easily refueled with 5 L or 10 L methanol cassettes that drop into place and produce maximum power for 76 and 153 hours, respectively. The design allows the system to supply power even during fuel cassette changes. Fuel consumption varies with electrical demand and at full load.
"This is the first time any company has rented a modern, methanol-powered fuel cell so clients can evaluate portable fuel cells or solve a critical, but temporary power problem without purchasing a system," stated Sandpiper Technologies Chief Executive John Christensen. "The fuel cell is more than a power source. It's a labor-saving device that is much easier to mobilize than lead batteries or power generators. The fuel cell typically replaces a 75 lb battery, and can power equipment such as cell phones, laptop computers, GPS, and video surveillance systems."
Sandpiper Technologies now offers the fuel cell technology for rent or purchase to researchers, law enforcement, search and rescue, marinas, boat owners, and emergency power consumers.
