SFC Achieves Energy Density of 1,580Wh Per KG Of Fuel In DMFC System
SFC Smart Fuel Cell announced that it has developed what it describes as an enhanced, highly efficient EFOY® fuel cell system with an energy density of 1,580Wh electricity per kg of fuel. The improvements enable long-term operation of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) systems on undiluted (neat) methanol at ambient temperatures as high as 55° C/131°F.
According to the company, until now, state-of-the-art methanol fuel cell systems required pre-mix fuel diluted with approximately 36% (by weight) of water for stable operation at high temperatures. The company also states that eliminating the need for pre-mixed fuel, which was accomplished by SFC’s continued efficiency improvements of major system components, offers customers significant reductions in weight and cost as well as simplified logistics.
The maximum energy density of undiluted fuel can now be obtained even at extreme temperatures. This capability is said to be a significant advantage for customers who require reliable power sources in harsh desert climates, including for defense and remote industrial applications. The new technology is also said to significantly lower the likelihood of detection through a reduction of infrared (IR) and noise signatures for customers who operate safety-critical remote or defense applications.
"We are extremely proud that SFC once again is the first company worldwide to achieve a major fuel cell technology milestone," said Dr. Jens Mueller, CEO of SFC Smart Fuel Cell. "Industry and defense customers have long been requesting this improved energy density and operability under extreme conditions, and we have been the first to present these features to them. These breakthroughs clearly demonstrate our market and technology leadership. With already almost 10,000 fuel cells sold following market mechanisms, this will put our successful commercial products even further ahead of our international competition."
SFC will introduce the two new technology improvements into all its fuel products over the next 12 to 18 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 250W and Emily vehicle-based fuel cells.
