Alternative Energy from EFOY Fuel Cells

The principle behind EFOY fuel cells

A fuel cell is an alternative source of energy. It transforms chemical energy into electrical energy directly, with no intermediate steps, no moving parts and with no significant loss in energy, making it a particularly efficient source of power. A lot of patented innovation has gone into our units, making the EFOY fuel cell a marvel of miniaturization, a lightweight but high-powered, long-lasting performer. SFC's home-grown technology has positioned EFOY fuel cells to lead the field in fuel-cell systems for mobile applications.

How does an EFOY fuel cell work?

At the heart of every EFOY fuel cell is the stack. The stack actually consists of several cells: an anode, a cathode and a membrane that acts as an electrolyte, separating the anode and the cathode from each other. Positively charged electrical particles (protons) can permeate the membrane. Methanol and water are introduced on the anode side while ambient oxygen enters the cathode side. H+ ions, free electrons and carbon dioxide arise on the anode side. The protons can permeate the membrane while the electrons have to travel an electrical circuit over to the cathode side, thereby producing electrical current. H+ ions and water vapor arise on the cathode side, making EFOY fuel cells an extremely environmentally friendly way to generate electricity.

EFOY fuel cells use liquid fuel

Every EFOY fuel cell employs DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) technology which transforms methanol directly into electrical current. That's a real advantage, especially for mobile applications, because liquid methanol is easy to transport anywhere in practical EFOY fuel cartridges.

EFOY fuel cells and the hybrid principle

SFC's hybrid approach is the common denominator among all fuel-cell products, regardless of how they are employed.

EFOY fuel cells work in tandem with a battery in nearly every application. It's the ideal combination of power generation and storage. The battery stores and dispenses energy as needed including start-up and peak loads, while the EFOY fuel cell continually recharges the battery.
The result is a fully-charged battery all the time.

Of course EFOY fuel cells operate in tandem with other power generators such as solar modules too. Here, the fuel cell only cuts in if the solar module can't produce enough power due to poor weather conditions.