FAQs
This page displays a list of frequently asked questions about EFOY fuel cells, arranged according to subject.
Questions about Fuel Cells
Why do I need an EFOY fuel cell?
EFOY fuel cells are useful anywhere where it is either impossible or difficult to connect to a source of power, and large amounts of electricity are needed. Owners of motor homes, vacation homes and sailboats appreciate the complete independence that an EFOY fuel cell affords them. No longer do you have to do without convenience and functionality. With regard to industrial applications where there is no connection to the power grid, fuel cells generate electricity reliably and independently of wind and weather. Possible applications are for security, traffic control, surveillance cameras, environmental monitoring, etc. A fuel cell allows you to be independent of the conventional power grid.
What can I do with en EFOY fuel cell?
You can use the EFOY fuel cell to power practically any electrical device within a broad range of applications. The EFOY fuel cell is generally connected to an existing battery in motor homes, sailboats and similar applications, giving rise to a hybrid system. The battery buffers brief demand spikes while the EFOY fuel cell provides constant long-term energy, keeping the battery fully charged at all times. It is thus possible to reliably operate appliances requiring a lot of power such as coffee makers, hairdryers, microwave ovens – via ac/dc converters, while providing constant long-term power for lighting, navigation systems and heating. A five-liter methanol cartridge is enough to make a motor home energy independent for one to two weeks, permitting regular use of all appliances.
Why are there five different models of the EFOY fuel cell?
Different customers require different performance and convenience features, depending on personal preferences, types and power requirements of appliances, vehicle size, ambient conditions, etc. Customers can choose from five different EFOY products:
EFOY 2200: Furnishing 2,200 watt hours, it is the most convenient choice for heavy-duty energy demands.
EFOY 1600: Furnishing 1,600 watt hours, it is the convenient choice for heavy-duty energy demands.
EFOY 1200: Furnishing 1,200 watt hours per day, it can make you independent throughout the year.
EFOY 900: Furnishing 900 watt hours per day, it delivers off grid power from spring to fall and provides the base load in winter.
EFOY 600: Furnishing 600 watt hours per day, it handles the base load when power demand is low
Can I power an entire motor home on just 50 watts?
The average power needed by a motor home is about 600 to 900 watt hours per day (25 to 38 watts) from spring to fall depending on individual power consumption, 1200 watt hours per day (50 watts) in winter, and 1600 watt hours per day (67 watts) for higher energy requirements. EFOY fuel cells address these needs perfectly. There is a difference between brief peak loads (measured in watts) and base loads measured in watt hours throughout the day. Some electrical appliances such as coffee makers and hairdryers etc., use considerably more electricity than 50 watts. However, they do not run 24 hours a day but only for brief periods.
Together with leading manufacturers of motor homes, we have developed a calculator that will allow you to compute your individual electrical power needs.
How do I install an EFOY fuel cell?
Simply use the mounting plate to install the EFOY in a motor home. The installation set (included) permits mounting even in enclosed spaces. When considering possible locations, please take into account that the unit generates heat. SFC recommends installation in the sub-floor compartment, in the sub-floor itself or the rear storage area. Your dealer will be happy to install it for you. Thanks to a built-in automatic charge control, the EFOY fuel cell may be connected directly to the battery and will charge it fully automatically. Please refer to the user manual for installation. It can be downloaded at www.efoy.com
How safe are EFOY fuel cells?
EFOY fuel cells meet the highest stands of quality and safety including those governing installation in motor vehicles. They are the world’s first fuel cells to carry the certifications ECE R-10 (installation and operation in motor vehicles), CE and the TUEV Sued’s “safety-tested and monitored fuel cell system“.
How sensitive are EFOY fuel cells to vibrations?
We preceded our product launch with years of intensive development and testing in conjunction with leading automobile manufacturers. An EFOY fuel cell will also withstand the dreaded shake test without a problem, provided it has been installed properly.
What exhaust gases does the EFOY fuel cell produce?
None. The only byproducts are carbon dioxide and water. This technology even meets California‘s strict zero-emission requirements. At peak load, a fuel cell “exhales“ approximately the same components that the breath of a young child contains: a warm, moist mixture of carbon dioxide and, to a lesser extent, oxygen.
Does SFC guarantee its EFOY fuel cells?
EFOY fuel cells meet the highest quality standards! That’s why, when you purchase an EFOY fuel cell, we automatically guarantee it for two years or 3,000 hours at full power from the date of purchase. And if you register your unit with us via postcard or Internet within four weeks of purchase, we will extend the guarantee period to three years or 3,000 hours at full power FREE OF CHARGE.
Guarantee claims are handled in accordance with our conditions which you can download from the Internet.
Are EFOY fuel cells ready for the market?
SFC has been developing and manufacturing fuel cells since 2000. Several thousand motor homes and sailboats are currently using SFC fuel cells to supply their energy needs on board. All of our products meet various mandatory (CE, E24 for installation in motor vehicles) and voluntary certification requirements (UN, LBA, TÜV-GS, TÜV-IEC62286, etc). You can purchase a fuel cell from hundreds of dealers and in numerous on-line shops throughout the world. Which is to say that EFOY fuel cells are indeed ready for the market.
Can I also use an EFOY fuel cell on my boat?
Yes, you can. For boating the EFOY fuel cell is an excellent solution.
In what temperature range do fuel cells operate?
We guarantee safe operation between ambient air temperatures of -20 °C and +40 °C. The unit features an intelligent antifreeze automatic feature so that it functions even at low temperatures. Operation is possible outside of this temperature range for brief periods of time with no problem. If you will be operating your unit for extended periods of time in temperatures above or below these parameters, please contact us. We have solutions even for these kinds of situations.
Why do you recommend removing fuel cells from vehicles during the wintertime?
It may be advisable to remove the unit if it is going to go unused for a longer period of time in order to cut energy costs. Store it where it is protected from freezing temperatures. The device will use around ten liters of methanol during a five-month winter period such as is typical in Central Europe.
Can I also operate my remote system during the wintertime?
Yes, the EFOY outdoor variant allows for problem-free operation. Here too, the fuel cell protects itself against freezing. If needed, it can also protect the devices that it powers from freezing. Please contact us directly if you are planning to use your fuel cell in this manner.
Do EFOY fuel cells require any maintenance?
No. EFOY fuel cells are maintenance free. What‘s more, they operate fully automatically. The integrated Automatic Charge Control regulator permanently monitors both battery and charge level. If the battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts, the EFOY cuts in, recharges the battery, and automatically cuts out. You don‘t have to worry about a thing, except changing the fuel cartridge when it’s empty.
Can I also operate the fuel cell as a hybrid system with a solar cell?
Yes, in fact a lot of our customers do just that.
What advantages does EFOY offer over ordinary power sources?
EFOY fuel cells offer the following advantages:
They are extremely quiet and environmentally friendly. They are quieter than their predecessors. They produce no more noise than a computer and thus will disturb neither you nor your neighbours during the night.
They are as light as a feather. The EFOY fuel cell weighs a mere 7.5 Kg making it a compact lightweight device that fits into any motor home. No other source of energy delivers so much power with so little weight.
They run fully automatically. The fuel cell runs fully automatically and maintenance free. You needn’t worry about a thing thanks to automatic charge control regulators and digital remote control.
They’re always available. EFOY fuel cells can deliver full power at any time, especially when the weather’s bad and you want comfort the most: television, lighting, heating, etc. They’re extremely reliable since they operate independently of the weather.
How does the EFOY fuel cell work?
An EFOY fuel cell directly converts liquid methanol (from safety cartridges) into electrical current. Thanks to this direct conversion, which proceeds quietly and emissions free without any moving parts, it is extremely efficient, clean and environmentally friendly. The basic principle is an electrochemical process also known as “cold combustion“. It is almost the exact opposite of electrolysis.
As a practical matter, the fuel cell in a motor home is directly connected to the battery and it continually monitors the charge fully automatically. The moment that battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts (or another individually chosen threshold), the fuel cell automatically cuts in and charges the battery. Once the cutoff voltage is reached (14.2 volts is the default setting although other settings are possible), the fuel cell automatically returns to standby mode. Not only will you always have full power available but your batteries will last longer since continual charging protects them against the harmful effects of going completely dead.
What are the specifications of EFOY fuel cells?
| Product | EFOY 600 | EFOY 900 | EFOY 1200 | EFOY 1600 | EFOY 2200 |
| Nominal output | 25 W | 38 W | 50 W | 65 W | 90 W |
| Charging capacity / Day | 600 Wh (50 Ah) |
900 Wh (75 Ah) |
1200 Wh (100 Ah) |
1600 Wh (130 Ah) |
2200 Wh (180 Ah) |
| Nominal voltage | 12 V | 12 V | 12 V | 12 V | 12 V |
| Nominal current @ 12 V | 2.1 A | 3.1 A | 4.2 A | 5.4 A | 7,5 A |
|
Nominal consumption |
0.9 l/ kWh | 0.9 l/ kWh | 0.9 l/ kWh | 0.9 l /kWh | 0,9 l/kWh |
| Compatible batteries |
12 V lead rechargeable (lead-acid, lead-gel or AGM) | ||||
| Operating temperature |
- 4 to +113 F (-20 to + 45 C) |
||||
| Noise emissions at 7 meters | 23 dB(A) | 23 dB(A) | 23 dB(A) | 23 dB(A) | 23 dB (A) |
| Weight | 6.5 kg | 6.8 kg |
7.4 kg |
7.6 kg |
7.9 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) |
43.5 x 20 x 27.6 cm 17.1 x 7.9 x 10.9 in |
||||
What are the specifications of EFOY fuel cartridges?
| Fuel Cartridge | M5 | M10 |
| Volume | 5 liters | 10 liters |
| Weight | 4.2 kg | 8.4 kg |
| Rated capacity | 5.5 kWh | 11.1 kWh |
| Art. No.: | 150 905 006 | 150 905 008 |
What other fuel cells are there on the market?
None for now and for the foreseeable future. SFC Energy AG is a pioneer and market leader in fuel-cell technology and has secured its lead through patents comprising other fuel-cell technologies. Other companies have not yet left the early research and development stage with their fuel-cell projects. The advantages offered by EFOY fuel cells powered by liquid methanol from fuel cartridges are unique. It will take a very long time before other fuel-cell concepts leave the drawing board and match EFOY standards of quality, performance, certification, reliability, product life and value.
Why should I purchase an EFOY fuel cell? What about solar energy?
Solar energy is fascinating but solar systems only work if the sun is shining directly, i.e. no shade and at the right angle of incidence, on the solar panel. That‘s not the case in most situations such as cloudy weather, nighttime, fog, rain, snow, under trees, etc. Motor home owners often seek shade in the summertime, rendering a solar system practically useless. Moreover, the very low efficiency of solar cells (typically < 15 %) means that enormous areas are necessary and these are often not available. This space requirement leads to such typical problems as wind and snow loading, vandalism, etc. A typical solar panel with a 100-watt module provides an average of 400 Wh per day in Europe – only if the weather is good. Our entry-level EFOY 600 provides 600 Wh per day and does so reliably, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why should I purchase an EFOY fuel cell? What about gasoline and diesel generators?
Here are the facts:
A 1.5 kW generator, if you can tolerate the noise and the fumes that it produces for one hour per day, produces 1,500 Wh/day. The actual amount of electricity that flows to the battery amounts to around 1,200 Wh due to losses to the rectifier and to the battery charger. This is exactly the same amount that an EFOY 1200 delivers, but it does so cleanly and quietly. Your ears, and those of your neighbours, will thank you.
Another factor to consider is the charging ability of the battery. Often when a quick charge from a powerful generator is applied, the battery can only accept 75% of the current flowing into it. To put it another way, out of 100 Ah of charging capacity, only 75 Ah stay in the battery! When a trickle charge is used as in the case of the EFOY fuel cell, available capacity rises to nearly 100% (100 Ah) - and it‘s also better for the battery.
Most generators disturb the peace and quiet due to the noise and fumes that they emit.
How do EFOY fuel cells compare to other alternative power sources?
| Product | EFOY 1600, 1200, 900, 600 |
Solar cell 100 Wp | Built-in generator |
| Erlectrical output [Wh/day] (summer/winter) | 1600, 1200, 900, 600 | Approx. 400 / 200 (only under optimum conditions) | Approx- 1000 - 1500 per hour |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 kg incl. mounting, without fuel cartridge | Up to 20 kg incl. mounting, depending on size, plus an additional battery = 50 - 60 kg | Approx. 40 - 50 kg |
| Characteristics |
Unlimited, complete independence, day and night, anytime, anyplace. Very quiet, very light, completely automatic and maintenance free. Easy to mount. |
Only practical when little energy is needed and then, only under ideal conditions. Unreliable. | High output if noise and emissions are acceptable. |
| Comments | Three M5 fuel cartridges provide 13.5 kWh of reserve power. No other source offers so much capacity for so little weight, regardless of the weather. Clean, quiet and extremely easy on the environment. | The amount of electricity produced depends greatly on the angle of incidence, the weather and shade, and is thus not reliable. Practically unusable in the six cold months of the year and in shade. Installation requires flat roof areas, holes in roof and voltage regulators. |
Finds little practical application due to noise and emissions. Continual operation is out of the question. |
Where can I purchase EFOY fuel cells?
You‘ll find the latest authorized dealers on www.efoy.com. EFOY fuel cells and fuel cartridges are available all over Europe at large motor home dealerships.
Can I also retrofit with an EFOY fuel cell?
You can retrofit any motor home with an EFOY fuel cell. Use the charge line harness (included) to connect to your electrical system or directly to the battery. Mounting sets are available from your dealer.
Questions about fuel cartridges
How much energy does a 10 litres fuel cartridge contain?
10 litres of methanol contains 9.1 kWh or 760 Ah of power. This is enough to provide 130 hours of television or 910 hours of light (10W), for example.
Where and how can I purchase EFOY fuel cartridges?
You can obtain EFOY fuel cartridges at approximately 600 outlets throughout Europe. Our distribution network for EFOY tank cartridges can be downloaded form our website at www.efoy.com.
What is methanol?
The EFOY fuel cell uses methanol as a fuel to produce electricity. Methanol is an alcohol that occurs in nature such as in trees, cotton bushes or oils. Methanol is produced industrially and, increasingly, out of renewable resources such as biomass or even household refuse. Methanol thus helps conserve other resources by producing energy in an environmentally compatible way.
Are EFOY fuel cells safety certified?
Every EFOY fuel cartridge bears the TUEV-GS safety seal. EFOY fuel cartridges were designed with safety in mind right from the start. The containers are made of highly impact resistant plastic and have passed numerous drop and shock tests with flying colors.
What‘s more, SFC fuel cartridges are equipped with a safety valve that prevents leakage. It only opens once the cartridge has been connected to an EFOY fuel cell. If you remove the fuel cartridge, the safety valve hermetically reseals the cartridge. At no time does a user come into contact with methanol. Handling methanol is by far safer, cleaner and more convenient than fueling ordinary generators.
Every EFOY fuel cartridge comes equipped with the Ultra Pure seal. This seal stands for a molecular purity guarantee that is subject to constant monitoring.
Why do EFOY fuel cells use methanol?
Methanol is an excellent source of energy. It offers the following advantages:inexpensiveclean, quickly biodegradable, environmentally friendly is being increasingly regenerated from renewable sources such as biomass or household waste is the only liquid that can be converted directly into electricity easy and safe to handle TUEV safety certified no restraints on shipping due to UN-approved packaging enormous energy density (approx. 10 x greater than hydrogen cartridges; approx. 30 x g greater than rdinary rechargeable batteries)fuel-cartridge infrastructure already in place
infrastructure already in place
