Advantages of SFC Fuel Cells

Reasons to use our fuel cells

A reliable power supply is one of the key technical challenges in modern military operations. SFC Fuel Cells for military applications offer significant advantages. One of the most important benefits is their quiet operation with minimally detectable noise and heat signature. In addition, the systems are user-friendly and safe to handle. As simple plug-and-play solutions, they automatically charge the user’s batteries and switch to standby mode once charging is complete. This ensures that users always have fully charged devices available, while extending battery life by preventing deep discharge.

Robust Solution

SFC Fuel Cells are rugged and designed for the demands of field use. They operate reliably at high altitudes, in harsh climatic conditions, and both day and night.

100 % Reliable

SFC Fuel Cells ensure continuous power availability through synchronised hybrid switching between the battery and the fuel cell. They continuously monitor the battery’s state of charge and automatically recharge it as needed. This ensures that applications remain reliably supplied with power at all times. SFC Fuel Cells generate power in any weather, year-round, and in any location.

Weight savings of up to 80 %

For a soldier, the combined mass of different devices along with different battery requirements leads to an enormous logistical effort. Depending on the duration of use, long operating times independent of a vehicle is almost impossible due to the tremendous battery weight needed to supply the soldier’s power requirements. Using SFC’s fuel cells, up to 80 percent of the weight of the batteries can be saved. Therefore, the soldier can be equiped with the minimum of batteries and instead carry additional food, water and ammunition, or alternatively extend the duration of the mission.

Easy Operation

SFC Fuel Cells charge batteries completely automatically. They are plug-and-play solutions which can be operated without a high amount of training effort.

Cost Efficiency

Fuel cells are more cost-effective than batteries, as they only require methanol for operation. In contrast, maintaining a power supply with batteries involves purchasing primary batteries or recharging secondary batteries, which requires additional effort and infrastructure. In addition to material costs, this also leads to increased logistics, disposal, and equipment costs, including chargers, generators, and fuel.

Note about Methanol

No Detectable Signature

SFC Fuel Cells are characterised by virtually silent, emission-free operation with minimal detectable signature, making them a top choice for modern military operations. For example, the SFC EMILY Fuel Cell charges a vehicle’s on-board battery automatically and quietly, without detection. It ensures the operation of onboard systems even when the engine is switched off, allowing full camouflage to be maintained.

Note

According to the CLP Regulation, methanol is categorised as a poisonous and easily flammable substance. For further information, please see the Safety data sheets in our downloads.