A fuel cell is a galvanic cell that converts the chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and oxidant into electrical energy. The underlying principle is an electrochemical process that is also called “cold combustion”. In a way, it’s the reverse of electrolysis. A fuel cell does not store energy but is a converter that generates power. The energy for power production is supplied by the fuel.
SFC fuel cells directly convert the fuel in the fuel cartridge into electric power. Thanks to this direct conversion, which takes place without moving parts and quietly, they are extremely efficient, clean and environmentally friendly.
The electrochemical process only generates a very low waste heat of about 40° C.
Yes, a lot of our users do this. The fuel cell turns itself on automatically when there is not sufficient sun for the solar energy system to function.
SFC fuel cells charge batteries completely automatically. They are compatible with military batteries such as the BB-2590. Our sales team will be happy to assist you if you have questions about compatibility.
No, as long as a fuel cartridge is connected to the SFC fuel cell, the integrated deep discharge protection is triggered and turns itself on, even in the operating mode “Off”, to protect the battery from a deep discharge. An additional deep discharge protection has to be independently integrated between consumer and battery.
There may also be residual components of methanol or methanol degradation products in the exhaust gas. The quantities and concentrations are below the legal limits. ATTENTION: Always direct the exhaust gas outside. Inhaling exhaust gas or drinking the water will harm your health. The exhaust gas does not contain CO (carbon monoxide) or NOx (nitrogen oxide).
SFC fuel cells comply with the strictest safety and quality requirements including those regulations that are relevant for installation in vehicles. They are the first fuel cells in the world to bear the ECE-R10 (Installation and Operation in Motor Vehicles), CE and “Safety-tested, production-monitored fuel cell system” certifications by TÜV Süd. They are also tested according to MIL-STD (military standards).
We guarantee safe operation in ambient temperatures between: -20°C to +50°C.
If you require an energy supply in more extreme conditions, please contact us.
Purchase
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Application areas
Special and task forces require a portable power supply to dependably provide their technical equipment with power throughout the full term of their deployment. Until now, this has involved a tremendous carrying weight and major logistical efforts. With the SFC energy network consisting of the SFC JENNY 600S and the SFC Power Manager, a weight savings of up to 80 % is achieved on a 72-hour deployment.
Yes, for surveillance missions and covert operations, SFC Energy supplies fuel cells for vehicle integration. These systems provide a reliable power supply to electronic devices in emergency, command and multipurpose vehicles. Their silent operation minimises the risk of being detected based on the sound and heat signature. These fuel cells are available as military ruggedised (SFC EMILY 3000) as well as industrial devices (EFOY Pro) for official use.
Yes, semi-stationary and stationary surveillance systems are often used where there is no mains connection. Sometimes, surveillance systems must be used covertly. This poses a challenge to the self-sufficiency of a power supply. SFC offers a power supply for stationary and undercover use of surveillance applications and law enforcement authorities. SFC fuel cells reliably supply power for weeks without a mains connection or the need for user intervention – silent and, if required, undercover, vandalism-proof and even for burying.
The benefits at a glance:
An essential factor is the quiet operation of the solutions virtually without detectable signatures. In addition, fuel cells are very user friendly and safe to handle. They are simple plug-and-play solutions.
Fuel cartridges
At just 8.4 kg, a 10-litre SFC fuel cartridge boasts an energy content of 11.1 kWh. To deliver the same amount of energy, around 280 kg of lead-gel batteries would be needed.
One litre corresponds to an energy capacity of 1.1 kWh. With a continuous consumption of 25 W (600 Wh/day) without an additional energy source such as solar power, the following applies:
Yes, SFC fuel cartridges are designed for the most stringent safety requirements. Additionally, the fuel cartridges are approved and marked for road, sea and air transport.
Consumption depends on the power consumer. Currently, consumption is 0.9 litres of methanol per kilowatt hour.
Yes, the fuel cartridge can easily be changed during ongoing operation. The design of the cartridges ensures that the user is never at risk of coming into contact with their contents.
Here you can see how easy it is to change the fuel cartridge. To the video
SFC JENNY
Yes, the fuel cartridge can easily be changed during ongoing operation. The design of the cartridges ensures that the user is never at risk of coming into contact with their contents.
Here you can see how easy it is to change the fuel cartridge. To the video
Due to the high energy density of the methanol fuel cartridges, the SFC JENNY 600S reduces the number of spare batteries to be carried along so that the weight of equipment and, as a result, the soldier’s carrying load, is significantly reduced. Three to four 350 ml methanol fuel cartridges contain enough power capacity for 72 hours of deployment. This means up to 80 per cent of weight can be saved. Therefore, the soldier can equip himself/herself with the minimum of batteries and instead carry additional food, water and ammunition, having saved the weight or alternatively extend the duration of the mission.
With the fuel cartridge, the JENNY 600S only weighs about 2.2 kg and is therefore easy to carry in a backpack.
Yes, this is generally possible. The prerequisite is the use of suitable cables. If you have questions about specific requirements, please contact our sales team.
SFC EMILY
At full power, the SFC EMILY 3000 emits CO2 approximately corresponding to what a human breathes when playing sports.
The SFC EMILY 3000 takes care of the on-board power supply for stationary vehicles without a running engine and is connected directly to the on-board battery. Electrical peak loads are compensated directly from the battery, while the SFC EMILY 3000 continuously monitors this and, if necessary, recharges independently. In addition to the applications in and on vehicles, which are increasingly in demand, the SFC EMILY 3000 is used to supply power for mobile and stationary defence applications. It is suitable for remote use and as a battery charger in the field. Remote from the vehicle, it can therefore power applications such as radios, radar and weapons systems and at the same time recharge several batteries.
When selecting the installation space, sufficient supply air and removal of waste heat/exhaust air must be ensured. Please also check that there is enough space for the fuel cartridge and the device itself.
Yes, for surveillance missions and covert operations, SFC Energy supplies fuel cells for vehicle integration. These systems provide a reliable power supply to electronic devices in emergency, command and multipurpose vehicles. Their silent operation minimises the risk of being detected based on the sound and heat signature. These fuel cells are available as military ruggedised (SFC EMILY 3000) as well as industrial devices (EFOY Pro) for official use.
Yes, SFC fuel cells are approved for operation in motor vehicles. Leading vehicle manufacturers install the devices in vehicles ex works.
Yes, the DuoCartSwitch is used to connect up to two fuel cartridges with the EMILY 3000. The DuoCartSwitch is available as an additional accessory. It has to be activated before use. You can receive more information in the operating instructions for the DuoCartSwitch or contact us directly.
SFC Power Manager
The SFC Power Manager 3G has two power inputs/outputs (500 W), two bidirectional battery charging ports (65 W) and battery and device outputs (65 W).
The SFC Power Manager is compatible with a variety of military devices, such as radios, batteries or laptops. Please contact our sales team for additional information and specific requests.
The SFC Power Manager 3G enables the soldier to use all energy sources available in the field such as hybrid batteries, solar panels, vehicle power and fuel cells to power devices or charge batteries.
Several consumers can be supplied with power very efficiently at the same time with the energy network. In addition to the SFC JENNY 600S fuel cell and the SFC Power Manager 3G, this set consists of a powerful hybrid battery, a foldable solar panel as well as various cables for connecting to different electronic devices.
No, SFC fuel cells can be used without the SFC Power Manager 3G. However there are expanded possibilities for the user with the SFC Power Manager 3G.
Yes, the SFC Power Manager 3G can also be used without a fuel cell as a voltage converter and energy distributor. The SFC Power Manager can intelligently distribute the vehicle’s energy to different loads in the vehicle.