Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction in which oxygen and hydrogen combine to form water. In the fuel cell reaction, the chemical energy of the fuel is directly converted into electrical energy and heat. This leads to a significantly higher efficiency of energy conversion than with combustion engines without producing harmful exhaust gases.
The Ecoport fuel cell is based on an innovative concept of four internal cycles. The system first converts a methanol-water mixture into hydrogen. The fuel cell then converts the hydrogen into electricity. The resulting water is fed back into the conversion process from methanol to hydrogen. The additional heat cycle reduces fuel consumption and increases efficiency. The principle, called FourCycleTec, improves the efficiency and service life as well as reducing purchasing and operating costs.
The SIQENS fuel cell serves as a battery charger. The electricity generated flows into a connected battery. From here, the actual applications are supplied.
SIQENS products are particularly suitable for off-grid applications – as a stand-alone power source, emergency power supply and in combination with solar and wind power.
The Ecoport 800 refers to the fuel cell system. In addition, a battery and methanol are required. All the other components are included in the delivery. The Ecoport 800 draws methanol for the electrochemical process from a canister, generates electricity and charges the connected battery. The applications, for example measurement technology or video cameras, then access the energy stored in the battery. Specialist knowledge is required to set up the system.
Electrical efficiency at the working point is approximately 38%.
The Ecoport works perfectly at ambient temperatures from -20°C to +50°C. Our products can operate in almost all climate zones.
Depending on the application and ambient conditions, we assume a consumption of approx. 0.55 – 0.68 l/kWh.
These battery types can be connected and charged: Lithium, lead acid, lead gel and AGM.
Web-based remote monitoring with the help of a modem provides current data on methanol level, battery status, system performance, start-stop cycles and the history of all important measurement data.
The control panel with touch screen is available on site to quickly and conveniently view the status of the fuel cell. Battery type, switch-on threshold, QE charge methanol canister and other parameters can be defined here.
The Ecoport 800 refers to the fuel cell system. A battery and methanol are also required.
The EcoCabinet connects all upper elements (fuel cell, battery, methanol, electrical connections) in a robust, weatherproof switch cabinet. It is delivered fully-assembled and can be put into operation very easily.
The Ecoport is very low-maintenance. The standard maintenance intervals are 3,000 hours. In dusty environments an occasional filter change is necessary.
No. The system is very safe. The methanol is not under pressure when used in the Ecoport. The quantities of hydrogen in the system are very low.
Call us (+49 89 452 44 63-0). Send us an email: sales@siqens.de. Our Customer Solutions Team is there for you and provides advice.
The energy density. Methanol has an energy density of 4.4 kWh/l. As a liquid fuel, methanol can be easily transported to the place of use. Methanol is available worldwide and can also be produced from renewable sources such as CO2 or biogas.
The Ecoport is operated with globally available industrial grade methanol – 100 % methanol, no methanol-water mixture (also called pre-mix). A very high degree of purity, as with other fuel cells, is not needed. This not only reduces costs per litre, but also simplifies procurement. Modification for use of a methanol-water mixture is possible on request.
Methanol is stored in plastic cartridges/canisters. If handled properly, methanol does not require any special installations such as leak protection. It is sufficient that the containers are closed.
Siqens has put together its own extraction system from low-cost components and delivers them with the fuel cell. Manual filling of the cartridges is therefore not necessary. Only the removal system has to be plugged from one cartridge into the other. This means that you as the user do not come into contact with the fuel. The empty cartridge is closed and disposed of properly.
As a liquid fuel, methanol is easy to transport. Industrial standard containers such as cartridges, canisters and barrels are used for transport and storage.
In Germany you can only buy methanol from chemical wholesalers or directly from the manufacturer. DIY stores do not sell methanol. Methanol in the 25 l QE Charge can be purchased from SIQENS directly.
Just like petrol and diesel, methanol can be a dangerous and toxic product if used incorrectly. In contrast to these, Methanol is not hazardous to either water or soil. Inhalation of vapours, swallowing of liquid methanol, and eye and skin contact should be avoided at all costs. In these cases, medical assistance may be necessary. Observance of the safety instructions is important.