With four patent families, SIQENS has developed the most cost-effective solution for methanol fuel cells. SIQENS uses proven components from decades worth of fuel cell technology and has improved it significantly. Now, SIQENS is able to produce a new fuel cell generation with the potential of becoming an efficient, cost-effective and clean mass-market product for innovative energy supply.
Fuel cells
The fuel cell concept is fundamentally different from conventional generators. During the fuel cell reaction within the system the chemical energy of the fuel is converted directly into electricity and heat. This leads to much higher energy conversion efficiency than in combustion engines. In a diesel genset, for example, the chemical energy of the fuel is converted indirectly – through thermal as well as kinetic energy – into electricity. This is not only inefficient but also leads to the generation of noise, harmful gases and dust.
SIQENS’ Ecoport technology has reinvented the fuel cell. To create a marketable solution, we have kept the advantages of conventional fuel cells such as clean and silent operation and have added key features such as high durability, easy refueling and operational cost-effectiveness
Our Ecoport
Until now, fuel cells failed to cover all requirements of an efficient, modern and sustainable off-grid energy production system. SIQENS changed this by developing a new class of fuel cell combining Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DFMC) and High Temperature Fuel Cells (HT-PEM) into a new concept, the High Temperature Methanol Fuel Cell (HT-MFC). The resulting HT-MFC combines the excellent advantages of the two traditional concepts. The technical challenge was solved successfully through a broad portfolio of innovations – the 4CycleTec and a high efficiency air cooled stack.
The 4CycleTec recycles the key media and energy flows in the system by recycling energy (heat and hydrogen fuel) as well as process media (water and catalyst). This technology is protected by four strong patent families (EU, Asia and USA), referring to internal fuel supply, Methanol reforming integrated in the fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, and catalyst recycling in the MEA.
The 4CycleTec is fully integrated within the Ecoport 800, SIQENS’ core product, and supplies clean energy and the safe, silent, emissions-free and low-maintenance operation in all climate zones and at any time.
Heat-Cycle
- Advantage: Fuel efficiency
- Technical solution: Up to 38 % electrical efficiency makes it the most efficient fuel cell of its kind
Water-Cycle
- Advantage: Standard fuel
- Technical solution: Technical methanol is an industry standard, cost-efficient and globally available
Catalyzer-Cycle
- Advantage: Durable
- Technical solution: Careful operation management allows a life expectancy of up to 10,000 hours
Hydrogen-Cycle
- Advantage: Inexpensive & robust
- Technical solution: A novel supply cycle makes the system inexpensive and robust.
Methanol
Conventional fuel cells use hydrogen as fuel. As hydrogen is a gas with a very low energy content, heavy and bulky gas flasks are needed to provide enough energy at the operation site. This can be especially difficult in remote places.
Ecoport uses a cartridge of liquid methanol supplying 32 kWh of electrical energy. One person can easily carry the cartridge. To achieve the same amount of energy through hydrogen, at least two 65 kg pressurized gas cylinders would be necessary.
Using a secure click connector, the cartridges can be simply connected to the fuel cell system. Our cartridge solution is certified for the use of methanol and is easy and safe to handle.
