Fuel Cell

**dmdigital** · 27th December 2009, 09:20 AM

I got a newsletter e-mail of Kimberley Kampers the other day and it contained an interesting item they are now selling, a methanol powered fuel cell.

Here's a link: Eco Camper - Fuel Cells
International site: EFOY

They are frighteningly expensive items and I'm sure sourcing the fuel would also be an issue whilst travelling. Although 10L of fuel would last about a month.

I, for one, wouldn't be rushing out to buy one. But it got my attention as I hadn't realised this technology had worked it's way down to consumer level. It's certainly something I suspect we will see more of and I'm sure the costs will come down (it will have to, to be viable) and the ability will improve. At the moment it's a rather expensive way to recharge the batteries.

Anyway just thought I'd mention this in case anyone was interested.

**Captain_Rightfoot** · 27th December 2009, 11:43 AM

That's a cool idea. As an aeromodeller I have methanol constantly exuding from my pores (and one particular orifice - oh sorry that's methane

) so that would be cool.

Just out of interest, how frightening is the price, and how much power does it put out? Any links? Names of product?

**rovey** · 27th December 2009, 11:58 AM

they are in every motorhome in europe, give off around 50 amps per day ,on standby when batteries go below 12.4 volts. they kick in and charge back up to 13.8v then cut off again. this is claimed to last a week on i litre of fuel.They are around $2000 in australia,,,, a pinch when the average motorhome is around $ 120,000.

**dmdigital** · 27th December 2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by rovey

They are around $2000 in australia,,,,

If they were $2000 it wouldn't be a bad idea. These one's are around AU$8000 and in UK about £1600

**inside** · 20th January 2010, 08:44 PM

Check the prices, it may be possible to get them for...

$1000 here A50 FUEL CELL RRP $6,000 - eBay, Other Camping, Camping, Hiking, Sport. (end time 25-Jan-10 13:25:21 AEDST)

$1500 here EFOY 600 FUEL CELL IDEAL FOR CARAVANING,BOATING ETC - eBay, Other Camping, Camping, Hiking, Sport. (end time 24-Jan-10 14:32:04 AEDST)

Maybe the market for these needs to mature a little but they are looking better than solar I think.

**Banjo_pluker** · 21st January 2010, 07:47 AM

If you go to the van shows you can buy these from the manufaturer, From memory they are a lot cheeper than that.

**Bigbjorn** · 21st January 2010, 08:34 AM

That web sitre is selling methanol @ $60 for 10 litres. This is damn expensive methanol. It can be had for much less.

**101RRS** · 21st January 2010, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

That web sitre is selling methanol @ $60 for 10 litres. This is damn expensive methanol. It can be had for much less.

Isn't mentholated spirits just methanol with and extra additive to make it taste bad.

Garry

**fraser130** · 21st January 2010, 09:48 AM

I saw one operating at the camping show in Melb a couple of years ago.
I think it would make a great addition to a solar setup, so if the sun was out for a couple of days, it could top up your batteries. a great replacement for a 12v generator, or a generator/charger setup - no noise.
as said, not cheap though, but neither is a good inverter generator and charger.

Fraser

**roverrescue** · 21st January 2010, 09:52 AM

Garry,
Metholated Spirits ("Meths") is mostly Ethanol with some added Methanol (low percentage) to poison it... and then some bad taste additives.
Id be guessing a fuel cell would need relatively pure Methanol. You could make a still to take the Methanol out of "Meths" but would be easier to buy it straight I would think?

S

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