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Topic: Fuel cell power for RV's (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Fuel cell power for RV's
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 113867
"I posted about this technology back in February and received no response. So I thought I'd re post to see if anyone has an opinion on this?"

Jay

There is a desire in the RV community for affordable fuel cells to replace our generators.
The biggest model shown at the site you linked, the EFOY 2200 fuel cell is rated at 2,160 watt hours per day. That's less than 100 watts an hour.
Nice but a few solar panels do the same with no fuel but the sun.
When they come out with a 2000+ watt model, I will be interested.
It has got to be able to run the A/C to be useful IMO.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Fuel cell power for RV's
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 113870
Quote

 "I posted about this technology back in February and received no response. So I thought I'd re post to see if anyone has an opinion on this?"

Jay

There is a desire in the RV community for affordable fuel cells to replace our generators.
The biggest model shown at the site you linked, the EFOY 2200 fuel cell is rated at 2,160 watt hours per day. That's less than 100 watts an hour.
Nice but a few solar panels do the same with no fuel but the sun.
When they come out with a 2000+ watt model, I will be interested.
It has got to be able to run the A/C to be useful IMO.

Larry
One of the advantages over solar is weight savings. These things are pretty small, lightweight and don't need sun to work.
They are getting popular in Europe and some of the manufacturers are now installing them from the factory.
I agree about the A/C issue, but solar won't run that either, will it?

I'm more interested in using it instead of doing a solar system.
No US distributor so I have no cost comparison but I did get some prices from a UK site and it seemed OK, but then you have to consider recharging the unit and that adds to the overall cost, where solar is done once you do it.

Jay
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Fuel cell power for RV's
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 113872
"One of the advantages over solar is weight savings. These things are pretty small, lightweight and don't need sun to work.
 I did get some prices from a UK site and it seemed OK, but then you have to consider recharging the unit and that adds to the overall cost, where solar is done once you do it."

J

Solar panels are getting light too. Some of the new technology cells are printed on thin foil.
 I think this is an interesting product that isn't quite really for prime time in the RV market. Being dependent on a proprietary fuel cylinder is a deal breaker for me.  Our RVs already have an on-board fuel system. Where are you going to get a new cylinder in Ely, Nevada?  I can get propane there.
I expect we will be seeing more advances in RV fuel cell usage over the next few years as prices come down and as more powerful cells, designed for the RV market, hit the market.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Fuel cell power for RV's
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 113874
Quote
Quote

 "One of the advantages over solar is weight savings. These things are pretty small, lightweight and don't need sun to work.
 I did get some prices from a UK site and it seemed OK, but then you have to consider recharging the unit and that adds to the overall cost, where solar is done once you do it."

J

Solar panels are getting light too. Some of the new technology cells are printed on thin foil.
 I think this is an interesting product that isn't quite really for prime time in the RV market. Being dependent on a proprietary fuel cylinder is a deal breaker for me.  Our RVs already have an on-board fuel system. Where are you going to get a new cylinder in Ely, Nevada?  I can get propane there.
I expect we will be seeing more advances in RV fuel cell usage over the next few years as prices come down and as more powerful cells, designed for the RV market, hit the market.

Larry
I agree, it's not ready for prime time and I'm sure as with other new tech. it will get cheaper. The point comparing propane availability is a good one, I haven't looked but I wonder how often it needs to be re charged and how expensive the methanol used will be.

Thank you for your observations Larry.

Jay
Jota
96 23.5 FL
 
Re: Fuel cell power for RV's
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 113892
Quote
One of the advantages over solar is weight savings. These things are pretty small, lightweight and don't need sun to work.
I don't see the weight savings. Solar panels are lighter per watt, and if you have the roof real estate available, they take up very little usable space. Don't forget to count the spare fuel weight for the cells, and note that solar panels will operate the entire time if you are boondocked a couple of weeks. That would be a lot of extra fuel weight if you used a fuel cell instead.
 Once they can replace a conventional generator, using gasoline, they will sell to RVers.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit