When the sun don't shine

[Zeta]

Cool fuel cells that run on methanol.

http://www.efoy-comfort.com/

Z

[daveb]

One of the members bought one

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7144

[Chance]

Originally Posted by daveb

One of the members bought one

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7144

Do you know if he ever reported actual use after installation? I read the thread and couldn't find the expected update. Cost seemed high, but then I don't know what a good solar system costs to compare against.

The lithium battery option discussed in that thread seems more appealing to me. I assume it would be based on having enough battery capacity to run for many hours, with only occasional charging from van engine or generator when sun don't shine.

[daveb]

Don't know. Seems I read a post about the operation of these things but it might have been over on the Expo site. Until something like that can run my air conditioner, I'll stick with what I'm using but for those who frequent overcast skies it sure beats the noise of a generator albeit at a super high price. BIGRICH posted in Feb so maybe a PM might get through?

[Chance]

Daveb, I recall a few years ago reading that the US government was funding a R&D program (I think in partnership with Onan but not certain) to develop an affordable fuel cell to replace typical RV generators. Since then I don't recall seeing any news or updates, which makes me doubt much progress was achieved.

For the reported cost, even a 2000 watt unit to run an AC would be cost prohibitive. I think 5 to 10 kW-hrs of lithium batteries, while very pricey, would be a better deal for time being. It would just require a large generator (engine or separate) so that batteries could be charged in a couple of hours or less of "noise". The rest of the time it could be as silent as a fuel cell.

[Zeta]

These guys used them in--ahem--challenging conditions:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2014 ... ntPage=all

Z

[Chance]

With many modern RVs relying on larger-capacity inverters and battery banks for power, it makes sense to me that low-power Auxiliary Power Units (like these fuel cells which are rated at 40 to 105 watts) that can run continuously to keep batteries charged can find a home in smaller units.

What I'm curious about is whether the same approach could work with a very small generator that was optimized for low vibration and noise. I know most smaller generators are no smoother or quieter than a Honda 2000, but I doubt any of them have been designed with noise and smoothness as highest priority. And if it ran steady at constant power maybe it would be easier to tune out.