Fuel cell systems used in solar hybrid microgrids for power supply in off-grid areas

SFC Energy delivered 48 EFOY Pro 12000 Duo fuel cell systems through its partner FC TecNrgy Pvt Ltd. These are used in solar hybrid microgrids to provide power in off-grid areas. Each system consists of two EFOY Pro 12000 fuel cells with a total output of 1,000 watts, a 5,000-watt solar panel, a Li-ion battery and an intelligent energy management module. They are combined with a 230 volt AC inverter. The systems are used to supply energy to a group of accommodations that house a total of about 50 people. The solution ensures the supply of lighting and ventilation as well as the operation of entertainment systems and the charging of communication and other end devices.

Particularly in applications in remote areas such as the hinterland of India’s northeastern region, fuel cell technology can realize its full potential. The region is characterized by unpredictable terrain, adverse weather conditions, low temperatures, prolonged periods of rain and poor connectivity. Due to its properties, methanol is also often used as an antifreeze and is therefore the perfect fuel for this type of environment. This quality and also the very low consumption of SFC fuel cells are significant logistical advantages for the supply compared to conventional diesel generators. The fuel cells require less than one litre of fuel per hour. On average, the units are operated for no more than six hours per day, unless there is a period of darkness when the solar panel cannot generate power. This simplifies logistics and reduces the need to build up large fuel stocks, as is the case with diesel generators.

Compared to conventional generators, EFOY fuel cells offer numerous additional advantages that meet the highest demands. The fuel cells are quieter in operation and produce less waste heat. The lower noise emission and heat signature are clear advantages for users in the field. In addition, the gensets do not emit any environmentally harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) or particulate matter and supply all terminal equipment with power reliably and in an environmentally friendly manner. This makes them the perfect power solution for installation near living and rest areas, as they do not create the continuous noise of conventional generators.

“SFC fuel cells show superior performance especially in remote regions away from the conventional power grid. Especially in comparison to diesel generators they unfold their full potential. This first serial installation of this kind in India is an important step for us and our partner. We see great growth potential in India and worldwide, which we intend to tap with our innovative and proven fuel cell solutions”, says Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG.

“Fuel cells are increasingly in demand from Indian customers, especially government agencies, due to their high reliability, low maintenance and massive logistic advantages. They play an important role wherever conventional energy suppliers cannot be relied upon. We see a very bright future for SFC systems in India and are now including hydrogen fuel cells by SFC in our portfolio”, says Karandeep Singh, Managing Director of FC TecNrgy Pvt Ltd.