FAQ

A fuel cell is a device that produces electricity through electrochemical conversion reactions, using hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat. Unlike engines, it has no moving parts, reducing mechanical wear, vibrations, and noise. Unlike batteries, it does not require recharging as long as fuel is continuously supplied, producing efficient electrical power continuously.

Christian Friedrich Schoenbein, a German-Swiss chemist, invented the fuel cell in 1838. Almost simultaneously, in 1839, William Robert Grove, a Welsh scientist, developed the “gas voltaic battery,” marking the birth of the functional fuel cell. Fuel cells have since played significant roles in various applications, including in land, sea, air, and space.

Methanol is an excellent energy carrier, easily stored and transported. It allows for energy storage from renewable sources like solar and wind, operates at low temperatures for efficiency, and can be produced in CO2 neutral ways from biomass or Power-to-X technologies.

A fuel cell stack is an assembly of single fuel cells, each with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and flow plates, stacked to increase voltage for practical use. This modular approach allows for customization and scalability.

Fuel cells and batteries both produce electricity through electrochemical reactions, but fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as they are supplied with fuel, unlike batteries which require recharging or replacement.

Several types, including:

  • Low Temperature PEMFC (40-60% efficiency, quick output variation)
  • High Temperature PEM (HT-PEM) (40-60% efficiency, operates at higher temperatures)
  • Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) (up to 40% efficiency, fuelled by methanol/water mixture)
  • Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) (60-70% efficiency, used in space missions)
  • Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) (36-42% efficiency, used for stationary power)
  • Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) (50-60% efficiency, suitable for large stationary power)
  • Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) (50-60% efficiency, ideal for large stationary applications)

Fuel cells have diverse applications, including auxiliary power units (APU), stationary backup power, primary traction power for vehicles, distributed power generation, and consumer electronics. They offer reliability, excellent load characteristics, and efficiency, especially in remote locations and telecommunications.

Fuel cells are considered renewable when fueled by a renewable energy source like green methanol, making them CO2 neutral.

Methanol is less flammable than gasoline and diesel, burns slower without black smoke, and emits lower radiant energy, reducing the risk of surrounding materials catching fire. Safety features and infrastructure are important due to its flammability.

The current selling price of methanol can be found on the official Methanex index.

Installation can be completed in less than a day, with system replacement in case of failure or repairs possible in less than 15 minutes.

Yes, system replacement takes less than 15 minutes, and normal consumable spare parts repairs take about an hour.