A compact electricity generator designed to run low-power equipment and based on a combination of hydrogen fuel cell and photovoltaic (PV) panels has been launched. The product is by ICEE Managed Services Ltd, a UK manufacturer of bespoke equipment enclosures and cabling systems for the telecommunications, road traffic control and related industries.
Examples of applications include: rapid deployment of emergency lighting and CCTV cameras; and lighting at events ranging from festivals to construction sites; or long-term operation of telecoms and signalling equipment and security or monitoring devices in remote areas not served by the National Grid; or where it may be too costly or impractical to provide a mains power cable. The makers say that the hybrid power system operates at lower costs than petrol or diesel electricity generators, particularly at low loading (<100W). It may be controlled in manual or automatic modes, or remotely via a GSM modem. On a nationwide basis, ICEE will provide a service for the new product, from advice and sales to installation, maintenance and where preferred, replenishment of the hydrogen gas cylinder. ICEE’s Key Account Manager, Shane Thomas says: “Combining a PV panel with a hydrogen fuel cell means the generator will provide uninterrupted power even when there is little sun during the day and of course during the night. It guarantees a continuous and reliable supply of DC electricity around the clock for long periods and in any external location. Besides a PV panel the generator may be fitted with a wind turbine, which provides even greater flexibility. The option of PV, wind or both options together supports the fuel cell and results in highly economic, extended and sustainable performance.” ICEE designed and developed the hybrid electricity generator with BOC, the supplier of industrial gases and related equipment in the UK and a member of The Linde Group. It is based on the BOC Hymera portable hydrogen fuel cell and runs on readily available industrial hydrogen gas supplied in standard steel cylinders, or BOC’s new GENIE container. When filled to 300 bar the latter is capable of generating up to 7000 Wh of electrical energy, delivering battery-like power but at ten times the energy density of a lead-acid battery. This is enough to support a high specification security camera for up to two weeks, or a 5W intruder alarm system for over a month. Stewart Dow, BOC’s Product & Market Development Manager, Fuel Cells, says: “The combination of technologies put together by ICEE will solve many problems for anyone seeking an affordable, off-grid power source that offers high endurance and consistent performance. It will enable many applications to be implemented that were simply uneconomic or impractical before.” The fuel cell, hydrogen gas cylinder and system control kit are housed in a weather-proof and secure enclosure made by ICEE which may also hold equipment the customer wishes to include. About ICEE ICEE Managed Services is a well-established designer, manufacturer, installer and maintainer of bespoke equipment enclosures and cabling for the telecommunications, road traffic control and related industries, and supplies data networks, CCTV and control systems. The company is based in Waterlooville, Hampshire and has premises in Warrington. Visit: www.icee.co.uk.
