Think methylated spirit (meths), not petrol. While methanol is flammable, it is miscible with water. In the event of a spill in the bilge, mix with water, then pump out.

The voltage produced from the fuel cell is direct current (DC), at 12 or 24 volts. Since this is the normal battery voltage of a boat we can connect the fuel cell directly to the existing battery – in the same way that you would connect an alternator, wind generator or battery charger. The Fuel Cell will then monitor your battery voltage, and when it gets low, it will start providing power.

By utilizing a very simple reaction, first discovered over 180 years ago. By combining Hydrogen with Oxygen you create water. During this process, an electrical current is created between two electrodes. Just keep adding Hydrogen and you’ll keep getting power.

A Fuel Cell generates electricity by chemical reaction, without ignition or toxic emissions and with very low noise.

If you are looking for:

• Quiet power production
• A maintenance-free product
• A means of ensuring more continuous power production than wind and solar
• Easy installation

Then it’s for you!

Yes – but the technology has advanced a long way since. They are now cheaper, more efficient and last longer.

The unit is designed to maintain battery charge. If your battery will support a 2.5kW load, then the fuel cell will recharge the battery. It is not intended to support a 2.5 kW load directly.

On the smaller units, 2 years with an option to extend to five years and on the larger 210, 5 years as standard.

The fuel cell has an intelligent charging algorithm that should fully charge your batteries (unlike an alternator).

Only pure Methanol from the manufacturer can be used. They have made sure that all impurities have been removed – if they haven’t the stack will become damaged in a very short period of time.

LPG can be used in some types of fuel cell, however at present there are no models suitable for the marine market.

It doesn’t! That part of the appeal – it’s simply a box that produces power.

Part of the reaction requires oxygen, so you will need to provide ventilation. Normally a cockpit locker will already have sufficient ventilation in place – the manual for the fuel cell specifies a 10cm diameter hole in an enclosed space.

A quiet hum – 25dB(A) to be exact. You’d describe that as a quiet whisper.

The alternator will force the battery voltage up to around 14V – the Fuel Cell will enter standby mode and allow the engine to charge the batteries.

35 degrees continuous and 45 degrees for periods up to 10 minutes.

Yes, you can. They work well together.

The unit running at the boat show is producing a mug of water each day and it’s running continuously.

The Fuel Cell will connect directly to your battery terminals. A 1.5m fused charge line is included which you can extend yourself or with an extension kit if you require. There is a remote screen that is linked to the Fuel Cell with a standard network cable. This isn’t required for operation but can give you useful information on the current charging state.

Fuel Cell Systems currently holds the largest stock of Methanol for Fuel Cells in theUK. We can either ship to you direct or you can come and pick it up from us inBerkshire. If you’re not in theUK, there are 1,000’s of outlets for this fuel worldwide – have a look at our Methanol availability.

This depends on how much power you’re using. The general rule of thumb is 1litre per kWh.

5l of Methanol will cost about £30.

Our marine fuel cells start at just £2,364. Please have a look at the price sheet for a more comprehensive list.

Yes and no. If you’re using the drive for short periods of time, then a large fuel cell can recharge the batteries whilst you’re sailing. For primary drive fuel cells can be used, but the storage of the fuel starts to become a problem.

For boats, instead of using Hydrogen as a gas we recommend the use of liquid Methanol. This is a safe Hydrogen rich fuel and is a lot easier to handle and store.