Off-Grid Power for Water Monitoring
Greater Wellington Regional Council
Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) hydrology team operates a flood warning network across the Wellington Region in New Zealand. Many of their monitoring sites are located in remote areas, making solar energy the primary power source. However, two specific sites, Waiohine River and Mangatarere River, faced challenges with solar reliability, especially during winter months.
The Challenge
The energy demands at both sites are significant. Each location runs an HS-40 bubbler unit, a radio, and a 150 FX data logger. The bubbler draws up to 30 Amps every 18 hours for 16 seconds, while the radio consumes up to 7 Amps every 15 to 30 minutes. The logger has a minimal draw of 0.5–1 mAmps. Solar power alone was insufficient, particularly at the Mangatarere site during winter. Previously, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) were used to supplement power, but they proved difficult to maintain and service in New Zealand.
The Solution
After evaluating alternatives, GWRC selected the EFOY Pro fuel cell system as a replacement for aging TEG technology. Two EFOY Pro 800 units (equivalent to the latest EFOY Pro 900 generation) were installed, one at each site. These compact fuel cells were housed in waterproof shelters and directly connected to the battery systems, replacing the previous chargers or TEGs.
Result
The EFOY Pro units have delivered a stable and reliable power supply, eliminating the need to transport and replace heavy gas bottles. Their compact design allows for secure installation within the recorder huts. The fuel cells have proven to be efficient, low-maintenance, and well-suited to the remote conditions of the sites.
“We now have a reliable energy supply to our site. We don’t have to replace heavy gas bottles any more, which has been a saving in both time and money. The EFOY’s have proven very efficient, reliable and fits our purpose well. ”
Braden Crocker, Technician at the Greater Wellington Regional Council, NZ
How it Works
The EFOY continuously monitors the battery voltage, automatically turning on and off to charge the batteries. It effectively acts as a ‘battery charger ’ ensuring that the batteries are kept within the optimal voltage range. Compared to an internal combustion generator, the EFOY fuel cell has few moving parts providing higher levels of reliability and reduced noise levels. The only emissions it produces are tiny amount of carbon dioxide and water.
SFC Energy
FCSL is the preferred partner and sole distributor of the EFOY range of fuel cells in the UK. We have worked in partnership with SFC Energy for over a decade supplying, integrating and supporting the delivery of their market leading fuel cell systems.