FAQ

General

Can I open a business account with Fuel Cell Systems?

Yes, please request a credit account form to submit your application.

Where do you deliver to and how long does it take?

We routinely deliver within the UK and Ireland by next working day, or 3-5 working day delivery service depending on the postcode area, and providing that the items are in stock. Delivery to further afield is also possible.

What can I power using a fuel cell?

Fuel cell power is just electrical power, so theoretically anything that can be powered by electricity can be powered by a fuel cell. The practicality of any one installation will generally come down to costs vs benefits. There are some applications where a commercial case can be made today (small units for remote power); some where the greener power source or the off-grid nature is considered to be more valuable than the higher costs of using a fuel cell unit; and some where it is very difficult to make a case to overcome the current financial barriers without external funding sources. As volumes of unit sales increase in future, it is expected that the costs will decrease, thus making fuel cell power more applicable for a wider set of customer applications.

Can I use a fuel cell in my house to provide power?

Theoretically, yes. In reality, we have only found a few cases in the UK where the increased costs of selecting fuel cell power are deemed acceptable at present. The countries that have demonstrated success with domestic installations (e.g. Japan, Germany) usually have a government-backed funding scheme to promote the technology. As volumes of unit sales increase in future, it is expected that the costs will decrease, thus making fuel cell power more applicable for this application.

Do you only sell fuel cells?

FCSL sell fuel cell units, alongside other components and accessories required to make the installation successful such as cabinetry/enclosures, integration hardware for incorporating fuel cells alongside renewable power sources like solar or wind, inverters and batteries, fuelling strategies, control systems, remote monitoring packs. If the design of this equipment is complex and/or bespoke, there may be a design fee for the time spent.

As fuel cell experts, we can also offer consultancy for project work and also usually have one or two funded programmes under way at any given time.

FCSL also develops, builds and sells hydrogen refuelling products. You can see an overview of our refuelling products here.


EFOY Fuel Cell Customers

An error code has appeared on the operating panel. What does this mean?

Error codes are listed on the Troubleshooting document and in your EFOY COMFORT or EFOY Pro user manual.

How do I send in my EFOY fuel cell for repair?

Package your fuel cell carefully and send it in to us following the packaging instructions.

What is involved with the EFOY repairs process, and how long does it take?

Once your fuel cell is with us, it can be assessed here free of charge. If the fault cannot be fixed here, we will recommend that the fuel cell is diagnosed by the manufacturer’s technicians (for which there is a diagnosis fee). The technicians then write up a report for repair and provide a quotation. At this point, you can choose to have the fuel cell repaired and returned to you, or recycled. This process usually takes around 4 weeks.

Can I collect my order from your office?

Yes. Please ring or email your order through and arrange a time with us for collection. Collection is possible during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9am-5.30pm, Fridays 9am-5pm).
Please notify us of your arrival so that we can have your order ready to collect.

Can I charge a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery using the EFOY?

Yes. The EFOY fuel cell will charge Lead Acid, Lead Gel, AGM, and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. Please consult your user manual for directions of how to do this.

Does my fuel cell need regular maintenance?

EFOY fuel cells are maintenance free as they have very few moving parts. Generally speaking, fuel must be connected, the cables and connections kept dry, and the batteries must be in good health. For when your fuel cell is not in use, please refer to the storage guidance below.

Can my fuel cell be refurbished?

Yes, it can. All components in the fuel cell can be repaired or replaced in order to return the fuel cell to full power output. Please refer to the repair guidance above.

Is there a warranty for repaired/refurbished units?

Yes. All parts replaced and work done receives a further warranty of 1-year or 2000-operating hours.

I’ve lost the Operation Manual for my fuel cell, where can I find another?

Follow the links here to the EFOY COMFORT or EFOY Pro operating manuals.

I’ve noticed the power output on my fuel cell is gradually decreasing. Is this normal?

It is normal for the output power of the fuel cell to decrease steadily over time. When the power output no longer meets your needs, it is time to consider a refurbishment or replacement.

I have an EFOY fuel cell but I didn’t purchase it from Fuel Cell Systems, can you still offer assistance?

Yes. Please give us a call on 01488 507050 and we will be glad to help.

How do I dispose of my fuel cell?

Almost all parts of an end of life fuel cell can be recycled. If your fuel cell has come to the end of its working life, please send it to us, and we can return it to the factory. It is worth noting that there is a charge for this service.

Will my fuel cell work with solar or wind power?

Yes. Although the fuel cells can provide primary power, integrating the fuel cell with renewable power can make a very effective hybrid power solution.

How do I store my fuel cell?

Once the fuel cell has been properly shutdown, it should be stored inside in a dry environment above 1°C in an upright position.

How long is the warranty?

Warranty details are available here for your EFOY COMFORT or EFOY Pro

Can I extend my warranty?

In some cases, yes. Please contact us with details of your fuel cell.

Can I open a business account with Fuel Cell Systems?

Yes, please request a credit account form to submit your application.

Where do you deliver to and how long does it take?

We routinely deliver within the UK and Ireland by next working day, or 3-5 working day delivery service depending on the postcode area, and providing that the items are in stock. Delivery to further afield is also possible.

What can I power using a fuel cell?

Fuel cell power is just electrical power, so theoretically anything that can be powered by electricity can be powered by a fuel cell. The practicality of any one installation will generally come down to costs vs benefits. There are some applications where a commercial case can be made today (small units for remote power); some where the greener power source or the off-grid nature is considered to be more valuable than the higher costs of using a fuel cell unit; and some where it is very difficult to make a case to overcome the current financial barriers without external funding sources. As volumes of unit sales increase in future, it is expected that the costs will decrease, thus making fuel cell power more applicable for a wider set of customer applications.

Can I use a fuel cell in my house to provide power?

Theoretically, yes. In reality, we have only found a few cases in the UK where the increased costs of selecting fuel cell power are deemed acceptable at present. The countries that have demonstrated success with domestic installations (e.g. Japan, Germany) usually have a government-backed funding scheme to promote the technology. As volumes of unit sales increase in future, it is expected that the costs will decrease, thus making fuel cell power more applicable for this application.

Do you only sell fuel cells?

FCSL mainly sell fuel cell units, alongside other components and accessories required to make the installation successful such as cabinetry/enclosures, integration hardware for incorporating fuel cells alongside renewable power sources like solar or wind, inverters and batteries, fuelling strategies, control systems, remote monitoring packs. If the design of this equipment is complex and/or bespoke, there may be a design fee for the time spent.

As fuel cell experts, we can also offer consultancy for project work and also usually have one or two funded programmes under way at any given time.

More recently, FCSL have started to move into the area of hydrogen refuelling products.


Methanol Fuel Cartridges

How do I dispose of methanol fuel cartridges?

If the cartridges are empty they can be recycled as part of domestic or commercial recycling. If the cartridges contain a residue (or more) please contact a hazardous waste disposal company (we regularly use and recommend WasteCare UK).

How do I store methanol fuel cartridges?

Methanol fuel cartridges should be stored out of the sunlight in a secure and dry area and away from sources of ignition. If you have further specific questions please do get in contact with us.

Do the methanol fuel cartridges have a shelf life?

Yes, they do. Each cartridge has its own use by date, which is three years from the date it was bottled. This date can be found stamped on each cartridge.

Can I use my own methanol?

The methanol used by EFOY fuel cells is an approved ultra-pure methanol with no impurities. Using other sources of less pure methanol can cause irreversible damage to the device, and may nullify your warranty.

Why is delivery of fuel so expensive?

Methanol fuel cartridges are classed as Hazardous Goods Class 3 and require an ADR-certified courier for delivery. Delivery of one or two boxes of methanol may seem fairly expensive, however this does become less expensive per box the more the quantity increases. Please ask us for full delivery details to your postcode area.

Is a fuel cell hazardous and does it need ADR delivery?

The fuel cell device on its own is not hazardous, and can be shipped by all couriers. When packing the fuel cell, take care to follow the packaging instructions, which can be found in the Downloads section of our website.


Hydrogen refuelling

Do you provide hydrogen refuelling products?

Yes. We had always found that the fuel cells were consistently reliable but often the main issue for installations was how to manage the fuelling. As more and more hydrogen vehicles are coming to market, the problem of where to get the hydrogen from is pervasive. As the FCSL team work with hydrogen systems routinely, providing a range of hydrogen dispensing units seemed to be a natural next step. Please see our Refuelling Products page for further details.


Where can I buy hydrogen?

Hydrogen is available in bottles/cylinders from large industrial gas providers, such as BOC/Linde, Air Products, Air Liquide. Hydrogen for fuel cell use is usually 99.999% pure (colloquially known as 5 9’s) to prevent any contaminants having a deleterious effect on the catalysts within the fuel cell stack (the heart of a fuel cell where the energy is produced).

Hydrogen for vehicles is available from the 12 public-access stations across the UK currently.

Hydrogen can also be produced onsite using an electrolyser to split water. When the power for this process is generated renewably, this means that the fuel production as well as the onward fuel use are zero emission. There are several electrolyser firms in the global marketplace with differently sized units, employing a couple of technology types. FCSL can help you to down select and integrate the electrolyser unit that best fits with your hydrogen need.


Fuel Cells for the Marine Market

Are fuel cells suitable for my boat, and where can I buy one?

Fuel cells are very suitable fo boats up to around 40ft. They have successfully been installed in leisure yacths, racing yacths, and ocean rowing boats.