Alkaline Fuel Cells
Overview
GenCell Energy develops unique Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) solutions in the 5kW+ range. Using the ultra-reliable and exhaust-free technology that powered the American space program, GenCell Energy provides affordable, clean backup power for rail, telecom, homeland security, oil & gas, electric & water utility and other mission-critical applications.
*RedHawk Energy Systems is a strategic partner of GenCell Energy in the United States.
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC) were developed in 1959 by Francis Thomas Bacon. Using an alkaline electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) in water and cathodes usually made with platinum*. AFCs are very efficient and offer virtually instant operation without pre-heating, even at sub-zero temperatures. AFCs have been used by the NASA space program to produce electricity and drinking water.
An AFC is comprised of a pair of porous electrodes – a positively charged cathode and a negatively charged anode – separated by an alkaline electrolyte (KOH). Air, containing oxygen, is fed to the cathode gas chamber where it reacts with water to produce four OH-ions and four positive charges. The OH-ions, attracted by the anode, pass from the cathode through the KOH electrolyte. Hydrogen, fed to the anode, reacts with the OH-ions to form molecules of water and negative charges. The electrons are attracted by the positive charge on the cathode and are forced through an external circuit as an electric current. The reaction produces usable heat and water as a byproduct.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work
How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work – GenCell
*GenCell Energy’s Alkaline Fuel Cells utilize a platinum-free catalyst for increased cost savings.
Advantages
- Eco-Friendly Design
Alkaline Fuel Cells are an emissions-free “green” power generation technology. - Efficiency
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC) are among the most efficient types of fuel cells, reaching up to 60% efficiency (up to 87% combined heat and power). By comparison Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM) are 40-50% efficient and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are 55-60%. - Platinum-Free Catalyst
Reduces capex and opex with no expensive noble metals used in design/production of GenCell Fuel Cells. - Powered by Industrial Grade Hydrogen (99.95%)
Can be powered with industrial grade hydrogen (99.95%) compared to some PEM Fuel Cells that require medical grade hydrogen (99.99%) for operation. - Capable of Creating Hydrogen-On-Demand from Anhydrous Ammonia
Recognizing that the limitations of today’s hydrogen infrastructure keep the cost of hydrogen prohibitively expensive as a fuel for primary power, GenCell has developed a revolutionary process that allows you to create hydrogen-on-demand from anhydrous ammonia (NH3) at 10 times the efficiency of other solutions and without any outside electrical power. This breakthrough enables GenCell to provide the first viable green primary power solution for off-grid and poor-grid telecom as well as rural electrification—at a cost less than diesel solutions. - Cold Climate Performance
Uses a liquid electrolyte (KOH) and has a freezing temperature of -40°C (-40°F), enabling it to rapidly start in both warm and sub-freezing conditions. This contrasts with PEM and other membrane fuel cells that hydrate their membranes with water and need to operate above 0°C (32°F) or be placed in a heated and insulated enclosure to maintain operation.
GenCell Models Available
GenCell BOX™
The GenCell BOX™ 5kW long-duration backup power solution provides a compact, resilent and emission-free source of backup power designed especially for critical telecommunications and other mission-critical applications.
GenCell REX™
The GenCell REX™ is available in three configurations – 130VDC, 48VDC and dual 130/48VDC output in a single unit to support both substation loads and communications systems.
GenCell FOX™
The GenCell FOX™ 4kW power solution unleashes the power of fuel cells by using an economical and easily accessible liquid fuel – ammonia – to provide emission-free, reliable energy. The GenCell FOX™ is ideal for use in remote locations that lack grid access or where the grid is unstable for backup.
Applications
Clean, “green” power generation is becoming more important as organizations look for ways to save energy, reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability initiatives. GenCell’s Fuel Cells are a proven, eco-friendly and long-life alternative to legacy gas/diesel generators capable of providing standalone off-grid power or extended-run backup power for mission critical infrastructure.
Rail Telecom
-Solar Hybrids
-Radio
-Telecom Base Stations
-Disaster Prepardness
-Security/Surveillance
Telecom
-Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP)
-Base Stations
-Cellular Networks
-Internal Emergency Systems
-Radio
-WiFi
Electric & Water Utilities
-Utility Substations
-Internal Communication Networks
-Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities
-Pump Stations
Commercial Facilities
-Sustainability / ESG Initiatives
-Corporate Facilities
-Banks
-Retail
-Light Manufacturing
-Schools & Colleges
-Nursing Homes
EV Charging Stations
-Grid-Tie “Green” Backup Power
-Off-Grid Hybrid Power
Oil & Gas Utilities
-SCADA Equipment
-Remote Telemetry
-Measurement Systems
-Methane Reduction Systems
-Field Automation/Instrumentation
-Security/Surveillance
GenCell Energy, based in Israel was founded in 2011 and today is a leading manufacturer and developer of Alkaline Fuel Cell solutions (5kW+). Using the ultra-reliable and exhaust-free technology that powered the American space program, GenCell provides affordable, clean backup power for critical infrastructure markets.
Videos
The Need for Backup Power – GenCell
The Need for Backup Power – GenCell
How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work – GenCell
Ammonia: The Next Big Thing in Energy Production
GenCell BOX™ Delivers Green Power for Towers
Fuel Cells Extends Duration of Backup Power for SDG&E
Green, Grid Independent EV Charging – GenCell EVOX™