E FOY Fuel Cell Generator

[Alenka]

Ditto. I too look forward to reading of your experiences.
This summer I shall be taking a long, hard look at my battery bank and if there is a way of running the AC for a short period of time through an inverter, backed up by a fuel cell that's the way I shall be going. The thousands I would expect to save on installation on a genset will more than cover the running costs.

Slightly off topic. I have just taken delivery of my 2nd Prius. I always thought the 55mpg I averaged on the original was okay, the new one will however run for up to 15 miles all electric and at nearly 60mph before the gas engine kicks in. Doing my usual sort of commuting I am now getting around 100mpg and on longer/faster motorway journeys it still returns just short of 70mpg.
I mention this because clearly research is coming on in leaps and bounds and whilst the technology isn't cheap it is 'getting there'.

[COLINFLTENG]

Off topic yes Tesla is on wish list too 300 miles per charge electric rules solar boat house car nice world quite sailing and driving

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[Alenka]

Phantomracer,

What news on your EFOY?

Is it living up to your expectations?

[phantomracer]

We just splashed her the other day.

So far been working great on the hard, not really putting it through the paces yet. When it comes on, charges at a fairly good rate (5.x amp or so) and tops it off quickly.

the main reason we bought it, was for (the future install of) refrigeration. That will be the real test. I suspect it will work fine.

The unknown is how many methanol cartridges we will go through in a season. I am expecting 2-4.

So far I like it, for what it is designed for. Small, light, works day or night. Is quiet, out of sight. No additional windage/weight/obstacle on the deck like solar or wind would be. no holes through the deck! simple install (wire 4 wires - 2 positive 2 negative. no charging controller, etc).

An elegant, however not inexpensive, solution.

I am confident it will work. I know another owner who has used it for years with great results.

[mcarling]

If I could buy a fuel cell for about $500 per KW, weighed less than 20kg per KW, and consumed about 300g of diesel per KWh, then I would be interested. Until then, I'd rather have solar.

[phantomracer]

yup its not for everyone.

Cost was secondary to me after cosmetics, and other factors listed previously. As long as it keeps everything humming along, I will be happy.

[phantomracer]

A quick update on the EFOY. Been out 3 overnight trips. Some initial comments.

Been working great so far. I notice it comes on when you need it the most..well, when WE need it the most. At night, at anchor, we are power hungry. got the laptop plugged in, cell phone chargers, lights, radio sometimes..

The EFOY kicks on as the power drops, and brings it back up as we use the power, so the battery really never gets too low, as it it topped off continuously.

When sailing, and have the wind and sail instruments on, as well as the autopilot, and chart plotters, it also kicks on to keep up with the demand.

Very quiet, only think you can hear is a slight hum of the pump. it is much quieter than someone whispering.

So far working as I expected. I am guestimating we will use 3-4 fuel containers of methanol. Not too bad for the power it provides.

But, so far, it makes sense that it comes on at night, when solar really wouldnt work. next to zero noise.

So far so good. will update this thread as time goes on.

if I put refrigeration in next year, that will be the real test, for sure! But early indicators are that the EFOY will be up to the task

[COLINFLTENG]

What rating is your unit great news

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by COLINFLTENG

What rating is your unit great news

its the older model 1600. I believe the rating is 130 amp hours/day or 1600 watt hours/ day. The newer one is 140Amp hour

some info from EFOY - www.usmarineproducts.com/pdf/efoy_catalog_en.pdf

Like I mentioned, it is nice that it only comes on when you need it.

[phantomracer]

Been using the fuel cell for sometime now. still on the first tank of methanol with plenty left. Then again, we don't have the refrigeration installed yet.

About half the season is gone now, if things go on track, I am going to guestimate that I will use one, or just over 1 tank of methanol this season.

So far pleased with the performance of the EFOY.

So far I think it was the best alternative energy source for my situation.

If we were more hard core or long term cruisers, I do agree, solar would be a good augment to the fuel cell, in case you need to get fuel while travelling and can't located it.

Having the fuel cell charge the batteries when we are on board using the power the most, which is at night, to me, make the fuel cell a good logical , although, not inexpensive, choice

[COLINFLTENG]

On my wish list nice to have at night bad weather

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[Big Joe Bob]

Some info on the diesel fuel cell generator hear..................

Not sure if they are in production yet……

http://nordicpowersystems.com/

Sounds interesting…………….

[phantomracer]

Another status update of the EFOY.

hauling the boat in about 10 hours. (tomorrow morning)

Still on the first canister of methanol, and there is still plenty left in it (maybe 20% left)

I was worried that the running cost would be quite expensive. So far so good. less than $60 this season for the cost of the fuel.

I am installing refrigeration this winter (the main reason for the fuel cell), so I expect to go through more methanol next year, but likely, maybe 2?

So far it has far exceeded all my expectations. It works quite well. is very quiet, batteries never get low. works at night (like now, when I am taxing the batteries with the computer charger, and the cellphone charger, and the lights, etc), and the volt meter is showing 14.4v (its charging now)

Other than the initial cost, I really see no downside to the fuel cell. Getting the methanol canister might be a challenge cruising (the US distributor happens to be in the next town to me..so I am in my glory!) , but just plan ahead and have several on board before you leave. If you have solar, you have the best of both worlds and will use far less methanol

[COLINFLTENG]

I need to replace batteries next season Efoy still on list

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[skipmac]

Sounds like a great gadget to have. If the initial purchase price wasn't in the 3-5 boat buck range I would buy one in a minute.