Fuel Options
Based on our customer’s needs we find there is no one ideal fuel for all applications. Multiple fuels provide our customers and OEM’s with the flexibility they need based on the unique power and logistics requirements of their applications and products. Due to this fact, Protonex provides multiple fueling options for both its PEM and SOFC fuel cell power system products. Here is a brief overview of the fuels we support:
- Methanol Fuel
Methanol is an alcohol and is typically produced from natural gas. It has a long, stable shelf life and produces ultra low emissions when used in Protonex systems. Protonex PEM fuel cell systems are currently able to run on methanol using our advanced reformer based fuel processing technology. Reformer-based fueling systems can efficiently extract hydrogen for the fuel cell as-needed from the methanol. These systems are typically appropriate for applications in the 100- to 1000-watt power range. - Traditional Hydrocarbon Fuels
Our advanced SOFC based systems, currently in development, are designed to use commercially available liquid fuels such as propane, kerosene, gasoline, diesel and JP8. Reformer-based fueling systems are typically appropriate for applications in the 100- to 1000-watt power range. - BioFuels
Biofuels are considered an important means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy security by providing a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Protonex fuel SOFC cell systems are being developed to fully support and operate on the many types of biofuels available today, including biodiesel, bioethanol, butanol and other alcohols, biogas, as well as future lignocellulosic-based biofuels made from non-food organic feedstocks. - Chemical Hydride Fuel
Chemical hydride is a well-developed fuel technology that is typically used in the 10 to 250 Watt power range for high performance military portable and remote applications. It stores indefinitely as a solid and is safe to use. You just add water, shake and you have an instant high energy density fuel ready for use. Our patented Protonex cartridge system allows customers to generate hydrogen as it is needed for the PEM fuel cell system to produce electrical power. - Direct Hydrogen Fuel
Stored hydrogen gas, either in compressed form or absorbed in metal hydride canisters, is a preferred fuel option for specialized, long-duration applications, as well as locations with existing hydrogen infrastructure. Direct hydrogen can be used in all of Protonex' PEM based platforms.
In addition to internal initiatives, Protonex continues to leverage the state-of-the-art fuel technology of its strategic partners to develop new fueling options that can be easily integrated into the Protonex product family of fuel cell power solutions.