Image source: Power Up-Tech
When used as a fuel, hydrogen provides a clean and sustainable way to produce electricity. It is a very environmentally-friendly option for powering up various technologies and systems. A portable fuel cell generator is one example. It converts the fuel’s chemical energy directly into electricity. Compared to this, a traditional gas generator relies on fuel combustion to first produce mechanical energy which then converts into electricity. So, there is always an extra conversion stage when you use traditional generators. Fuel cell generators produce electricity directly from the chemical reaction. Since pure water is the only emission of this process, fuel cell technology forms the core of different clean energy solutions. It is also an efficient way to address climate change issues and do your part by minimizing your carbon footprint as much as possible.
Portable generators are designed to be rooftop-friendly. They can also be wall-mountable or pole-mountable depending upon the size. These generators are commonly used to drive telecom operations, military applications, healthcare functions, residential/commercial applications, etc. Hydrogen fuel cell systems make effective backup power solutions. They are increasingly portable thanks to their compact and lightweight structure, which makes them ideal for on-the-go purposes. Fuel cells deliver extended runtimes and cut down the need for frequent maintenance. All the units are weatherproofed to enable safe outdoor installations.
Since these generators use easily accessible fuel options, they help you optimize your electrical needs with full or partial fuel cell technologies. The emission-free results are a definite bonus and give you a convincing alternative to reshape your climate change perspective.
Portable fuel cell generators
Power Up Energy Technologies
Power Up Energy Technologies is one of the major suppliers of portable fuel cell generators. You can connect the brand’s fuel cell units with solar panels and wind turbines for ideal backup power sources. It offers four main portable options featuring innovative battery technologies that make these generators smart. You can set up your custom smart grid and conveniently fuel your energy independence as a homeowner or businessperson. The units do not need to be opened for complex maintenance purposes, which really simplifies your management. Each fuel cell generator is compact and lightweight for improved portability. They all operate with bare minimum noise levels, so noise pollution will never be a problem. This adds to the emission-free/pollution-free benefits of a fuel cell system, as the only two byproducts are water vapor and heat energy.
You can use these Up series of generators in multiple applications like on-the-go charging in yachts, sailboats, and RVs. The generators can operate radio units, lights, drones, and charge various gadgets. They make a very environmentally conscious alternative for all your backup power requirements. Using hydrogen gas from external cylinders and ventilation for oxygen, the units are the perfect answer to your electrical needs. The brand’s four generator options are discussed below, and they are all designed with water-resistant, shockproof, and corrosion-resistant features.
UP200
UP200 portable generator is a 200W hydrogen fuel cell smart generator, which is expected to arrive soon in the markets. You can also buy the unit from the Fuel Cell Store. It has the following specifications:
- Output voltage: 12 V DC
- Maximum continuous charging current: 12 V 17 A
- Maximum continuous power output: 200 W
- Maximum charging power per day: 400 A h
- Electricity source: PEM fuel cell
- Fuel consumption: 2.8 l/min
- Batteries: 13.2 V | 2.5 A h | LiFePO4
- Dimensions: 525 × 153 × 256 mm
- Weight: 8 kg
- Operating temperature: −20 °C to +50 °C
The generator has a Bluetooth-enabled user interface to connect to your mobile or PC. It uses compressed hydrogen from external cylinders as the fuel to power up small-scale applications like GPS units, lights, bilge pumps, radio units, etc. The use of batteries can optimize the generator’s performance – if you are looking for longer-lasting supplies of clean energy. The UP200 generator works silently and requires minimal maintenance. You can use it in motorhomes, off-grid homes, and yachts.
UP400
UP400 portable generator is the first of its kind. The 400W hydrogen fuel cell smart generator is also available at Fuel Cell Store, with the following specifications:
- Output voltage: 12 V DC
- Maximum continuous charging current: 12 V 34 A
- Maximum continuous power output: 400 W
- Maximum charging power per day: 800 A h
- Electricity source: PEM fuel cell
- Fuel consumption: 5.2 l/min
- Batteries: 13.2 V | 2.5 A h | LiFePO4
- Dimension: 590 × 200 × 390 mm
- Weight: 10 kg
- Operating temperature: −20 °C to +50 °C
This generator also uses compressed hydrogen as its fuel. You can use it in different on-the-go applications for portable convenience. Some examples are yachts, sailboats, RVs, robotic applications, drones, backup power sources, and RVs.
UP1K
UP1K portable fuel cell smart generator is a 1000W unit from the brand, expected to arrive soon. It will also be available on Fuel Cell Store. Here are the main specifications:
- Output voltage: 24 V DC | (48, 72 V DC) via converter
- Maximum charging current: 24 V 42 A
- Maximum continuous power output: 1000 W
- Maximum charging power per day: 1008 A h
- Electricity source: PEM fuel cell
- Fuel consumption: 13 l/min
- Dimensions: 600 × 170 × 421 mm
- Weight: 20 kg
- Operating temperature: −20 °C to +50 °C
UP1K generator uses compressed hydrogen and has a Bluetooth-enabled interface for smart functionality. It is the best energy alternative for both professional and leisure applications. The unit is equipped for outdoor longevity and has the necessary weatherproofing features in place. With reduced noise and maintenance, the generator can work with your solar panels and wind turbines to create a custom, miniature smart-grid solution. You can use it as a standalone unit or a go-to backup power source. This portable fuel cell generator can power up yachts, off-grid homes, motorhomes, small air conditioning units, water heaters, and hair dryers. You will need a battery module for a complete generator setup.
UP6K
UP6K portable generator is a 6000W hydrogen fuel cell smart generator. It is also a future product about to be released from the brand; you can find it on Fuel Cell Store as well. The following are some key specifications:
- Output voltage: 48 V DC | 110 V VDC via converter
- Maximum continuous charging current: 48 V 125 A
- Maximum continuous power output: 6000 W
- Maximum charging power per day: 3000 A h
- Electricity source: PEM fuel cell
- Fuel consumption: 70 L/min
- Operating temperature: −20 °C to +50 °C
The generator uses compressed hydrogen and features a Bluetooth-enabled user interface. It is equipped to withstand harsh marine conditions through corrosion and water-resistant features. You can use it to power up cabins, yachts, and RVs. It also makes the perfect backup power solution to support telecommunication towers. The generator operates with a battery module for startup and shutdown purposes. It is recommended to integrate the UP6K unit with an electrolyzer for on-demand hydrogen production.
To fuel a sustainable future
Portable fuel cell generators make an efficient electricity alternative for remote uses or hard-to-reach locations. These could be areas where hydrogen is difficult to source, and so a portable generator solves the problem by delivering on-site hydrogen fuel. Apart from prolonged runtimes and reduced maintenance, you can enjoy the simplicity of fuel logistics using compact units that you can carry anywhere. Since hydrogen is a zero-carbon fuel, it does not just eliminate harmful emissions, but also avoids the problem of fuel/battery/generator theft.
Usability. Check.
Sustainability. Double check!