Measuring station for researching climatic conditions in the Arctic
To the reference report
Securing a reliable power supply which is independent of the grid is one of the major technical challenges for modern emergency and security services. In light of the increasing electrification of vehicle applications, this issue continues to gain importance. Even as digitalisation continues to advance, emergency response personnel still have to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently, not only in disaster situations but also in daily emergencies. Communication and location systems have to work flawlessly and continuously, not only when the vehicle is in motion but even more crucially when the vehicle is stationary for long periods without access to grid power. Currently, their power supply is almost entirely reliant on generators and battery solutions with a very limited range. Depending on the duration of the call-out, this can result in huge additional logistical complexity and expense. It always used to be the case that, to charge the vehicle battery and an additional battery, the vehicle’s engine had either to be idling for a correspondingly long time or be plugged into a charger at the fire station.
A key challenge is integrating advanced technology into official vehicles such as those used by fire brigades. Equipment installed in these vehicles—including signal systems, specialised lighting and communication technology—requires a reliable 12 V power supply. The Brunnthal Volunteer Fire Brigade performs a wide range of operations and is equipped with complex technical systems to support them. Their work includes responding to fires ranging from small container fires to major industrial incidents, as well as assisting at serious road traffic accidents and occupational emergencies. In addition, the brigade provides emergency assistance during medical incidents such as heart attacks, strokes and accidents at home or in the workplace. They also support disaster prevention efforts, including flood protection and damage prevention measures. Because space inside emergency vehicles is extremely limited, any additional power systems must be lightweight, compact and space-efficient.
The EFOY Pro 2800, the latest fuel cell generation, is the ideal power supply solution for this application.
“With EFOY Pro, we can permanently operate the vehicle’s entire electronics when stationary with the engine switched off. ”
This not only saves fuel and extends the duration of the call-out but also reduces logistical complexity. Another benefit is the high level of safety and the constant availability of the fuel cartridges. The fuel cell is located in the rear section of the emergency vehicle and connected to the battery.
Marco Torriani, commanding officer, Brunnthal volunteer fire brigade
The 110 W EFOY Pro 2400 was deployed in the new team transport vehicle. This model is the predecessor of the newer EFOY Pro 2800, which has a rated power of 125 W. The fuel cell supplies power to both vehicle batteries, which in turn power all onboard electrical systems.
A key advantage of the EFOY Pro is its low fuel consumption and high energy efficiency. When a vehicle engine is left idling, fuel consumption can be up to 20 times higher than when a fuel cell is used. By replacing idling operation, the EFOY Pro reduces fuel logistics requirements and significantly lowers operating costs. In addition to reducing CO₂, fine particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide emissions, the system also enhances operational capability by eliminating the need to run the engine.
