Questions and answers

On this page you will find all the answers to questions we often get asked. If you do not find your answer, do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

General Information
Purchase
Warranty & Repair
Installation & Operation
Inclination angle
Fuel Catridge & Consumption
Temperature

General Information

What ist a fuel cell?

The EFOY fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy without any interim stages, moving parts or much loss of efficiency. The underlying principle is an electrochemical process that is also known as "cold combustion". It is in principle the reversal of electrolysis. The EFOY fuel cells are based on DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) technology. They generate power by using methanol provided in a fuel cartridge, in combination with oxygen from the air. Methanol is directly converted into power by the fuel cell. By products in the electromechanical process, include waste heat, water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide. Thus, a fuel cell is not an energy storage devise but an energy generating devise. For more Information:
Operating principle

Why do I need an EFOY Pro fuel cell?

The EFOY Pro fuel cell is a fully automated battery charger that is quiet, simple and environmentally friendly, operating as a power generator in regions, where no grid connection is available, but a high power demand is needed. In off-grid industrial applications, that are not connected to the grid, the EFOY Pro fuel cell delivers reliable energy, in every weather condition – for security and surveillance, traffic regulation, remote sensors, etc.

What is the EFOY Pro fuel cell designed for?

The EFOY Pro fuel cell has been designed and developed for commercial and professional operation.

How does the EFOY Pro fuel cell work?

The EFOY Pro fuel cell converts the fuel in the fuel cartridge direct into electrical current. Thanks to this direct conversion, which is performed with no moving parts, silent and environmentally friendly, the fuel cell is extremely efficient, clean and environmentally friendly.

more about the technology

Can I use the EFOY Pro fuel cell in hybrid operation with a solar energy system?

Yes. A lot of your customers do this. The fuel cell switches on automatically when there is insufficient sun available for the solar energy system. Our Partners will assist you planning and implementing your projects.

How many fuel cells are in use?

SFC has already sold more than 60,000 EFOY fuel cells, which are in use day in, day out.

Which EFOY fuel cell matches my needs?

Use the Energy Calculator on our website or ask our Service Team for the ideal energy solution that suits your demand.

Advice & Contact

energy calculator

Purchase

Where can I buy an EFOY Pro fuel cell?

Please contact us directly. We will recommend you the suitable EFOY Pro Partner.

Service & Contact

How much does an EFOY Pro fuel cell cost?

Your EFOY Pro partner can tell you the current prices or contact us, we are happy to help!

Contact

What is included in delivery?

You can see the scope of delivery here.

Installation kit

Warranty & Repair

Does SFC provide a warranty for the EFOY Pro fuel cell?

The EFOY Pro fuel cell meets the highest quality standards. We guarantee it. For more details go to warranty terms.

When does warranty start?

The purchase date of the new fuel cell on the invoice and its registration with SFC determine the start of warranty.

Can an EFOY Pro fuel cell be repaired if it is defective?

Yes. We can repair your fuel cell at our location in Brunnthal near Munich or in our subsidiary in Canada, when necessary.

Service center

Is it possible for me to buy replacement parts and install them myself?

No. The unit is not allowed to be opened by unauthorized persons.

Contact

How long does a repair take?

Repairs can generally be performed within a few working days, plus the time required for transportation and the time until the quotation is approved.

Why should I perform a regular update?

A new update is recommended because the fuel cells are being continuously improved and we would want you to benefit from these improvements.

Firmware Updater

Why do I need the service fluid? What is it exactly?

Service fluid / Recovery fluid is delivered with your EFOY Pro fuel cell. Thanks to SFC’s patented water recovery system, fluid is recovered in a closed circuit. Over a long period of operation with high external temperatures a part of this fluid may evaporate, and the fuel cell will indicate that it requires service fluid / recovery fluid. It is recommended to always have a bottle with you. Never fill up more than one bottle, and only when the fuel cell indicates that it really needs it (via the control panel).

Installation & Operation

How is the EFOY Pro installed?

Installation is performed by an authorised partner. If you have any questions please contact us directly.

Contact details

What do I have to consider when installing the EFOY Pro?

Make sure there is an adequate air supply and sufficient ventilation for waste heat and spent air. Please also ensure that there is enough space for the fuel cartridges and the unit itself. You can refer to the user manual for more details.

User Manual

Can I connect more than one EFOY Pro fuel cell to a battery, to get a higher power output?

Yes, you can operate more units at one battery.

Do I need an additional charge controller for an EFOY Pro fuel cell?

No. The EFOY Pro incorporates its own charge controller.

Can I connect electrical appliances direct to the EFOY Pro fuel cell?

No. The EFOY Pro fuel cell is a battery charger. Electrical appliances are supplied with power by the battery.

What types of battery can I charge with an EFOY Pro fuel cell?

The EFOY & EFOY Pro fuel cells are automatic chargers for lead-gel, AGM, lead-acid or lithium batteries of the type LiFePO4. It is also possible to charge lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries using a Battery Management System, or BMS for short. It is important to check the battery data in order to set the fuel cell correctly for the batteries.

With the new EFOY Hybrid Power – a perfectly matched energy package – consisting of an EFOY Pro fuel cell and an EFOY lithium battery, you benefit from a particularly powerful and efficient energy supply.

EFOY & EFOY Pro EFOY Batterie

Is it possible to adjust the switch-on/switch-off thresholds?

Yes, all current EFOY Pro fuel cells allow the switch thresholds to be adjusted. Please check the battery data sheets from the manufacturer regarding the permissible values before installation or activation. Further information is available in our user manual.

user manual

Is there a risk that the batteries can be exhaustively discharged?

No. An EFOY Pro fuel cell is programmed to prevent exhaustive discharge and will activate even when switched "OFF" in order to protect batteries from exhaustive discharge. An additional deep discharge protection has to be installed independently.

How much waste heat is produced?

temperature, which is why there is no simple answer to the question. The heat (measured in watts) is approximately three times as high as the electrical energy (rated power) generated by the unit. For example, an EFOY Pro 2400 fuel cell produces approximately 330 W of heat.

What exhaust gases does an EFOY Pro fuel cell produce?

It produces very small quantities of water and carbon dioxide. The EFOY Pro 800 fuel cell produces as much spent air at peak load as a human does.

Can an EFOY Pro fuel cell also be monitored?

Yes, remote monitoring is possible with a modem. Please contact our partners or send an email to [email protected].

What safety standards does the EFOY Pro fuel cell meet?

The EFOY fuel cell meets the highest standards of safety and quality, including regulations governing installation in motor vehicles. It is certified in accordance with ECE-R10 (installation and operation in motor vehicles), CE and "Safety-tested and production-monitored fuel cell system" awarded by TÜV SÜD.

Inclination angle

What is the maximum angle of tilt for EFOY Pro fuel cells?

The EFOY Pro 800 / 800 Duo / 2400 / 2400 operates up to 35 ° of the longitudinal axis and up to 20 ° of the transverse axis continuously. The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo allows a permanent inclination of 10 ° during operation.

What happens if the fuel cell tilts further than this?

The fuel cell will switch off and will report an error when switched back on again. Please follow the instructions on the display.

Fuel Cartridge & Consumption

How much fuel does the unit consume?

Consumption depends on the electrical appliances. Consumption is currently around 0.9 l per kilowatt hour.

Consumption depends on the electrical appliances. Consumption is currently around 0.9 l per kilowatt hour.

One liter equals an energy capacity of 1,1 kWh. Assuming an continuous consumption of 25 W (600 Wh/day) without any additional power source like for example solar:

  • One M10 will last approx 3 weeks
  • One M28 will last approx 7 weeks
  • Four M28 will last approx 30 weeks
Is it possible to connect more than one fuel cartridge to one EFOY Pro fuel cell?

The Fuel Manager (FM) allows you to operate several EFOY fuel cartridges with one EFOY & EFOY Pro. Depending on the model, two, four or eight fuel cartridges can be simultaneously connected. The Fuel Manager automatically switches from the current to the next full fuel cartridge and ensures a long self sufficiency without user intervention.

Using the DuoCartSwitch you can connect up to four fuel cartridge to the previous generation EFOY Pro 800/2400. For more information please contact us.

Contact

Are EFOY fuel cartridges approved for transportation?

EFOY fuel cartridges were designed to meet the highest safety requirements from the very beginning. Fuel cartridges are also approved and labelled for road, sea and air transport.

Do fuel cartridges have an expiration date?

There is a label on the back of every fuel cartridge indicating its use-by date. IMPORTANT: Using a cartridge after ist use-by date the fuel cell can be damaged, also the warranty decays .

Temperature

What is the temperature range in which the fuel cell operates?

EFOY fuel cells can be operated in a temperature range from -20 °C to +40 °C. EFOY Pro fuel cells are even designed for temperatures up to +50 °C. Should you require a power source to operate under more extreme conditions please contact us.

Contact

User Manual

What happens above +50 which is considered to be the maximum temperature?

Operation up to +50 °C is guaranteed. If this temperature is exceeded, the unit interrupts the charge function and starts once more fully automatically once the temperature falls. This prevents damage to the fuel cell. Should you use the fuel cell at high temperatures for long periods of time, please contact us.

Contact

How does the frost protection mode work?

The fuel cell has an intelligent automatic frost-protection mechanism. It keeps itself warm when temperatures fall below 3 °C when it is connected to a functioning battery and has a supply of fuel.

How much fuel does the frost protection mode consume?

The fuel cell requires approx. 5 -10 litres of methanol for dedicated frost protection mode during a five-month winter period in Central Europe.

What must I do if the fuel cell freezes?

If the fuel cell freezes despite all precautions, allow it to thaw switched off in a warm environment over a period of approx. 24 hours before putting it into operation. Please note that a fuel cell’s efficiency may decrease when allowed to freeze repeatedly.

We are happy to help you personally!

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