Fuel Cell Technology in Caravans

[AlanJ]

Hi

I have fitted one of the new EFOY 1200 Fuel Cells into my Bailey Pageant Caravan and will be doing full shake down trials at CC&C site at Normans Bay later this week.

Has been excellent in home and weekend tests so far giving me up to 100 Amp Hours a day into my 110 Amp caravan battery.

This trip will be without any EHU to really put it through its paces.

Will post results for those that may be interested in this subject.

They are expensive right now but price should come down as they become more widely installed. They have been installed in Hymer motor homes for some years now but not in caravans.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Alan,

I will be very interested to read your report. Perhaps you coudl indicate how much it has cost you to have it fitted?

 

[AlanJ]

Hi John

I found best price was at http://www.tsw-comsat-sales.co.uk/efoy-fuel-cells who also have an on-line video which I found very useful. Tim Wilson at TSW was very helpful and I fitted the unit myself (it was very easy under Tim's guidance). I would "guess" at approx

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

Hi Alan, Looks like a great system, but as you say they are expensive. You could have a lot of nights on EHU for the same price.

 

[AlanJ]

Hi Alan, Looks like a great system, but as you say they are expensive. You could have a lot of nights on EHU for the same price.

Yes I know but that is not why I bought it - going on Grand Tour of Europe in spring & summer next year and do not want to "have" to rely on EHU's - prefer to be totally self sufficient which we will be.

As I say not for everyone but it does provide me with what I want out of caravaning.

 

[AlanJ]

Hi A quick update prior to setting off for Normans Bay.

One of the biggest limitations has been having only one 12v socket as standard in the Bailey. This is limited to 10 Amps via the power supply unit.

I have just completed the installation of a new 40 Amp cable (protected by 35 Amp in line fuse directly from my 110 Amp battery as an additional 12v cable "backbone" and taken two cable spurs rated at 30 Amp cableto two new 12v sockets capable of suporting 16 Amps (if necessary). One of these is for her ladyships 12v hairdryer directly in front of mirror. The other is for alternate TV power point freeing up loading on the 15 Amp main battery supply to PSU and for the 150W inverter for laptop etc.

I will let you know how things go and hopefully I will catch some fish as well!!

I have deliberately gone for high capacity cables working on "Murphy's Law - any cable or tube cut to length will be too short!! Hence I have more than adequate spare capacity if I should need another 12v socket in the lounge section for mini vacuum cleaner etc.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Alan,

Just take a bit of care with the Methanol fuel - in particular avoid breathing the fumes when filling the tank...

Robert

 

[Gafferbill]

Hi Alan J

I am interested in what you are doing, but a couple of questions.

Will the caravan modifications have the potential to nulify your insurance .... not to standard specification?

What is the position with taking methanol on a ferry or Eurotunnel?

I am not knocking the project.. I am just interested.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

"What is the position with taking Methanol on a ferry or Eurotunnel?"

That's a very good question - and really only those companies can answer, but...

1. It doesn't seem to be a problem for motor-home owners.

2. If the Methanol is stored in the suppliers fuel containers, I can't see it being treated any differently from LPG gas in a closed off cylinder.

3. If the Methanol is stored in any old jerry can, then I could quite easily see that being prohibited - just like spare cans of petrol or diesel are banned.

Robert

 

[Gafferbill]

Hi,

"What is the position with taking Methanol on a ferry or Eurotunnel?"

That's a very good question - and really only those companies can answer, but...

1. It doesn't seem to be a problem for motor-home owners.

2. If the Methanol is stored in the suppliers fuel containers, I can't see it being treated any differently from LPG gas in a closed off cylinder.

3. If the Methanol is stored in any old jerry can, then I could quite easily see that being prohibited - just like spare cans of petrol or diesel are banned.

Robert

Robert

I know in the trucking world some substances are banned in Eurotunnel.

You can tell the dangerous trucks on ferries as they are always out in the open near the bow of the ship and are always chained down and no more than two per ship.

You would not believe the paperwork and signage.

Sure larger quantities of the nasty stuff are involved ....

 

[AlanJ]

Have just returned from Normans Bay (Gale Force 6-8 for most of the week!!) But that meant having to stay in caravan and watch the Olympics instead!!

Conclusion is that with the additional two 12v direct battery sockets makes full fuel cell use in providing an "independent" alternative very "comfortable" with no power supply drawbacks apart from not using the microwave which is not a problem.

You will use additional gas with running the fridge and hot water on gas. This equated to

 

[rob_jax]

Alan,

Glad you like the EFOY fuel cell, but Methanol is not just like gas or petrol - it is toxic if the fumes are inhaled and is known to cause liver and heart damage.

so I'll repeat my earlier comments - just make sure you don't breathe the fumes when filling the tank.

Robert

 

[AlanJ]

Hi Rob_jax

Yes it is toxic and the in depth information that comes with the fuel is very comprehensive.

However, to be precise in this case you do not "fill a tank" it comes in specially sealed containers with a special sealing valve which stops both liquid and vapours escaping. I think you are refering to US Hot Rods and Indycar racing which "fill tanks" on these cars which are powered by methanol.