Element One Energy has developed a novel solution to optimize the benefits and solve the challenges of direct methanol fuel cells. It is proven that a direct methanol fuel cell can be given a potential and used as an electrochemical methanol reformer (EMR). With a direct methanol fuel cell, modified slightly to be a producer of hydrogen, rather than to generate current, cross-over is no longer an issue. Element One Energy's EMR integrated with an optimized PEM stack for power generation results in a methanol based power system with significantly fewer parts, a reduction in weight of 60%, a reduction in volume by 40%, and nearly instant recharging using liquid methanol modules. The global market for portable power systems is primarily fed by batteries and small internal combustion engine generators (IC Gensets). Small batteries are currently a $6 billion annual market, and the demand for such devices is growing faster than the consumer electronics market itself. The growing power needs of these consumer electronics with soon outpace the improvement in small battery technology. Fuel cell technology has been identified as the most likely technological candidate to address this issue. The unique EOE portable power generation system will provide competitive advantages based on reduced size, greater duration of power provided, and rapid recharging characteristics. In the US, IC Gensets are primarily used for remote power generation, emergency power, or recreation applications. Considered a $12 billion dollar industry, the IC Genset market is susceptible to both the customer's demands of reduced noise and pollution, and government regulation of their emissions. The EOE portable power generation system will be poised to make significant inroads into the IC Genset replacement market with its silent operation and practically zero emissions.
