Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: EFOY Fuel cell Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonSurfer01
15/1/2012 at 12:24pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
In 2010 this website had a competition for a fuel cell. see here
I wonder who won it and whether they can give us some feedback as it would be interesting for those that caravan a lot on rallies or sites without EHU.


Personmadasaman
15/1/2012 at 3:08pm
 Location:  Wales
 Outfit:  Volvo XC60 R Design View madasaman's Profile View Profile   Reply to madasaman Reply   Quote madasaman Quote  
Joined: 13/3/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2037
Site Reviews Total: 61
Site Reviews 2024: 4  
Site Reviews 2023: 5  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 5  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 8  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 14
Site Nights 2021: 28
Site Nights 2020: 14
Site Nights 2019: 38
Site Nights 2018: 14
Wow thats an expensive generator

-------------
73 going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Personjeff juke
15/1/2012 at 4:18pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Well,it wasnt me mate.

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


PersonWebmaster
15/1/2012 at 5:46pm
 Location: Buckinghamshire
 Outfit: VW Campers and Tents View Webmaster's Profile View Profile   Reply to Webmaster Reply   Quote Webmaster Quote  
Joined: 09/6/1999

Forum Admin
Forum Moderator

Forum Posts:   7662
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 84
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 18 
Site Reviews 2020: 13 
Site Reviews 2019: 21 
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 6
Site Nights 2023: 1
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 33
Site Nights 2020: 24
Site Nights 2019: 44
Site Nights 2018: 9
It was a Arthur Robson from Durham ! Hope he sees this http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=9&TopicID=216583

Ian

-------------


Personmagsruby
15/1/2012 at 9:25pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View magsruby's Profile View Profile   Reply to magsruby Reply   Quote magsruby Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   426
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Very expensive considering the wattage they produce.

I can only assume, as the technology progresses, prices will fall & by 2050 (when I will be celebrating my 71st birthday) we will all be camping with them!

In fact, by then they could well be old technology, who knows. We may even be camping on other planets


Advertisement



Personmagsruby
15/1/2012 at 9:26pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View magsruby's Profile View Profile   Reply to magsruby Reply   Quote magsruby Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   426
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Sorry, I'm a bit of a Sci-Fi fan.


PersonSurfer01
16/1/2012 at 8:50am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/1/2012
Sorry, I'm a bit of a Sci-Fi fan.
Don't be as all those fictional things on the original Star Trek are reality now i.e. mobile phones, laser guns and next will be teleporting!


Personrabbin8
16/1/2012 at 10:06pm
 Location: Powys Wales
 Outfit: Abbey 2 berth. Astra sports tourer . View rabbin8's Profile View Profile   Reply to rabbin8 Reply   Quote rabbin8 Quote  
Joined: 29/2/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   569
Site Reviews Total: 16
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 16/1/2012
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/1/2012Sorry, I'm a bit of a Sci-Fi fan.
Don't be as all those fictional things on the original Star Trek are reality now i.e. mobile phones, laser guns and next will be teleporting!
Yes your right,sometimes I get Klingons as well. LOL.

-------------
Rob


Personjeff juke
16/1/2012 at 11:01pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I got them playing in bands..

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


PersonD S B
16/1/2012 at 11:34pm
 Location: Polesworth Warwickshire
 Outfit: Bailey Unicorn III Valencia (LR Disco) View D S B's Profile View Profile   Reply to D S B Reply   Quote D S B Quote  
Joined: 06/8/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4700
Site Reviews Total: 26
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 16/1/2012
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/1/2012
Sorry, I'm a bit of a Sci-Fi fan.
Don't be as all those fictional things on the original Star Trek are reality now i.e. mobile phones, laser guns and next will be teleporting!

Now that would be something. Teleport your caravan to the site. Just think of the saving on fuel costs.

-------------
David


Advertisement



PersonLobeyDosser
17/1/2012 at 12:07am
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4 View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

<<<Now that would be something. Teleport your caravan to the site. Just think of the saving on fuel costs.>>>

Now that would please Jeremy Clarkson.



-------------
Lobey.


PersonAndrewK
17/1/2012 at 10:51am
 Location: Oldham
 Outfit: Burstner S500TS Nissan Patrol 3.0 SVE View AndrewK's Profile View Profile   Reply to AndrewK Reply   Quote AndrewK Quote  
Joined: 24/4/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1157
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
According to the EFOY literature, the 1600 uses around 0.9L of high purity methanol per kWh produced. A 10L methanol fuel cartridge could be used to generate around 11.1 kWh. The fuel cartridge costs £51.60 (if you can actually find anywhere that stocks them), so the cost per kWh of electricity generated is about £4.65. Wow!!!

Whilst the literature mentions that the EFOY 1600 uses about 0.9L/kwh produced, but doesn't mention that the energy content of 1L of methanol is about 5Kwh/L - so the efficiency of the fuel cell is only a little over 20%.

It also claims that no harmful emissions are produced and elsewhere that it is environmentally friendly. Methanol (CH3OH) is a hydrocarbon and CO2 is a product of combustion - so these claims don't really stack up either, especially when the efficiency is so low.

I don't see any real reason why anyone should go out and buy one of these. It's expensive to buy. It's very inefficient. Fuel isn't readily available and is about four times the price of petrol. Definitely a product for the "Early Adopter"s amongst us.

Not impressed.

Andrew


PersonSurfer01
17/1/2012 at 1:52pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by AndrewK on 17/1/2012
According to the EFOY literature, the 1600 uses around 0.9L of high purity methanol per kWh produced. A 10L methanol fuel cartridge could be used to generate around 11.1 kWh. The fuel cartridge costs £51.60 (if you can actually find anywhere that stocks them), so the cost per kWh of electricity generated is about £4.65. Wow!!!

Whilst the literature mentions that the EFOY 1600 uses about 0.9L/kwh produced, but doesn't mention that the energy content of 1L of methanol is about 5Kwh/L - so the efficiency of the fuel cell is only a little over 20%.

It also claims that no harmful emissions are produced and elsewhere that it is environmentally friendly. Methanol (CH3OH) is a hydrocarbon and CO2 is a product of combustion - so these claims don't really stack up either, especially when the efficiency is so low.

I don't see any real reason why anyone should go out and buy one of these. It's expensive to buy. It's very inefficient. Fuel isn't readily available and is about four times the price of petrol. Definitely a product for the "Early Adopter"s amongst us.

Not impressed.

Andrew

TBH I think your figures are way off beam otherwise they would not be manufacturing them. There are stockists all over Europe and the UK as many motorhomes have the fuel cell fitted. The refill can be obtained for less than £40 for 10 liters.
I also have a spreadsheet from someone that is currently using a fuel cell and his figures do not stack up against what you have stated.
Fuel Cell Costs Per Day (excluding initial capital purchase of EFOY)
Outcome of Fuel Cell Evaluation Trial      2008     2011
Methanol Cost Per Day                  £1.11     £1.58
Gas Per Day                         £0.75     £1.30
Total Cost Fuel Per Day                  £1.86     £2.88
               
               
Site EHU & Gas Per Day          2008     2011
EHU per day CC&C site          £3.50     3.55
Gas Per Day                  £0.36     £0.65
Total Cost Fuel Per Day          £3.86     £4.20

A agree it is not a cheap set up unless you rally a lot and use a lot of non EHU pitches as it will take you about 4 - 5 years to break even. However if you take out the initial set up cost, then it is cheaper and better even than solar panels.
If you used all the normal 12v appliances in the caravan plus your satellite receiver and TV you would use approximately 3 litres of methanol every 7 days.


PersonAndrewK
17/1/2012 at 3:16pm
 Location: Oldham
 Outfit: Burstner S500TS Nissan Patrol 3.0 SVE View AndrewK's Profile View Profile   Reply to AndrewK Reply   Quote AndrewK Quote  
Joined: 24/4/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1157
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 17/1/2012TBH I think your figures are way off beam otherwise they would not be manufacturing them.
So, which figures are way off beam?

The cost I quoted came from the first result from Google (keywords: efoy,methanol,cartridge) - see here: http://www.campervanstuff.com/shop_stuff/index.php?mod=product&id_prd=1066

I've now found another that is cheaper - but not much and it doesn't affect the economics significantly. Even at £40 for 10 litres, electricity generated would still cost nearly £4/kwh. The comparison you quote isn't fair or realistic. A 16amp hookup is capable of supplying a load of up to 4kw - over 60 times greater than the Efoy 1600. You are not comparing like with like.

There are very few dealers for the methanol cartridges in the UK. My nearest is around 40 miles away - just as well I don't live in Scotland because there is only ONE stockist in the whole of the country - Cookstown Caravan - and the search facility in their online accessory shop finds no reference to either Efoy or methanol!!

Still not impressed

Andrew



Post last edited on 17/01/2012 15:40:32



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

7578 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder