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- Unattended operation > 1 year
- Longer maintenance intervals than all other off-grid solutions
- Remote monitoring capability
- Best fuel-weight ratio (canister included)
Fuel cells are not the only way to power off-grid applications – but they are the best. Sunfire-Remote combines the most significant features of different technologies. That's because of our powerful stacks, consisting of innovative solid oxide fuel cells.
Especially in regions that are difficult to reach, unattended operation is a true value. With Sunfire-Remote, you can realize much longer maintenance cylces than with any other off-grid power solution. Depending on the desulphurizer cartridge size, Sunfire-Remote maintenance is required after 5,000 or 10,000 operational hours, but at least every 2 years. No alternative solution in the market can offer similar large cycles.
In addition, Sunfire-Remote's operation can be monitored remotely. The generator comes with an IP gateway that integrates into any network. A combination with mobile routers is also possible.
Without significant losses, the stacks operate at least 15,000 hours. Systems with Sunfire's Solid Oxide Fuel Cells installed at customer sites have even realized over 30,000 operating hours. By comparison, Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Fells (PEMFC) typically achieve stack lifetimes of about 8,000 to 15,000 operating hours.
Sunfire-Remote reaches its maximum lifetime under continuous operation. Combined with photovoltaics to a hybrid system, you can further extend the lifetime and even maintenance intervals of the fuel cell core system by reducing total operating hours.
Whether on high mountains, in deep snow or hot climates: Sunfire-Remote reliably powers systems and infrastructures anywhere in the world. At temperatures in the range of -20 up to 55 °C, it delivers full performance without any limitations.
Special enclosures make Sunfire-Remote even more rugged: Using a special low temperature cabinet or container, operation at conditions down to -40 °C is possible. In the field, the devices are exposed to harsh conditions. During development, the power generators and its components were tested carefully in the climatic chamber to make sure they can withstand these circumstances.
In many ways, Sunfire-Remote is a straightforward off-grid power solution – from installation to maintenance. Experienced personnel need less than one hour for regular proactive maintenance of one unit.
Sunfire-Remote is currently approved and certified for use with propane and natural gas. This results in decisive advantages. Compared to other logistic fuels, propane and natural gas have an excellent energy per weight ratio and offer space-saving storage. For operation at natural gas pipelines Sunfire-Remote can be easily connected for fuel supply. Alternatively, CNG is a further fuel option.
Sunfire-Remote is a safe and clean investment in the future. It quietly and efficiently converts propane (LPG) or natural gas into electricity – without using lubricants. For this reason, it can be used in sensitive environments. There is no risk of soiling in the case of leakage.
Thermoelectric generators (TEG) and diesel generators have proven helpful over decades. But they do not meet the requirements of a modern power supply anymore. In contrast, fuel cells offering a clean solution are being more and more established in off-grid power supply. As Sunfire-Remote convinces with an unrivaled efficiency of up to 35 %, it consumes correspondingly little fuel. This has a positive effect on the carbon footprint: Carbon dioxide emissions are 10 times lower than TEG`s, and up to 5 times lower compared to diesel generators.
Sunfire-Remote is ready for renewables! CO2-neutral operation is possible by using biogenic propane or e-Propane from renewable electricity.
Properties in power range of 100 - 1,500 W |
Sunfire-Remote |
Methanol Fuel Cell |
Hydrogen Fuel Cell |
Diesel Genset |
Unattended operation |
up to 10,000 opHrs |
up to 6,000 opHrs | unknown | 500 – 1,000 opHrs |
Electrical efficiency |
25 – 30 % |
25 – 30 % | 40 – 50 % | 15 – 20 % |
Est. service life core system |
20,000 – 30,000 opHrs (continuous operation, low on-off cycles) |
up to 8,000 opHrs | 20 – 30,000 opHrs | ~8,000 opHrs (industrial grade) |
Emissions if fossile fuels used* |
0.6 – 0.8 kg CO2/kWhel | 0.9 – 1.1 kg CO2/kWhel | 0.6 – 0.8 kg CO2/kWhel | 1.0 – 1.4 kg CO2/kWhel |
Emissions |
negligible < 0.030 g NOx/kWhel | 0 | 0 | < 7.5 g NOx/kWhel** |
Min. temperatur for start-up |
-20 °C (-40 °C with proper integration) | > 0 | > 0 | - 25 °C |
Temperature range |
-20 – +55 °C (-40 °C with proper integration) |
-20 – +55 °C (-40 °C with proper integration) |
- 33 – + 50 °C | - 33 – + 50 °C |
Fuel storage space (canister volume included) |
0.15 m³/100 kWhel | 0.12 m³/100 kWhel | 0.9 m³/100 kWhel | 0.1 m³/100 kWhel |
Fuel weight (canister weight included) |
58 kg/100 kWhel | 73 kg/100 kWhel | 485 kg/100 kWhel | 53 kg/100 kWhel |
* Applying for all generators: The use of renewable fuels can reduce CO2 emissions typically by 80 to 100 %, depending on the CO2 balance of synthesis and logistics in the specific supply chain.
** actual EU regulations
Average performance at beginning of life. Performance over its operating life may vary due to integration and installation concept as well as operating conditions.