"Self-recharging" fuel cell promises round-the-clock renewable energy

Italian company Electro Power Systems has launched a self-recharging hydrogen fuel cell designed to provide backup power for mobile phone networks.

The ElectroSelf is a hydrogen fuel cell that consumes only water, while providing backup power for other renewable energy sources or the grid.

It works by combining hydrogen and oxygen when power is needed, to produce an electrical current. The only by-product from the process is waste water, which is stored by the system. When power becomes available again, either from a grid or a renewable source, the fuel cell generates its own hydrogen from the water using electrolysis, ensuring that the hydrogen tank remains full and ready for use when power becomes unavailable.

Electro Power Systems is targeting the fuel cell at off-grid mobile applications, such as those in developing countries. With this in mind, it can also operate under the extreme temperatures experienced in many developing countries, with an operational range between -20°C and 45°C.

"It is particularly useful for off-grid installations because it enables the storage of renewable energy, which is never supplied constantly," the company said. "For example, the fuel cell could store solar energy during the day and then support the station during hours of darkness."

The ElectroSelf cell also provides remote power monitoring and control, which with the minimal maintenance requirements will dramatically reduce the need for engineers to travel to remote locations to look after the product, the company said.

It also requires no dedicated air-conditioning, and is comprised of two units measuring 60cmx80cm.

In addition, Electro Power Systems said the unit can be instructed to feed energy back into the grid as part of a net metering arrangement, which could be useful for rural communities.

The company, founded in 2005, obtained its initial €5m (£4.3m) in development funding in 2007 via 360° Capital Partners, a Franco-Italian venture capital fund.