Fuel Cell System automatically recharges batteries.

Press Release Summary:



Powered by hydrogen gas, Model VE100 Rack Mount uses software to log and monitor battery charge and automatically awakens from standby mode to charge external batteries when they drop below preset voltage. Information can be accessed and monitored remotely via GPS phone link. Automatic charge mode, fuel canister reset, and various display modes can be selected from front panel. Pipe connection is provided for ducting away moist air and water vapor.



Original Press Release:



Voller Energy Group PLC Launch of New Fuel Cell System



Voller Energy Group PLC, the leading commercial supplier and manufacturer of portable fuel cell systems, announces the launch of a new industrial fuel cell system, the VE100 Rack Mount ('VE100RM').

The new fuel cell system can charge remote monitoring equipment, surveillance cameras and industrial equipment in remote locations. The VE100RM can also be used in conjunction with other power sources such as Photo-Voltaic ('PV') solar panels or wind turbines to provide continuous power over an extended period of time.

The VE100RM is aimed at customers with a requirement for constant energy, or high up-time equipment in a variety of remote or potentially hostile environments. Historically, most of these applications use batteries, which have to be recharged. The new VE100RM fuel cell system will re-charge them automatically.

Using Voller's own software, the new fuel cell system logs and monitors the battery charge. This information can be accessed and monitored remotely via a GPS phone link.

The new fuel cell system is powered by hydrogen gas which can be supplied from a normal compressed hydrogen cylinder and regulator available from any compressed gas supplier or from a refillable canister supplied by Voller Energy. This refillable canister stores hydrogen at low pressure dissolved in a metal hydride salt. The Voller canister can be mounted within the 4U 19" rack mount case enclosure.

Once running, the automatic charge mode, fuel canister reset and various display modes can be selected from the front panel. An 8mm pipe connection is also provided on the front panel for ducting away moist air and water vapour. The unit will automatically 'awaken' from standby mode to charge external batteries when they drop below a preset voltage. This means that the useful lifetime of batteries will be extended and it will also reduce the number of man-hours wasted unnecessarily on checking and recharging the batteries.

Stephen Voller, Chief Executive of Voller said:

"This is an exciting development and is further evidence of our ability to provide practical fuel cell system solutions which meet our customers' needs.

Today there are so many different types of industrial equipment that need non-mains delivered electric power, so the potential of this new system is substantial. Certainly, the security industry could become a major beneficiary of our technology as it will provide safe, clean and efficient recharging capability for surveillance or other electronic equipment situated in remote locations. It is further evidence of Voller Energy's commitment to providing practical fuel cell system solutions which meet our customers' needs."

www.voller.com

For further information:
Voller Energy Group PLC
Stephen Voller, Chief Executive
Tel: 01256 813 900

Voller Energy is one of the world's first commercial developers and manufacturers of portable fuel cell systems for use as battery chargers and mobile generators.

Voller Energy is initially targeting commercially attractive areas including the cordless power tool, construction, leisure boating and military markets. These are likely to be early adopters of the technology as the benefits of using fuel cells, such as low noise, no toxic emissions and health and safety issues, are important drivers. The portable power market is generally defined up to 10kW and is expected to be worth $17 billion by 2011 (Canadian Fuel Cell Commercialisation Roadmap - Price Waterhouse Coopers, March 2003).

Fuel cells offer a real alternative to conventional energy generation from petrol or diesel fuels. Fuel cells generate electricity from a chemical reaction involving hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is supplied from the air but the hydrogen needs to be supplied to the fuel cell from an external source.

There has been much speculation in recent years that a so called "hydrogen economy" will emerge, replacing our current carbon economy as carbon-based fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil become scarce.

See the new VE100RM operating on the Voller Energy stand E83/4 at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells exhibit at the Hanover Fair, Germany from the 24th to 28th April 2006.

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