Protonex to demonstrate first reformer-based fuel cell in Germany

Protonex Technology (LSE: PTX) plans to show its first product from its line of reformer-based fuel cell power systems that specifically target commercial markets.

The product, named the Valta™ M250, is a 250-watt power system that combines a high-performance proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system with a methanol reformer.

According to the company, the system processes readily available methanol into a hydrogen-rich gas, which is then converted by the fuel cell system into electrical power. The system is easy to refuel and can operate safely in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions, Protonex said.

“Providing fuel cell power systems that can run on common organic fuels such as methanol will enable us to deploy our products into the marketplace without requiring access to hydrogen or other specialty fuel sources,” said Scott Pearson, CEO of Protonex.

“This first product targets commercial applications that require quiet, reliable portable power such as boats, recreational vehicles, emergency equipment, and remote power. This initial product will be available for evaluation by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in these markets.”

Protonex will show the new product next week in Germany at the Hannover Fair, a leading international event for industrial technologies, materials and products.

The company will also show its ProPack™ C50, a 50-watt soldier power system that runs on a chemical hydride fuel, and a 75-watt solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system fueled by propane.