Reformer

The reformer converts the fuel of choice to a hydrogen rich fuel for the fuel cell stack to convert to electricity. CFG has patented and patent pending technologies for fuel reformers using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), or propane, and other hydrocarbon fuels. The reformers use normal propane tank pressure for fuel delivery into the reformer for conversion to hydrogen, providing enough hydrogen to power systems from 1 to 10 kilowatts and above.

CFG also has a patent pending for a new catalyst used in the reformer. The new reformer design reduces size, weight, and cost, while improving the hydrogen purity. CFG will be using its reformer design in fuel cell power generation systems for a variety of markets. The initial product will be designed for use in recreational vehicles. CFG will also seek stand-alone sales and licensing for its reformer components.

Back to Components Diagram

Purification

Hydrogen produced by the reformer must be further purified to remove unwanted impurities. These unwanted chemicals act as poisons for the fuel cell stack, which reduces the operating life of the fuel cell stack. CFG has patent pending technologies for new designs of purification that will produce ultra-high purity hydrogen for the fuel cell stack, and will further reduce size, weight, and cost. This new design is also easily replaced in the system after a predetermined service cycle.

CFG will use newly designed (patent pending) purification components in its fuel cell power generation systems for variety of markets, with the goal of being the first company to commercialize fuel cell systems in recreational vehicles. CFG will also seek stand-alone sales and licensing of its purification components.

Back to Components Diagram

Fuel Cell Stack

While there are several different types of fuel cells (solid oxide, phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, and Proton Exchange Membrane), CFG has determined the best technology for its target market applications is the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. This decision is based on operating temperatures, start-up time, environmental impact, and other considerations. PEM technology is also the direction many automobile manufacturers have chosen.

The PEM fuel cell stack is made up of individual cells that separates the hydrogen gas as it passes through the cell into hydrogen ions and electrons. Each cell produces energy and individual cells are assembled together to increase power to the desired amount, creating a fuel cell stack. CFG is involved in developing the components that work in conjunction with the fuel cell stack, and integrating fuel cell stacks into systems designed for specific market applications. CFG seeks and tests fuel cell stacks that operate at specific requirements. Stacks chosen for CFG products have been carefully tested meeting specific operating criteria. In addition CFG seeks and selects stack developer alliances that have strong commercialization standards.

Back to Components Diagram

Output: Electricity

CFG's fuel cell systems can be designed for a variety of power outputs for different uses dependent upon the application, for example a recreational vehicle (RV) will have lighting and appliances that operate on 12 VDC, 24 VDC, and 110 VAC. In addition to different voltage requirements, the amperage requirements on different RV's will vary dependent on the number of appliances (including size and number of air conditioners). CFG's fuel cell systems can be sized to handle any combination of voltage and current.

One fuel cell system, with the proper output, can give future RV manufacturers and owners new options for safer design. RV's have appliances (stoves, ovens, refrigerators, water heaters, and space heating) that run on LPG (propane). Propane appliances have fuel lines and connections inside the living area of an RV, which are a risk for leaks and fires. Additionally open combustion flames from heaters, stoves, and pilot lights, produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas. A safer alternative would be to design an all electric RV powered by a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system is exterior to the living area of the vehicle with plenty of ventilation, and can meet all of the RV's energy requirements.

Back to Components Diagram

Output: Cogeneration Heat

A by-product of a fuel cell system is heat. CFG's patented design for RV applications, manages the heat generated for distribution in the recreational vehicle for space heating, and heating other vital areas to keep from freezing damage (water tanks, waste tanks, etc.). By utilizing the heat generated by a fuel cell system an RV will be consuming less fuel. The fuel cell cogeneration design is safer than current RV designs because there will be no open flames inside the vehicle creating dangerous carbon monoxide exhausts. Heat will be distributed with ducting and quiet fans throughout the RV when required.

Back to Components Diagram

Output: Cogeneration Hot Water

Flowing hot water for inside and outside showers, kitchen and bathroom sinks, washing clothes, and other purposes, can be provided by the fuel cell system. CFG's patented cogeneration fuel cell system for RV's can replace current hot water heaters, which will create more space in an RV for storage, reduce the amount of fuel consumed, and provide a constant hot water supply. Water is pumped from the RV storage tank to the fuel cell hot water management system and distributed to the needed location.

Back to Components Diagram

Output: Cogeneration Fresh Water

CFG has patented a water recovery system for RV's. In addition to heat being a by-product of fuel cell systems, water is also recoverable. Pure water is product of the reaction in the fuel cell. CFG's system collects this pure water, which can be returned to an RV's water storage tank.

Back to Components Diagram

To Top