Fuel cell maker Voller Energy installs prototypes

Shares of U.K.-based Voller Energy Group (LSE AIM: VLR) gained almost 11 percent today, up £2.50 to close at £26.50, on news of new prototype installations.

The developer of fuel cell generator systems based on readily available fuels announced progress towards the wide commercialization of its 1kW class auxiliary power units (APUs).

Voller's fuel cells can run on propane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or the bottled butane/propane mix sold in Britain under the brand Calor Gas.

Three systems have now been installed in different platforms, the company says: a Beneteau 411 sailing cruiser, a GenQuip Groundhog mobile cabin and a recreational vehicle (RV) produced by MCL motor homes.

Each of these applications represent specific target markets for the Voller Energy fuel cell system, according to the company.

All of these systems are being shown today at the Hamble in Southampton, U.K. in preparation for Seawork, a marine exhibition.

The Voller fuel cell system is self-contained, and includes a proprietary automated control and safety system, fuel processor unit, gas reformate clean-up and cooling system. The company offers portable units, similar to portable gasoline-based generators.

Fuel cell technology offers benefits over conventional generators normally used in the marine, construction and leisure vehicle markets, Voller said, including low noise, low vibration, lower maintenance, low fuel usage and low emissions.

Fuel cell technology has traditionally relied on proprietary fuels such as hydrogen, which is rarely available in these markets.

Voller says it therefore concentrated its developments on fuel cell technology which uses commonly available fuel products such as LPG.

Cleantech developments making news in the past 24 hours

• 'Mittelstand' drives Germany's cleantech boom
• Israel allows first solar power plants

View the last week of cleantech developments here | Subscribe to full feed