Thomas J. - Solo regatta from Plymouth (GB) to Newport (USA)
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It was in the autumn of 1985 when we rented a mountain hut 1200 metres up in the Tyrolean mountains. No electricity – water from the spring tub shower and outhouse – as is common in a mountain hut.
For the first few years we worked with candles and petroleum lamps. In 1988 I installed the first small solar system with at that time 3 x 10 Watts. In good weather, this was just enough for a table lamp and two reading lamps. In the years that followed, the solar plant was expanded to 150 Wp. (The 2-year attempt with wind power failed because of too little wind power at our hut)
With storage batteries of 260 Ah we were now quite well equipped and could even operate a small refrigerator in good weather.
But after just 2 rainy days, the power supply was exhausted and also the short winter days had to be beautiful to keep the power supply constant.
“We really enjoy the convenience of batteries that are always ready for use and wouldn’t want to be without our EFOY ever again.”
S. Buschor
I read in an electronics catalogue about EFOY fuel cells. That would be something for us! I explored this new technology in more detail and was enthusiastic about the idea. No engine – no noise – no exhaust fumes and, as I can see now, also low fuel consumption.
I was able to purchase an EFOY demo device a little cheaper and a new age of energy began for us! The instruction manual was pleasingly clear and the connection to our system was quickly established. As soon as it was connected to the battery, our EFOY started humming and after a short time the display showed a charge current of over 5 A – (and in rainy weather!). Now we can operate the refrigerator without worries and if we forget to switch a light off, it is not a catastrophe. In sunny weather, the fuel cell is at rest – the solar supply is sufficient. But as soon as the battery voltage drops too low, our EFOY will automatically switch on and hum along reassuringly. It’s great!
We come to the hut at intervals of about 4 weeks and in the meantime we store the fuel cell in a frost-proof cellar shaft. On arrival, the fuel line is connected and the electrical connection plugged in – and off we go! We really enjoy the convenience of batteries that are always ready for use and wouldn’t want to be without our EFOY ever again.
