The use of a proven large-scale fuel cell within the CHiP version of iQuadgen® offers a low carbon technology alternative to high efficiency reciprocating bio-engines. Using a fuel cell offers a choice of low carbon renewable fuels, such as biogas (from the anaerobic digestion process) and syngas or producer gas (from the gasification process), as well as a highly efficient use of natural pipeline gas.

The fuel cell produces similar efficiencies to the reciprocating bio-engines with the added benefit of a non-combusting fuel reforming process that produces no NOx (nitrous oxide) or SOx (sulphur dioxide) emissions, commonly referred to as “smog”. The fuel cell breaks down bio-gas, syngas or methane to produce electricity. As the process is non-combusting, emissions associated with any combustion or burning technologies are obviated, producing only water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as by-products. The CO2 can be collected from the exhaust and sequestered relatively easily, where Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) facilities exist.

The fuel cell has a very low visual profile and, if using pipeline delivered gas, does not require the use of road transportation for its fuel source.

2OC’s choice of fuel cell is already well established at several installations, including national security critical facilities in North America.