Products

Direct methanol fuel cell power

Direct methanol fuel cell power systems

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs)

Direct methanol fuel cell power（DMFC）provide electricity directly from the methanol fuel without passing through hydrogen.
Because they are capable of making electricity as long as the fuel lasts, they are characterized by being closer to “generators” than “batteries.”

Because the methanol content is 54%, it is normally not regulated by the Fire Service Act and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act, and no submissions to government agencies regarding storage and ground transport are necessary.
It can be distributed nationwide as needed.
Unlike gasoline, etc., it does not degrade with the passage of time, can be stored long-term, and is perfect for emergency stockpiling.

Optimum for devices with up to 500 W output.(Broadcast equipment, communication equipment, monitoring equipment, PCs, etc.)
They do not need charging, and are capable of continuous power supply.
They can also be applied to long-term backup, simply by building up the fuel.

They have little power consumption during standby compared to reformed hydrogen fuel cells, do not require reinforcement of power line capacity, and can inhibit the increase of power costs.
For fuel handling, no special facilities are required, as is the case with as with direct hydrogen fuel cells, nor is a license or qualification needed. Anyone can handle it with a plastic container.

They can be used in quiet environments such as indoors, at night, and in residential areas.

Comparison image of output with available continuous power supply time

Comparison of characteristics with other power sources

This combines an uninterruptible power supply unit composed of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) and a DMFC generation unit.
It continues to supply power from the LIB even if commercial power is cut off.Because a constant conversion-type inverter power supply method is adopted therein, no momentary power loss occurs during switchover.
When a charging capacity decrease of the LIB is detected, the DMFC starts generating power, charging the LIB.
It is able to continue supplying power as long as the fuel lasts.

When there is commercial power input

When there is no commercial power input

Even if installed and operated in a remote location, it is possible to check the operation status (output, available continuous power supply time, etc.) in a browser by connecting to a cloud server via a cellphone line, anytime, anywhere, so you can use it with confidence.
You will be automatically notified by email when there is a power loss or when fuel is running out.
Remote maintenance service from MGC is possible with an optional contract.

*Separate expenses for communication server use are needed to use the remote monitoring system.

The MGC-FC56 uses a dedicated cabinet for outdoor installation.The inside can contain 150 L of fuel and 50 L of water.

External dimensions	1400 (W) × 800 (D) × 1357 (H) mm (except base)
Weight	Approx. 560 kg (including MGC-FC56, fuel, and water, excluding the base)
Consumption power	Approx. 30 W (ventilation fan only, excluding MGC-FC56 and freezing prevention heater)

Taking advantage of the characteristics to enable hours of power backup, it used as an uninterruptible power supply for unmanned wireless base stations and live cameras for disaster monitoring in remote or inaccessible places.

Uninterruptible power supply for unmanned wireless base station

Uninterruptible power supply for live camera

	MGC-FC56 500 W class UPS-focused model
External dimensions (W × D × H) *Excludes protrusions	520 × 600 × 650 ㎜
Dry weight	Approx. 70 kg
Continuous maximum external output (rated output)	500 W
Maximum output	AC 1000 VA, DC 500 VA
External output voltage	AC 100 V, DC 12.5 V
Fuel consumption rate	Approx. 1.2 L/h
Continuous generation time	Approx. 168 hours (When using a 200 L fuel tank)*
Lithium-ion battery capacity	Approx. 1,100 Wh
Standard functions	Freezing prevention heater UPS (uninterruptible power supply) operation
Optional functions	-

The fuel tanks are external, and the capacity can be changed.
This DMFC power system was jointly-developed with Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).

Be sure to read the instruction manual before use.
Do not disassemble the fuel cell device main unit.
Avoid transporting and storing the product in environments of 0°C or less as there is a risk of freezing.
During use, connect to the power source for freeze prevention.
Keep the product and fuel container away from flame.
Use the product in a well-ventilated area.It consumes oxygen and emits carbon dioxide.When using indoors, perform periodic ventilation or connect a ventilation duct to the outside.When emitting the exhaust gas indoors, mount a wastewater receptacle, etc., so that condensation water does not drip onto the floor.Because the wastewater is not harmful, it can simply be drained off.
See the separate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for cautions on the handling of MethaMix (methanol aqueous solution) fuel.
Do not greatly tilt the product, or turn it over.Doing so may cause the leaking out of the methanol aqueous solution within the main unit.
Do not use fuel or water other than those designated by MGC.
Do not connect to loads in excess of the maximum output.If exceeded, power supply will automatically stop for safety purposes.
Avoid transport by air as the product incorporates a lithium-ion battery.
When using the remote communication function, install in a location where an NTT DOCOMO, INC. cellphone line is available.