SFC Energy AG, technology and market leader for portable, mobile, and off-grid power generation and distribution, has received a further order from the German Bundeswehr.

After introduction of the system in 2010, in March 2012 the German Bundeswehr ordered the equipment for additional soldiers with the portable JENNY fuel cell by SFC Energy in a new energy network. The system solution consists of the JENNY fuel cell, the SFC Power Manager, a hybrid battery specially tailored to the system, and a solar panel as alternative power source, plus extensive accessories.

As a powerful and flexible power supply, the energy network allows operation of widely different power consumers – e.g. radios, navigational equipment, night-vision equipment, laser range-finders, portable computers, and PDAs – which can be used when stationary and on the march. The net order size is around five million Euros. The order was received in the first quarter of 2012, and the systems are expected to be delivered before the end of 2012.

With this power supply and management system, SFC Energy again proves the Company’s long standing, internationally acknowledged expertise in the field of portable energy. The hybrid solution links fuel cells, solar cells, batteries, and intelligent power management in an integrated energy network.

It reduces the load of a soldier by up to 80% compared to conventional solutions. Through the SFC Power Manager, an intelligent voltage converter, almost any device can be supplied with electricity using available sources, such as fuel cells, solar panels, or batteries. The network also allows different battery types to be charged on the move during operations. Power supply and energy management are fully automatic, practically soundless, emission-free, and almost undetectable.

"With this third serial order from the German Bundeswehr SFC Energy further expands its position as leading supplier of autonomous power solutions for defense applications," says Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG.

"This is a major milestone; we have moved from being a development partner to a product/system supplier. SFC Energy’s outstanding technology enables a reliable off-grid power supply, significant weight reductions, and increased flexibility in field operations. It thus contributes to an extended range of operations by military forces, as well as taking into account the new requirements on an international level, and increases the safety of soldiers in operation."