Abstract
Blue Water Resolute (BWR) Innovations in North Dakota, USA has developed a line of small, mobile fuel cell generator sanitation systems, featuring a 10 kW electrical generator on a movable cart. The SFC 110 Fuel Cell Thermal Sanitizer combines heat produced by a fuel cell with ultraviolet light to inactivate a full spectrum of biological contaminants – including viruses, bacteria and fungi – while providing uniform sanitisation coverage with minimal risk of material compatibility issues.
BWR Innovations collaborated with Element 1, US Hybrid and Mosebach Manufacturing Company to adapt the SFC 110 design to integrate five commercially available technologies. A methanol to hydrogen generator (from e1) produces ultrapure hydrogen, which is supplied to a fuel cell power generator (US Hybrid) that produces electricity and thermal energy. The electricity is used in a resistive heater (Mosebach) to produce up to 20 kW of thermal energy for primary thermal sanitisation, and UVC light for secondary sanitisation (and also powering air distribution fans). The system also utilises Internet-of-Things (IoT) telemetry for remote monitoring and management.
The primary components are located on separate medical quality rolling carts, using quick-disconnect hoses and electrical cords to create a self-contained mobile solution. It takes 30–60 min to set it up and heat a 500 sq ft (46 m2) room to 60°C, maintained for 30 min to provide thorough thermal sanitisation – including inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to Dr Joel Jorgenson, CEO and founder of BWR Innovations.
BWR Innovations: www.bwr-innovations.com
Element 1: www.e1na.com
US Hybrid: www.ushybrid.com
Mosebach Manufacturing Company: www.mosebachresistors.com