Swedish energy technology company PowerCell has introduced a functioning full-scale prototype of its PowerPac fuel cell system that converts road diesel to electricity in a clean, silent and low-cost way.

Aimed at the transport and telecom markets, the new PowerPac marks the first functioning full-scale prototype fuel cell system worldwide for the production of electricity from road diesel.

"We expect the interest from the transport, telecom and other sectors to be huge, given these industries’ need to reduce operating expenses while at the same time find power solutions that are clean, sustainable and compliant with ever-stricter environmental legislation."

PowerCell CEO Magnus Henell said, "We expect the interest from the transport, telecom and other sectors to be huge, given these industries’ need to reduce operating expenses while at the same time find power solutions that are clean, sustainable and compliant with ever-stricter environmental legislation."

The PowerPac auxiliary power unit comprises three modules – the fuel reformer module that converts standard low sulphur diesel to a hydrogen rich gas; the fuel cell module that combines the hydrogen stream from the fuel reformer with air to produce power; and the power electronics module to deliver power to the user.

One of the main features of the PowerPac is the reformer, which converts road diesel into hydrogen-rich gas through a controlled 100% catalytic process.

PowerPac could benefit the transport sector due to its ability to produce electricity for climate control without the need to run engines when resting or loading/unloading.

The process involves no emission of particles, and is also silent, the company said.

PowerCell is currently seeking partners in relevant areas in order to industrialise and commercialise the technology in the coming years.

The primary target groups for the new system are truck manufacturers, owners of trucks, mobile operators, owners of base stations and other telecom infrastructure and the military sector, among others.

PowerCell will now test and demonstrate the PowerPac prototype to the global industry from the company’s headquarters and research centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Following the completion of testing, PowerCell will begin full serial production in 2015 for the first market.