Voller Energy launched the original VE100 at the Grove Fuel Cell event in London in September 2003. At its launch, the VE100 was recognised as the world’s first hand held portable fuel cell system with self contained hydrogen storage. A significant innovation in the VE100 v2 is the addition of a new LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) reformer that means the unit can be powered by either stored hydrogen or from propane or butane. These are commonly known as Calor Gas in the UK and Camping Gaz or BBQ gas in other parts of the world. 

The VE100 v2 will be available for delivery in early 2005 operating with hydrogen, the reformer version will be available the following year. 

The VE100 v2 is a portable generator which is quiet and produces AC mains electricity (either 110/230 Volts, 50 or 60 Hz) but can also simultaneously run items designed to fit into a car cigarette lighter socket. It is also suitable for directly recharging car type batteries which are often used in remote locations to power a wide variety of measuring and monitoring equipment. 

The VE100 v2 includes a highly sophisticated software based microprocessor controller that continually monitors the fuel cell stack output and adjusts air pumps, water pumps, several temperature sensors, gas sensors, air flow fans and current limits in the power conversion electronics in order to maintain optimum output from the fuel cell PEM stack. 

The VE100 v2 can operate in two modes: normal and economy. In economy mode the unit can supply small amounts of power without starting the fuel cell. In this mode the unit can also be connected to an external battery (or batteries), and will automatically start the fuel cell to charge the battery and switch off automatically when sufficient charge has been reached. 

The VE100 v2 software based controller continually monitors internal parameters of the fuel cell and this data can be viewed directly by a computer or linked via the internet or a wireless data connection. This inbuilt diagnostic facility would be useful in remote monitoring or repair situations. As enhancements inevitably develop, new software can be downloaded to the controller in this manner. 

As well as built in hydrogen leak detection equipment the VE100 v2 logs a range of parameters including temperatures, total power produced, hours of stack usage and can advise the user of the power loading and fuel remaining as well as a selection of other parameters via an inbuilt display.