Charge your batteries with gas!

German caravan and motorhome appliance specialist Truma has released what it claims is the first liquid-gas operated fuel cell system for recreational vehicles.

According to Truma, the new VeGa fuel cell system runs on liquid gas (propane and/or butane), and guarantees a permanent, self-sufficient power supply completely independent of mains electricity or other energy sources.

With a maximum output of 250 W per day, the VeGa keeps the battery charged to cover auxiliary power demands – sufficient to have several appliances such as a TV, fridge, lights or heater operating simultaneously.

Based on average energy requirements of approximately 70 Ah/day, Truma says a 5kg gas cylinder will last up to two weeks, and an 11kg gas cylinder approximately five weeks.

The device can be operated with standard propane-butane mixes (including LPG or camping gas), but is not suitable for natural gas or diesel.

All types of lead acid, lead gel and fleece (AGM) battery are suitable, but the battery size should be at least 80 Ah to avoid frequent starting and stopping of the VeGa.

The fuel cell system works automatically and can run round the clock (except when the vehicle is moving), or alternatively it can be switched on and off manually. Once the supply battery undercuts a certain charging level, the VeGa is automatically activated and charges the battery with approximately 20 amps.

Truma says the higher charging current and the optimised battery charging technology ensure that the charging process is short and efficient. Once the batteries are charged, the VeGa returns to the stand-by mode.

A colour touch screen displays all the relevant data, such as operating mode, battery voltage, charging current as well as service intervals, which are every 10,000 operating hours and include replacement of a filter.

Other benefits of the VeGa system, according to Truma, are that it’s quieter, more efficient and costs less to run than a conventional petrol-powered generator. It also offers higher output than solar systems, and lower operating costs than other fuel cell systems on the market.

Due to the gas supply, the system can only be installed by qualified technicians.

“We have tested the system intensively for several years and have carried out extensive field tests with around 200 devices both internally and also in cooperation with end customers and vehicle manufacturers,” said Andreas Schiegl, head of the fuel cell system product centre at Truma.

The much-awaited VeGa was unveiled at the 2012 Caravon Salon in Dusseldorf, and is currently on sale in Europe.

A limited range of Truma products are currently available in Australia through Dometic-Waeco but there’s no indication as yet as to whether the VeGa system will be sold here.