DCH Technology, Inc. a manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen-specific sensors, announced that IPS MeteoStar, a global supplier of remote data-logging systems that communicate information back to customers real-time via satellite, will begin distributing products with DCH portable fuel cells serving as the internal electric power supply.
“DCH’s small portable fuel cells will allow us to significantly expand our market in that they give us the ability to place our systems virtually anywhere they can see the sky and reliably provide services to our customers,” said MeteoStar spokesman David Vaello.
“The fuel cells eliminate problems with limited battery life and the distances that often must be traveled to maintain them, as well as weather and other issues surrounding the use of solar panels.”
MeteoStar’s customers include the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and several state environmental agencies. A MeteoStar monitoring system powered by a 12W/12V DCH Enable brand fuel cell is currently being used by the State of Texas for monitoring water quality.
Its success has resulted in requests for similar systems from at least two other states and led to the mutually exclusive agreement signed by the two companies yesterday.
MeteoStar plans to aggressively sell the fuel cell-based system to expand present markets as well as generate new niches in Europe and at airports.
“DCH has been working with us to develop even higher-wattage power packs that open up new possibilities for us. Several of these units are already completed and ready for customer application.”
“This is one of several distribution channels we are pursuing,” said Dennis Reid, DCH Director of Marketing and Sales. “MeteoStar has an excellent product and a very attractive customer base inclined toward becoming lead users of fuel cell power. It’s a great match for both companies.”
