Metacon S.A. (formely known as Helbio S.A) products

The Small Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) offered by Metacon S.A. is engineered to deliver efficient power solutions using fuels such as natural gas, biogas, and propane/LPG, with a capacity of up to 500 watts. This unit is designed to cater to applications that require low power outputs, including battery charging, ice cold merchandisers, and recreational vehicles like campers. It provides an ideal solution for situations where a compact and reliable power source is essential. Metacon`s innovative approach integrates the APU with advanced hydrogen and energy systems, reflecting their commitment to developing sustainable technology that predominantly utilizes renewable resources. This unit exemplifies integration with fuel cells for combined heat and power (CHP) production, thereby offering an energy-efficient solution for diverse industrial applications.

The H2PS-5 is an advanced Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system designed for adaptable energy production across a variety of settings including telecommunication stations, households, boats, and remote locations. With a power output of 5 kW and the ability to produce up to 7 kW of thermal energy in CHP mode, the unit operates on multiple fuels such as Natural Gas, Propane/LPG, and Biogas. Central to its functionality is the use of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM-FC), which facilitates hydrogen generation as an intermediary step for electrical production. This system achieves electrical efficiencies greater than 35% and total efficiencies exceeding 85% by low heating value (LHV). It is supported by an integrated power management system that ensures energy delivery in diverse formats, adaptable for both grid-connected and standalone operations. The flexibility in operation ranges from 40-100% of nominal capacity, making it suitable for environmentally sensitive applications.

Metacon S.A. offers advanced solutions in large-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, focusing on power generation capacities ranging from 20 to 200 kW. These systems are tailored for various applications, including commercial and industrial buildings, wastewater treatment plants, and facilities requiring robust power and heat generation like biogas and natural gas production plants. The CHP systems use natural gas, biogas, and propane as fuel sources and operate on hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Metacon S.A. is actively involved in the EU`s Horizon 2020 project, AutoRE, which aims to leverage automotive-derived fuel cell technologies for non-vehicle applications. As part of a collaborative initiative led by GE, UK, Metacon S.A. has developed a hydrogen reformer system that integrates with fuel cells, resulting in an effective power production system.

Metacon S.A. offers a series of Industrial Hydrogen Generators designed to support the production of high-purity hydrogen. These generators are capable of producing between 20 to 200 Nm3/h of hydrogen, making them suited for applications such as automotive refueling stations, fat hydrogenation plants, and the glass and electronics industries. They utilize fuels like natural gas, methane, LPG, propane, and biogas, ensuring versatility in operational environments. The generators maintain high efficiency and output purity, ranging from 99.9% to 99.999%, which can be customized based on user needs. Key components include a natural gas compressor, purification unit, reforming and shift reactors, and a PSA unit, all managed by a control system with an HMI interface. Metacon`s design adheres to international standards, including EC directives, guaranteeing compliance and safety.

The GH₂ is a commercial prototype multi-fuel processor representing the culmination of Metacon S.A’s technology development to date. The processor has a nominal capacity of 10 Nm³/h of H₂. Although primarily designed for ethanol, it also operates with natural gas and LPG. When integrated with a PEM fuel cell, it will produce 10 kW electric energy and 17 kW thermal energy.

Natural gas is still the preferred raw material for hydrogen production. Biogas (mostly methane and CO₂) is now emerging as a renewable, low cost source of hydrogen.

Metacon S.A’s technology is based on proprietary and patented reactor catalyst configurations for reformation processes. The reactor configurations utilize the concept of the Heat Integrated Wall Reactor which offers very rapid heat exchange characteristics.

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) technologies are considered among the key innovations that the entire world will have to rely on in order to reach its target for a low carbon economy.