Auckland’s weather can change in minutes. For critical infrastructure teams, that reality means one thing: remote telemetry must stay powered and connected when conditions are at their worst. At Auckland Council’s Mangemangeroa flow site in East Auckland, uninterrupted monitoring supports the Council’s ability to track river level, stream flow, water temperature, and sediment yield, especially during heavy weather events.
This case study highlights a supplier collaboration between Powerbox Pacific, Ventech Systems, and SFC Energy to improve site resilience and reduce maintenance burden using an EFOY Pro 900-OP direct methanol fuel cell housed in a purpose-built IP66-rated Ventech enclosure.
The Application
Client: Auckland Council
Site: Mangemangeroa flow site (East Auckland)
Use case: Hydrology telemetry monitoring for water flow and turbidity, particularly during heavy weather events.
Like many remote monitoring deployments across New Zealand, the site relies on off-grid power to keep instrumentation and communications online. The data collected is not “nice to have”. It directly supports operational decision-making when waterways rise and conditions become hazardous.
The Challenge: Solar and Battery Alone Were Not Enough
The site had primarily relied on a battery plus solar panel setup, but with a key complication: the solar panel was positioned roughly 400 metres away from the battery and equipment. In practice, the batteries were often depleted and the site could go offline, precisely when data is most valuable.
When remote sites go down, the consequences stack up quickly:
- Lost telemetry visibility during severe weather
- Additional service trips and reactive maintenance
- Higher risk and cost, particularly when access is difficult or unsafe
The Solution: Hybrid Off-Grid Power With EFOY Pro Methanol Fuel Cell Backup
To strengthen resilience, the solution team implemented an EFOY Pro 900-OP methanol fuel cell as part of a hybrid configuration: equipment load + battery + solar, with the fuel cell acting as intelligent backup.
Here is how the hybrid system works in the field:
- The EFOY Pro continuously monitors the battery state of charge.
- When the battery voltage reaches a low threshold, the fuel cell automatically starts.
- The fuel cell converts liquid methanol into DC power and “tops up” the battery.
- When the battery recovers, the fuel cell turns off again.
For remote infrastructure teams, this approach offers a practical alternative to diesel generators for low-power telemetry sites: reliable autonomy, low maintenance, and minimal site disruption.
Why The Enclosure Matters: Protecting Performance In Real-World Conditions
For direct methanol fuel cells, maintaining stable operating conditions and proper airflow is critical. That is where Ventech Systems’ IP66-rated enclosure, designed specifically for the EFOY Pro 900, played a key role.
Notable enclosure features highlighted in the project include:
- Under-hood venting designed to reduce the effects of rime ice on filters
- Filters lifted away from ground level for better protection against dirt, dust, and water
- A patented venting system to help maintain cabinet temperature at a desired setting
This is a good example of why “off-grid power” is never just the generator or fuel cell. The enclosure, ventilation, and integration detail often determine long-term reliability.
Safe, Simple Refueling For Service Teams
The system uses EFOY M10 and M28 methanol cartridges, designed for straightforward changeover. The sealed valve design means users do not come into contact with the contents during replacement, supporting safer field servicing.
The Powerbox Pacific Role: Local Setup And Collaboration
This project was a true supplier collaboration:
- SFC Energy supplied the EFOY Pro fuel cell technology
- Ventech Systems provided the purpose-built enclosure engineered for harsh outdoor environments
- Powerbox Pacific supported integration and completed an on-site visit to ensure the fuel cell was configured to optimal parameters
As an authorised distributor of SFC Energy and EFOY Pro solutions in New Zealand & Australia, Powerbox supports customers with product selection, integration guidance, commissioning support, and ongoing supply of fuel cartridges and accessories.
Outcome: better resilience, fewer trips, and dependable telemetry
With the EFOY Pro 900 and Ventech enclosure in place, Auckland Council reported:
- Fewer service trips
- Next to no emissions compared with generator alternatives
- A system they can rely on, with the setup running well over a year without issues
Most importantly, the site can now continue reporting telemetry back to the Council’s hydrology team, supporting accurate visibility of water flow during major weather events and contributing to broader resilience programmes being implemented across government and councils.
Talk To Powerbox Pacific
If you manage remote monitoring, telemetry, or critical field infrastructure across New Zealand and need longer autonomy without generator hassles, we can help.
Contact Powerbox Pacific to discuss an EFOY Pro hybrid power setup for your site, including enclosure options, commissioning support, and ongoing fuel cartridge supply.
