OPHARDT Hygiene has been awarded the Hygiene Solution Innovation of the Year at the prestigious ISSA North America trade show for its groundbreaking PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell dispenser. This cutting-edge device transforms the way we think about powering critical hygiene infrastructure.
A Bold Vision of Energy Innovation
The PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell began with a provocative question. “Several years ago,” recalls Albrecht Lang, who led the dispenser’s development, “Heiner Ophardt asked me, ‘Is there no possibility to get energy out of the alcohol of hand sanitizer. It has so much chemical energy inside, is there no way to convert it to electrical energy?'”
This seemingly simple question sparked an ambitious multi-year research and development initiative that would push the boundaries of what’s possible in hygiene technology. The result is a dispenser that doesn’t just distribute hand sanitizer—it generates its own electricity from the very liquid it dispenses.
How the Fuel Cell Works
The PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell is a sophisticated energy conversion system. As Lang explains, “In the PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell dispenser, from time to time, as needed, we take a bit of the [isopropyl] alcohol (which is normally dosed on the hands) to a small process tank. Then we treat it and optimize it for the fuel cell. Then we pump it into the fuel cell where we generate electrical energy from this alcohol.”
This innovative approach builds upon OPHARDT Hygiene’s existing lineup of battery-free dispensers, which includes mains-powered X10 dispensers and wirelessly rechargeable RX models. The Fuel Cell takes this commitment to sustainable power solutions to an entirely new level.
Overcoming Complex Challenges
The path to creating the PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell was anything but straightforward. Fabian Müller, the lead engineer on the project, highlights one of the most significant technical hurdles: “I think the most exciting problem to solve was to find a way to reduce the concentration of the isopropanol to a level that we could use in the fuel cell. This had to be done without the use of any additional energy. We found a very simple but effective solution for this problem.”
This breakthrough encapsulates OPHARDT Hygiene’s innovative spirit. As Müller puts it, “I think the reason why OPHARDT is the only company that would try to make a fuel cell-powered dispenser is because we’re really trying to innovate and try new ways. We take on challenges even if they don’t look simple in the beginning.”
Design Continuity and Flexibility
Despite its revolutionary internal technology, the PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell maintains the sleek design aesthetic of its predecessor. It uses the same body as the standard PRAESIDIO® dispenser and continues to support the line’s signature interchangeable magnetic covers, ensuring design consistency and user familiarity.
Future Potential
The implications of this technology extend far beyond hand sanitizer dispensers. Müller sees broader applications, noting, “I think this technology could be used not just in dispensers but could be a standalone product, for certain applications where batteries are just not an option.”
A Milestone in Sustainable Technology
The ISSA North America Innovation Award is more than just recognition—it’s a validation of OPHARDT Hygiene’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. By transforming hand sanitizer from a purely functional liquid into a potential power source, the company has opened up exciting new possibilities in sustainable design.
The PRAESIDIO® Fuel Cell represents a reimagining of how we think about energy, hygiene, and technological innovation. It’s a testament to what’s possible when curiosity, engineering expertise, and a commitment to sustainability converge.
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