Energy and water autonomous generator

A generator unit comprises one or more relatively low output power source eg. a photovoltaic array, a wind generator or a turbine, a water electrolyser and a hydrogen fuel cell. The low output source(s) may be used to provide a constant low level supply of power which may be used directly and is also used to drive the electrolyser to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water, of which the hydrogen at least is stored. If a period of high power output is required, the stored hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell, which is a relatively high output power source. Electricity from the fuel cell may either be used directly or used to charge storage batteries. The system may be substantially self contained in that hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolyser are stored for use as fuel cell reactants, and the water produced during fuel cell operation is stored for recycling to the electrolyser. The generator thus functions as an autonomous supply of hydrogen, oxygen, water or electricity as required. The generator is primarily intended for use in boats or other maritime vessels but may also be used in any mobile or fixed, land based or aerospace unit.