Sunnyvale, CA – When looking at the rapid shift to natural gas we are seeing the use of fuel cells, which use an electrochemical process that produces small amounts of electricity. When these fuel cells are stacked upon each other and arranged into large modules producing up to 200 kW of on-site power. This is enough power to meet the baseload needs of the average office building or 160 average homes.
An interesting California based company Bloom Energy has been developing a different approach to power generation. Their product they call “Boxes” suck up oxygen on one side and fuel (natural gas or biogas) on the other to create that electrical charge. This is a current smart grid example of a user-owned power.
“A typical customer to achieve a 3-5 year financial payback” is possible making it a viable option. Especially one that is constant and reliable as a utility.”
The company estimates the “Boxes” have the potential to reduce customers’ CO2 emissions dramatically, estimated at “40%-100%. Compared to the U.S. grid (depending on their fuel choice), the Boxes also have the potential to eliminate virtually all SOx, NOx, and other harmful smog forming particulate emissions.”
“This kind of technology is a win-win economically and environmentally; one from which all sectors stand to benefit. The Bloom Energy Server – or the Box – also makes the micro-generation concept feasible. Imagine subdivisions, apartment complexes or neighborhoods with their own carbon-free (if powered by renewables), mini power plants,” said Jim Marston, Vice President of Environmental Defense Fund’s Energy Program.
The EDF featured Bloom Energy’s Bloom Box as part of their Energy Innovation Series. The video from EDF’s series for the Bloom Box explains how fuel cell technology enables the possibility of affordable, low-carbon energy generated on site. Throughout 2012, EDF’s Energy Innovation Series will feature innovative clean energy technologies and new business models that hold the promise of revolutionizing the way we use energy.
Learn more about energy storage innovation at http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2012/03/19/energy-innovation-series-feature-2-fuel-cell-technology-from-bloom-energy/
Continue reading on EDF.org
Energy Innovation Series Feature #2: Fuel Cell Technology From Bloom Energy
Continue reading on Examiner.com
Bloom or bust with ‘Boxes’ for natural gas – San Francisco Clean Tech & Sustainability | Examiner.com
___________________________
Follow us Twitter.com/NobleProfit
Register at Noble Profit to gain valuable insights in related topics.
Noble Profit is brought to you by Creative Entity Org and Creative Entity Productions created by Amy Seidman.
Noble Profit™ is an authentic source for discovering innovation, trends and investment in clean tech, and sustainable business.