Fuel Cell 4 U?

erco

http://greenerbusiness.clearedgepower.com/?s=goc+fuel+cell+battery&gclid=CKygxanH3qkCFacaQgodMXW5XQ

Just saw this interesting claim:

"The ClearEdge5 is a high efficiency fuel cell system from ClearEdge Power, the leader in compact heat and power solutions. Using revolutionary fuel cell technology, the system cleanly converts natural gas into efficient heat and electricity while lowering carbon emissions. It translates into lower costs for your business and a cleaner environment for your community."

Too bad there's not much info on their site; you have to give them contact info and hope for the best. Apparently it's not scaled for home use, but industrial. Looks like your monthly electric bill better be well over $750.

They claim 11X more productive than solar, and yet the breakeven point is 5 years down the road. Must be pricey. But you could be the first guy on your block with a fuel cell!

Matt, there's your next Parallax product, a Quadrover-sized fuel cell!

erco

I emailed for info and got this reply. Attaching PDF as an FYI since there is hardly any info on their website and you must give them an email addy to get any info. Interesting for an industrial setting anyway!


The ClearEdge5 system:



· Reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 40% - immediately

· Reduces a facilities energy bills by 20-30%

· Generates power at a fraction of the cost of grid power – as low as 6 cents per kWh operating cost when the full heat load is utilized

· Produces 11 times more energy than a 5kW solar system - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, rain or shine

· Typically requires only 35 sq ft to install (including all code required clearances)

· Does not compromise architecture or void roof warranties

· Is available now for existing or new structures



Currently our systems are being installed in businesses across California providing savings and reducing emissions. With annual power use below 40,000 kWh per year the financial payback is recognized at a slower rate. Since the environmental rewards are very real and recognized immediately we want to begin a dialogue with you about our system to see if it is right for you despite a slower return on investment for a business within your energy range. Please let me know if you would like to connect with one of our Area Sales Managers to find out how our system may improve your environmental impact and save money in the long run.

kwinn

Call me paranoid or cynical if you wish but I would certainly want to visit two or three of their customers installation before spending that kind of money. That clean power guide reads more like a very optimistic sales brochure. I do hope it's true, but after reading about their low low carbon emission I can't help but wonder where the C component of natural gas goes. Long on vague generalities and short on technical details was my impression.

LoopyByteloose

I like fuel cells. Where else can you get electricity and water your lawn at the same time?

But they are certainly divided into using fuels with no carbon or hydrocarbons. Methane is a pretty good low carbon emission fuel, but if you are getting bio-methane from pig s**t or similar, it has to be scrubbed to remove HS and there is still a large CO2 or CO content.

Of course, if you can cheaply buy an ideal fuel, all is well.

I wonder how long the fuel cell will last until it requires a rebuild. And will the company be in business when I need such services.