This looks like it could have a big impact on Baja home building in a few years. If Bloom Energy can deliver on its promise to power an American home
off the grid for about $4,000, a lot of land could be opened up. Of course, "the box" needs energy, but propane would work and be cost effective,
assuming the claims are true that it converts energy at twice or more the efficiency of current units.
Interesting...solar can power it too.monoloco - 3-23-2010 at 02:31 PM
If he gets it down to 2k I'm on board, even 5k would be a deal.El Jefe - 3-23-2010 at 06:25 PM
I don't think they are ready for prime time quite yet. These guys (PLUGPOWER) were claiming to have residential units ready to go in a few years about
eight years ago. http://www.plugpower.com/default.aspx?
Looks like they still are working on prototypes for off-grid usage.
It really comes down to how much propane will they "burn" versus using a generator of similar output, and how clean and reliable they will be.
Hope they get it together. The concept sounds great.Johannes - 3-24-2010 at 11:32 AM
Oorja fuel cell copied out of Fuel Cell magazine
<http://fuelcell.magasite.net/page/March1_news_1_032210.php>
The small device isn't quite as powerful as Bloom Energy's fuel cell - 20 Oorja devices could provide the same power as a single Bloom Energy Server.
But while Bloom's device costs between $700,000 and $800,000, Oorja's fuel cell will cost less than $15,000, making it much more accessible to the
home market. Another advantage: Bloom's fuel cell provides minimal heat, while Oorja's device generates both heat and power.
Of course, it's slightly unfair to directly compare the two. Bloom's fuel cell runs on a number of fuels, including methane and biogas. Oorja's
device, in comparison, runs on methanol. We'll find out soon what potential buyers prefer - Oorja's fuel cell will be released in a few months.mtgoat666 - 3-24-2010 at 12:01 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
...Bloom Energy,... blah, blah, blah,... world's answer to global warming and cheaper elec power,...
people have been talking about home-use fuel cells for 10+ years, but so far no one has produced and sold a commercially viable unit. someday maybe,
but don't hold your breath waiting for it. been lots of talk, talk,... still waiting to see commercially viable implementationBajaBruno - 3-24-2010 at 11:27 PM
I don't expect a home-oriented fuel cell unit next year--but in 4 or 5, perhaps, it may be a reality. With the tax incentives available now, big
business and the gov't will pay to develop the technology---then, it just needs to be scaled down and priced for the small market.
I think it could be a real game-changer in Baja. Suddenly, that lot overlooking the beach, but without utilities, looks doable. With satellite TV and
internet, cell phones, and trucked in propane, who needs hard wired utilities?
(BTW, I am not in the real estate business, and I have nothing to sell! Well, a beagle maybe, if the bastard doesn't quit barking.)longlegsinlapaz - 3-25-2010 at 01:40 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
(BTW, I am not in the real estate business, and I have nothing to sell! Well, a beagle maybe, if the bastard doesn't quit barking.)
