Tomorrow's fuel cell power today
Fuel Cell Boxes Already Power Big Computer Companies
Today's box fuel cells are very large containers that hold ceramic diskes that are painted with inks that create an electrical reaction in the presence of fuels like methanol, biodiesel, propane, butane, or methane. In the future, these boxes might be a standard feature in your back yard, or in places where adding electric lines is cost prohibitive. In fact, fuel cells like these could create a revolution in the standard of living around the world, as rural places are able to get inexpensive electrification from local sources, which would also eliminate the need to extend power grids. Think of the expense generated by building power lines, transformers, relay stations, and light poles. Think of the repair and maintenance costs that could be eliminated by having local grids, or a power generating unit in your own back yard or the trunk of your car. One of the byproducts of power generation is hydrogen gas, which can be burned to create water instead of carbon dioxide. While box fuel cells still generate carbon, the way they do it has half the footprint of current combustion related technology, so the system is definitely greener than current technologies. If you're going to have a carbon footprint, or plan to pay offsets for your carbon usage, imagine cutting that offset bill in half. Currently, the Bloom Box fuel cell company is the biggest contender in this market, and eBay claims to have already saved $100,000 using this technology.
Notes and Special Information
Special note: Unless you're a very big company, or Warren Buffet on a bender, you probably can't buy fuel cell boxes today, even though they are being used with good results.