Home fuel cell
Encyclopedia
A home fuel cell, also called micro combined heat and power (microCHP) and microgeneration
, is a residential-scaled clean energy system. A home fuel cell is an alternative energy
technology that increases efficiency by simultaneously generating power and heat from one unit, on-site within a home. This allows a residence to reduce overall fossil fuel
consumption, reduce carbon emissions and reduce overall utility costs, while being able to operate 24 hours a day.
Combined heat and power
(CHP) fuel cells have demonstrated superior efficiency for years in industrial plants, universities, hotels and hospitals. Residential and small-scale commercial fuel cells are now becoming available to fulfill both electricity and heat demand from one system. Fuel cell technology in a compact system converts natural gas
, propane, and eventually biofuels—into both electricity and heat. In the future, new developments in fuel cell technologies will likely allow these power systems to run off of biomass
instead of natural gas, directly converting a home fuel cell into a renewable energy
technology.
Deploying the system’s heat energy efficiently to a home or business' hot water applications displaces the electricity or gas otherwise burned to create that heat, further reducing overall energy bills. Retail outlets like fast food
chains, coffee bars and health clubs gain operational savings from hot water heating.
is possible when both heat and electricity are used. The system also reduces other harmful emissions produced by burning fuel at conventional power or heat generation sources. The lower carbon footprint supports many state goals and initiatives to address climate change
impacts.
, the home fuel cells easily integrate with existing electrical and hydronic systems and are compliant with utility interconnection requirements. In the event of grid interruption the system automatically switches to operate in a grid-independent mode to provide continuous backup power for dedicated circuits in the home while the grid is down. It can also be modified to run off-the-grid
, if desired.
, eBay
, FedEx
. http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/02/19/is-k-r-sridhars-magic-box-ready-for-prime-time/. The eBay
CEO said to 60 Minutes
, that they have saved $100,000 in electricity bills in the 9 months they have been installed. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/18/60minutes/main6221135.shtml
Oregon-based ClearEdge Power
has installations of its 5kW system at the home of Jackie Autry
, Bay Area Wealth Manager Bruce Raabe and cleantech VC investor Gary Dillabough.
s on a dollar per watt-installed basis. Home fuel cells can generate eight times more energy per year than the same size solar installation, even in the best solar locations. For example, a 5 kW home fuel cell gives you about 80 MWh of annual combined electricity and heat, compared to approximately 10MWh generated by a 5kW solar system.
Operating costs for home fuel cells can be as low as 6.0¢ per kWh based on $1.20 per therm for natural gas, assuming full electrical and heat load utilization.
Solar panels of course have zero operating costs as they require no fuel.
. For example, the California Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebate ($2,500 per kW) and Federal Tax Credits ($1,000 per kW residential and $3,000 per kW commercial) will significantly reduce the net capital cost to the customer. For businesses, additional cash advantages can be realized from bonus and accelerated depreciation of fuel.cells
In addition, home fuel cells receive net metering
credit in many service areas for any excess electricity generated, but not used, by putting it back on the utility grid.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides comprehensive information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
. An ultimate benefit of home fuel cells will be to eventually create networks of micro-CHP systems distributed throughout communities and business parks. This self-generation of energy in a distributed generation
approach that will secure and increase US power generating capacity, enabling unused electricity to be sent back to the grids without having to add new power plants and transmission lines. Putting a home fuel cell system into homes has the potential to get people off-the-grid
, play a significant role in energy efficiency, and reduce US dependence on foreign energy imports.
Microgeneration
Microgeneration is the small-scale generation of heat and power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs, as alternatives or supplements to traditional centralized grid-connected power...
, is a residential-scaled clean energy system. A home fuel cell is an alternative energy
Alternative energy
Alternative energy is an umbrella term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fuel sources without the undesired consequences of the replaced fuels....
technology that increases efficiency by simultaneously generating power and heat from one unit, on-site within a home. This allows a residence to reduce overall fossil fuel
Fossil fuel
Fossil fuels are fuels formed by natural processes such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms. The age of the organisms and their resulting fossil fuels is typically millions of years, and sometimes exceeds 650 million years...
consumption, reduce carbon emissions and reduce overall utility costs, while being able to operate 24 hours a day.
Combined heat and power
Combined Heat and Power
Combined Heat and Power may refer to:* Cogeneration* Combined Heat and Power Solar...
(CHP) fuel cells have demonstrated superior efficiency for years in industrial plants, universities, hotels and hospitals. Residential and small-scale commercial fuel cells are now becoming available to fulfill both electricity and heat demand from one system. Fuel cell technology in a compact system converts natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
, propane, and eventually biofuels—into both electricity and heat. In the future, new developments in fuel cell technologies will likely allow these power systems to run off of biomass
Biomass
Biomass, as a renewable energy source, is biological material from living, or recently living organisms. As an energy source, biomass can either be used directly, or converted into other energy products such as biofuel....
instead of natural gas, directly converting a home fuel cell into a renewable energy
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable . About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10% coming from traditional biomass, which is mainly used for heating, and 3.4% from...
technology.
Uses
Most home fuel cells fit either inside a mechanical room or outside a home or business, and can be discreetly sited to fit within a building's design. The system operates like a furnace, hot water heater and electricity provider—all in one compact unit. Some of the newer home fuel cells can generate anywhere between 1 kW—optimal for larger homes (370 sqm or more), especially if pools, spas and radiant floor heating are in plans. Other uses include sourcing of back-up power for essential loads like refrigerator/freezers, electronics/computers and wine cellars.Deploying the system’s heat energy efficiently to a home or business' hot water applications displaces the electricity or gas otherwise burned to create that heat, further reducing overall energy bills. Retail outlets like fast food
Fast food
Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a...
chains, coffee bars and health clubs gain operational savings from hot water heating.
Environmental Impacts
Because fuel cells generate electricity and heat on site, the chemical conversion of hydrocarbon fuels into energy is substantially cleaner and more efficient than comparable grid-connected systems and heating by burning fuel. Fuel cells provide a significant net reduction in CO2—about one-third lighter carbon footprintCarbon footprint
A carbon footprint has historically been defined as "the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person.". However, calculating a carbon footprint which conforms to this definition is often impracticable due to the large amount of data required, which is...
is possible when both heat and electricity are used. The system also reduces other harmful emissions produced by burning fuel at conventional power or heat generation sources. The lower carbon footprint supports many state goals and initiatives to address climate change
Climate change
Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average...
impacts.
Installation
Home fuel cells are designed and built to fit in either an interior mechanical room or outside—running quietly in the background 24/7. Connected to the utility grid through the home’s main service panel and using net meteringNet metering
Net metering is an electricity policy for consumers who own renewable energy facilities or V2G electric vehicles. "Net", in this context, is used in the sense of meaning "what remains after deductions" — in this case, the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows...
, the home fuel cells easily integrate with existing electrical and hydronic systems and are compliant with utility interconnection requirements. In the event of grid interruption the system automatically switches to operate in a grid-independent mode to provide continuous backup power for dedicated circuits in the home while the grid is down. It can also be modified to run off-the-grid
Off-the-grid
The term off-the-grid or off-grid refers to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities....
, if desired.
Current installations
20 companies have installed Bloom Energy fuel cells in their buildings, including GoogleGoogle
Google Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
, eBay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
, FedEx
FedEx
FedEx Corporation , originally known as FDX Corporation, is a logistics services company, based in the United States with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee...
. http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/02/19/is-k-r-sridhars-magic-box-ready-for-prime-time/. The eBay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
CEO said to 60 Minutes
60 Minutes
60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
, that they have saved $100,000 in electricity bills in the 9 months they have been installed. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/18/60minutes/main6221135.shtml
Oregon-based ClearEdge Power
ClearEdge Power
ClearEdge Power, Inc. is a fuel cell manufacturer focusing on the home fuel cell and small business markets. It is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, U.S. in the Portland metropolitan area's Silicon Forest...
has installations of its 5kW system at the home of Jackie Autry
Jackie Autry
Jackie Autry, is the former owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and widow of singer, actor and businessman Gene Autry...
, Bay Area Wealth Manager Bruce Raabe and cleantech VC investor Gary Dillabough.
Cost
Most home fuel cells are comparable to residential solar energy photovoltaic systemPhotovoltaic system
A photovoltaic system is a system which uses one or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It consists of multiple components, including the photovoltaic modules, mechanical and electrical connections and mountings and means of regulating and/or modifying the electrical...
s on a dollar per watt-installed basis. Home fuel cells can generate eight times more energy per year than the same size solar installation, even in the best solar locations. For example, a 5 kW home fuel cell gives you about 80 MWh of annual combined electricity and heat, compared to approximately 10MWh generated by a 5kW solar system.
Operating costs for home fuel cells can be as low as 6.0¢ per kWh based on $1.20 per therm for natural gas, assuming full electrical and heat load utilization.
Solar panels of course have zero operating costs as they require no fuel.
Incentives
In the U.S.A., home fuel cells are eligible for substantial incentives and rebates at both the state and federal levels as a part of renewable energy policyRenewable energy policy
Renewable energy policy is the principal driver of the growth in renewable energy use. As of 2011, 119 countries have some form of national renewable energy policy target or renewable support policy. National targets now exist in at least 98 countries...
. For example, the California Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebate ($2,500 per kW) and Federal Tax Credits ($1,000 per kW residential and $3,000 per kW commercial) will significantly reduce the net capital cost to the customer. For businesses, additional cash advantages can be realized from bonus and accelerated depreciation of fuel.cells
In addition, home fuel cells receive net metering
Net metering
Net metering is an electricity policy for consumers who own renewable energy facilities or V2G electric vehicles. "Net", in this context, is used in the sense of meaning "what remains after deductions" — in this case, the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows...
credit in many service areas for any excess electricity generated, but not used, by putting it back on the utility grid.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides comprehensive information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
California
In California in particular, utilities charge higher per kWh rates as energy consumption rises above established baselines – with the top tier set at the highest rates to discourage consumption at those levels. Home fuel cells reduce customer exposure to the top tier rates, saving homeowners as much as 45% in reduced annual energy costs.Market Status
Home fuel cells is a new market and represents a fundamental shift in the sourcing of energy. An individual home fuel cell system installed in a US home becomes a part of the bigger picture of U.S. energy independenceU.S. energy independence
U.S. energy independence relates to the goal of reducing the U.S imports of oil and other foreign sources of energy. If total energy is looked at, the U.S. is over 70% self-sufficient. Energy independence is espoused by those who want to leave America unaffected by global energy supply...
. An ultimate benefit of home fuel cells will be to eventually create networks of micro-CHP systems distributed throughout communities and business parks. This self-generation of energy in a distributed generation
Distributed generation
Distributed generation, also called on-site generation, dispersed generation, embedded generation, decentralized generation, decentralized energy or distributed energy, generates electricity from many small energy sources....
approach that will secure and increase US power generating capacity, enabling unused electricity to be sent back to the grids without having to add new power plants and transmission lines. Putting a home fuel cell system into homes has the potential to get people off-the-grid
Off-the-grid
The term off-the-grid or off-grid refers to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities....
, play a significant role in energy efficiency, and reduce US dependence on foreign energy imports.
See also
- Feed-in TariffFeed-in TariffA feed-in tariff is a policy mechanism designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies. It achieves this by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers, typically based on the cost of generation of each technology...
- Sustainable energySustainable energySustainable energy is the provision of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable energy sources include all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wave power, geothermal...