What is a Fuel Cell?
Say fuel cell, and most people conjure up futuristic notions along the lines of flying cars and moon colonies. But to the scientists and engineers at ClearEdge Power, the fuel cell suggests something far more tangible: Opportunity. Why? Because with the introduction of ClearEdge's family of continuous onsite enery systems, creating highly efficient, sustainable energy, while significantly reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions, represents the ability to dramatically alter how the world generates and consumes energy.
How It Works
About the size of a refrigerator, the fuel cell module hooks up to your natural gas supply and through its fuel processor, draws the hydrogen molecules out. Then, through an electrochemical process that combines the hydrogen molecules with oxygen, the unit generates up 5kW - 25kW of electricity for use throughout your entire home or business and allows you the control to select specific critical circuits you want to remain "up" even when the grid is "down."
As electricity is generated through an electrochemical process that does not involve combustion (unlike traditional power plant generated electricity), it produces neglible amounts of pollutants and reduces your carbon emissions by up to 40%. Moreover, as heat is produced as a byproduct of the electrochemical reaction, the unit also produces enough excess heat to warm about 750 gallons of water -- enough to heat your pool or domestic hot water supply. When used for both electricity and heat, the ClearEdge systems operate at 90% efficiency and can cut your energy costs by as much as 50%.
Fuel Cell Benefits
Two Needs, One Solution
Electricity and heat. In 2003, finding a better way to provide these two vital needs became ClearEdge Power's mission. Featuring a world-class team of engineers, scientists and business executives with proven experience in clean technology development, we turned our attention to distributed energy generation. Today, the result is a pdoduct line of energy solutions with built-in flexibility for growth and advanced reliability. From generating electricity 24/7 to supplying heat hot water needs, our scalable, high-efficinency solutions are perfect for commercial, institutional or large residential applications looking fo a more cost effective and sustainable energy system.
Cost Savings and High Performance
With a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) as low as low as 9¢ per kWh, the ClearEdge suite of solutions offer immediate savings from costly, aging grid, while delivering a high production output. Creating power onsite can also avoid wasteful transmission losses and dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions from day one. In additions, ClearEdge facilitates "net metering" where excess, onsite electricity can be sold back to the power company to generate additional savings on monthly electric bills.
Fuel Cell Applications
The ClearEdge suite of products is scaled for small commercial operations and large homes. A 5kW generates about 120kWh per day, which equates to about 43,000kWh annually (43MWh). ClearEdge systems are optimal for large homes, especially if the plan includes pools, spas and/or radiant floor heating. By offering local, distributed generation (DG), our systems work like a clean-version of a power plant at the point of use. ClearEdge systems are also an ideal alternative to the grid and burning gas for heating needs for businesses with high-energy needs like restaurants, hotels and health clubs.
