wetcw@pyuxa.UUCP (T C Wheeler) (05/01/85)
In a discussion about fuel cells several weeks ago, several people pointed out that, for reasons I can't recall, fuel cells were impractical. Well, as heard on the news tonight, Japan is going on line with a fuel cell operation in Tokyo this week. They decided on fuel cells to add to their kw output in the Tokyo area because they were efficient, no-noise, no pollution alternatives to their present hydrocarbon burning system. The facility is modularized so that they can quickly add more capacity when it is needed. Their goal is to build more fuel cell systems in areas where more power is needed instead of trying to turn up a large generating plant, and having to transport the power through an ever growing grid. This, to me, sounds reasonable. Instead of increasing capacity at a central location, build fuel cells in the outer areas of the grid and supply power to smaller areas. The units are 100 times smaller than what would have been required under our present mode of power generation. They are environmentaly sound, and can be built in half the time at half the cost. Anyone out there have a small unit? I could use one in my garage and cut off the power company. Maybe that's why we don't hear too much about them? T. C. Wheeler
kurt@fluke.UUCP (Kurt Guntheroth) (05/04/85)
Oh my GOD! Not another fuel cell conspiracy!
These fuel cells are large, and their purchase cost is spread over thousands
of ratepayers, and they can afford a 20-year payback. Maybe they are
practical for Tokyo, but that STILL doesn't mean they are practical for
every household. (In fact, it is not possible to judge if they are
practical for Tokyo from the article). Please, no more conspiracy. If you
want a fuel cell, go buy one -- they are commercially available. They are
not available at your local hardware store because your local hardware store
doesn't stock $100,000 parts.
--
Kurt Guntheroth
John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.
{uw-beaver,decvax!microsof,ucbvax!lbl-csam,allegra,ssc-vax}!fluke!kurt