FUEL CELL REPORT
T C Wheeler
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 Guntheroth
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