Bloom energy server

[tz0c0s]

I had no idea about this. Very interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7hdp8tvCYc&feature=related

Regards Andy

[pontiff]

It's a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). They've been around for quite a while. They have a lot of the usual problems associated with fuel cells (cost and longevity) but avoid using platinum catalysts by working at very high temperatures.

Lots of good research going on into these at the moment. As soon as the big electronics companies jump on the band wagon I'm not sure a small company like this will compete with price/quality of product. It isn't the answer to all our problems just yet.

One potential use is making coal fired power stations more efficient and "cleaner" by using syngas from the coal to generate electricity via a fuel cell. Not totally convinced about this yet.

Nothing magical about it though so not quite in the league .

[renewablejohn]

Looks ideal for use with woodgas. Where can I get one from and how much.

[HalcyonRichard]

Hi,
    Tokyo gas has been doing this for a few years now. They are on the 3 rd generation. They use them for domestic CHP. A 2008 report is here :-

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marcogaz.org%2Fevents%2Fdownloads%2FSession3%2F1-TOKYO%2520GAS_The%2520Japanese%2520experience_Nishizaki.ppt&rct=j&q=tokyo%20gas%20chp&ei=40EXTaTXPMKYhQfozoi3Dg&usg=AFQjCNHDYnamovVPvUZXwAG5VcdPXpKOYw&cad=rjt

More info if you google:-  tokyo gas chp.

Hi John you will have to wait for a wood gas version though 

Seems our media are more interested in the colour of camerons underpants than any science good news.

Regards


Richard

[renewablejohn]

HalcyonRichard

Why would they not work on woodgas? 

The Bloom unit at 100kw looks very interesting if it could work on woodgas as a commercial generator especially if you could get the support of ROC's and RHI.

[HalcyonRichard]

Hi John,
           I don't really know. They are usually made for very specificc gases/liquids with high purity. I assumed that woodgas would be variable and contain unwanted components. The main problem at the moment seems to be long life reliability of fuel cells. But you have made me think why not woodgas. Fuel cell efficiencies  can be 60%+ so would be very useful.

Regards Richard

[renewablejohn]

So where can I get some to test without having to fork out $500k for a 100kw unit.

[renewablejohn]

While digging on the internet have just found to my horror that this technology using Natural gas is in the process of being approved for FIT's and MCS accreditation.

http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/online/news/articles/2010-12/EON-UK-Orders-Three-BlueGen-Unit

http://www.cfcl.com.au//Assets/Files/20101222-CFCL-EON-BlueGen-22Dec2010.pdf

[HalcyonRichard]

Hi John,
           I think most companies involved in fuel cell development are aiming at mass market natural gas. So all there units will be designed and optimised for that. If wood gas has a constant composition then it's in with a chance. Prices for fuel cells are falling but still high. If you want to trial units with woodgas I would contact manufacturers to see if it possible to be part of the research. At the moment I think most research will be concentrating on natural gas and road fuels.

Regards Richard

[smegal]

The bluegen that E.ON is trialling looks good for the home user (I've not seen the price and would bet on it being excessive), they must be one of the least carbon intensive methods of generation if their figures stack up.

The brochure quotes 340 gCo₂ per kWh this is compared to 510 gCo₂ per kWh for gas turbine power station. The hot water produced is also where it is needed too so there is no need to dig up roads for district heating systems.

I know natural gas is still a fossil fuel and we are a net importer but it's a start.

[Countrypaul]

If it will run on natural gas it should run on biogas from a digester since methane is the main component for both.

Paul

[smegal]

If it will run on natural gas it should run on biogas from a digester since methane is the main component for both.

Paul

It's the impurities in the biogas that could affect it. It is quite corrosive even after the H₂S has been removed. If they make them more robust in the future than they will be amazing.

I love AD.