Oorja Unveils Micro Fuel Cell That Could Power Your House
Posted By Ariel Schwartz On March 19, 2010 @ 12:38 pm In Renewable Energy | 3 Comments
Were you impressed by the recently unveiled Bloom Energy [4] “micro power plant”? Well the stationary fuel cell already some competition in the form of a methanol fuel cell device from a California-based startup called Oorja Protonics [5]. Oorja’s soon-to-be-unveiled device is much cheaper and can generate 5 kw of energy — enough to power a home or small business.
The small device isn’t quite as powerful as Bloom Energy’s fuel cell [6] — 20 Oorja devices could provide the same power as a single Bloom Energy Server. But while Bloom’s device costs between $700,000 and $800,000, Oorja’s fuel cell will cost less than $15,000, making it much more accessible to the home market. Another advantage: Bloom’s fuel cell provides minimal heat, while Oorja’s device generates both heat and power.
Of course, it’s slightly unfair to directly compare the two. Bloom’s fuel cell [7] runs on a number of fuels, including methane and biogas. Oorja’s device, in comparison, runs on methanol. We’ll find out soon what potential buyers prefer — Oorja’s fuel cell will be released in a few months.
Via Greentech Media [8]
Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com
URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/oorja-unveils-micro-fuel-cell-that-could-power-your-house/
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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/oorja-unveils-micro-fuel-cell-that-could-power-your-house/
[4] Bloom Energy: http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/22/bloom-energy-set-to-unveil-miraculous-micro-power-plant/
[5] Oorja Protonics: http://www.oorjaprotonics.com/oorja/OOrjaNewHome.php
[6] fuel cell: http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/03/fuel-cell-powered-luxury-aircruise-designed-for-zero-emissions-travel/
[7] fuel cell: http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/03/03/hydrogen-fuel-cell-tractor-by-new-holland/
[8] Greentech Media: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/oorja-readies-its-competitor-to-bloom-energy-panasonic/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+greentechmedia%2Fnews+%28Greentech+Media%3A+News%29
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