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Dishwasher-Size, 25kW Fuel Cell In Development
mcgrew writes "Forbes has an article about a new type of fuel cell that is 90% less costly than current cells at one tenth the size (making it the size of a dishwasher), with far higher efficiency than current cells. It runs at only 149 degrees Celsius (300F) . It was jointly developed by Diverse Energy and the University of Maryland. 'The first-generation Cube runs off natural gas, but it can generate power from a variety of fuel sources, including propane, gasoline, biofuel and hydrogen. The system is a highly efficient, clean technology, emitting negligible pollutants and much less carbon dioxide than conventional energy sources. It uses fuel far more efficiently than an internal combustion engine, and can run at an 80 percent efficiency when used to provide both heat and power.' It produces enough power to run a moderate-sized grocery store, or five homes. A smaller, home-sized unit is on the way. Is the municipal power plant on the way out?"
This happens all too often at research universities. Professors develop new technologies funded by the university, then spin off a startup company to patent and exploit the technology for the Professor's personal profit, essentially stealing the initial investments and intellectual property rights from the University, which is funded by the taxpayers.
These criminals should be locked up. And besides, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The claims being made here are out of this world and are probably based on simulation using only the most ideal assumptions, then embellished to make it sound good enough for the startup company to rip off investors.