Bloom Energy Box: Fuel-Free Power Source Explained

In summary, the Bloom Energy box promises to provide cheap, clean energy, but there is no proof that the technology works as claimed. The company has been hyping its product for years, and is likely unsustainable.
  • #1
pftest
249
0
Video: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6228923n [Broken]
http://techcrunch.com/2010/02/22/bloom-energy-boxes/

I don't understand how it works. You still need fuel to use it, so what problem does it solve?
 
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  • #2
It's a fuel cell. Since the power is generated on-site you recycle the "excess" heat that is generated to do things like warm your house.
 
  • #3
First he showed a small box, and later he showed a giant one (size of closet). What was the giant thing good for?
 
  • #4
pftest said:
First he showed a small box, and later he showed a giant one (size of closet). What was the giant thing good for?

The small box is NOT in production yet. He was just illustrating the hope of the technology to down-size it for home use IN THE FUTURE.
The giant one is already in production. It's targeted for business's that have electrical demands much greater than a home.
 
  • #5
No, the small box is a component of the large box. That was one of the things that set of my crackdar.
 
  • #6
Hmm...
Small "secretive" company getting publicity. Check
Magic device which is not completely explained. Check
Promises of cheap clean energy. Check
References to NASA and big companies. Check

These things alone set off my alarms.

Since there are a number of companies claiming to use the technology and getting cost savings it probably works. There may still be smoke and mirrors inside the magic box. There may be a secondary fuel source which is inside the box and replaced during "maintenance". Without seeing an actual box in action and then being able to disassemble it there is no way of knowing for sure that this technology is legit.

Assuming it does do what they claim, how much does it currently cost to manufacture? If it costs 2mil to manufacture and they are selling them at a significant loss they may never reach the break even point for real consumers. Fuel cells have been around for years, but are always prohibitively expensive.

Assuming the cost can be brought down to levels consumers will pay, how long will they last? Fuel cells become fouled from impure fuel and oxygen. If these things last 5 years and then need a complete overhaul, then that has to be factored into the price.

I'm hopeful about this, but I've seen a lot of these companies suck up investors money then disappear. EEStor for example is still claiming their super-capacitor is just on the horizon. Many solar companies are claiming to have shattered the $1 per watt price and are just waiting for mass production. Even with a functional product bringing the price down to marketable levels is not assured. Guess I'll just wait and see.
 
  • #7
My professor seems to think this thing is valid enough to make it a question on a quiz. insert(rant)
 
  • #8
DavidSnider said:
It's a fuel cell. Since the power is generated on-site you recycle the "excess" heat that is generated to do things like warm your house.
Some do, not this one. The Bloom doesn't do http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogeneration" [Broken]. The energy output is all electric.
 
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1. What is the Bloom Energy Box?

The Bloom Energy Box is a fuel cell power generator that converts chemical energy into electricity through a process known as electrochemical reaction. It uses a solid oxide fuel cell to produce clean and efficient energy without the need for combustion or fossil fuels.

2. How does the Bloom Energy Box work?

The Bloom Energy Box consists of multiple fuel cells stacked together, each containing two ceramic electrodes separated by an electrolyte. The electrodes react with the fuel source, typically natural gas, to produce electricity. Oxygen is also required, which is obtained from the surrounding air. The result is a continuous flow of electricity and heat.

3. What are the benefits of using the Bloom Energy Box?

The Bloom Energy Box offers several benefits, including high energy efficiency, low emissions, and a reliable source of power. It also eliminates the need for traditional power sources, such as coal or gas-fired power plants, which can be harmful to the environment. Additionally, it can be installed on-site, reducing the need for transmission lines and improving energy security.

4. What are the limitations of the Bloom Energy Box?

One of the main limitations of the Bloom Energy Box is its high cost. The technology is still relatively new and requires expensive materials, such as rare earth elements, to operate. It also relies on natural gas, which is a non-renewable resource. Additionally, the Bloom Energy Box currently has limited scalability, making it unsuitable for large-scale energy production.

5. How is the Bloom Energy Box being used?

The Bloom Energy Box is being used in various industries, including data centers, telecommunications, and manufacturing. It is also being used to power buildings and homes. Companies like Google, Walmart, and Coca-Cola have implemented the Bloom Energy Box to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. It is also being used in developing countries to provide reliable and clean energy to remote areas.

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