Bloom Energy Box: Fuel-Free Power Source Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Bloom Energy Box, a fuel cell technology that claims to provide a fuel-free power source. Participants explore its functionality, applications, and the implications of its use in both residential and commercial settings, while expressing skepticism and curiosity about its claims and operational details.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of fuel for the Bloom Energy Box and what problem it effectively solves.
  • It is noted that the technology allows for on-site power generation and the potential recycling of excess heat, although some argue that the Bloom Energy Box does not utilize cogeneration.
  • Concerns are raised about the size and production status of the small and large boxes, with some participants clarifying that the small box is not yet in production and is intended for future residential use.
  • There are suspicions about the legitimacy of the technology, with one participant expressing doubts about potential hidden costs and the sustainability of the business model.
  • Questions are posed regarding the manufacturing costs and longevity of the fuel cells, as well as the historical challenges faced by similar technologies in reaching market viability.
  • One participant mentions that their professor considers the technology valid enough to include it in a quiz, indicating some level of academic interest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of skepticism and hope regarding the Bloom Energy Box, with no consensus on its effectiveness or the validity of the claims made about it. Multiple competing views remain about its operational details and market potential.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight uncertainties regarding the technology's cost, longevity, and operational mechanisms, as well as the potential for undisclosed secondary fuel sources. There is also mention of historical precedents where similar technologies have failed to deliver on promises.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring advancements in fuel cell technology, energy generation methods, and the economic viability of emerging energy solutions.

pftest
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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.
 
First he showed a small box, and later he showed a giant one (size of closet). What was the giant thing good for?
 
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.
 
No, the small box is a component of the large box. That was one of the things that set of my crackdar.
 
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.
 
My professor seems to think this thing is valid enough to make it a question on a quiz. insert(rant)
 
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" . The energy output is all electric.
 
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