Fuel cells and microturbines
Fuel cells
Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable form of energy that can be used in mobile and stationary applications. Fuel cells harness the chemical energy of hydrogen to generate electricity without combustion or pollution. Water is the only by-product that is emitted from the process, which makes it an attractive alternative form of energy. Currently, research and development are being concentrated on making reliable, low-lost high performance fuel cell systems.
Fuel cell vehicles are being made as prototypes today, but soon the futuristic cars will be a reality in the United States. The vehicles are propelled by electric motors that are generated the use of onboard fuel cells. Fuel cell vehicles will benefit the environment by reducing harmful emissions.
The U.S.Department of Energy is projecting the cost of hydrogen will be equivalent to gasoline by 2010 and full commercialization of fuel cell cars by 2015.
Links
U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program
DoD Fuel Cell Program (rebates available)
Article Fuel Cell Vehicle Commercialization Ramping Up
Virginia Tech research on fuel cells
Microturbines
Microturbines are used to generate electricity and have outputs of 25 kW to 500 kW. They offer a number of potential advantages compared to other technologies for small-scale power generation. These advantages include a small number of moving parts, compact size, light-weight, efficiency, and low emissions. Microturbines can be convenient and economical in many situations, including generating power off the grid, back up generation, peak shaving and converting landfill gas to energy.
Links
Article Microturbine Products Expanding in Marketplace
Department of Energy's Distributed Energy Resources Program