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View Full Version : Bloomboxes-the possible future of clean energy



12voltman59
Apr 13, 2010, 5:30 PM
Recently there was a segment on CBS News' "60 Minutes" about this company and its product----a form of a fuel cell that holds the promise of bringing cleaner energy to practically everyone.

It takes an hour or so to watch all of the segments of this event that was taped, but it is worth doing if you have the time:
http://www.bloomenergy.com/bloom-energy-launch-event-staff/

Here is the segment from the recent "60 Minutes" segment:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6228923n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

And this is all from a private company--with people who are innovators and true entrprenuers--with the right values---- the product being a win-win for all should it all work out---let us hope it does---these are the kind of people who do deserve to get rich.

At least it does go to show---people are working on coming up with other options and from out of the mix of what is going on out there---someone will come up with what turns out to be the best answer that does work and is economically viable.

The one weak link in the use of these devices that I do see---you still have to have some form of energy to make the BloomEnergy "server" to start working--and even with making biofuels-----you still have to use energy to create that form of fuel or to transfer the gases from landfills--so I do wonder if this is technology is as "carbon neutral" as it is purported to be---but I think these fuel cells could certainly take their place in the energy production mix of the future. It is very interesting to be sure.

tenni
Apr 13, 2010, 6:29 PM
Thanks
Very interesting. I watched the 60 minute version. I've sent the links to a friend who has a green business to see what he will say about this. It would be nice. I wonder if beach sand will become an endangered commodity though.:eek:

BiBedBud
Apr 14, 2010, 2:35 AM
The 'Bloombox' is powered by natural gas/methane. If that gas is from fossil sources, it is not a renewable source of energy. The device inherently produces carbon dioxide emissions, so it is not any benefit with regards to climate change. It may have greater 'conversion efficiency' because the device does not seem to have many moving parts (so fewer inefficiencies from heat, vibration, noise, friction, as would a combustion engine).

A step ahead, but hardly the whole enchilada.:2cents: