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How Will Fuel Cells Power Homes In The Future?

By July 14, 2021 5   min read  (759 words)

July 14, 2021 |

Fuel Cells Works, How Will Fuel Cells Power Homes In The Future?

The past year increased eco-consumer rates, exposing residents’ excessive waste and emission generation patterns. Fortunately, environmental scientists and engineers developed green technology to lower a home’s carbon footprint. Adopting low-emission and energy-efficient devices can decrease a homeowner’s utility costs and help the environment.

The media places solar power in the spotlight, limiting society’s exposure to other renewable energy sources. Decreasing hydrogen prices and technological advancements influence fuel cell energy’s efficiency. As the industry expands, its residential power capabilities increase.

Recent Fuel Cell Advancements

The majority of hydrogen fuel cell energy derives from gray sources. Natural gas fuels affect hydrogen through the steam reforming process. It emits excess carbon dioxide into the environment through production, causing the enhanced greenhouse effect.

The 9.3 kilograms of carbon released through gray hydrogen production presented sustainability challenges for developers. Fortunately, researchers discovered a method of eliminating emissions, generating green hydrogen for fuel cell production. When obtained from wind or solar power, hydrogen becomes a renewable energy source.

Unfortunately, green hydrogen only accounts for 1% of the global supply. Scientists are conducting technological advancements, decreasing the price and increasing the accessibility of the clean energy source.

Electrolyzer costs decreased in the past decade by 60% because of structural improvements. Additionally, solar power prices are dropping, which increases fuel cell energy’s affordability.

Solar-derived electricity costs 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, while fossil fuel power reaches 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. Over time, as fuel cell technology advances and renewable energy prices continuously decrease, green hydrogen prices will follow.

Renewable Energy Storage

A recent spike in renewable energy development fueled residential fuel cell applications. One research team produced an electricity and heat generating fuel cell system for homes. They are made of ceramic pieces and mount on walls for direct energy access.

The current model relies on gray hydrogen, and it shows potential for less ecologically degrading fuel sources. A European company is testing 150 fuel cell systems in various homes. It is researching the energy efficiency, comfortability and reliability of the systems for further advancements.

Fuel Cell Energy Grid

Other researchers are developing an electric grid powered by fuel cell energy. The University of Connecticut commissioned a fuel cell power plant on campus, providing buildings with clean energy. The system can generate 40 kilowatt-hours of non-emission power, significantly decreasing the university’s environmental impact.

It may additionally prevent 831 tons of greenhouse gas emissions associated with campus electricity use. Researchers can use UCONN’s system as a model for small-scale fuel cell power development.

System Bundling

Homeowners can increase the efficiency of residential fuel cell technology by bundling devices. Because the technology is relatively new, they may need to diffuse their singular system energy reliance.

Residents reduce an overload on their power source by utilizing energy-efficient devices. Autonomous thermostats and power strips can limit excessive electricity pulling. Smart thermostats can increase residential temperature comfort while shrinking the carbon footprint.

Homeowners may also install a second renewable energy system, like solar panels, to maintain residential energy needs. Like green hydrogen fuel cells, solar power eliminates a home’s carbon emissions after installation. They are also universal devices, generating energy wherever the sun shines.

Homeowner Benefits

When homeowners install fuel cell technology, they may significantly reduce their utility costs down the line. Additionally, renewable energy systems increase property values. Green technology like solar can raise a home’s price by $48,000 above preinstallation prices.

As technology advances and renewable energy costs decrease, fuel cell-powered home utilities will drop. People can also power their entire property with one system when efficiency increases.

Powerful Potential

In America, citizens hold the power to vote with their dollars. You can promote the enhancement of the renewable energy industry and fuel cell technology by investing in green technology. Heightened eco-consumerism is driving the market, influencing positive change.

We may alter our consumer habits and utilize the Build Back Better plan funding to increase national sustainability. Over time, advancements will shrink the global footprint and improve climate change prevention.

About the Author Jane Marsh

Jane Marsh

Jane Marsh is the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co. Jane covers topics related to climate policy, sustainability, green technology, renewable energy and more.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Fuel Cells Works, its directors, partners, staff, contributors, or suppliers. Any content provided by our contributors or authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

 

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