The need for alternative energy has been fulfilled by several renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources, and fuel cell technology is one of them. A fuel cell uses chemical energy of fuel (predominantly hydrogen) to cleanly produce electricity. Since it does not rely on combustion, a fuel cell does not produce any carbon emission.
The great thing about fuel cells is that they can be used as stationary power units for primary power, backup power, or combined heat and power in both homes and commercial buildings. This blog will highlight the benefits of using power fuel cells at home.
# Increased Efficiency
Fuel-powered fuel cells have a much better efficiency of producing energy than conventional power generators that rely on combustion. The disparity in efficiency can be as much as double or triple between fuel cells and generators. On average, combustion-based power plants generate electricity at an efficiency rate of about 35 percent. In contrast, fuel cell systems can generate electricity at an efficiency rate of about 60 percent easily. The efficiency rate can yet be enhanced with cogeneration.
# Flexibility With Fuel
While hydrogen remains the primary fuel used in fuel cells, they can also run on other sources such as natural gas, biogas, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
# Low Running Sound
Combustion-based generators are known for their loud, bellowing sound when they’re running. Fuel Cell Systems on the other hand operates at an incredibly low noise level. This makes them well suited for residential use as even while running they do not disturb the peace and quiet of a home.
# Low Maintenance
Fuel cell systems run on much cleaner fuel sources so their internal parts do not get contaminated with debris as combustion-based generators do. They also have lesser moving parts which means they have little to no mechanical problems. Overall, fuel cells can run at an optimal level constantly with very little maintenance.
Conclusion
The inherent advantageous features of fuel cells provide a variety of benefits to owners who use it for residential power back up. Apart from many things, they reduce energy cost and provide an ample and reliable power supply.
If you’re interested in installing residential backup power fuel cells for your home, visit Aris Renewable Energy, manufacturer of one of the most efficient and advanced fuel cells in the world.
