UConn, along with UTC Power and the Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), commissioned a new fuel cell power plant at UConn’s Depot Campus on Thursday that will supply the campus with clean and efficient energy, cooling and heating.
The installation of a UTC Power PureCell system was made possible by a federal stimulus grant from CEFIA. The fuel cell installation comes on the heels of UConn President Susan Herbst signing an expanded climate action plan for the school last month that outlines more than 200 strategies for sustainable energy and resource conservation. The goal is to achieve a carbon-neutral Storrs campus by 2050.
The 400kW fuel cell will provide energy to various UConn research labs and offices, including those working on advancing fuel cell and microgrid technology at UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering.
The new power plant will also serve as a teaching tool for UConn students, helping them better understand the technology and benefits behind advanced microgrid energy systems that deliver eco-friendly clean, reliable energy that won’t damage the environment.
You can read more and see photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony at UConn’s blog here.
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3 Responses to UConn Introduces New Fuel Cell Power Plant
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What kind of fuel cell? Probably hydrogen, but the article should mention it. I hope that UConn can help lead the way in making hydrogen fuel cells cost effective. Cars powered by these fuel cells would be much more useful and clean than electric or hybrid designs. Hydrogen fuel cells only emit one substance…………..water.
Hydrogen, yes.
From the press release: “The PureCell system is an energy delivery solution that combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air electrochemically – without combustion – to produce electricity, heat and water. The new power plant will serve as a demonstration model and teaching tool for UConn students, helping them better understand the technology and benefits behind advanced microgrid energy systems that can deliver clean, reliable energy while protecting the environment.”
It uses natural gas that is reformed into hydrogen so emissions are more than just water. There are CO2 emissions. Conversion efficiency is better than a central power plant, transmission losses are reduced and if they use the heat, that is “free” so it adds up to be much cleaner.