On-site Power Generation Technology
The technology that I have selected is fuel cell technology using natural gas. This technology is an onsite small power plant for places that require no power interruptions like hospitals, colleges or factories. The power plant can supply up to 2.8 megawatts of high efficiency electricity. These units have the ability to be linked together to provide tens of megawatts to provide power to many different types of applications. The fuel cell produces almost no pollution and a very small space to operate with low noise. Fuel cells can be used to power not only your application but excess power is able to be sold back into the electrical grid making money back and in time possibly paying for itself. Many places offer financial incentives for the adoption of clean power generation. The average US power plant produces 25 pounds of NOx and Sox per megawatt hour while a fuel cell only produces .1 pounds of these emissions. These 2.8 megawatt fuel cell power stations supply 2,800 homes and cost around $19 Million to complete. With the ability to link these power cells in configurations to power up to 20 megawatts of electricity.
ENERGY STAR program started in 1992 with the Clean Air Act. The purpose of the program is to "conduct a basic engineering research and technology program to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate non–regulatory strategies and technologies for reducing air pollution." Energy Star is a voluntary program intended to identify and promote energy efficient products. The products that are certified with Energy Star are intended to use less energy and help reduce pollution.
The program is Buildings and Plants and promotes that the average building life cycle is around 50 – 100 years and it is important to have the building viable for that time. When a building has lower utility bills and fewer emissions the life of the building is extended. Based off my research, the Energy Star program helps to reduce green washing...