Out of this World | 2012-09-01

Ever heard of fuel cells? This energy source can power #sustainable builds and was 1st used commercially by #NASA. EDC:

Saving money, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints are always the goals when it comes to alternative energy implementations. For many engineers, the first alternative energies that come to mind are solar and wind — two technologies most useful when space is plentiful, appearance is not an issue and intermittent power is expected. During the past few years, another alternative energy has gained a foothold in sustainable buildings around the world: fuel cells. The space-age technology, which was first commercially used to power NASA probes, satellites and space capsules in the 1950s, has been rocketed into the 21st century with new-use cases in commercial, residential and institutional buildings. Running on cheap natural gas, fuel cells produce clean energy onsite and can supply buildings with heat and power with up to 90 percent efficiency. Fuel cells ...

Full article: http://www.edcmag.com/articles/94655-out-of-this-world