The ClearEdge5 system is a high efficiency, combined heat and power (CHP) energy appliance based on PEM fuel cell technology. Fuel cells have demonstrated superior efficiency for years in industrial plants, universities, hotels and hospitals. ClearEdge Power now makes a new design available on a small commercial and residential scale. The ClearEdge5 cleanly converts natural gas into locally generated electricity and heat, while significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and energy costs.
How does the ClearEdge5 work?
The system consists of three core technology components brought together to offer greater efficiency. The Fuel Processor reforms natural gas into ultra-clean hydrogen through a catalytic process. Then through an electro-chemical reaction the ClearEdge5 creates electricity as opposed to burning the natural gas as in traditional power plant production processes. The ClearEdge5 dramatically reduces criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases like CO2. Once the hydrogen is processed through a Fuel Cell Stack, it creates direct current (DC) power and heat. The Power Conditioning Unit converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which ties directly to a facility’s main electrical panel, providing locally produced, steady continuous power for your electricity needs. The heat produced by the fuel cell is transferred to the building through the use of a hydronic system or a heat exchanger, supplying a continuous source of heating for domestic hot water as well as space or radiant heating. Click here to see How It Works.
What are the best uses for the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 appliance is scaled for small commercial operations and large homes. The system generates about 120kWh per day, which equates to about 43,000kWh annually (43MWh). The system is optimal for large homes, especially if the plan includes pools, spas and/or radiant floor heating. By offering local, distributed generation (DG), the ClearEdge5 works like a clean-version of a power plant at the point of use. The ClearEdge5 is also an ideal alternative to the grid and burning gas for heating needs for businesses with high energy needs like restaurants, hotels and health clubs.
What value does the ClearEdge5 provide?
The ClearEdge5 can reduce your energy cost and your carbon footprint significantly. Operating with much higher efficiency than grid electricity and conventional heating, the ClearEdge5 consumes about 40% less fuel than power and heat delivered through the grid, reducing your carbon footprint by a similar percentage literally overnight. If your application consumes all of the heat and power, the system can generate electricity at about 6 cents per kWh, which is considerable savings from utility rates that can be as high as 50 cents per kWh. Additionally, by using the generated heat to avoid burning fuel for heating, you can reduce your carbon emissions by 35% or more.
What type of fuel cell has ClearEdge Power developed?
The ClearEdge5 uses a Proton Exchange Membrane, also known as a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM). The PEM operates around 150°C; this is a relatively low-temperature fuel cell compared to a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) which runs between 500°C – 1,000°C. At a lower operating temperature, the system is less prone to system failure or less sensitive to starting and stopping. This lower temperature allows for the efficient capture of heat for use in the building and high overall efficiency.
What is a CHP Fuel Cell and what makes it an ideal choice?
A combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell is a more efficient power solution for the end consumer. A majority of the energy lost in electricity production is given off in the form of waste heat, which a CHP system recycles and transfers to the customer in a usable form. When both the electricity and the waste heat are used by the customer, the efficiency of converting fuel to usable energy is high- 90%!
How do you install the ClearEdge5?
The system is designed and built to work continuously, running quietly in the background 24/7 like other home appliances such as air conditioners. Connected to the utility grid, using standard fittings and tools, the appliance easily integrates with existing electrical systems and is compliant with utility interconnection requirements. In addition, the ClearEdge5 is a “smart” web-connected system, with centralized command capabilities, enabling 24/7 remote monitoring and multiple unit operation.
How is heat transferred from the ClearEdge5?
Heat produced by the ClearEdge5 is pulled from the fuel cell stack and transferred to an internal, self contained heat exchanger, which heats a hydronic liquid (glycol and water solution) for export to your domestic hot water, pool, spa, or radiant floor system. The ClearEdge5 hydronic system delivers heat at a rate of 20,000 BTU’s per hour, at an approximate temperature of 65°C (150°F) into an existing system.
How does implementing a ClearEdge5 compare with Solar?
A ClearEdge5 system offers a compliment to traditional solar Photo Voltaic (PV). The ClearEdge5 is often the choice when the requirement is to preserve the integrity and aesthetic appeal of existing, even historic architecture and/or mature landscaping. The system’s robust annual energy output of 43,000kWh of electricity is actually less expensive than equivalent residential solar PV systems. In a direct comparison by production, the ClearEdge5 has a major advantage on solar as it generates eleven times more energy than the same size solar installation. The ClearEdge5 delivers 90MWh of annual combined electricity and heat, compared to approximately 8MWh generated by a 5kW solar system. With a much smaller footprint than solar, there are no unsightly panels or the possibility of a voided roof warranty coupled with the ability to provide continuous power; rain or shine, day or night. The ClearEdge5 is an ideal choice for many applications.
How can the ClearEdg5 be 11 times more productive than solar?
The ClearEdge5 produces about 43,000kWh per year in electricity, while a 5kW solar array will produce about 8,000 kWh per year – roughly 5 times the annual electricity production. At the same time, the ClearEdge5 will produce about 50,000 kWh per year equivalent in heat when the kWh is converted from BTU’s. The 5kW solar array will not produce any heat – combined this represents roughly 11 times the energy production of a 5kW solar array.
What incentives are available for the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 is eligible for substantial incentives and rebates – both the California Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) reimbursement and the Federal incentive Tax Credit, which significantly reduces the net capital cost to the customer.
What is distributed generation and how can it help the environment?
Distributed generation is the production of electricity at/or very close to the site of consumption. In traditional electricity production there are two major losses of efficiency; first is the excessive heat given off through production that is waste heat and the second is through transmission loss – the loss of electricity having to travel over long distance at high voltage through wires. The ClearEdge Power model of distributed generation eliminates the need for transmission and efficiently provides usable heat from the energy conversion process right to the building.
What are the environmental benefits of the ClearEdge5?
Because the ClearEdge5 generates electricity and heat on-site very efficiently, the chemical conversion of hydrocarbon fuels into energy is substantially cleaner than comparable grid-only systems. The system significantly reduces harmful emissions produced by conventional power and heat generation sources. Criteria pollutants are eliminated like NOx, SOx, particulate and coal ash, typical with the combustion of fossil fuels. Because of the high 90% overall efficiency, less fuel is consumed per unit of energy produced. This enables the ClearEdge5 to provide a significant net reduction in CO2 emissions, delivering a 35-40% lighter footprint for the energy produced when compared to the existing infrastructure. The lower carbon footprint supports the goals of California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32) and other state initiatives to reduce climate change impacts.
How can a ClearEdge5 system help California reach AB32, which mandates 20% CO2 emission reductions by 2020?
The ClearEdge5 typically emits 5.3 lbs of CO2 per kilowatt hour or roughly 22 tons of CO2 per year when producing 43 MWh of electricity. An equivalent amount of energy from an efficient natural gas power plant for electricity and burning gas for heating will emit about 8.4 lbs of CO2 per kWh. The ClearEdge5 system compared to traditional energy generation offers a reduction of 12 tons of CO2 per year for the same amount of energy (22 tons vs. 34 tons from traditional energy sources). This equates to a 37% reduction in CO2 emissions, helping businesses and residential customers work together to reduce CO2 levels and adhere to AB32.
What are the NOx emissions levels from the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 releases negligible amounts of NOx, less than 3 parts per million.
What are the SOx emissions levels from the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 releases undetectable amounts of SOx, nearly 0 parts per million.
What are the carbon monoxide emissions from the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 releases negligible amounts of carbon monoxide, 10 parts per million.
What are the volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from the ClearEdge5?
Due to its clean fuel converting process, the ClearEdge5 does not emit any volatile organic compounds (VOC) in producing electricity and heat from natural gas.
What happens to what remains of the natural gas after the hydrogen is extracted from it?
After hydrogen is extracted from natural gas, a small amount of carbon remains. The ClearEdge5 fuel cell system processes the remaining carbon to exhaust CO2. Because the ClearEdge5 fuel cell system has a very high energy conversion efficiency, significantly less natural gas is needed to produce the same amount of energy. With significantly less gas consumed, the amount of CO2 released is equally reduced. Typically, the fuel-to-energy efficiency for a building is about 50% efficient. Please note, that there is less than a 40% efficiency level for the electricity delivered by the grid and about an 80% efficiency level for conventional heating. Together it yields a weighted average of about 50% efficiency. The ClearEdge5 can provide an energy conversion efficiency as high as 90%, when all the heat is used in the building. This 80% increase (90% vs. 50%) in efficiency is like trading in a 20 MPG car for a 35 MPG one – a lot less fuel gets consumed and a lot less CO2 released.
What fuel is required to operate the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 will run on Natural Gas and/or Directed Biogas when available.
What is the input fuel pressure of the ClearEdge5 fuel cell?
Since the ClearEdge5 does not require additional gas pressurization or storage hardware to operate, the system will run like a typical household or commercial appliance on standard natural gas service.
What is the rate of the fuel required to operate the ClearEdge5?
The appliance will consume approximately .43 therms of natural gas per hour to produce 5kW of electricity and 20,000 BTU’s of thermal heat. If retail gas cost is at $1.20 per therm, the resulting electricity cost is about 10 cents per kWh.
Does the ClearEdge5 store hydrogen?
There is no hydrogen storage with the ClearEdge5. The system only makes enough hydrogen to create the 5kW of electricity.
Does the ClearEdge5 require water input?
Yes, at initiation the ClearEdge5 requires approximately 10 gallons of de-mineralized water. Once the system is running in balance it actually makes its own water to maintain equilibrium.
What kind of electrical connection does the ClearEdge5 require?
The ClearEdge5 requires a 120/240V AC/60HZ 40 Amp single phase 3 wire + ground input. This is a standard electrical input, which is used to initially power the system.
What is the rated power output of the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 will deliver 5,000 Watts (120/240V or 208V AC/Grid compatible) electricity and up to 20,000BTU/hour of thermal heat at 150°F.
How much does the ClearEdge5 weigh?
The ClearEdge5 weighs 1400lbs and requires a small concrete pad for installation.
What are the dimensions of the ClearEdge5?
26” deep x 36” wide x 5’8” tall and requires approximately 35 square feet for installation and all clearances.
What is the right kind of environment in which to install the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 may be installed outside, operating within a temperature ranging from -10°F to 104°F, and may be installed up to 6,000 feet of elevation with no loss of power output. A high temperature capability extends the operating temperature up to 120°F, for a maximum of 8 hours.
What is the rated efficiency of the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 is 90% efficient in converting fuel to usable energy. The electrical efficiency of the unit is 40%, and the heat efficiency is 50%.
What is the current expected maintenance schedule on the ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 unit is covered by an EnergyPlus™ Service Agreement, which is a Five Year inclusive warranty. The expected life of the system is 20 years. The anticipated maintenance is routine checkups and filter replacements on a quarterly to semi-annual basis.
Can the ClearEdge5 system work in parallel with the grid?
Yes, the ClearEdge5 will produce clean reliable power in parallel to the existing grid. If the system produces more power than is needed, the excess power is fed back into the grid through a net-metering program with the utility company to receive credit on future bills.
How is the ClearEdge5 monitored and managed?
The ClearEdge5 offers state of the art remote energy monitoring and management. The system is connected to the Internet and is constantly communicating operational performance to the ClearEdge Power monitoring center, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
How many ClearEdge5 units can my facility use at the same time?
Currently we are able to combine five ClearEdge5 fuel cell systems or up to 25kW of electricity to one electricity meter. A facility that has multiple meters could install more than 25kW of systems.
How much sound is emitted from a ClearEdge5?
The ClearEdge5 will typically be no louder than 60 dB at 3 feet. A normal conversation between two people will be between 60-70dB at 3 feet. When the system is running in normal heat and power mode, it will be quieter than 60 dB.
What is a therm?
A therm is a measure of energy use. Typically a customer is billed for the number of therms of natural gas one consumes in a one month period; where 1 therm of natural gas is the energy equivalent to 100 Cubic feet (1Ccf), or 100,000 BTU of natural gas.
What is a kilowatt?
A kilowatt is a measure of electrical power. Electric appliances are rated in watts of electricity. One kilowatt (1kW) is equivalent to one thousand watts (1,000W).
What is a megawatt?
A megawatt (1MW) is equivalent to one thousand kilowatts or one million watts (1,000kW or 1,000,000W).
What is a kilowatt-hour?
A kilowatt-hour is a measure of power over a usage hour. Electric appliances are rated in watts of electricity – a 50W light bulb will consume 50W of electricity at any given point that it is turned on. If one were to keep the light on for one hour the light bulb would have consumed 50Wh of electricity. If you were to keep the same 50W bulb on for 100 hours, you would have consumed 5,000Wh of electricity or 5kWh of electricity.
What is net metering?
When a customer has the ability to produce more electricity than they need, they are able to transfer the excess electricity onto the grid whereby their electricity meter will run in reverse. The utility company tracks the amount of electricity that is fed back into the grid and the customer is allocated a credit for this production.
What are demand charges on an electricity bill?
Private and publicly owned utility companies plan and build their production and transmission systems based on the expected peak demands of their consumers. Peak demand is defined as the highest power level a customer has required from the grid in a billing period, which becomes the demand charge for that period.
