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Microcap & Penny Stocks : MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY (MKTY) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sid Turtlman who wrote (291)	7/15/1999 9:24:00 AM
From: Bread Upon The Water	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 542

Sid, Thanks for responding. I like your answer---it makes sense. This, of course, to me is not just an academic question. I've put some money on the (according to you), wrong horse. So---I too have been racking my brain as to why the bets were placed the way they were by the various companies and here is my lay analysis--based in part on your breakdown of the technical issues--and in part on what I've gleaned by reading various web pages on the technology. The efficiency breakdown of the various methods comes up something like this (I think): Current system off the grid: 29% Fuel Cell (MKTY type): 40% Fuel Cell (ERC type) 50% Now even though fc MKTY type is less efficent then fc ERC type--it represents a BIG gain over the current system. Additionally, it offers a BIG advantage over the ERC fc inasmuch as it lets the consumer DISCONNECT FROM THE POWER GRID. (If I've understood what you've said ERC fc's will only make sense built in large sizes for power DISTRIBUTION which means the customer has to stay hooked to the grid.) OFF THE GRID is the key to me. That is what the consumer wants. He doesn't want to be subject to rolling brownouts, or if he lives in the southeast like myself, go for 10 days without power in the middle of the summer when a hurricane comes thru. As to the price---I contend a LOT of consumers would pay double ($8000 vs. 4000) to get off the grid. I know I would. You've got to shell out $2500 anyway for a shortime back up generator (one that will run your air conditioner), and if you want anything decent for a long term back up that starts at about $5000; and when you add the installation costs and fuel tanks etc you're talking $7500----and with those you have to buy gasolline or diesal fuel and store them. So I don't think a shift in price is going to deter the conversion to the MKTY fc. Once you pay off the fc system you are probably reducing your power bill by 50%---no? So I contend the consumer would rather forego the 10% in efficiency in order to be his own boss. Additionally, I am somewhat puzzled by your comments about plugpower being able to deliver the system. It is my understanding the system is already in use at commercial establishments (MacDonalds), and that the residential units are about to be put on site at residences for testing. Is your understanding different then this? Again thanks for your thoughts. REgards, Bill PS. It would seem that there would be a place for the ERC fc in commercial systems of magnitude---- to power factories etc---so that these two approaches could co-exist.