Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Clown-Free Zone... sorry, no clowns allowed -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: FR1 who wrote (96104)	4/19/2001 8:40:55 AM
From: edamo	Respond to of 436258

fr1...i have no qualms about the technical aspects of fuel cells and their ability to fill a niche that has a greenish tint to it... the economics would be the first issue, then followed by ease of maintenance. the major obstacle is the required natural gas source. natural gas is not readily available in many areas, and propane must be substituted....so you are subject to potential gas shortages and high pricing. the central power plant doesn't explode the gas...in reality it uses a heat source be it the burning of gas, oil,or coal, or from a nuclear reactor to produce superheated steam from a boiler...the steam is used to turn the turbine blades which is the prime mover for the generator. you have tremendous economy of scale in a central plant, and with initial transmission voltages in the 110kv and higher range, the line losses are minimal...the smaller generating facilities coming on line are gas turbines...basically jet engines which turn the generator.... alternate energy has its place...but if you look at the dense population centers in the urban areas, it would not be considered. it's a good thing for a limited amount of the population...all others will stay with the only thing they know....the utility provider... same holds true for companies like capstone and other "boutique" micro turbine makers....they all have their place...but a very small niche.... what must be separated is "reality' from investment opportunity"....if the perception is such that alternate energy is the savior of the free world, then it is a valid and profitable investment until "reality" catches up with "perception" no different then 1.5bil chinese with cdma qcom phones...."perception" ran the stock up and claims for a $1000 share price were made......all forgot that a bil didn't have indoor plumbing yet... good luck ed a.