Benefits of UTC Power Fuel Cells
Environmental Benefits for the PureCell® System for Buildings
The PureCell® Model 400 system is one of the cleanest and quietest on-site power generating technologies available. The system operates without combustion, so it is virtually pollution free. With no moving parts, the PureCell® system is a quiet and reliable source of power.
The PureCell® system is also designed to operate in water-balance - no consumption or discharge of water in normal operations - saving millions of gallons of water when compared to central generation and other fuel cell technologies. Each PureCell® Model 400 fuel cell saves about 1.6 million gallons of water per year compared to the U.S. electric grid.
UTC Power fuel cells also qualify for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points.
PureCell® System Environmental Benefits
- Virtually pollution free
- Quiet power generation
- Zero water consumption
- Qualifies for LEED® points
- Energy density - does not consume open land
PureMotion® System Environmental Benefits for Buses
Zero-emission transit buses powered by the PureMotion® system are extremely quiet, offer a smooth and almost vibration-free ride, are nearly two times more fuel efficient than a diesel-powered bus and are emission-free, generating no soot or smog-forming pollutants (they emit only water from the tail pipe).
Compared to a diesel version, every bus equipped with a UTC Power PureMotion® system reduces nitrogen oxide emissions equivalent to removing 77 cars from the road per year and creates the same carbon dioxide benefits as planting 31 acres of forest.
PureMotion® System Environmental Benefits
- Zero-emissions (emit only water from the tailpipe)
- Extremely quiet
- Provide smooth, nearly vibration-free ride for bus passengers
- Nearly two times more fuel efficient than a diesel-powered bus
Financial
Benefits of UTC Power Fuel Cells
Stationary fuel cells can offer tremendous return on investment with payback periods as low as 3-5 years. With industry-best system efficiencies of up to 90%, the PureCell® system is able to extract more usable energy from the same amount of fuel - which translates to significantly lower energy costs for your facility.
UTC Power also offers fuel cells through an Energy Service Agreement (ESA) which can mean zero up-front capital costs. The ESA is backed by United Technologies (a global Fortune 50 company).
Generous government incentives are also available for clean and highly-efficient fuel cell systems such as the PureCell® Model 400 system:
- US installations can benefit from the Federal Incentive Tax Credit (FITC) from the Federal Government which can provide a savings of up to 30%.
- Also, several US States, particularly California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey offer funding that can provide additional significant savings.
Additionally, net-metering is available in many states providing some fuel cell operators the ability to receive credit for excess electricity that is fed back to the utility grid.
Security
Benefits of UTC Power Fuel Cells
Some fuel cells, such as the PureCell® Model 400, can operate independent of or in parallel to the electric grid. This feature is called "dual-mode" capability. This ensures continuous operation during natural and man-made emergencies and grid fluctuations, thereby protecting public health and safety, saving perishable goods and preventing production and economic losses for commercial/industrial users.
Additionally, many municipal and commercial buildings that utilize the PureCell® system qualify and serve as “emergency shelters” in the event of natural disasters and/or prolonged grid failures.