"The Bloom box is intended to replace the grid.for its customers. It's cheaper than the grid, it's cleaner than the grid."
The new Bloom Box technology appears to be a promising source for alternative energy and has been used by Wal-Mart, Staples, eBay, Google, and other companies.
The solid-oxide fuel cell is considered to be very efficient and could be the solution to the world's energy problem.
How the Bloom Box Works
"Each Bloom Box is made up of 64 wafers with green ink painted on one side and black on the other. Made from beach sand, the ceramic wafers are stacked and separated by inexpensive metal plates before being place in a small box. The box only measures about 6-inches square but can provide enough energy to maintain a house in Europe.
The small box is central to the technology. You will also need a gas like methane (renewable bio-gas) or natural gas. Previously, fuel-cell technology used expensive hydrogen to create a current. The cost and energy to produce the hydrogen gas was a problem. Natural gas is in abundance.
The company has not revealed details and their website is very barren with information, but it is believed that the gas is used to push protons and electrons through the wafer. Typical fuel cells use a proton-conducting polymer membrane to separate the anode and cathode.
The company hopes to see their boxes power homes. John Doerr, venture capitalist at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers which is financing the venture, told Leslie Stahl with CBS 60 Minutes, "The Bloom box is intended to replace the grid.for its customers. It's cheaper than the grid, it's cleaner than the grid."
The Bloom Box technology appears to be viable and has been used by Wal-Mart, Staples, eBay, Google, and other companies. The solid-oxide fuel cell is considered very efficient and could be the solution to the world's energy problem. "
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
See How to Wire it Right!
Learn more about Residential House Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
How to Add Light Fixtures: Access to Existing Electrical Wiring, Will the New Light Require a Separate Switch, and an Easier Way to Add a Light and Switch. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
How to Fix a Dimmer Switch Wiring Problem: I tried to replace a ceiling fan dimmer switch but now it trips the circuit breaker. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, wire gfi outlets, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the gfci outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for GFCI outlet wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for GFCI Outlets should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
