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USA Engineering College Builds Fuel-Cell-Powered House

July 15, 2004 by Jeff Shepard

A two-room house powered by fuel cells has been built by the College of Engineering at Mobile's University of South Alabama (USA). The fuel cells convert natural gas to electricity, and provide all utility power to the experimental house. The university conducted the project in conjunction with Radiance Technologies Inc.

"There could not be a more appropriate time for this project to come to fruition than when we're paying $2 a gallon at the pump," says USA President Gordon Moulton. "This is significant research with down-to-earth, practical applications that will help distinguish the University of South Alabama and support economic development."

The second phase of the project will include development of a Smart Microgrid Community, where a small neighborhood is powered by a single fuel cell.