Tokyo Gas Co is getting inquiries from potential customers who seem to be interested in getting a fuel cell system at any price and want to know when the company is going to market it. "We've certainly decided to market it but haven't made anything definite, such as its price or product name," said Hiroaki Kobayashi, head of the planning group at the research and development headquarters of Tokyo Gas. "Furthermore, the number of units to be marketed will be limited at first," he said.
The initial unit, being jointly developed with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co and Ebara Ballard Corp, will have 1 kilowatt in generating power and a tank capable of storing 20 liters of hot water. It will have a power generation efficiency of 31% and heat efficiency of 40%. There are a variety of fuel cells being developed, including the solid high polymer type that is at present the most advanced in development for home use. It works by extracting hydrogen from town gas and its big advantage is that it can utilize existing facilities, such as piping. The developers hope this type of fuel cell will be mass produced in units that are small and light. |