http://www.rdmag.com/news/2013/04/startup-brings-fuel-cells-developing-worl=
d?et_cid=3D3216100&et_rid=3D54758454&linkid=3Dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.rdmag.com%2f=
news%2f2013%2f04%2fstartup-brings-fuel-cells-developing-world

Quote...
Point Source Power=92s innovative device is based on a solid oxide fuel cel=
l that is powered by burning charcoal, wood, or other types of biomass=97ev=
en cow dung=97the types of fuel that many in the developing world use for c=
ooking. The fuel cell sits in the fire and is attached to circuitry in a ha=
ndle that is charged as the fuel cell heats up to temperatures of 700 to 80=
0 C. The handle, which contains a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb, can then=
 be detached and used for lighting or to charge a phone.

=93Ceramics are typically brittle and relatively expensive to process and a=
ssemble into systems,=94 Jacobson says. =93We got rid of 90% of the ceramic=
s, keeping only a very thin functional layer, about half the thickness of h=
uman hair, to serve as the electrolyte.=94

As a result, Point Source Power=92s fuel cell is rugged, being able to with=
stand welding and thermal shock. That makes it cheaper to manufacture. It c=
an also start and stop in a matter of seconds. =93Fuel cells have been arou=
nd for over 50 years=97they work great. There are only three problems with =
fuel cells: cost, cost and cost,=94 Jacobson says. =93Our philosophy is, le=
t=92s get rid of those costs and make a fuel cell that can run on anything =
that burns.=94
--=20
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