Get to know ClearEdge|Power: the proud sponsor for the 2010 Design Awards Exhibit Reception

Last Updated: August 18, 2010

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Get to know ClearEdge|Power: the proud sponsor for the 2010 Design Awards Exhibit Reception

When the 2010 Design Awards Exhibit opens at A+D Museum on September 10, the lovely reception to celebrating this exciting event will be sponsored by ClearEdge|Power: a green technology company leading the way for smarter, cleaner on-site energy fuel cell systems focused on commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

AIA|LA sat down with ClearEdge and asked a few questions to better introduce them to our membership.

AIA|LA: What exactly is ClearEdge Power and Fuel Cells?

CE|P: ClearEdge Power is a green technology company leading the way for smarter, cleaner on-site energy fuel cell systems focused on commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

The ClearEdge5, a unique, proven 5kW fuel cell appliance, which seamlessly integrates into new or existing designs, cleanly convert natural gas to electricity and heat, offering a significant financial savings as well as a greatly reduced impact on the global environment.

Unlike conventional power sources, which burn fossil fuels, the ClearEdge5 works with natural gas. The hydrogen rich stream is fed into the fuel cell stack where it combines with oxygen from air in an electrochemical reaction-generating electricity and heat with 40% reduction in CO2 emissions. The unit requires only 35 sq ft. and safely and consistently creates power and heat 24/7, without storing fuel like other systems.

AIA|LA: In what ways does ClearEdge Power and Fuel Cells benefit the architectural community?

CE|P: With trends in the market steering developers and their architectural partners to re-think how we utilize existing structures and how to create new, more efficient spaces, ClearEdge Power provides a unique solution to an age-old problem - needing a greener - but cheaper way to get power. By offering an onsite, locally generated source for power and heat, coupled with a reduction in a building's carbon footprint and reduced energy costs, the use of a fuel cell makes sense to consider as part of a building's efficient energy system.

How are architects you're working with incorporating it into their designs? Starting at the beginning of each design the fuel cell is being implemented as an exterior or interior element. Mechanical engineers are brought in early to help scope the number of units needed, their placement, the size of the electrical panel and HVAC needs of the building. From this point the variables are optimized to bring unit needs and installation costs into focus. In some energy plans fuel cells are integrated into a varied program, which uses solar, solar thermal and fuel cells to create optimum performance at the best price.

AIA|LA: Which events have you sponsored for AIA|LA and why is it important for ClearEdge Power and Fuel Cells to be involved with the organization?

CE|P: ClearEdge Power is eager to support the AIA|LA chapter and as recently sponsored the 2 x8 event. Our company sees the 2 x 8 event as a platform to engage and support the future of architecture through involvement with upcoming generations of creative minds. We saw the event as an exceptional platform to connect with architects and students from various backgrounds who can and will change the face of green design - one building, and one fuel cell at a time.

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