State (Connecticut) ponders fuel cells for Metro-North trains, stations

[jpak]

http://www.amny.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ct--trains-fuelcells0209feb09,0,2085886.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) _ A study has been launched to determine whether fuel cell technology would be viable to power some Metro-North Railroad commuter trains and stations.

Connecticut spent about $50 million to power the railroad's New Haven Line in 2004, the most recent figures available, and is one of Connecticut Light and Power's biggest customers, officials have said.

The new $64,000 study is intended to determine whether a fuel cell power station could replace some of the current electric substations along the line, reducing the strain on Fairfield County's power grid.

"We already know that fuel cells can generate power," said Rick Strauss, executive director of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, the group conducting the study. "What we need to figure out is if it makes sense for the state."

<more>

[Porcupine]

1. Well unless they're running a laundromat at the station....

Fuel cells will probably be more expensive than other options. Fuel cells work best where there is a viable need for the heat as in a co-generation facility.

A local brewery uses fuel cells to power its plant but it also uses all the heat for brewery operations. That's a good use.