Milwaukee Idea Home Residential Fuel Cell
We obtained a 5 kW plug power fuel cell in December 2002. This fuel cell runs on natural gas and will be used to both heat and power a home for two years. We partnered with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) and Independence First to support the design and construction of an urban home of the future called “The Milwaukee Idea Home.” The home will be used for both tours and by Independence First for interim residence.
The Milwaukee Idea Home opened in October 2004. The fuel cell, however, was placed in service in April 2003. There have been problems. We had to replace major components of the fuel cell. The unit is now in service and we are in the process of collecting performance data.
Facility Name |
Milwaukee Idea Home Fuel Cell Demonstration Project |
Location |
726 W. Bruce St., Milwaukee, Wis. |
Owner/Operator |
Plug Power, leased by We Energies |
Size (kW or mW) |
5 kW |
Description |
Fuel cell, operated parallel and stand alone, combined heat and power. May provide all the heat needed by the house. |
Technology |
PEM fuel cell, natural gas-fueled |
Equipment |
Plug Power fuel cell with reformer – two year lease |
In-Service Date |
April 2004 |
Billing/Metering Configuration |
Time-of-use, net billing, we pay for natural gas, we bill for all kWh |
Other Key Facts or Features |
Home owner is Independence First, UWM is managing partner. |
