An experimental natural-gas-powered fuel cell about to be tested by ORNL researchers at an 83,000-square-foot federal user center near Knoxville may serve as a model for more efficient production of electricity to supply large office buildings. Project managers believe the fuel cell will meet at least one-third of the electrical needs of the National Transportation Research Center while reducing by 25 percent the amount of natural gas consumed to heat the facility. The fuel cell - the only one of its kind in the Southeastern United States produces electricity with much less air pollution than conventional methods. It provides building heat by utilizing thermal energy and waste heat generated during the power-production process and serves as a backup power system for the building.
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