Electricity in places like Appalachia and the deserts of the Middle East can be somewhat scarce. But with a little help from Cleveland-based
Technology Management Inc., those places could be led from the dark.
"What would your life by like without 24/7 electricity � 24/7 availability?" asks TMI CEO/President Benson Lee, who is also the founder. "There are many people who know what that's like."
TMI has been developing modular, solid-oxide fuel-cell systems since 1990, but the company isn't satisfied with simply using natural gas as its fuel. The company employs a chemical process converting "ordinary" fuel into electricity, using what's available in a specific area. In Ohio, soybeans and corn are choice.
There are only a handful of companies in the world using "ordinary" fuel-cell systems. "We are the only ones in the world with Ohio in the address," Lee says.
Companies like Lockheed Martin have taken notice. So have other big supporters, including the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture and the EPA.
"Having someone in the bleachers always helps," Lee says. "The typical technology company starts by pushing, and eventually the market starts getting it. We think we're seeing that happen now with fuel cells."
The portably designed device could be parachuted into places like the front lines of the Middle East. "If we can use it in Afghanistan, we can use it in places like Appalachia."
Currently, there are 14 people employed with TMI. "We decided to be the nimble, fast-moving entrepreneurial group."
Source: Benson LeeWriter: Colin McEwen