William Taylor

On EESAT and Energy Storage Opportunities on the Smart Grid

As you know, John, I am a fan of BCON but I am getting a bit hesitant as I don't see much progress. I am wondering if they have a chance in this game based on their low carbon footprint and the fact that they seeming require virtually no maintenance as opposed to battery systems which degrade, need replacement and maintenance.

I think that grid operators are conservative buyers, particularly of any new technology like flywheels, and that the path to acceptance will be difficult for BCON but I am hoping that the fact that they are probably the "greenest" technology will overrule cost difficulties.
As you sure that, factoring in maintenance and replacement costs for batteries, that flywheels are not in the financial ballpark? Thanks for your work, it helps push away some of the fog of uncertainly for many of us.

Energy Storage on the Smart Grid: 99.45% Cheap and 0.55% Cool

I am with BCON too. I have seen their wheels work and it is really something. Their almost zero carbon footprint and 20 year life will be a big plus. Batteries are a toxic mess, dirty to make and dirty to get rid of with a limited working life.


On Jul 19 06:18 PM flywheel niche wrote:

> BCON flywheels are the most niche and have the most upside.

Are Energy Storage Investors Chasing Their Own Tails?

Batteries may be developed that can serve almost any need but they all have a large carbon footprint, a feature that may drive their price higher. Shortage of materials may also drive prices up and manufacturing costs associated with materials contamination and remediation will also be a cost factor.

Energy Storage Opportunities vs. Irrational Expectations

No one has mentioned Zenn & EEstor. If it works as hoped, this long long shot will make shareholders of Zenn wealthy.

Beacon Power: My Top Stock Pick for 2008

I believe Beacon has adequate patent protection so that they will have to be bought out at a premium. Time will tell. It always does!

Beacon Power: My Top Stock Pick for 2008

Beacon's flywheels have virtually no carbon footprint. The utilities and the government likes this. Battery systems have a large carbon footprint and limited life cycle. Grid management is essential as fossil fuel plants now have to constantly be fired up to maintain power requirements and avoid uneven distribution. This is not only expensive but wasteful and time consuming. Flywheels engage in seconds. I have seen Beacon's plant and was impressed with it and the folks running the company. There are no guarantees that some other tech will knock them out of the box but I am betting on them to succeed. If what they propose works then they will make plenty of money as they will own the systems and have a constant revenue stream from each installation.

Battery Technology: A Different Set of Rules

I am sticking with flywheel tech. I have visited BCON's factory and listened to them. This whole field is yet to be realized but I just have this hunch that BCON will make it. We will know in the next two years.

Grid-based Energy Storage: Birth of a Giant

Having been at the BCON stockholders meeting last week and listened to management and toured the plant I have put my money there. I think they will be the winner in the minutes category.