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From: Lance (Future of the Industry)
Date: 03 May 2003
Time: 18:16:22
Vehicles which do not derive power from an enternal combustion engine will not require oil changing services? Does this mean the industry is dead? No, for some yes absolutely, they will perish and new innovative companies will take their place, such is the struggle of free markets and competition. So then what can we expect to see in the next 12 years? A big change? Yes, it seems to be estimated that 35-45% of all vehicles in the US will be another form of hydrid propulsion. Namely it appears to be that Hydrogen Cells will take the place of much of what we know. http://www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2710,27484,00.html ---- There will be manufacturers and suppliers of these filters no doubt and companies like our will replace them. There are significant opportunities for companies in the Filter manufacturing business of ceramic filters and membranes; http://www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2710,78922,00.html --------- Will fuel cell service stations supply these parts at the counter of their C-stores? At kiosks near ATM machines? How many brands will there be? Will auto manufacturers desing many different models we must stock or the Fuel Cell Service Station Chains stock? Today just stocking air filters can be a bitch with over 161 common types? Will these Fuel Cell Stations Be franchised? Who will be doing this? Will the Oil Companies see this and jump on the opportunity? Will Wal-Mart add Fuel Cell Card Lock stations at all their Sam's Clubs? The future is predictable, most of this seems like obvious questions ot answer. We feel we could answer most of these and be pretty close on target. Are the Futurists all they are cracked up to be? Or just realists-idealists and theorists? Here are some interesting ideas on the subject: http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/pdfs/32405a36.pdf --- How about trains stations for fuel cell? http://www.trainweb.org/tusp/news/turbine.html ---- http://www.ucei.berkeley.edu/Working_Papers/WPS.html ---- http://www.hfcletter.com/ ----- When you start seeing hydrogen fuel stations pop-up then you will see people buying those cars. Then you will see trucking companies investing in their own systems to haul along major frieght lines, then you will see railroad try to run for lower fuel costs and heavier loads to compete, and thus you will see the ushering in a new age of transportation and form of distribution, cleaner air, water and more efficiency. You will see a leveling off of the future inflation we will see between now and then for a period of about 6 years. ------ Regarding filters for hydrogen cell? Honda is pushing their electric hybrids claiming no needed filters: http://www.basinelectric.com/etech/products.htm --- However this might be a bit misleading to the general public who has knowledge of such technologies, these vehicles require other usable parts, and you can bet the Japanese want to sell you those reusable parts. This page shows the various portable generators and filter changing requirements. Car will be no different; http://www.fuelcells.org/PortOperating.pdf . The high heat may be use in conjunction with larger fuel cells in factories or grid generation and plasm torches to clean the areas of the filters which may last several cycles longer or may have a plasma unit running continually to clean the particulate. http://www.fuelcells.org/PortOperating.pdf ---- Cars will have some obsticles because what is good for General Motors is good for America concept. http://www.mtiresearch.com/newsrel/Going%20for%20hard%20cell%205_26_02.pdf --- Now realize brake fluids, windshield wiper blades, etc will still need servicing by our team. But the days of the $24.99 Jiffy Lube oil change appear to be on their last decade. Not only because of price competitivness of Wal-Mart, but also due to shifting technologies in oil intervals, additives and Hydrogen Cell. So you ask how hard is it to replace fuel cell filters? Very easy. And take a look at these sexy little anodized fuel cell filters. Small and expensive now http://www.ybenormal.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=&txtsearchParamCat=16&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&iLevel=1 ---- About $35.00 and even the fuel sending units are considered replacable parts, yep $80.00, not cheap. But remember for an industry still in it's infantcy, these are not bad. A Casio Calculator Watch was also $80.00 and now well around $10.00 retail. If you are entering this oil change indsutry with a building in an over saturated market, near a Wal-Mart and have loans in excess of 15 years, you may wish to re-think your strategy a little bit.
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