Recent Advances And Challenges Of Fuel Cell Based Power System ...

Can a fuel cell backup power system be used for telecom applications?

Other than the added cost of the fuel cell backup power system, no obvious hurdles—considering technique, installation, and operation—exist in deploying such a system for telecom applications. The hydrogen level may be monitored remotely to allow the user to maintain the fuel supply.

Do fuel cell backup systems add value to the grid?

This study evaluates the strategic integration of clean, efficient, and reliable fuel cell systems with the grid for improved economic benefits. The backup systems have potential as enhanced capability through information exchanges with the power grid to add value as grid services that depend on location and time.

How much does a fuel cell backup system cost?

The assumed lifetime for the fuel cell backup units is according to publicly available data from 15 years, and Ballard Power Systems, the installed cost for the 2-kW ElectraGen-H2 system is about $20,000 and the installed cost for the 4-kW ElectraGen-ME system is $36,000.

Are fuel cell power systems a viable alternative power supply technology?

Clean and efficient fuel cell power systems have shown great potentials as an alternative power supply technology for distributed energy resource (DER) needs. They are also attractive for telecommunications companies that want to avoid prolonged power outages and disruption of service to their customers.

How many fuel cell systems are there?

Since 2007, more than 3,000 fuel cell systems have been installed at cellular facilities owned by telecom companies—Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and others—to power their facilities. The sites include both remote and urban locations. The fuel cell systems are networked and monitored remotely, providing benefits that include: small foot print.

What are the advantages of fuel cell backup power systems?

Fuel cell backup power systems have many advantages relative to incumbent technologies. IC generators have been widely used for portable and backup power, and they are commercially available at low cost and have standard product series to serve the backup power market.