Stationary Power Applications

Primary Power

Summary

Traditionally this market uses stationary gas and diesel internal combustion engines (ICE). Currently ‘available’ fuel cells in this market are in the 1KW, 5KW, 200KW, 250KW & 1 MW (and multiples of) electrical power ranges. Some of these systems operate at very high temperatures, up to 1000°C. This heat is produced as a by-product of generating electricity and can be used to provide heating and cooling. These systems generally use natural gas but can also run off renewable sources such as synthesis gas, land fill gas, waste water treatment gas or waste Hydrogen.

Applications Include Factories Airports Ttelecoms & datacentres Hospitals Universities Sports centres Embassies Banks and office blocks Hotels

Advantages Include

• Increased electrical Efficiency
• Very quiet
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Distributed generation of power
• Very low vibrations
• The ability to run off renewable fuels
• Reduced weight
• Odourless emissions
• Combine heating and cooling options with electricity if required

Back up Power & UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Summary

Traditional power solutions for this market are battery banks supported by a generator for long power outage periods (Long Autonomy Periods). This an early niche application market for fuel cells. Solutions tend to be from 1KW to 5KW units that come in self contained boxes. However certain systems are designed to fit into the standard 19 inch racks that batteries use, and they can be up to 40KW. These systems tend to be designed as for battery and generator replacement.

Applications Include Mobile phone telecoms booster stations Railway line telecommunication stations Oil rigs Emergency power (embassies, hospitals, schools, universities, police stations, prisons, office blocks) Local energy storage, Remote relay stations, Communication base stations, (military and commercial) Advantages Include High quality power Fuel cells produce DC current They run as long as the fuel lasts which means that they are very good for long autonomy times (run time) Also for long autonomy times they have a smaller foot print than battery alternatives and don’t have the same waste disposal issues Fuel cell systems are better able to cope with extreme temperatures than batteries These systems can run on hydrogen or natural gas (piped or bottled) Fuel cells need less maintenance than generators

Fuel cells for these applications tend to be PEM Fuel cells. They don’t vibrate, make noise or pollute when powered on a Hydrogen fuel supply.

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