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Fuel Cells

Quiet, with low emissions and few moving parts, fuel cells are now regarded as 'clean air' alternatives to diesel generators

In many ways fuel cells can be regarded as power generators. However, whereas conventional generators use internal combustion engines to rotate an alternator, fuel cells generate power by producing electrons directly, with few moving parts. As a result, they have the potential to be very efficient and reliable.

Moreover, fuel cells are comparatively quiet and, other than electricity and heat, they produce only water vapour. This makes them ideal for indoor use, meaning that the generated power can be close to, or inside the computer room.

In a direct comparison with diesel generators, the capital cost of fuel cells is higher but, as with every new technology, these costs are now falling. However, because of the absence of moving parts, fuel cells are considerably less expensive to maintain than generators.

Where fuel cells really come into their own is where generators are not an option. This could be because of limited space or the inability to obtain planning permission, or where organisations have environmental policies that focus on improving air quality and reducing carbon-based emissions. Factors that weigh heavily in their favour are: reduced footprints, extended runtimes and lower life-time costs.

For more about fuel cells, please click here.

 

Range of fuel cell options

As the UK’s foremost supplier of fuel cells for stationary and Standby Power applications, UPS Systems provides a range of fuel cell solutions from 65W to 60kW.  These include:

• Direct methanol fuel cells, in the 65W to 325W power range, suitable for powering road signage, CCTV, telemetry or small communications systems with up to 12-months runtime.
• Externally-sited hydrogen fuel cells, 5kW or in parallel to provide 10kW of power; providing a minimum of 12-hours runtime without increasing or replacing the fuel cylinders.
• Rack-mounted hydrogen fuel cells designed for computer room locations, providing from 10kW to 60kW power; located adjacent to the UPS and IT servers they will support.

 

Fuel cell power for signalling, road signage, CCTV or telemetry applications

UPS Systems are UK distributor of EFOY fuel cells for stationary power applications.  These systems are ideal for powering standalone electronic devices, often in remote locations and with no easy access to mains power.

Our solutions comprise fuel cell modules, capable of generating from 65W to 325W of power, all-weather batteries, fuel storage tanks (with capacity to support up to 12-months continuous runtime) and, if required, a matched UPS for power conditioning.

 

Hydrogen fuel cells for small IT and telecomms requirements

UPS Systems are Plug Power’s sole UK distributor of the GenCore® family of externally-sited hydrogen fuel cells. 

Designed to operate at least 10 years, these all-weather, low maintenance systems provide an ideal Standby Power solution for small IT departments and telecommunications requirements.  Provided as 5kW units, or in parallel to deliver 10kW of power; they provide a minimum of 12-hours runtime which can be increased indefinitely by increasing or replacing the fuel cylinders.

 

10kW to 60kW rack-mounted fuel cells for IT infrastructure support

As UK distributor for Hydrogenics fuel cells, and an APC Gold Partner, we are able to offer rack-mounted hydrogen fuel cells, with matched UPS, in 10kW to 60kW configurations.   Ideal for medium-sized IT departments, these can be located within the computer room and adjacent to the servers they support. 

Each rack includes up to three 10kW fuel cell 'stacks', a DC-to-DC converter that boosts the DC voltage so that power can be routed through a UPS, and a management console accessible via a Web browser. Up to two racks may be linked in a system. UPS Systems has installed the UK’s first two such systems supporting IT infrastructures – see Winton Capital Management.

 

Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells, as opposed to diesel generators

• Standard hydrogen bottles offer a green alternative to conventional fuel and/or batteries
• Unlimited runtime - simply increase the number of hydrogen bottles
• Low audible noise – suitable for indoor installations
• Only heat and water by-products so safer for the environment
• In larger systems the waste heat from a fuel cell can be used to provide hot water or space heating
• Easy indoor installation- no major planning permission required
• Modular rack integrated design – easy to add more power
• Few moving parts, so less need for maintenance
• Politically reduces dependence on oil
• Some factories and plants may already have hydrogen installations or can utilise hydrogen produced by existing processes
• Certainly lighter than batteries and lighter than many conventional generators
• More energy efficient in power terms than either a battery or generator
• Generated power close to or inside the computer room

 

Our experience with fuel cells ... second to none

UPS Systems implemented the UK’s first two fuel cell-based Standby Power systems supporting IT infrastructures at our offices in Hungerford and at Winton Capital Management in London.

We have more experience of implementing hydrogen fuel cells for Standby Power applications than any other organisation in the UK.   Our skills are in sizing your initial requirement, designing the most appropriate solution (fuel cell, fuel storage and matched UPS), then taking responsibility for the planning, installation and support of the eventual solution.

To discuss your project, please call us on 01488 680 500.