6 advantages of hydrogen fuel cells for backup power
Backup power systems are essential to ensure continuous power supply during outages. By providing power reliability for homes, businesses and essential services like healthcare and telecommunications, backup power systems support users with a seamless transition to power, supporting the transfer from grid power to fuel cell power when required.
They have a wide range of applications across various sectors:
- Residential use – heating, cooling and security systems
- Commercial buildings
- Healthcare facilities – life-saving equipment, refrigeration and general facility operations
- Data centres – servers and maintaining data integrity
- Telecommunications
- Industrial applications
- Emergency services – fire stations, police departments and emergency response centres
- Remote locations – research stations, remote communication towers and off-grid facilities
- Event venues – concerts, festivals, etc.
So, what are the top advantages of using IE-POWER hydrogen fuel cells for backup power?
1) High efficiency
Fuel cells offer high efficiency for backup power through their unique energy conversion process. Unlike traditional combustion-based generators that convert fuel into heat and noise, and then into electricity (often with significant energy loss), fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, minimising losses.
Today’s hydrogen fuel cells can achieve efficiencies of around 50% in converting fuel to electricity. When combined with waste heat recovery systems, such as combined heat and power (CHP) systems, overall efficiency can exceed 80% (see more information from the Department of Energy on fuel cell efficiency).
2) Environmentally friendly
Hydrogen fuel cells for backup power do not produce greenhouse gases or any of the other pollutants that combustion generators do. The process of producing hydrogen directly from renewable sources, such as electrolysis of water using solar or wind power, allows for a zero-carbon hydrogen supply and reduces the reliance on fossil fuels.
Hydrogen fuel cells also do not produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) or particulates during operation, therefore contributing to improved air quality, especially in urban areas where air pollution is a major concern. According to the EPA, breathing air with a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide can irritate airways in the human respiratory system, aggravate respiratory diseases. NOx also interacts with other chemicals in the atmosphere to form acid rain.
IE-POWER was selected by AJC and GAP Group to power a welfare cabin that had to meet legislative environmental demands. The cabin is zero-emission at the point of use and offers quiet operation, which brings us onto our next advantage…
3) Near-silent operation
Hydrogen fuel cells for backup power are generally quiet when operating, especially compared to traditional backup power sources like diesel gen-sets. Producing electricity through a chemical reaction means there are far fewer moving parts and much less mechanical noise. This makes fuel cells for backup power ideal for applications where noise reduction is important, such as in residential areas.
The EcoLite GH2 and Eco GH4 portable power generators from TCP Eco use IE-POWER fuel cell modules and supply near silent power up to 4kW, helping to reduce neighbourhood noise and meeting Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act on noise reduction with ease.
4) Reliability
Fuel cells will provide consistent and stable power for as long as there is a supply of hydrogen. They are designed to operate continuously and typically have a long lifespan with minimal maintenance compared to traditional generators. This is a critical factor for those that rely on continuous power for operations in off-grid environments for example for hospitals that cannot afford to have power outages in the grid supply.
You can learn more about the reliability of our products for backup power in our in-depth guide here!
5) Scalability
The modularity of hydrogen fuel cell systems mean that you can add or remove units to your backup power supply to meet power requirements. Fuel cells also have different levels of power output, allowing customers to choose the right combination of products for their specific needs.
The IE-POWER 4 and IE-POWER 1T/1U outputs can be matched to systems needing 24, 36 or 48 volts, to meet their requirements.
6) Low maintenance
Backup power alternatives require some attention with regards to maintenance including routine checks and ensuring the hydrogen used is the correct purity. However, with fewer moving parts, hydrogen fuel cell-powered backup systems are very low maintenance compared to alternative power sources such as traditional combustion-based generators. Fewer mechanical components lead to less wear and tear.
Expert Q&A:
What are the maintenance requirements for fuel cells compared to conventional backup power systems?
Almost none. Aside from routine checks of the hydrogen pipework to make sure it is in good condition, and periodic changing of air filters, there is little user intervention required to maintain a fuel cell system. This can make fuel cells a desirable power option for those in remote areas for example, as they would not be required to visit the systems on a frequent basis.
What future developments do you foresee in fuel cell technology that could enhance their role in backup power systems?
The key developments will be a continuation of improving efficiencies of both the fuel cell stacks and the overall system, allowing more power to be produced from a smaller package, using less hydrogen per kWh. With the fuel cell package becoming smaller in size, the footprint of the backup systems will become even more competitive against alternatives such as diesel gen-sets.
Can you discuss the cost implications of using fuel cells for backup power in both the short and long term?
In the short term, the reduced cost of maintenance, remote location fuel deliveries, and “fuel polishing” during long term storage will help to balance the higher cost of initial purchase.
As the demand for fuel cells increases and systems become more commonplace, scaled production will be more achievable thus driving down the cost of adoption. This cost of a fuel cell will achieve a parity with battery systems making fuel cells both a more cost efficient and more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. This also links to hydrogen availability. With greater support for the development of hydrogen infrastructure around the globe, the fuel will become more readily available and cheaper, encouraging more people to choose fuel cell power.
Using hydrogen fuel cells for backup power brings many advantages to a wide range of sectors and industries. Compared to traditional generators or power systems, hydrogen fuel cell backup power offers high efficiency, less environmental impact, quiet operation, better reliability scalability and less intensive maintenance.
If you’d like to get in contact with us to discuss your business’ requirements or to find out more, please fill out our contact form or call or email our office today. Our team is happy to help!