Application Note
Extended Run Backup Power
for Telecom Applications
Introduction
With the rapid expansion of wireless communication systems
worldwide, and the increasing socioeconomic benefits of
mobile phone technology, the need for dependable and
economical backup power is critical. Electric grid loss
throughout the year, whether from severe weather, natural
disasters, or limited grid capacity, is an ongoing challenge for
network operators.
Traditional telecom backup power solutions include VRLA
batteries for short duration backup and diesel and propane
generators for longer duration backup. Batteries are relatively
inexpensive for 1 to 2 hours of backup power. However,
batteries are not ideal for longer duration backup power
applications because they can be expensive to maintain,
unreliable after aging, temperature sensitive, and hazardous
to the environment after disposal. Diesel and propane
generators are capable of longer duration backup power.
However, generators can be unreliable, maintenance intensive,
and emit high levels of pollution and greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere.
Fortunately, clean fuel cell technology has been developed
to solve the limitations of traditional backup power solutions.
Fuel cells are reliable and quiet, with fewer moving parts than
a generator, and a wider operating temperature range,
-40C to +50C, than a battery. In addition, a fuel cell system
has a lower lifetime cost than a generator. The lower costs for
the fuel cell are the result of only one maintenance visit per
year and significantly higher system efficiency. Finally, the
fuel cell is the clean technology solution with minimal
environmental impact.
IdaTech fuel cell systems provide backup power to critical
communication network infrastructures in wireless, fixed and
broadband telecom applications ranging from 250 W to 15
kW, and they offer many outstanding features:
RELIABLE Few moving parts and no discharge
in standby mode
QUIET Low noise signature
ROBUST Operating range from -40C to +50C
FLEXIBLE Outdoor or indoor (container/shelter)
installations
POWERFUL Up to 15 kW
LOW MAINTENANCE Minimal annual maintenance
COST EFFECTIVE Attractive total cost of ownership
CLEAN ENERGY Low emissions with minimal
environmental impact
Page 1 of 3
www.idatech.com | info@idatech.com | 63065 NE 18th Street, Bend, OR 97701 | 541.383.3390
Application Note
Extended Run Backup Power
for Telecom Applications
How the Fuel Cell Works
The system continuously senses the direct current (dc) bus
voltage and seamlessly takes over critical loads if the dc bus
falls below a customer determined set point. The system is
fueled by hydrogen, which is delivered to the fuel cell stack in
one of two ways either from a commercial-grade hydrogen
supply or Hydroplus, methanol and water liquid fuel, using an
integrated reformer system.
Electricity is generated by the fuel cell stack as direct current.
The dc energy is passed to a dc/dc converter, which converts
the unregulated dc electricity from the fuel cell stack into
high-quality regulated dc electricity to serve the required
loads. IdaTech fuel cell systems can provide multiple days of
backup power, since run time is limited only by the amount
of hydrogen or methanol/water fuel stored on site.
Fuel cells generate energy only when fuel is applied, like a combustion generator, but have no moving parts in the generating
region. Therefore, unlike a generator, they are not prone to rapid
wear or frequent maintenance and lubrication requirements.
Extended Run Solutions
IdaTech has developed the capability to generate hydrogen onsite
using Hydroplus, methanol/water liquid fuel and our patented
reformer technology. This allows the fuel cell to support backup
power requirements of days versus hours by using a liquid fuel.
Bottled hydrogen is appropriate and cost effective for many
backup power applications, but when critical backup power systems
need to operate for more than 8 hours, or hydrogen storage is not
practical or in remote locations where hydrogen delivery is not
feasible, a compact liquid fuel system is a more practical solution.
Benefits of Fuel Cells vs. Current Backup
Power Solutions
Fuel cells offer improved system reliability, more predictable
performance in a broad range of climates, and a reliable
service life when compared to the industry standard valveregulated lead acid (VRLA) battery strings. Life cycle costs are
also reduced because of greatly decreased maintenance and
replacements needs. Fuel cells offer environmental advantages
to end users because disposal costs and liability risks related
to lead acid batteries are an increasing concern.
Battery performance can be affected by a wide variety of
factors including charge level, temperature, cycles, age, and
other variables. The energy provided will vary based on these
factors and is not easily predicted. PEM fuel cell performance
is relatively unaffected by these factors and will provide critical
power as long as there is fuel available. Increased predictability
is cited as an important advantage in switching to fuel cells
for critical backup power applications.
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www.idatech.com | info@idatech.com | 63065 NE 18th Street, Bend, OR 97701 | 541.383.3390
Application Note
Extended Run Backup Power
for Telecom Applications
Methanol Fuel
IdaTech Backup Power Product Line
The fuel used to operate the extended run fuel reformer is
a fuel mixture of methanol and water. Methanol is a readily
available, commercially produced fuel that is currently used in
common applications such as windshield washer fluid, plastic
bottles, engine additives, and latex paints, among others.
Methanol is easily transported, water miscible, easily biodegradable and sulphur-free. It has a low freezing point (-71C)
and does not degrade when stored for a long time.
iGen
Power range: 250 W
Voltage:
24 Vdc or 12 Vdc
Dimensions:
0.3 x 0.4 x 0.5 m
(WxDxH)
Temperature: -20C to +50C
Fuel type: Methanol/water
liquid fuel
Conclusions
Fuel Cell systems are used today to back up critical
communication network infrastructures in wireless, fixed
and broadband telecom applications.
For more information please visit www.idatech.com.
ElectraGen
Power range: 5 kW or 3 kW
Voltage:
48 Vdc or 24 Vdc
Dimensions:
.6 x 1.0 x 1.3 m
0
(WxDxH)
Temperature: -40C to +50C
Fuel type:
Hydrogen gas
ElectraGen XTi
Power range: 5 kW or 3 kW
Voltage:
48 Vdc or 24 Vdc
Dimensions: 1.5 x 0.9 x 2.1 m
(WxDxH)
Temperature: -40C to +50C
Fuel type: Methanol/water
liquid fuel
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www.idatech.com | info@idatech.com | 63065 NE 18th Street, Bend, OR 97701 | 541.383.3390
