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 or download our NEW fuel cell brochure.

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 400kW.  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 30kW power; located adjacent to the UPS and IT servers they will support.
• Fuel cell configurations, from 10kW to 90kW, for prime power or standby power applications using hydrogen created from renewable energy sources such as wind turbines or solar panels.
• Natural gas / ADG fuel cells delivering up to 400kW of prime power for CHP applications in new offices, retail parks, hospitals, universities or data centres.

 

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, off-grid locations.

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 Electro Power System's sole UK distributor of Hydrogen fuelled standby power hydrogen fuel cells. 

Available in 3KW, 6KW and 12KW these all-weather, low maintenance systems provide an ideal Standby Power solution for small IT departments and telecommunications requirements. 

 

10kW to 30kW rack-mounted fuel cells for IT infrastructure support

As UK distributor for Hydrogenics we are able to offer rack-mounted hydrogen fuel cells, with matched UPS, in 10kW to 30kW 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. UPS Systems has installed the UK’s first two such systems supporting IT infrastructures – >>> see Winton Capital Management.

 

Hydrogen fuel cells for renewable energy projects

With access to the UK's widest selection of fuel cell systems we are able to provide hydrogen fuel cells in configurations from 3KW up to 90kW as well as and inverters and other necessary equipment for renewable energy projects such as the EETC in Yorkshire and the Renewable Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Centre at Baglan Energy Park in South Wales.

>>> see News items

 

Fuel cells delivering prime power and CHP to large office or Data Centres

We are currently working with UTC on a number of projects to supply fuel cells that deliver up to 400kW of prime power and combined heat and power (CHP).

UTC's PureCell 400 is suitable for major projects such as new office builds, retail parks, hospitals, universities or data centres.

The system consists of three elements: the fuel processor, fuel cell stack and power conditioner.

The fuel processor takes natural gas or anaerobic digester gas and reforms it into hydrogen-rich gas used to feed the fuel cell stack.

 

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 fuel cell-based Standby Power system supporting IT infrastructures at our offices in Hungerford in 2006.

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.