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 on-going challenge for network operators. An alternative to the traditional backup power for telecom sites is the fuel cell. Telecom companies are increasingly choosing fuel cell systems as backup power because they are a clean, reliable, and low maintenance solution compared to batteries and diesel generators.The type of fuel cell commercially available today and most appropriate for use with telecommunications sites is the PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell. A PEM fuel cell is fueled by hydrogen and produces electricity through an electrochemical reaction. These fuel cells are compact, durable, reliable, quiet, and operate at peak efficiency in a wide range of climates (-40X to +50°C) and adverse weather conditions.In addition, they have few moving parts (thus needing minimal maintenance), come in sizes ranging from 250 W to 250 kW, can readily adjust their electronic output to meet shifting power demands and offer a high energy density. Also, fuel cells are fast starting and can begin delivering electricity within seconds of activation.
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