Fuel cell solutions for radio based stations

Fuel cell applications have been developed for back-up of radio based stations in mobile telecom networks. Experience has shown that these fuel cell solutions are competitive to conventional battery back-up systems. The added value of such fuel cell systems is limited due to the short operation period and low cost of the battery alternative.

The real added value of fuel cell solutions can be realized if the system is designed to fully supply the radio based station with renewable energy instead of back-up during power outage only. To achieve this a renewable energy source (wind or solar) and an electrolyser is added to the fuel cell system. DFC has developed the foregoing concept and is in the phase of preparing pilot installations with major mobile telecom providers.