H2 optimisation and fuel cell as a back-up power for telecommunication sites

A reliable power is paramount and when called upon power at Telecom sites ideal choice being diesel generator requires fuel storage, produce combustion emissions, noisy and maintenance costs are high. The valve regulated lead-acid battery banks (VRLA) prone to self-discharge, need replacement every 3 years, are bulky, heavy, costly to maintain and it is expensive to run distance trucks requiring several site visits per year carrying H2 bottles to a rural site. This paper mainly focuses on H2 Generator and PEM Fuel Cell system that generates H2 on-site and is capable to compete with traditional technologies and can be implemented as a back-up power in telecommunication system where there will be need for a reliable back-up power supply. The troubleshooting and reliability of the system is highlighted in this paper and the benefits are directed towards the Australian National Broadband Network (NBN) where there will be need for a reliable back-up power supply since NBN will be rolling out to several hundred points of presence (POP´s).