IDO fuel cell backup power system
This back-up power system is designed to provide continuous power during electricity shortages to feed computers as well as the turnstyles and annoucement systems in IDO’s offices, thus preventing business disruption or data loss.
Typically, back-up power systems have relied on diesel generators or batteries for backup power. But advances in fuel cell technology have provided an environmentally friendly solution able to provide backup power for as long as hydrogen fuel is supplied.
The 5 kW uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system installed outside IDO pier offices consists of a fuel cell unit, auxiliaries and hydrogen cylinders. While the fuel cell back-up power system was procured internationally, the converters and cabinets were supplied by Istanbul companies as part of ICHET’s endeavour to support and involve local industry in the emerging hydrogen energy market.
This project is to raise awareness about environmentally friendly energy technologies in daily life through high visibility public demonstrations. More specifically, its objectives are:
• to demonstrate the usage of hydrogen fuel cells in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems
• to provide clean, noiseless and continuous electric power;
• to create public awareness on applications of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies;
• to encourage and motivate local companies to take part and invest in hydrogen energy technologies.
In the future, ICHET is to demonstrate similar fuel cell backup power systems in other Istanbul public places benefitting from a similarly high visibility such as the Hagia Sofia museum.
Project features
- Fuel cell type: proton exchange membrane (PEM)
- Power: 5 kW DC
- Hydrogen consumption at 5kW: 75 slpm
- Operating conditions: outdoor rated
- Operating temperature: from -40ºC to 50ºC