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Title: Fuel Cell Backup Power System for Grid Service and Microgrid in Telecommunication Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the feasibility and economics of using fuel cell backup power systems in telecommunication cell towers to provide grid services (e.g., ancillary services, demand response (DR)) as well as power for cell towers during emergency conditions. This study evaluates the strategic integration of clean, efficient, and reliable fuel cell systems with the grid for improved economic benefits. The backup systems can potentially enhance capabilities through information exchange with the power grid, which adds value for grid services that depend on location and time. The economic analysis focused on the potential revenue for distributed telecommunications fuel cell backup units to provide value-added power supply. This paper includes case studies on current fuel cell backup power locations and regional grid service programs. The grid service benefits and system configurations for different operation modes provide opportunities for expanding backup fuel cell applications responsive to grid needs. The objective of this work is primarily on how fuel cells can become a significant part of the telecom backup power fleet to reduce system costs, environmental impact, and dependence on fossil fuels, while ensuring continuity of indispensable service for mobile users. The study identifies different fuel cell applications and nano/microgrid approaches for an extensivemore » network of fuel cells as distributed energy resources. The possibilities of various application scenarios extend to fuel cell technologies and microgrids for reliable power supply.« less

Authors:
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
OSTI Identifier:
1494736
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5500-72274
Journal ID: ISSN 0195-0738
Grant/Contract Number:  
AC36-08GO28308
Resource Type:
Journal Article: Accepted Manuscript
Journal Name:
Journal of Energy Resources Technology
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 141; Journal Issue: 6; Journal ID: ISSN 0195-0738
Publisher:
ASME
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; fuel cells; hydrogen; backup power; microgrid; grid service; cell tower

Citation Formats

Ma, Zhiwen, Eichman, Joshua, and Kurtz, Jennifer. Fuel Cell Backup Power System for Grid Service and Microgrid in Telecommunication Applications. United States: N. p., 2019. Web. doi:10.1115/1.4042402.
Ma, Zhiwen, Eichman, Joshua, & Kurtz, Jennifer. Fuel Cell Backup Power System for Grid Service and Microgrid in Telecommunication Applications. United States. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4042402
Ma, Zhiwen, Eichman, Joshua, and Kurtz, Jennifer. 2019. "Fuel Cell Backup Power System for Grid Service and Microgrid in Telecommunication Applications". United States. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4042402. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1494736.
@article{osti_1494736,
title = {Fuel Cell Backup Power System for Grid Service and Microgrid in Telecommunication Applications},
author = {Ma, Zhiwen and Eichman, Joshua and Kurtz, Jennifer},
abstractNote = {This paper presents the feasibility and economics of using fuel cell backup power systems in telecommunication cell towers to provide grid services (e.g., ancillary services, demand response (DR)) as well as power for cell towers during emergency conditions. This study evaluates the strategic integration of clean, efficient, and reliable fuel cell systems with the grid for improved economic benefits. The backup systems can potentially enhance capabilities through information exchange with the power grid, which adds value for grid services that depend on location and time. The economic analysis focused on the potential revenue for distributed telecommunications fuel cell backup units to provide value-added power supply. This paper includes case studies on current fuel cell backup power locations and regional grid service programs. The grid service benefits and system configurations for different operation modes provide opportunities for expanding backup fuel cell applications responsive to grid needs. The objective of this work is primarily on how fuel cells can become a significant part of the telecom backup power fleet to reduce system costs, environmental impact, and dependence on fossil fuels, while ensuring continuity of indispensable service for mobile users. The study identifies different fuel cell applications and nano/microgrid approaches for an extensive network of fuel cells as distributed energy resources. The possibilities of various application scenarios extend to fuel cell technologies and microgrids for reliable power supply.},
doi = {10.1115/1.4042402},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1494736}, journal = {Journal of Energy Resources Technology},
issn = {0195-0738},
number = 6,
volume = 141,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 18 00:00:00 EST 2019},
month = {Fri Jan 18 00:00:00 EST 2019}
}

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Cited by: 13 works
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Works referenced in this record:

Techno-economic evaluation of various hybrid power systems for rural telecom
journal, March 2015


Hybrid hydrogen-battery systems for renewable off-grid telecom power
journal, October 2015


Humidification strategy for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells – A review
journal, November 2018


Installation Plan of a Fuel Cell Microgrid System Optimized by Maximizing Power Generation Efficiency
journal, November 2009