Multi-fuel cell energy system for telecommunications co-generation system

NTT is developing a highly efficient fuel cell energy system for telecommunications equipment that can run on various fuels, and is suitable for a telecommunications co-generation system. In this system, electrical power supplants the mains power and heat energy is used for the air-conditioners. Using this fuel cell power plant as an emergency generator and ensuring the reliability of telecommunications requires alternate fuels. This plant can run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) if the pipeline gas supply is stopped. The system configuration is described, along with a fuel substitution technology, an energy utilization technology, and demonstration test results using a 200-kW phosphoric acid fuel cell power plant.