Site reliability: Fuel cells add reliability to telecom sites

Communications, especially emergency communications, is about making sure the call goes through, no matter what. Recent natural disasters demonstrate the need to further improve reliability at communication sites. Backup power systems are a key component for continuity of service during disasters and emergencies. Additionally, the deployment of advanced communication systems and service has increased the importance of backup power systems. Network operators have multiple methods and technologies available to them to meet their backup power needs. These include VRLA and wet cell batteries and mechanical generators, but also include fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are being deployed at an increasing number of communication sites to improve the overall reliability of the DC power system. Criteria for selecting a fuel cell backup system for a given site range from frequency or duration of outages, critical traffic, environmental restrictions, or even serviceability of current backup systems. In addressing these criteria, the added layer of protection provided by the fuel cell should be viewed as a complimentary solution instead of supplementary solution.