Backup Power Market

Features & Benefits

Fuel cell backup power solutions offer numerous compelling advantages over conventional lead-acid battery and diesel-powered systems.

Improved Reliability
Fuel cell solutions are more reliable and deliver more predictable performance over wider operating temperature ranges than do lead acid batteries, which are temperature sensitive, have unpredictable life expectancies in even moderately harsh climates, and require more extensive preventative maintenance.

Fuel cells also operate at peak performance from the moment their fuel source is replenished to the moment it is depleted. Backup power run-time is directly proportional to the amount of hydrogen supplied, ensuring operation even during extended power interruptions.

Lifecycle Cost Savings
Fuel cell systems offer lifecycle cost savings, particularly in harsh operating environments where the lifetime of lead-acid batteries can be severely compromised. Fuel cell-based backup power systems are designed to operate for approximately ten years, while incumbent technologies may need total replacement every three to five years. Additionally, fuel cell solutions require only minimal maintenance once every one to three years compared to monthly or quarterly site visits to lead-acid battery installations.

Installation Flexibility
Fuel cells are the ideal solution when space is limited or weight is a concern, offering clean and quiet operation in a wide range of installation conditions. For example, the reduced footprint meets requirements for normal rooftop loading limits, and zero-emissions combined with quiet operation make fuel cells highly suitable for indoor, outdoor, urban or rural applications.