All things fuel cells and stationary power
Stationary fuel cells are used for a range of applications, including backup power, primary power generation or as an integrated power supply in the form of smart grids. They offer high efficiency, reliability, and the ability to provide clean energy, making them suited to a variety of industries. In this article, we explore the top 4 applications of stationary fuel cells in more detail.
What is a fuel cell?
Fuel cells generate electricity through electrochemical reactions, where no combustion takes place. In stationary power applications, they offer lower emissions and higher efficiency than internal combustion power generation sources, delivering clean energy that is also scalable.
You can learn more about the science behind hydrogen fuel cell technology in our article.
IE-POWER fuel cells
IE-POWER is our eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cell product line that targets applications that are traditionally served by either diesel generators or battery-only power systems. The key benefits of IE-POWER include:
- Small, light and power dense
- Compact and easy to integrate
- Modular and scalable
- Configurable to work with various battery technologies
- Quiet operation
IE-POWER 4 is our fuel cell module designed for stationary power applications. Example use cases of this fuel cell module include micro-grids, telecom towers and critical infrastructure. The module provides 4kW of power and can support areas where access and quality of grid power is unreliable.
IE-POWER 1T and 1U are our class-leading 1kW fuel cell modules ideal for use in portable power applications such as materials handling equipment in warehouses, manufacturing facilities and construction sites.
What are the top 4 applications of stationary fuel cells?
1. Backup power
- Telecommunications – stationary fuel cells can be used to provide backup power for telecoms towers and data centres due to the provision of reliable power without the need for grid connection. This can support sites during power outages or to fill intermittency gaps.
- Critical infrastructure – hospitals and emergency response centres use stationary fuel cells for uninterrupted power supply which is essential in emergency situations. This can be in remote areas or in regions where power supply isn’t reliable.
2. Primary power generation
- Building sites – fuel cells can be integrated into welfare cabins on construction sites to support the running of appliances, e.g. the AJC welfare cabin. Not only does this reduce emissions on site, but it also enables the cabins to be self-sufficient and off-grid, reducing the need and pressure on mains electricity on-site.
- Residential homes – some regions use fuel cells in homes for electricity and heating, usually through combined heat and power systems.
3. Grid support and stabilisation
- Distributed generation – fuel cells can help balance local grids. They provide additional power during peak demand times, boost power supply during periods of intermittency and reduce the strain on the central power grid. Take a look at our article on back-up power applications here.
- Microgrids – fuel cells provide a stable and independent power source for microgrids in remote or isolated areas. As long as hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell, power should be available.
4. Renewable energy integration
- Hydrogen energy storage systems – when integrated alongside electrolysers, fuel cells systems can run on hydrogen generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. This can be stored and converted into electricity when needed, enhancing the stability and reliability of renewable energy systems.
With carbon emissions and ESG targets being critical to businesses around the globe, the transition to alternative energy sources and sustainable practices is becoming more prominent. Fuel cells offer versatility and environmental benefits across many industries. Their integration capabilities enable a greater window of applications to be sought after including backup power, primary power generation, grid support, renewable energy integration and waste-to-energy.
If you’d like to find out more about our capabilities and how we can help your business with its stationary fuel cell requirements, please get in touch with us today. Complete our contact form.
FAQs
How do stationary fuel cells compare to diesel generators?
Stationary fuel cells and diesel generators both provide backup or continuous power, but they’re very different in terms of efficiency, emissions, maintenance, and long-term costs.
Traditionally, those who require off-grid power to support operations when in remote areas or when the grid cannot be relied upon, have opted for diesel generators as their power source. However, with decarbonisation at the heart of many businesses’ operations, cleaner power sources are being sought after.
When comparing the two, fuel cells win on the carbon emission front with zero-emissions being generated in operation whether that be CO₂, NOₓ, SO₂, and particulates or even noise. Although they may be more established and cheaper to buy outright, diesel generators aren’t as compact or power dense as fuel cells meaning a much smaller, energy dense system could be used instead.
What fuel do stationary fuel cells use?
Stationary fuel cells can use a variety of fuels depending on the type of fuel cell at the core of the system.
Can stationary hydrogen fuel cells stabilise the grid?
Fuel cells are becoming an increasingly valuable asset in modern energy systems when providing back up or emergency power during outages or supporting demand fluctuations in the grid.
Hydrogen is a fantastic way of storing energy. When the likes of solar and wind generate renewable power and demand for electricity doesnt quite meet that supply, excess power can be stored in the form of hydrogen. This process helps balance the grid when demand spikes or renewables (like solar or wind) drop as hydrogen can be used or stored depending on the energy demands at that point in time.
Stationary power fuel cell systems can be deployed in the form of microgrids in areas where the grid doesn’t quite reach or where energy demand is much higher for example supporting a hospital where reliable and continuous electricity supply is required. By reducing the load on transmission lines, grid resilience can be improved and local hubs can be created.