Simple High-Power Fuel Cell Based UPS

The rapid spread of Internet and high-bandwidth telecommunication technologies andthe over-utilization of the power grid in the U.S. result in a fast growth of theUPS market. Current problems with battery or diesel generator based UPSs forhigh-power applications include environmental problems and high cost. Fuel cellscan be an environmentally friendly, highly efficient alternative to these systems.However, the cost still associate with fuel cells must be lowered to make thetechnology competitive in the UPS market. MER proposes to develop a simple low-costfuel cell based UPS, which is based on an innovative system integration approach ofseveral sub-components. A high-pressure hydrogen and oxygen gas generator is alsoincluded to enable an autonomous system.A fuel cell can be a viable alternative to diesel generators or batteries forhigh-power UPSs over 5 kVA. Advantages include low noise level, high efficiency,a self-contained system, and environmental friendliness. If the cost of such asystem could be significantly lowered, commercialization in the very competitive UPSmarket should be possible.