Hydrogen fuel cells
Fuel cells are a technology that generates electricity through the use of hydrogen. The electricity from the fuel cell drives the corresponding vehicles in the field of electromobility, whereby only emission-free water vapor is ultimately emitted.
Sustainable Energy Supply
This technique is not to be confused with that of a hydrogen engine, which is a hydrogen internal combustion engine.
Modern petrol engines have an efficiency of around 25%, while diesel engines can achieve an efficiency of up to 40%. Aircraft engines also have similar efficiencies as vehicle engines. This speaks in favor of using the fuel cell - especially if the hydrogen was generated by regenerative energies.
Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy. They can be made in various sizes and shapes, but all have some basic components: a liquid or solid electrolyte, bipolar electrode plates (anode and cathode) with gas diffusion layers, and a catalyst.
Fuel cells as emergency power systems are not yet part of the standard in the data center environment. High Knowledge is a pioneer in modern and sustainable hydrogen energy supply for critical infrastructures. The fuel cell used must be coordinated in detail with the electrical systems such as the UPS in order to be able to reliably supply the consumers with energy in the event of a power failure. Aspects such as hydrogen storage are just as much a focus as selecting the correct performance class.
Fuel cells in data centre power systems
Electrochemical power generation
Fuel cells convert a fuel’s chemical energy into electricity electrochemically. Direct hydrogen use produces water and heat at the system. Its climate impact also depends on hydrogen production, transport and storage.
Operating mode and load profile
Continuous operation, supplementary supply and backup power impose different requirements. Start-up time, load changes, minimum load and usable electrical output must match the selected system. A fuel cell does not automatically replace short-term UPS bridging.
Storage and site
Fuel inventory, replenishment and required autonomy must be designed together. Installation, ventilation, leak detection and fire protection need a project-specific safety concept. Space and access for maintenance and supply are considered early.
Integration and verification
Power electronics, switching, heat rejection and monitoring form the interfaces to the data centre. Heat recovery depends on temperature levels and available consumers. Economics and availability are assessed against the specific operating and supply scenario.
Advantage of High Knowledge
If you are considering a fuel cell to protect your critical infrastructure, we can help. Contact us to discuss the right solution for your data centre.
