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- Fuel Cell Evaluation – Report on the long-term performance of fuel cells installed to provide extended backup power at several ECAO communication sites.
Fuel Cell Evaluation – Report on the long-term performance of fuel cells installed to provide extended backup power at several ECAO communication sites.
Project ID: 20013
Principal Investigator: Jim DeHaan
Research Topic: Improved Power Generation
Funded Fiscal Years:
2020
Keywords: None
Research Question
The Science and technology office funded a research effort in 2003 to evaluate the use of fuel cells to provide extended 48-Vdc backup power. As a result of this study Eastern Colorado Area Office (ECAO) installed 7 fuel cell systems to provide backup power for microwave communication equipment. These systems have been in use now for more than decade and a follow up study and report on their long-term viability, reliability, maintenance, and overall cost effectiveness would be very beneficial.
Need and Benefit
Following 10+ years of use, are fuel cells a good alternative to provide reliable backup power.
Contributing Partners
Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.
Research Products
Bureau of Reclamation Review
The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.
Fuel Cell Project Evaluation (final, PDF, 3.6MB)
By Daniel McElroy
Report completed on August 11, 2021
