Fuel cell generator for telephone switching equipment

Abstract

As part of a wide on-site fuel-cell generator demonstration, 40 kW fuel cell systems were installed in 49 installations, including a telephone central office building in Connecticut. The authors describe the Connecticut installation and summarize the results of the demonstration project. The average operating time of the power plants was 6500 hours. One-third of the plants exceeding 8000 hours of operation, with the longest running unit operating for over 11000 hours. Total operating experience exceeded 300000 hours. Overall and electrical efficiencies were outstandingly stable over 8000 hours of operation with electrical at (40+or-1)% and overall at (70+or-10)%, with no visible performance degradation. This field test successfully demonstrated the features of utilities to host, operate, and maintain the equipment. High efficiency, low environmental impact quick load-variation response, performance stability, and suitability to power telephone switching equipment were demonstrated.<>