Fuel cells enabling renewable off-grid solutions

Abstract

P21 Renewable site solutions are the alternative to 24/7 Diesel generators for remote, off-grid situations - enabling rollout independent from growth of electrical network infrastructure and securing the required availability in combination with renewable energy sources. The hybridization of a fuel cell with the renewable energy sources ensures the required availability. In purely renewable powered base stations, this can only be achieved by over-sizing wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) arrays, and batteries. As a consequence, the P21 renewable site offers higher availability and reduced capital expenditure compared with traditional renewable powered base stations. In comparison with Diesel generator powered sites, it significantly reduces network operational cost and makes them more predictable and less dependent on fuel price development for base station lifetime.