Fuel cell based hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid telecom stations: data analysis from on field demonstration tests

The results of a wide demonstration test of Off-Grid Radio Base Stations powered with fuel cells and locally available renewable energy sources are presented. The experimental activity has been conducted as part of the FCPoweredRBS project to assess and verify the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells as power and energy sources for the telecom market. For this application, Fuel Cells have been integrated as a programmable power generator with a photovoltaic system and an energy storage system. Both electrochemical batteries and hydrogen produced locally with an electrolyzer have been tested as energy storage solutions. Data collected for a full year have been used to assess the potential of the systems proposed in comparison with diesel generators which are the standard solution for such applications. Results show that the hybrid renewable energy solution may be competitive in terms of energy efficiency and minimum consumption of fossil fuel consumption. Proper sizing and control strategy optimization are key aspects to this aim. Despite the use of FC technology and the integration of many different components, field tests have shown an acceptable level of stability and reliability.