Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell
Context
- An innovative hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers, designed with a plug-and-play model, can support national renewable energy objectives, ensure uninterrupted connectivity for millions, and promote clean energy in the telecom industry.
About PEM
- It is an efficient, clean energy solution for powering telecom towers during grid outages. These fuel cells offer reliable electricity, quick start-up, and low operating temperatures, making them a viable alternative to diesel generators.
- Developed by: The Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology
- Efficiency:
- Fuel requirement: They run on hydrogen fuel, which is easily stored and transported for refueling, and require much less maintenance than traditional backup power sources.
- Working Mechanism: The process involves hydrogen gas reacting at the anode to release protons, which travel through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to generate electricity and water.
- Model: A key feature of this project is its plug-and-play model, designed for easy transport and handling, which also eliminates security concerns.
- Trial Run: The demonstration was conducted at a telecom tower of a reputed service provider in the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, with Resicorre Technologies, Nashik, as the industrial partner.
- Efficiency:
- It generates electricity with water vapor as the only by-product, providing an eco-friendly solution with high power density in a compact form.
- Unlike fixed installations, this setup enables the power generation unit to be shared across multiple towers, delivering backup power wherever it’s needed.
