NSN, Ballard Power Systems offer fuel cell backup power for mobile networks

Nokia Siemens Networks in association with Ballard Power Systems has developed fuel cell backup power for mobile networks to support mobile networks during commercial grid outages. This solution has been installed at NTT Docomo R&D Center test site in Japans Yokosuka Research Park (YRP). The solution has received the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) statutory approval in Japan.

Mark Donaldson, head of energy solutions for mobile broadband networks at Nokia Siemens Networks said, "Integrating fuel cells with our base stations can significantly increase the resilience of the mobile networks we provide.

"Our fuel cell systems provide power for extended periods during outages caused by natural calamities and commercial grid failures, said Larry Stapleton, vice president of sales, Ballard. The collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks has helped us leverage our service and integration expertise in order to deliver an emergency-ready alternative power solution for mobile networks.

Backup power solutions based on fuel cell technology has higher reliability across a wide range of operating conditions, lower maintenance costs, longer operating life as well as reduced size, weight, installation footprint, noise signature and environmental impact.

The fuel cell weight and size are significantly less in comparison to existing lead acid batteries that are typically used in many base stations to provide backup power for extended outages. The base station and fuel cell combination developed by Nokia Siemens Networks with Ballard can provide 4.5 kW of power for approximately 40 hours on a single tank of fuel.