The strongly growing sector of information and communication technology is followed by a global increase in demand for secure power supply. In so-called systems for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) the necessary batteries are perfectly supported by fuel cell systems for long-term outage situations. Such systems for telecommunications or traffic equipment are often operated in outdoor installations. This results in high requirements with respect to environmental influences. To be able to offer secure, cost-effective solutions for such outdoor installations, ZBT GmbH is developing an optimized fuel cell system together with companies and other research institutions as part of a ZIM-VP project. For this purpose ZBT has developed a novel fuel cell stack which combines the advantages of open and closed cathode fuel cells: An innovative media management ensures that the water produced in the fuel cell leaves the fuel cell only in gaseous state. In addition, by decoupling air cooling and cathode supply, a start at very low temperatures and operating at very high temperatures as well as long exchange intervals for necessary air filters can be guaranteed. Due to this innovative concept the fuel cell can be integrated optimally into applications in outdoor installations.
The fuel cell research center ZBT will introduce the system concept and especially the optimized fuel cell stack for the first time at the Hanover Fair 2015 at the common exhibition of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hall 27, Stand E40).
The German fuel cell research center ZBT has about 100 employees in Duisburg and is a leading research and development institute with a focus on (PEM) fuel cells, hydrogen and battery technology. ZBT provides development services for industrial partners and supports industry to bring innovative energy technologies to the market.
- Division fuel cells and systems
